This Classic 1998 Ralph Wilson Statement Skewers Paul Tagliabue

Ralph Wilson passed away earlier this week at the age of 95, and various quotes, anecdotes, and photos are trickling out that captured the unique personality of the legendary Bills owner. This particular statement stems from a play against the Patriots where the Bills were flagged (egregiously, apparently) for pass interference on a Drew Bledsoe hail mary in the final seconds; New England got first-and-goal on the one and scored a touchdown for a 25-21 victory.

“This is the worst officiating I’ve ever seen,” said Wilson after the game. “I’ll take the fine, I don’t care. I don’t know what can be done about it, but it was awful. I’ve seen football for six decades and I’ve never seen anything like that.”

He’d be fined $50,000 by then-Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, and crafted this epic statement in response: