"Although some people predicted that when Yao retired that we would lose popularity, in fact post Yao Ming we’re even more popular than when he was playing. We’ve been embraced by the Chinese government, and the people -- I believe -- in large part because of the values of our game" -- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, on the league's growth in China (USA TODAY, 10/5).
"We’re not a business. If a business made decisions the way we make them sometimes, they’d be out of business. We’re uniquely American. No other place in the world pairs its high-level amateur athletics with higher education. There is some tension in the system" -- Xavier AD Greg Christopher, who became Chair of the NCAA D-I Committee on Infractions last month (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 10/5).
"We were surprised, as were a lot of others. We’ve had good relations with NBC, and they’ve worked hard to grow the sport in the States. Yet everyone knows ESPN/ABC with their track record in sports, so we look forward to our future association with them" -- Circuit of the Americas COO Katja Heim, on F1 moving from NBC Sports to ESPN in '18 (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 10/5).
"This is a sponsor that is here to stay; they will be here day in and day out. They won’t be there just when a trophy is being presented and waving at the end" -- Former NFLer Jacob Hester, on Louisiana-based Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar striking a three-year deal to be the title sponsor of the Independence Bowl. The restaurant is co-owned by Hester along with several former LSU basketball players (SHREVEPORT TIMES, 10/5).
"I do have to give [President] Trump this: he does have pretty good paper towel shooting form. I feel like he can make more shots than Shaq" -- ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, on Trump tossing rolls of paper towels into a crowd in Puerto Rico (“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC, 10/4).
