There was speculation the team would stage fewer practices at St. John Fisher than last yearGETTY IMAGES
Bills co-Owner & President Kim Pegula issued a statement reiterating that the team is "contractually bound" to have training camp at St. John Fisher College in Rochester through '21, according to Vic Carucci of the BUFFALO NEWS. The Bills have "spent each summer" since '00 at the school, the alma mater of the recently resigned Russ Brandon. The Bills have "yet to announce the dates of this year's training camp." Weeks before Brandon's resignation, there was speculation the team would "stage even fewer practices at St. John Fisher than last year because they could utilize the additional fields that were installed last year at their training facility in Orchard Park." A source said that coach Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane have yet to "finalize the camp schedule," and whether it is shorter than in '17, the same length or longer "is unknown." The Bills are "expected to again hold at least one night practice at New Era Field" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/5).
WORST KEPT SECRET? In Buffalo, Tim Graham wrote the Pegulas "have been embarrassed" by the Brandon situation, but they "acted swiftly and decisively after investigating." The #MeToo movement is "forcing us to think and act differently when it comes to how people in power treat those whose lives and careers are under their control." Graham: "Would this have been a fireable offense 10 years ago? Good question. My guess is probably not. ... Ten years ago I'd probably have predicted Brandon would find another gig in big-league sports pretty quickly. I doubt that will happen now." The inappropriate relationship that became the "first domino in Brandon's downfall was one of the worst-kept secrets among the Bills and Sabres rank-and-file employees and prominent people within the local business community." Graham: "How long did the Pegulas know? I can't say for certain, but my information suggests maybe for a few weeks." Employees of the Bills and Sabres said that they hope Pegula becoming president of the teams "will mean she's around more." Brandon's departure should encourage Pegula Sports & Entertainment, Bills and Sabres employees that such behavior "won't stand." A source said that employees "will be 'ecstatic' something finally was done about an issue considered common knowledge within the offices." Brandon has been "too brazen about his relationships for complete secrecy to be realistic" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/5).
THIN ICE: In Buffalo, Jerry Sullivan wrote Pegula is "unsuited to preside over one pro franchise, never mind two." Go ahead and "cheer for Russ Brandon's ouster." He was "irrelevant on the hockey side." This is a team with a "rookie head coach, a rookie general manager and a figurehead team president." Sullivan: "Oh, might it be time for the most empowered woman in pro sports to answer questions at a press conference for once?" Pegula said there is "lots to be excited about going forward." There is "some truth to that." However, it is "convenient to look ahead when there's a trail of woe, incompetence and unfulfilled promise in your wake." The Pegulas have "driven the Sabres to the bottom of the NHL twice since buying the team seven years ago" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/6).
