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It had to be said and Bucky Gleason did in today's Buffalo News....
"....But let’s not discount what Buffalo gave him.
He turned a $25,000 investment into an $870 million fortune, which amounted to one whale of a score. Yes, he came up with the initial money. He helped the AFL survive. He was a voice of reason and helped with the merger. He understood the influence of television and the importance of making sacrifices for the greater good.
But it also was for his greater good. He was able to capitalize more than most franchises when it came to revenue sharing. It meant you kept your team, but it was mostly on his terms when it came to revenues, stadium upgrades and tax breaks. He made a bundle from a community that didn’t have a bundle.
Even the current lease comes with an escape clause after the seventh year. The deal soothed the fan base, but it also made financial sense for surviving members of his family and all but eliminated Wilson from ever getting blamed if the franchise moved out of town. It was good for you, certainly, but it also was good for him...."
"....The franchise was turning some $30 million in profits in recent years, and in return fans were given teams that missed the playoffs 14 straight seasons. Wilson was known for his love of football, but his record made you wonder whether he loved winning football or the sport in general or the football business...."
"....Winning became lost in the grand scheme. Its importance was beaten out of a fan base that for years lived under the threat of relocation. Fans came to rationalize that losing was acceptable so long as the Bills remained in Orchard Park. They came to appreciate the Sunday experience and ignore the Sunday goal. The standards were lowered...."
Well said Bucky and I couldn't agree more.
I would have waited a couple of weeks after his death, but you have bigger balls than I do.
"....But let’s not discount what Buffalo gave him.
He turned a $25,000 investment into an $870 million fortune, which amounted to one whale of a score. Yes, he came up with the initial money. He helped the AFL survive. He was a voice of reason and helped with the merger. He understood the influence of television and the importance of making sacrifices for the greater good.
But it also was for his greater good. He was able to capitalize more than most franchises when it came to revenue sharing. It meant you kept your team, but it was mostly on his terms when it came to revenues, stadium upgrades and tax breaks. He made a bundle from a community that didn’t have a bundle.
Even the current lease comes with an escape clause after the seventh year. The deal soothed the fan base, but it also made financial sense for surviving members of his family and all but eliminated Wilson from ever getting blamed if the franchise moved out of town. It was good for you, certainly, but it also was good for him...."
"....The franchise was turning some $30 million in profits in recent years, and in return fans were given teams that missed the playoffs 14 straight seasons. Wilson was known for his love of football, but his record made you wonder whether he loved winning football or the sport in general or the football business...."
"....Winning became lost in the grand scheme. Its importance was beaten out of a fan base that for years lived under the threat of relocation. Fans came to rationalize that losing was acceptable so long as the Bills remained in Orchard Park. They came to appreciate the Sunday experience and ignore the Sunday goal. The standards were lowered...."
Well said Bucky and I couldn't agree more.
I would have waited a couple of weeks after his death, but you have bigger balls than I do.
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