"I think there's been a perception lag nationally at the increased depth and caliber of this conference. It was probably going to take a year like this ... to help close that gap" – Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott, on the conference emerging as arguably the strongest in college football (USA TODAY, 1/5).
"They're on time and on budget and doing well. I don't want to say they're ahead of schedule, but the nice weather has put them in a position of being optimistic" – Cobb County Commission Chair Tim Lee, on the Braves' progress in constructing their new ballpark (MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL, 1/5).
"To be honest, after five times participating with the best players in the Olympics, this time will be an even bigger challenge to get them there" – IIHF President Rene Fasel, on efforts to lure NHL players to the '18 PyeongChang Games (TORONTO SUN, 1/5).
"The fact that there are two (Minnesota) bids of real people, real money and stadiums. I don't technically have to sell MLS on Minnesota" – ESPN's Taylor Twellman, who is from Minnesota, on two groups in the state competing for an expansion franchise (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 1/5).
