"Everybody forgets that Kobe would be a free agent this summer, too. So we got who we feel is one of the top free agents available this summer, and we still have the ability to pursue other free agents or other opportunities" -- Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, on signing G Kobe Bryant to a two-year, $48.5M contract extension (ESPNLA.com, 11/26).
"It is not fair when the international media, and especially European media, are taking up the focus of an Arab country ... by attacking, attacking, criticising this country. We are defending it" -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter, on criticism of the '22 World Cup being held in Qatar (REUTERS, 11/26).
"I don't think any of us would have predicted the aggressiveness and significant commitment Rogers would make. It adds a lot of coin to the game" -- Oilers President & COO Patrick LaForge, on Rogers Communications 12-year, C$5.2B deal with the NHL effect on the league's salary cap (EDMONTON SUN, 11/27).
"I'm 2-0 against cancer. I don't want to try for the hat trick" -- ESPN's Digger Phelps, who has overcome prostate and bladder cancer diagnoses (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/27).
