Quick Hits....

“Gene Smith is a powerful man in the sport. All due respect to all other ADs, for him to step out on the line like that, that’s good” – Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer, on the school’s AD leading a charge for increased stipends for players’ families to attend CFP games (DAYTON DAILY NEWS, 1/7).

“Absolutely, I’ll lead the parade” – Former Astros Owner Drayton McLane, saying he will not miss Craig Biggio’s induction into the Baseball HOF. Biggio will become the first Astros players enshrined (CHRON.com, 1/6).

“I don’t blame her because her father wouldn’t tolerate it. It bothers her and it should bother her” – Former Bears coach Mike Ditka, on Bears Owner Virginia McCaskey’s ire over the current state of the team (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/7).

“I can tell you if I was a Lions fan I’d be pretty aggravated” – President Obama, on the reversed pass interference call in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Cowboys-Lions playoff game (DETROIT NEWS, 1/7).