By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The head of the National Football League will meet this week with Senator Charles Schumer about the financial future of the Buffalo Bills.
New York politicians are rallying around 87-year-old Bills owner Ralph Wilson, who says a new labor agreement with players could hurt the franchise and other small-market teams. NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue will meet Thursday morning with Schumer and Tim Russert, host of NBC's "Meet the Press" show. Russert is an avid Bills fan.
Part of the new labor agreement could keep small-market teams from fully taking part in revenue-sharing. The NFL is still figuring out how teams will qualify for such sharing. Monday, the Erie County Legislature unveiled legislation that suggests Wilson should be part of that effort, representing small market teams.
Buffalo Democrat George Holt called on the NFL to hold an open dialogue with all affected teams and parties. He says it's in the league's best interest to make sure small market teams aren't forced to operate at a financial disadvantage.