Bills President & CEO Russ Brandon "holds the ultimate power" in the organization, but it is "in Brandon's interest to see" new GM Doug Whaley succeed, according to Mark Gaughan of the BUFFALO NEWS. Brandon "executed the transition of power from" former GM Buddy Nix to Whaley. Whaley is "going to have to be very good at selling his views to Brandon," who is a "forceful personality." Brandon said that he "takes pride in delegating power to his top lieutenants." Gaughan: "Is Whaley up to all that? Is he the total package as a leader? We're going to find out" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/19). In Buffalo, Jerry Sullivan noted Whaley is African-American and wrote it is "not the color of his skin that defines him, but the quality of his character." Brandon said, "We have great respect for the Rooney Rule and the implementing of the process through the league. But when it comes to evaluating individuals and talent, Doug Whaley certainly was on top. He created a high-water mark." Sullivan noted the Bills' first-round draft pick, QB EJ Manuel, also is African American and wrote it is "for the rest of us to decide what it means for the Bills to have black men in two of football's most vital, cerebral positions." Brandon noted Bills Dir of College Scouting Kelvin Fisher "also is African-American." Brandon has "changed the essential makeup of the organization." The Bills are "younger, more vibrant and diverse." Brandon "promised he would take the franchise in a bold new direction when he took over" on Jan. 1 (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/19). In Boston, Shalise Manza Young wrote, "Whaley is Brandon's guy; Nix was not." Part of the problem was that Nix "still called Brandon 'sonny,' a sign of disrespect to a superior, even if Brandon is nearly 30 years younger than the 73-year-old Nix" (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/19). The Bills on Saturday announced that their Sept. 8 home opener against the Patriots has sold out (BUFFALONEWS.com, 5/18).
