"The lockout has made for a lot of bad stories. The fact that teams and players have to do this stuff on their own is probably up there for the worst, especially this time of year" – Penguins D Brooks Orpik, on players and coaches not being able to participate in charity events together (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 12/16).
"I don't think it's about getting the last dollar. I think they come here and want to be part of something special. That makes me pretty proud" – Patriots Owner Robert Kraft, on players wanting to play for the team because of its sustained success over the past decade (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/16).
"I reached out to Jon very early in the process and even tentatively went about the task of setting up a visit. But I learned very quickly from Jon's agent that Jon's happy doing what he's doing" – Univ. of Tennessee AD Dave Hart, on ESPN's Jon Gruden being a candidate early in the search for the school's football coach (KNOXVILLE NEWS-SENTINEL, 12/15).
"They have tried to stake out the moral high ground throughout this era of realignment. Saturday they couldn't have gone any lower" – The N.Y. POST's Lenn Robbins, on the seven schools leaving the Big East formally announcing their decision on Saturday as the nation mourned the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. (N.Y. POST, 12/17).
"If somebody else does it – we're not a bunch of angry old guys wishing they get beat – I'll call that coach and congratulate him" – Former Dolphins coach Don Shula, on the team celebrating the undefeated '72 season (MIAMI HERALD, 12/17).
