Quick Hits....

"This is from my doctor's mouth -- I had to work really hard to be a human again, to be normal again. The distance between just being myself and just being a race car driver, that was going to be another handful of exercises" – NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., on being cleared to race again following multiple concussions (AP, 12/9).

"He has given a lot to our team and he doesn’t ask for much in return and whatever he likes to do in this one, I’ll support him" – Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis, on LW Alex Ovechkin vowing to play in the '18 PyeongChang Games whether the NHLPA agrees on a participation deal or not (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 12/9).