Celtics looking for ‘me’ time, Roethlisberger answers Jaguars

Celtics trying to please too many egos

“The Celtics are a youthful team with a lot of athleticism and the best defense in the league.  Why wouldn’t they be leading the league in fast-break points?  When you think about their half-court offense, too many cooks.  You have that many guys who are shot-hungry, you might have to break ‘em up so each guy has some ‘me’ time.  When everybody’s waiting for ‘my turn now,’ that gets them out of the rhythm of overall offense.”

Amin Elhassan, ESPN’s The Jump

Fun to play with guys who can accept criticism

“It’s so much more fun to play with these guys.  When somebody messes up, you talk to them, they don’t take it personal.”

Jimmy Butler, All-Star whose leadership is appreciated more in Philadelphia than it was in Minnesota 

Is Eli Manning worthy of the Hall of Fame?

“What I see with Eli Manning, there’s not consistency.  I don’t see him as a Hall of Famer.  Drew Brees, yes, I do.  You can tell he’s a great leader, and he makes everyone around him better.”

Jerry Rice, Hall of Fame receiver

Browns rule out Condi Rice as head coach

“Our coaching search will be thorough and deliberate, and we are still in the process of composing the list of candidates, and Secretary Rice has not been discussed.”

John Dorsey, Cleveland Browns general manager, quashing rumors that former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is under consideration for the head coaching position.

Joe Flacco may not get his job back

“Lamar Jackson is an explosive, dynamic athlete at the quarterback position.  Teams are going to have a hard time corralling him and keeping him in the pocket where he belongs.  He’s much more comfortable and accurate throwing the ball outside the pocket.  I don’t know that Joe Flacco’s going to get that job back any time soon.”

Rich Gannon, NBCS Monday QB

Big Ben gets the last word

“They like to talk a lot.  Before the game and during the game.  But I’m carrying the game ball.”

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers QB, speaking to reporters after running for the winning touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars

Betts was not unanimous because of one Trout vote

“(Mike) Trout was my MVP pick because he was the best offensive player and a better defender than the flawed defensive metrics make him out to be.  I didn’t make my Trout-(Mookie) Betts call until the end.  It wasn’t easy.  The Red Sox’s success and Angels’ also-ran status weighed on me, but I was convinced Trout was better.”

Jeff Wilson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram