???Saturday afternoon, I walked into my second job, dreading the fact that I had to work the entire day. The moment I entered the building, I heard something from my manager that made my heart sink.
???He told me that Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. had passed away overnight.
???Thankfully, after a great deal of time spent researching the topic rather than actually working, I learned that it was only an Internet hoax and that Wilson was as alive as you and I.
???While I was mad that someone started a rumor about his death, I was quite happy that it happened, strangely enough.
???The moment that Bills fans heard the faux news, the reactions were expected. Countless people were in shock and tears filled their eyes as they assumed the worst for the team that they love.
???Many residents of the City of Good Neighbors assume that once Wilson does indeed leave this world, the Buffalo Bills will depart with him, heading to Toronto or even smog-filled Los Angeles. Hearing that he supposedly died expedited the emotions that many were waiting to experience.
???When the rumor came to be online, in a 60-minute span, thousands of concerned individuals responded to the news. They made it apparent that they love this team.
???In the wake of Canadian officials surveying fans about a possible second regular season game in the Rogers Centre, the response to Wilson's supposed death was vital.
Bills fans from the depths of South Buffalo to the deserts of Iraq came together for one reason - to make sure that their team stayed in the confines of Western New York.
???Luckily, Wilson is still here with us, but this Internet hoax does pose one question - where do we go from here?
???When the day comes that Wilson does leave us, Buffalonians will be more depressed than when Jimmy Griffin and Tim Russert left us. It would easily outdo the day following "wide right" because, without the Bills, Scott Norwood and the infamous kick wouldn't even be implanted in the brains of Buffalo's population.
???Those who are willing to buy the team and keep them in the area must come forth, considering the 90-year-old man's health can fluctuate at any time. In addition, Wilson must allow these people to come forth and must put in a plan to keep this team here.
???Wilson must stop being selfish and allow someone other than himself to own the team. Even if he sells 49 percent of the team to someone, I would be pleased. It's the closest thing to an insurance policy.
???Jim Kelly, if you are reading this now, get the ball rolling. As every second ticks from the clock, that is one less second that you - or anyone - might have in getting the job done. And every second counts.
???As everyone showed late Friday night and throughout Saturday, this isn't a joke. This city is slowly dying, and this team is one important - if not vital - valve on its heart. If it was to suddenly shut off, only God knows what would happen to Buffalo.
???While I might be worried about the future of the franchise, I think it is safe to say that Wilson is beginning to realize where his life is heading. After all, he did go after Terrell Owens, which would have never happened years ago.
???Thankfully, the hoax was just a scare. Let's hope that something gets done before it becomes a real nightmare.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
