IN THE NAME OF THY OWNER: BILLS STADIUM NAMED AFTER WILSON

          Bills Owner Ralph Wilson, NY Gov. George Pataki and
     Erie County Exec Dennis Gorski signed a new 15-year stadium
     lease on Friday for the Bills to remain in Buffalo, and in
     the process, at Pataki's suggestion, renamed the team's
     stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium, according to Gene Warner of
     the BUFFALO NEWS.  Pataki: "Ralph Wilson has proven that
     loyalty and commitment are not outdated ideals that are
     easily tossed aside.  They are principles by which he lives
     his life every day."  Wilson: "It's been well-documented
     that I was never in favor of commercialization of the
     stadium name.  I was deeply honored by the governor's
     recommendation."  Warner wrote that the new name "is
     expected to unleash some criticism, especially since the new
     deal will cost New York State and Erie County some $125
     million in public funds" over the next five years.  Selling
     naming rights "could have brought in an estimated" $1-2M per
     year.  The Bills won stadium naming rights last year during
     lease negotiations (Gene Warner, BUFFALO NEWS, 12/19).