Quick Hits....

"I’ve done some very tough stories on our business partners and never once has an executive or a boss ever said, 'Back off' or 'We don’t like what you’re doing.' I’ve only seen green lights from the moment I’ve been hired … and that includes (under new president Jimmy) Pitaro" -- Reporter Don Van Natta Jr., on how ESPN handles coverage of its business partners (WASHINGTON POST, 8/15).

“Nate addressed the media at length yesterday after open workouts covering all topics” -- Zach Rosenfield, a spokesperson for Nate Diaz, on the UFC fighter not attending today’s media day ahead of UFC 241 (TWITTER.com, 8/15).

“People thought he was a quack because he was British. I said it would be a shame if he doesn’t make it because he performs a service no one else does by grading every player. And gradually he started to make inroads” -- NBC Sports' Peter King, on how Pro Football Focus Founder Neil Hornsby was originally viewed with skepticism in NFL circles (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/15).