[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 APPOINTMENT OF ROGER GODELL AS COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL 
                                 LEAGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2006

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Roger Godell 
on his appointment as the new Commissioner of the National Football 
League (NFL). Godell's longtime dedication to the league and his 
genuine love for the game will assure him a long and successful tenure 
as league commissioner.
  I was especially excited to see a Western New York native succeed 
Commissioner Tagliabue. As a lifelong Western New York resident and 
Representative from the 27th District of New York, I am pleased to know 
that as the new commissioner, Godell can relate to the small-market 
environment in his hometown region and to the great impact the presence 
of the Buffalo Bills has on our community.
  The Buffalo Bills are one of the most respected franchises in the 
NFL, and our fans are extremely loyal. However, I am concerned that 
under the current collective bargaining agreement, the existence of the 
Bills in Buffalo may be in danger. The departure of the Bills would 
have a devastating impact in the area.
  Without consideration of the unique economic situation concerning 
this storied franchise, and the great city that has enthusiastically 
supported the Bills for almost 50 years, the loss of this team to this 
city would, in effect, rip the heart and soul out of the NFL, and out 
of this great American city.
  Provisions in the CBA that greatly affect Buffalo include 
stipulations regarding ticket sales falling below a certain level 
before revenue sharing participation kicks in. While the Bills have 
great community support, ticket prices are low because we are not a 
wealthy community; but under the stipulations, the Bills could sell-out 
all home games and still lose money and not be eligible for revenue 
sharing.
  Additionally, including state and county monetary support in 
establishing franchise revenue would be extremely detrimental to the 
Bills and similar teams. For example, in Buffalo all game day stadium 
expenses are picked up by Erie County--the County reimburses the Bills 
for the cost of security, ticket takers, ushers, among other services--
counting these contributions against the team could mean that the CBA 
is a de facto plan to annihilate small market franchises.
  Finally, I am also highly concerned about the possibility that new 
team ownership would not be eligible for revenue sharing. The Bills 
have been lucky enough to remain under the stewardship of their owner, 
Ralph C. Wilson, but should Mr. Wilson pass, or should he ever decide 
to sell the team, a new owner would have no alternative but to look to 
move the team.
  I appreciate the hard work of former Commissioner Tagliabue in 
helping resolve some of these issues by placing Mr. Wilson and other 
small-market owners on the Qualifier Committee responsible for final 
interpretation of these and other issues. With Godell's help, I am 
hopeful that the league can resolve the revenue sharing issue and help 
its small-market teams remain in their respective cities.
  I wish Commissioner Godell the best of luck and success in his new 
position and I look forward to working with him in the future.

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