“The very thing that made Bill Simmons great is the very thing that made him too tough for a corporation to handle.”
-- MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, on ESPN parting ways with the popular but controversial media personality.
“I’ve got my head so far up David Levy’s ass, I don’t know what the other [Turner] execs look like.”
-- TNT’s Charles Barkley, on only recognizing the Turner President among the net’s execs at its upfront presentation.
“We’re not too concerned about the dollars and cents of our facial hair.”
-- Blackhawks G Scott Darling, on NBC Sports Group Chair Mark Lazarus’ suggestion that players should stop growing playoff beards.
“Bud either took your call or called you back in 10 minutes. Rob does the same, but he actually knows how to use email. So that’s a big jump from the last generation commissioner.”
-- A’s co-Owner Lew Wolff, on the styles of former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and current Commissioner Rob Manfred.
“I have yet to see a commercial on MTV2 or Nickelodeon or during ‘Scandal’ in prime time. But there’s no shortage of LeBron or Steph Curry or Peyton Manning or all the other stars in sports on those networks and outlets where other people are watching.”
-- Mets RF Curtis Granderson, on the difference between how MLB markets its stars compared to other sports.
“I was wrong to put my faith in the league.”
-- Patriots Owner Robert Kraft, on Tom Brady’s four-game Deflategate suspension being upheld despite the team not appealing its penalties.
“Welcome to another chapter in a Red Sox season chock full of bad baseball, bad news, bad ideas and bad timing.”
-- Boston Herald columnist Michael Silverman, on Red Sox play-by-play announcer Don Orsillo not returning to the NESN booth next season.
“One person not in attendance tonight is the commissioner, Roger Goodell, who opted not to come. ... I’ll tell you one thing -- if Judge Berman showed up, they would parade him around the stadium in a sedan chair.”
-- NBC’s Al Michaels, on the NFL season opener at Gillette Stadium.
“I believe Mr. Ragnar overestimated his bargaining position as he is now unemployed by the Vikings, who can find 100 people who want to do that job.”
-- ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser, on the Vikings cutting ties with their mascot, who was asking for $20,000 per game.
“It was hilarious when Goodell finally decided to give his interview and it was with ‘Mike & Mike.’ Whoa, buckle up. Put some shoulder pads on, Roger. This one’s going to get rough.”
-- HBO’s Bill Simmons, on ESPN’s coverage of Deflategate and Roger Goodell’s first major interview since his ruling.
“There’s a part of me, even though I’m an old-school Mets fan, competitively, wants the (series) over in four. I don’t want Fox to get three more of those great numbers.”
-- CBS President & CEO Les Moonves, on the Mets being down 2-0 to the Royals in the World Series.
“I’m just glad it’s not baseball, where I have to wear the uniform as well.”
-- Rams coach Jeff Fisher, on the team’s yellow “Color Rush” uniforms.
