“They’ve got a lot more that they’re looking at nowadays than ever before, and I think they do a good job on the whole. It’s up to us league-wide to make sure we put them in a position to do the best job that they can do” – Steelers President Art Rooney II, who is in favor of full-time referees (ESPN.com, 1/8).
“It took about 10 seconds. It sends a strong message that America is very diverse. … Maybe we’ll be a voice for people who don’t feel they can be a voice yet” – Billie Jean King, on helping lead the U.S. delegation in the Opening Ceremony at the Sochi Games (AP, 1/8).
“That’s the worst thing an owner, general manager, coach or player can even consider. I can’t imagine going into a locker room or having a closed-door meeting with a coach to say I want you to lose. It’s almost un-American” – Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, on the suggestion his team is tanking to maximize its chances in the NBA Draft lottery (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 1/9).
“I have to be patient to let people fail, but I don’t have to be patient enough to let people repeat failure” – Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti, on the team failing to make the playoffs for the first time in six years (Baltimore SUN, 1/9).
“5,000 fans at a school and team of that caliber in Southern California, that’s just humiliation” – ESPN’s Dick Vitale, calling out UCLA fans for poor attendance at Pauley Pavilion this year (LATIMES.com, 1/8).
