Buffalo Bulls CAP Dynasty, Chapter 1, part 4 - acts238shaun's Blog

acts238shaun's Blog

Buffalo Bulls CAP Dynasty, Chapter 1, part 4

Posted on May 25, 2009 at 07:08 PM.

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Here's another update. Sorry it took so long. This HTML stuff can be tough to learn. I have a couple more on the way.

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Amherst, MA - Cohen household

"This is Stuart Scott with ESPN with an update in the Bassani-Buffalo U point-shaving scandal. We are cutting away from tonight's college hoops game and taking you live to Buffalo, NY, where Athletic director Warde Manuel is responding to the indictment and arrests made today."

"Sal, turn it up." Eli asked. Grabbing the remote, Sal Cohen, Eli's nephew, increased the volume so everyone could hear the newscast.

"You think guys from the old neighborhood were involved?", Sal asked him. Eli shot him a look, raising an eyebrow as if to say, "What do you think?".

"If I had to guess.", Eli replied. "I just wonder how deep it goes. Bassani's had his hand in a lot of pies over the years. I'm just glad we got you away from that place."

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Press Conference Transcript - December 3rd, 2007

Athletic Director Warde Manual: I would like to thank all members of the press who are here, though I wish it were under different circumstances. I would like to start with an official statement from the university president, who was out of town on vacation when the FBI notified us early this morning. "As president of the University of Buffalo, I would like it to be clear that the FBI has found the University and its faculty, coaches, boardmembers, and boosters not responsible, in any way, for the illegal activities brought to the public's attention today. I want to assure those interested in and currently attending Buffalo University that this is not indicative of our students and that in the eyes of the scholastic community we are an esteemed educational establishment and we will assist the FBI every way we can to be sure all those involved in this fiasco will be brought to justice."

WE: I can't say that I imagined I would encounter something like this when I took this position. I looked forward to being involved in the athletic department and watching the lives of young men and women become enriched because of the education they received here. When they arrive, it is from various backgrounds, but they return to their communities as members of the medical profession, the state bar, teachers, specialists, etc. When coaches were hired, I did so with that philosophy in mind to make sure that above all else the word student, in the phrase 'student-athlete' would be emphasized. Head coach Turner Gill epitomizes this concept. With that, I want to offer him the lectern so that he may make a statement to you. Buffalo Bull's head football coach

Turner Gill: Good evening. Due to the events of today, I am stepping down as Buffalo University head coach. I don't resign out of guilt or fear, let that be made plain right now. When I took this job, both Mr. Manuel and I felt that I was the best person for this job. With everything that was made public today, I no longer feel I am the best person. I would be doing a dis-service to the university and the football program by staying when what I have to offer is not suitable. I'm not quitting. I am opening up this position so that a more suitable person can fill this position. Building up the program is something I feel is well within my abilities. Saving this program is beyond my capabilities, and Buffalo deserves better. Warde. *Gill leaves podium*

WE: I have one last statement to make before we adjourn for the evening. We have three cancellations in our schedule for the 2008 and 2009 seasons that are now open date as teams do not want to play us when the outcome may be fixed. We have also released current players to transfer where they see fit to continue their educational and athletic opportunities. Those who want to declare for the NFL draft will be advised as to their draft status. I thank you all for coming out, and as soon as we can give you more news or answers to your questions you will hear from us.

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"That's messed up. Gill is getting punished for something he didn't do." Sal stated.

"It happens.", Eli said. "You always reap what you sew. Always. Remember that Sal." grabbing his cell from the end table next to him, Eli hit *4 and then dial, bringing up "Coach Jag" to the screen. "Jag, I know it's late, but do you have a minute?"

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"I wish you would have discussed it with me before you called Jeff.", Illana, Eli's wife, chided. "You took this job to have something to do. You promised you didn't want to be a head coach-".

"I said I didn't want to coach in the NFL." he interrupted. "I never said I didn't want to be a college head coach. This is an opportunity, in my hometown no less."

"So this has nothing to do with your parents, Eli?" she asked.

"No." he replied.

"Bassani?" He hesitated. "Really? Ok, I'm listening." Eli married her for many reasons, and her all-around intelligence was one ever present reason. You couldn't get anything past her.

"No, not like you think.", he insisted. "Buffalo deserves better than what's happened. Besides, Jag hasn't called them yet. He's calling Warde tomorrow."

Illana rolled her eyes and smiled at him. She tried not to, but she couldn't help it. She was used to it after fourteen years of marriage and knew better than to talk him out of it. "I'll let you explain it to Alex and Sal. I know better than to argue with a lawyer, even if the one I married doesn't practice. You realize our daughter will be judge, jury, and executioner if you don't put forth one great closing argument."

"True." he replied. "She's a Boston girl through and through. She will hate moving to a place where the majority are Yankee fans. I'll wait until I talk to Warde."

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