complete control with three in the sixth afterr Koes last-rock f

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomos administration retained a key sports business legal expert to assist in the states bid to prevent the Buffalo Bills from relocating. Irwin Raij, who played a key role in negotiating the Bills 10-year lease, is staying on to represent the states interests in securing the franchises long-term future following the death of owner Ralph Wilson. Three weeks after Wilsons death in March, the Empire State Development board extended a contract with Foley & Lardner, and specifically with Raij, one of the firms partners. The approval of the extension was disclosed in minutes from ESDs meeting on April 16. Howard Glaser, the states director of operations, confirmed the decision on Wednesday. Raij specializes in stadium development projects and lease agreements. In 2012, he was part of a team that negotiated a lease with the Bills that included a strict non-relocation clause that makes it difficult for the team to move before the 2020 season. The Bills future beyond that is uncertain. They are expected to be put up for sale, opening the possibility of the franchise being moved. "It is imperative that the state and ESD study and develop a plan to insure the long-term viability of the franchise in western New York," the approved resolution to extend the law firms contract read. "Because of the complexity of the transaction and specialized nature of professional stadium construction and lease arrangements, the advice and assistance of outside counsel is required." Aside from advising the state on the sale process, Raij will also work with a committee of public and private leaders that has been established to make recommendations on whether a new stadium or renovations to the Bills current home best fit the franchises needs once the lease expires in July 2023. Previously, Raij led a legal team that represented Guggenheim Baseball Management in the acquisition of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also represented Major League Baseball in securing new stadium deals for the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals. Kendall Graveman Cubs Jersey . Hawkins severely sprained his left ankle while making a diving catch during training camp and went on injured reserve with a designation he could return midway through the season. He was back at practice Wednesday. Andre Dawson Jersey . -- Two out of three aint bad. http://www.thecubsteamshop.com/Cubs-Javier-Baez-Kids-Jersey/ . Murakami gracefully executed a double triple toe jump and a triple flip jump that put her at the top of a tightly contested race with 64.73 points, just ahead of Li Zijun of China on 62. Sammy Sosa Jersey . "I wasnt waving the pom-poms to be involved with it to start with," Carlyle said after a 5-2 win over Carolina on Sunday night. "Its been a trying time. "Specifically we havent played as well as wed like to hang our hat on. Cole Hamels Jersey . -- Chris Crawford hit a 3-pointer with 1:36 left to put Memphis ahead to stay, and the 21st-ranked Tigers beat seventh-ranked Louisville 72-66 Saturday, sweeping the season series from the Cardinals.BEIJING -- Canadas Kevin Koe will have to settle for playing for bronze at the world mens curling championship. The Calgary skip fell 10-8 to Swedens Oskar Eriksson in semifinal action Saturday and will face Switzerlands Peter de Cruz for the bronze medal (Saturday at 10pm et/7pm pt on TSN2). Earlier, Koe lost 3-2 to Norways Thomas Ulsrud in the Page 1-2 playoff game. "It was a bad day," said Koe. "We played pretty decent for the most part, I thought we were throwing them good. "But big misses at the wrong time, and those will obviously kill you in the big games." The Canadian team -- including third Pat Simmons, second Carter Rycroft and lead Nolan Thiessen -- took an early lead by opening with a deuce. But Sweden rallied with four in the second after a freeze attempt by Koe came up short. "Just one bad miss -- thats all it took," said Koe. "If I made my last one, we probably only give up one or two. "Just a bad miss at the wrong time." The teams traded singles the next two ends. Canada missed a chance to tie it with two in the fifth and Sweden took complete control with three in the sixth afterr Koes last-rock freeze attempt was heavy.dddddddddddd The Canadians scored two in the seventh and stole one in the eighth but thats as close as theyd get. "Im a little devastated right now," said Rycroft. "I dont know what it was, if it was a lack of confidence on our part or still not trusting the ice. "But we missed way too many shots on the wrong side. Good curlers missing easy shots is not going to win you many games." Canada has won 49 world curling championship medals, including 34 gold. Nine times Canadians have settle for silver and bronze on six occasions. "Well show up and try our hardest to win," said Koe. "I mean, itll be hard, were disappointed -- we came here thinking wed be in that gold-medal game . . . but well be trying to win a medal." Canada also lost 6-2 to Sweden in the round-robin portion of the tournament. Sweden will face Ulsrud in the final (Saturday night at 3am et/Midnight pt on TSN). Ulsrud, who finished second to Koe at the 2010 world championship, will be seeking his first title in 10 appearances at the event. Swedens Niklas Edin won last years event in Victoria. ' ' '