By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – US Senator Charles Schumer met with new NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Wednesday to discuss the plight of small market teams such as the Buffalo Bills.
The meeting, held at Schumer's Washington office, continued a dialogue that Schumer started with former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. At issue is the future of league revenue sharing. Bills owner Ralph Wilson has argued the league's new collective bargaining agreement with players will increase operating costs for the Bills and other small market franchises, making it harder to compete.
Schumer said he thought his meeting with Goodell went well.
"Commissioner Goodell expressed real sympathy for small market teams in general and Buffalo in particular," Schumer said. "He did express an understanding that our small market teams need help."
Schumer said he was told by Goodell that a committee of eight NFL owners will meet on January 23rd to iron out details on how league revenues will be shared. Wilson is a member of that committee.