"The World Cup must be a festival of the people. But for it to be such a festival, you can't play football in the summer" – FIFA President Sepp Blatter, on why the '22 World Cup in Qatar should be switched from summer to winter (REUTERS, 7/17).
"I think it's important for something to fit the parameters of television. If cricket can consistently play a three-hour match, it could be something television executives are interested in" – Rice Univ. Department of Sport Management Chair Clark Haptonstall, on Houston as a potential home for a professional cricket franchise (HOUSTONCHRONICLE.com, 7/17).
"I'm going to keep fighting for our guys. If President Obama would say, 'Spurrier, you and those coaches need to quit fighting for your players,' that they get enough, then I'll shut up about it" – South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier, who is in favor of paying student-athletes a small stipend (USATODAY.com, 7/17).
"People are just getting to know me and I do try to dress nice by wearing a couple of loud outfits here and there. Maybe the tie will come out this week. I've also got a couple of things in mind for the future that I think will be pretty cool" – Golfer Billy Horschel, on his fashion choices for the British Open, which starts tomorrow at Muirfield (REUTERS, 7/17).
“There’re no deals that I’ve instructed anyone to do at this point” – Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez, on reports he may reach a plea in conjunction with MLB’s investigation into the Biogenesis clinic (“Francesa,” WFAN-AM, 7/17).
