Where in the world is Anthony Hargrove?

DE Anthony Hargrove, who was suspended by the league for a year after violating the league’s substance abuse policy on the heels of other off the field incidents signed with the New Orleans Saints. That according to the Times-Picayune.
Former Rams interim head coach Joe Vitt is now the Saints’ linebackers coach and reportedly put in a good word. But Hargrove though talented is anything but stable upstairs.
I once had a long conversation with him about the voices in his head. He said there are 11 people living up there and they all “come out” at different times. At first I thought he was pulling my arm, that it was an act, but he rattled off their names like it was nothing. The list by the way included three or four female personalities.
Some of his teammates at the time were convinced he was nuts. Still he was pretty talented and he was a monster on kickoff coverage on special teams. The league re-instated him just this past February.
His former Bills teammates will be able to see him in Week 3 when the Saints come to town, that is if he’s still on the roster. New Orleans has an awful lot of distractions.

The 12th Man South Off Season Report By Rick

Well , here we are gang , half way through the Buffalo Bills off season . With our guys finishing this past season in such disappointing fashion , we all knew that some changes were called for , didn't we ? Well , it's changes we got . Gone are three fifths of the starting offensive line . Yeah , the line that Marv Levy put together to be the backbone of the offense . It turned out to be the tail bone . First Derrick Dockery was released , and none too soon if you ask me . What en expensive mistake he turned out to be . A hard worker in practice , from all reports , and a terrific technician in the art of line play . But , he seemed better suited for the role of spectator since he spent more time watching plays unfold than actually participating in them . The Free Agent period was soon to follow , and with it came the departures of Duke Preston , Melvin Fowler and Jason Whittle . Ah , the memories these guys gave us , huh ? It's a miracle of sorts that Trent Edwards is still alive , having operated behind this group . Last , but certainly not least , among the O - line departures was the trade of Jason Peters to Philadelphia . To be sure , Peters is among the elite left tackles in the NFL . When he feels like it . Last season he obviously didn't . Mr . Peters allowed 11 1/2 sacks in only thirteen games , the most by any starting left tackle in the league . His hold out last year single handily scuttled the plans to install a no huddle offense which might have proved to be of great value competitively and certainly fun to watch . Gone with him is a huge locker room distraction . Also lost in free agency was Jabari Greer . For my part , I'll miss him . All he did in his time with us was to develop from an unheralded rookie free agent signee , into a very capable and dependable cornerback . Best of luck Jabari , and thank you , you'll always be a Bill in my book . Oh , I almost forgot . J.P. Losman is gone too . Bye !!

Now , lets look at the newcomers . Our first Free Agent acquisition was Goeff Hangartner from the Carolina Panthers . Who ?? I have a strong feeling that he'll show us " who " . A couple of days after his signing I had occasion to watch a replay of the game from last season between Carolina and the NY Giants . Hangartner started at right guard for Carolina and more than acquitted himself well . He showed me a trait that none of the departed Bills linemen ever displayed . This guy is nasty . He displayed a real nasty streak that has him lock onto his man and keep going until he finishes the block . Sometimes he kept going after that too . If you get the feeling that I was impressed with Goeff Hangartner , you're right . Buffalo envisions him as the newest answer at Center . Not a Kent Hull maybe , but then again who is ? The good news is that while he may not be the second coming of Kent Hull , he's not Melvin Fowler or Duke Preston either . Another O - lineman signed to shore up the depth is Seth McKinney . He's a seven year veteran who has spent time with both Miami and Cleveland . Cornerback , Drayton Florence , a seven year pro came to us from Jacksonville . Just a year ago he was among the most sought after free agent corners in the league after playing for the Chargers since his rookie year . He never seemed to fit with Gregg Williams defense in Jacksonville but he's capable of providing good depth at that all important position . Now to the Big Enchilada . The Piece De Resistance of our off season . Terrell Owens . Do you believe that TO was signed by Buffalo ? We all know that he's the kind of guy you love to hate , but he is a remarkable talent . He gives our receiving corps , and the entire offense , instant credibility . Which defensive coordinator would dare to double cover Lee Evans now ? The passing game isn't the only beneficiary of his presence . Defenses won't be so quick to load " the box " at the line of scrimmage in order to stop our running game with this new found receiving threat . Marshawn Lynch , when he eventually returns from suspension , along with Fred Jackson and their new sidekick , Dominique Rhodes should love that . Terrell Owens . I still find it hard to believe .

As I write this , we've just completed the first two rounds of the Draft . We've selected four players in those two rounds and the Bills have done something that hasn't been done in some years . They've addressed needs on both defensive and offensive lines with three selections out of the four players chosen . Their first selection in round one is Aaron Maybin , a " tweener " sort of defensive end from Penn State . This guy's forte is the pass rush . To say that he's fast doesn't quite cover it . His initial move off the edge is more like a strong gust blowing by an unsuspecting tackle . He has an enormous amount of potential upside but he also carries some risk . You see , he was a starter for less than one full season at Penn State so there are some who wonder if he is just a " one year wonder " . We better hope not . I'd much rather see him be another DE like Bruce Smith than like Erik Flowers . Maybin was rated the number one DE prospect by many scouts . In keeping with that nastiness theme they've added Eric Wood , a center / guard from Louisville and Andy Levitre , a guard / tackle from Oregon State . Both of these players are reputed to be rock solid , blue collar types who would drive block their own Mother if she stood between them and the goal line . Wood is rated as one of the top three centers available and Levitre is the number one guard prospect available this year . It would seem that the Bills are changing their line play philosophy from one of finesse to just plain mean , smash mouth football . Yahoo , it's about time . I'm anxious to see them bloody some noses this coning season . These two young guys were academic All Americans as well as standout ball players . Both are slated to be guards , at this time . The other draft pick is Jairus Byrd , from Oregon , one of the top rated cornerbacks in the country . I think that Buffalo sees him as a free safety prospect . We've traded away our third and first fourth round draft choices . Remaining are another fourth and one each in rounds five , six , and seven . It's about time we had a great draft . The team is still suffering from those awful Donohue drafts . Ralph said it last season , we need more talented players . I think that we're on our way to achieving that goal .

It's not quite May yet and I'm already getting that September feeling . OTA's begin in about a week and before we know it training camp will be here . Personnel transactions are taking place , players are working out , and we fans should start gearing up too . Some of us qualify as Senior Citizens so we have to take a little extra time to gear up for the season . If we were to start too quickly , we may just strain something . So ease into it , but start getting yourselves ready for that Monday Night opening game against the Patriots . Won't it be great to see those guys go down on a Monday Night ?

2009 Schedule

PreSeason

Sunday 8/9 Bills vs Tennessee Titans (HOF Game) 8:00 PM

Saturday 8/15 Chicago Bears 7:00 PM

Saturday 8/22 At Green Bay Packers 8:00 PM

Saturday 8/29 At Pittsburgh Steelers 7:30 PM

Thursday 9/3 Detroit Lions 6:30 PM

Regular Season

Monday 9/14 At New England Patriots 7:00 PM

Sunday 9/20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4:05 PM

Sunday 9/27 New Orleans Saints 4:05 PM

Sunday 10/4 At Miami Dolphins 4:05 PM

Sunday 10/11 Cleveland Browns 1:00 PM

Sunday 10/18 At NY Jets 4:15 PM

Sunday 10/25 At Carolina Panthers 4:05 PM

Sunday 11/1 Houston Texans 1:00 PM

Sunday 11/8 BYE WEEK

Sunday 11/15 At Tennessee Titans 1:00 PM

Sunday 11/22 At Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 PM*

Sunday 11/29 Miami Dolphins 1:00 PM *

Thursday 12/3 NY Jets (Toronto) 8:20 PM

Sunday 12/13 At Kansas City Chiefs 1:00 PM*

Sunday 12/20 New England Patriots 1:00 PM*

Sunday 12/27 At Atlanta Falcons 1:00 PM*

Sunday 1/3 Indianapolis Colts 1:00 PM*

Red = Home Game

* = Game subjectt o Flex Scheduling

The Bills and the HOF

Yes Bills fans..2 yes 2 of our Bills will be in the HOF come August! Congrates to Bruce Smith and owner Ralph Wilson Jr for this great honor!!! This will be something to see come August!

Sophie's Players of the Year Awards

Presenting this years award winners......

The Preparation H Award - Dick Jauron for his questionable coaching skills

The Hero of The Year Award - Freddie Jackson for being a HERO when we needed him to

The Rookie of The Year Award - Leodis McKelvin for being the best of the bunch

The Anchor Award - Marshawn Lynch for being steady and true throughout

The Most Improved Award - Steve Johnson for improving throughout the season

The Goof Ball Award - Jason Peters for making more goofs that cost us plenty

The Major Disappointment Award - Lee Evans for performing less than he is able to

The Clown Award - JP Losman for playing like a real clown

History of The Bills Backers of SW Florida

The Bills Backers of Southwest Florida were officially formed in March of 1992 by Tom Austin, who served as the Club's first President. Club members attribute the success of the club to the early efforts of Tom Asutin. His dedication and diligence to every detail gave the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida a strong foundation for the Club to grow. The founding Board of Directors consisted of three Officers and six Board Members. The first seated Officers were: Tom Austin - President, Julius Salgado - Vice President, and Shirley Trippany - Secretary/Treasurer. The first seated Board Members were: Michelle Austin, Skip Bentley, LuAnn Boyle, Cy Brancato, Don Brown, and Bill Johnson. This Board was seated for the first two year term. It was decided that after the first year to appoint David Trippany to a Board position to complete the second year of the term. The Bills Backers of Southwest Florida are members in good standing of Bills Backers International and governed by By-Laws drafted by the founding Board of Directors.

The Club's first home was Pott's Sports Bar, in South Fort Myers, which we out grew after the first year. The Club's second home as B.T. Boomers, in central Ft. Myers, which was a Sports Bar that was indeed fitting to host the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida. A great working relationship was formed between the two organizations, giving the Bills Backers a home they could be very proud to call their own. After two years it was decided that a change was in order and the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida moved to R.J. Gators, again in central Ft. Myers, another local establishment that catered to sports fans. While the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida called R. J. Gators home, the Mayor of the City of Buffalo, The Honorable Anthony J. Maciello, sanctioned by Proclamation that R.J. Gators was part of the City of Buffalo on game days. The relationship with R. J. Gators lasted only one year and the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida were once again on the hunt for a new fan club home. A new local Sports Cafe was very interested in the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida and continually recruited the Club. In 1996, Shoeless Joe's Sports Cafe (affiliated with the Holiday Inn Select, now known as the Crown Plaza) officially welcomed the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida to their new home. This was indeed a bold move for the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida as the Club was growing and large places that could accommodate our fans were becoming increasingly harder to find. Through the relationship that had been established with Shoeless Joe's Sports Cafe and Holiday Inn Select, the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida have evolved to one of the largest and most active chapters within Bills Backers International. In 2000, Shout! magazine confirmed this fact by awarding the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida with their annual Best Fan Club of the Year Award.

The Bills Backers of Southwest Florida have made annual activities common place where other chapters in Bills Backers International could only watch in envy. The Club has prided itself in all of their activities, but truly stand proud when their charity efforts both in Southwest Florida and within the Buffalo area. The Club is also very proud of their accomplishments with their Annual Player's Weekend which has become an event recognized by the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Bills Alumni Association.

Through Super Bowl parties and the loss of key team members, the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida have stood as one big happy family that was relocated to a strange new area. The Club has built a name for itself that even Miami Dolphin and New England Patriot fans are impressed with, no matter how much they may actually deny it.

The Bills Backers of Southwest Florida suffered a deep loss in February of 1996 when the founding President, Tom Austin, resigned at a Board of Director's meeting. He cited both personal and health reasons for his decision, further stating that it was one of the hardest decisions he had to make in some time. The Board of Director's were then hit with a second blow, yet another loss from the Board of Directors as then Club Vice President, Skip Bentley, also tendered his resignation effective immediately citing personal reasons for his decision. The remaining members of the Board were left in total shock, not sure which way to head. The timing of the resignations hit the Board of Directors even harder as each member of the Board knew the their Annual Player's Weekend was quickly approaching, only six weeks away and the member's of the Board were now faced with the Club's first crisis. The remaining Board Members quickly regrouped and appointed Board Member Earl Wiggins to complete the remainder of Tom's term and Cy Brancato to complete the remainder of Skip's term. The vacant Board Positions would be filled by membership vote at their Annual Spring Picnic. The silent fear of the remaining Board Members was that with the loss of Tom Austin the Club may not survive. Most members felt that he was the sustaining force behind the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida. The Board of Directors knew that the next several months would be crucial to the survival of the Club. The Annual Player's Weekend came and went without a hitch, but the "new" Board of Directors sincerely felt how the membership looked at the loss of Tom Austin. Some Club members were lost and the Board of Directors knew that they had some very difficult and trying times to get through. In hind sight it should be noted that at this point in time, the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida needed to go through a major crisis such as this, as it was a time like this that gave way to the belief and knowledge that the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida were a unit of individuals that had created an entity that could with stand problems and still survive as that entity known as a Sports Fan Club. Further it made the internal workings of the organization stronger and more aware of the little details that keep the club strong and growing. It also gave the Club's membership confidence in the Board of Directors that through any situation the seated Club members running the club can and do have the drive, determination, and Club's best interest at heart to ensure the Club survives any situation.

Since that fateful night in February, President Earl Wiggins has made the Board of Directors a very strong, organized and well rounded unit. He was able to bring out the special talents of each member of the Board of Directors, creating a new organization for the club. Innovative ideas, raffle improvements, the addition of weekly Silent Auctions, and the advent of "Alumni Player Game Day" have vastly improved the efforts of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors continued their relationship with Shoeless Joe's Sports Cafe and Holiday Inn Select, creating a situation that enhanced the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida. This strong relationship has made the Club's annual events stronger and more beneficial to the desired outcome, raising funds for Children's Charities. The Club had always held their relationship in high regards with Shoeless Joe's Sports Cafe and Holiday Inn Select and did at that time look forward to many more years with its extended new family. Earl Wiggins gave notice to the Board of Directors that he would not seek another term as Club President and completed his last year as Club President in April of 2000. At the Annual Player's Weekend Banquet, held in April of 2000, Earl stunned the audience in attendance by stating he would not seek nor accept the nomination as Club President. He had stated that it was time to turn the leadership of our Club to the "younger generation" of our Club and heartily nominated David Trippany for Club President and urged the Club to not only elect but offer their full support to him. The Board of Directors then honored out going President, Earl Wiggins, awarding him the "Distinguished President's Gavel" award for all of his efforts and achievements during his Presidency. During Earl Wiggins exit speech to Club members, he informed the membership of the distinguished award awarded to the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida. Shout! magazine has named the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida the "Number One Chapter within Bills Backers International. The efforts of Earl Wiggins - President, Cy Brancato - Vice President, Shirley Trippany - Secretary/Treausrer and Board Members Judy Agos, LuAnnBoyle, Jackie Call, Bill Johnson, Mary Pasquale, David Trippany, and Carol Waite had finally been recognized by an organization closely associated with the Buffalo Bills Football Organization. Every member of the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida heartily congratulated this seated Board of Directors for their outstanding efforts towards making this the "Best Chapter in Bills Backers International".

In April of 2000, David Trippany, accepted the nomination of Club President of the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida and was elect to the post of President during the Club's Annual Election held at the Annual Spring Picnic. While David Trippany took over as the Club's President when the Club was enjoying phenomenal success in all areas, he would soon be President during a time period that would serve to become some of the Club's darkest hours, testing not only the abilities of the Board of Directors but the very fabric of the Club itself. In 2001 the Club was informed by Shoeless Joe's Sports Cafe and Holiday Inn Select that we were no longer welcome within their establishment, citing that they could make more money without out Club's attendance on NFL Game Sundays. The Board of Directors quickly activated themselves into action and in no time found a new Fan Club Home. Groove Street Grill and Discotheque had heard the Club was looking for a new home and through Board Member Bob Call had schedule a meeting with the Board of Directors. The deal was sealed at the meeting that the new Fan Club Home would be Groove Street. Owner Joe Gallanis was thrilled to have the Club at his establishment. Tough times were indeed in the Club's future. Internal Club problems threatened the once prosperous Club, a football's team inability to have a successful ball club, deteriorating relations with our Fan Club Home owner, a major decline in membership and member attendance at games, and a severe Club debt passed on from the previous Club President that had nearly crippled the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida. Taking all this in stride, Club President David Trippany kept focused on the fundamental ideals that formulated the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida and lead the Board of Directors in a direction that always pointed toward success of the Club. Under the leadership of Club President David Trippany, the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida would not only survive but would again begin to flourish as a successful entity.

In the spring of 2008, Groove Street owner, Joe Gallanis, informed the Board of Directors that he no longer wanted to be host to the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida. He cited the lack of profits for his reasoning and his rising costs. Club President David Trippany, Club Vice President Fred Johnson and Board Member Rick McCarthy quickly moved into action and within one month had a deal sealed with Alli Gators Neighborhood Bar and Grill for the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida to meet exclusively in the restaurants main room. To date the relationship between the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida and Alli Gators, while it is quite new, continues to get better with each passing week. We look forward to a long stay at our new Fan Club Home, knowing our future here will not only be bright, but successful as well.

The current Board of Directors consist of the following: Club President - David Trippany, Club Vice President - Fred Johnson, Club Secretary/Treasurer - Shirley Trippany, Board Members - Pam Addy, Judy Agos, Rosanne Agos, Mary Kay Hammerl, Jerry King, Rick McCarthy, Mary Merkley, and Greg Silcox, Board Assistant Positions - Mary Anne Cipressy (Editor of "The Two Minute Warning" and "The 12th Man South") and Edith Robinson (General Board Assistant). Each member of the Board of Directors brings with them unique qualifications to ensure the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida remains a strong and viable entity not only within Southwest Florida but also with Bills Backers International. This current Board of Directors looks forward to the new challenges the future will bring, knowing that each Board Officer and Member has special leadership abilities that continue to enhance the diversity of the Bills Backers of Southwest Florida. The Club membership has not only come to expect this of their Board of Directors, but demands it.

The Bills Backers of Southwest Florida have remained strong over the last seventeen years of existence, from the Super Bowl years to the leanest of years, the Club has survived everything that was thrown its way. This year, our 17th year we are beginning to see membership's on the rise, a football team that is achieving success, the likes we haven't seen since 1992, and an internal strength of the Club that can only be attributed to good direction from a strong and unified Board of Directors that truly has the best interest of the Club's membership at heart.

We look forward to a great season, both at our new Fan Club Home and with our team, the Buffalo Bills. In typical Buffalo Bills fashion...............GOOOOOOOO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!

2008 Schedule Scores and Win/Loss Record

September 7 - Seattle Seahawks at Buffalo Bills - 10-34 W
September 14 - Buffalo Bills at Jackson Jaguars - 20-16 W
September 21 - Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills - 23 - 24 W
September 28 - Buffalo Bills at St. Louis Rams - 31-14 W

October 5 - Buffalo Bills at Arizona Cardinals 17-41 L
October 12 - BYE WEEK
October 19 - San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills 14-23 W
October 26 - Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins 16-25 L

November 2 - New York Jets at Buffalo Bills 26-17 L
November 9 - Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots 10-20 L
November 17 - Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills 29-27 L
November 23 - Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs 54-31 W
November 30 - San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills 10-3 L

December 7 - Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (Toronto) 16-3 L
December 14- Buffalo Bills at New York Jets 27-31 L
December 21 - Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos 30 - 23 W
December 28 - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills 13-0 L

Season Standing 7 - 9

NOTE: RED indicates win BLACK indicates loss

About The Bills Backers of SW Florida

Greetings all Buffalo Bills fans. The Bills Backers of SW Florida meet to cheer on our team at Alli-Gators on the corner of Colonial Blvd and Veronica Shoemaker. We are open to any and all fans of the Buffalo Bills. We have our own area that is exclusive to fans of the Buffalo Bills.

You can join our club, as membership does have its benefits, for $25 for one person and additional $10 for anybody else who lives in the same household. When you join you get a membership kit that includes among other things a club t-shirt. If you are interested in joining email us at: billsbackersswf@aol.com or visit our website: http://www.billsbackersofsouthwestflorida.com/

Membership benefits:
1. Club T-shirt
2. Entry into a members only drawing for each game you attend.
3. Entry into the year end members only drawing for each game you attend.
4. 10% discount off of your Alli-Gators bill when you show your membership card.

Game Day Activities:
1. Raffle drawing for prizes at the end of the 1st Quarter and at half time.
2. $5 square for an autographed full size Bills Helmet.
3. Trivia Contest for 2 free raffle tickets when you buy your raffle tickets.
4. 50/50 drawing at the 2 Minute Warning of the 4th quarter.
5. Membership contest- for each new member you sign up your number goes into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate at Alli-Gators. The drawing will be held at the Monday night game on November 17th. You MUST BE PRESENT to win.

Club EMail Newsletter
We have a club email newsletter that is sent weekly during season and as needed off season. This is the best way to keep with with all club news as well as commentary on the games.
To sign up email us at BBSWFL2003@aol.com

The Board of Directors and Board Assistants
President - David Trippany
Vice President - Fred Johnson
Secretary/Treasurer - Shirley Trippany
Raffle Chair - Judy Agos
Think Tank Chair - Jerry King
Fan Club Home Liaison - Rick McCarthy
Charity Chair - Mary Merkley
Game Day Liaison - Greg Silcox
Board Member at Large - Pam Addy
Roseanne Agos
Mary Kay Hammerl
Board Assistants:
2 Minute Warning/The 12th Man South Editor - Mary Anne Cipressy
General Assistant - Edith Robinson