Compiled by Billy Wellner and Arthur Arkush
Feb. 22, 2008

Random quotes from around the league

Friday, Feb. 22, 2008

Niners offensive coordinator Mike Martz, responding to those who believe not much can be gained by the Patriots taping opponents’ practices, as quoted on STLtoday: “For somebody to say that is kind of disgusting. The whole point is whether they cheated. Isn't that really the point? I think so." Martz went on to say: “I guess that's the thing that's getting glossed over. I choose to believe it's not true. I've got too much respect for Bill (Belichick). Who knows whether it affected the outcome of the game? Maybe it helped them. Maybe it didn't. You'll never be able to measure that — if they did do that.”

Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman, quoted on TwinCities.com regarding the unplanned void on their defensive line after DE Kenechi Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia: “That's why you try to be as thorough as you can when you're going through the process. You never know what happens. We always try to take the approach that every position's a need and do the same amount of work that you do on a position that maybe seems like more of a need. Because you just don't know.” Spielman went on to say: “Understanding what KU's situation is, you're definitely going to have to look to see where you address that. Whether that's in the draft or free agency, that's something that we'll have to definitely look at.”

Browns RB Jamal Lewis, excited about the future after signing a three-year deal to remain a Brown Thursday, as quoted on Ohio.com: “I am thankful to the Browns for the opportunity they gave me last year to come out and prove that I was still one of the top running backs in the NFL. I feel the future is extremely bright for this team and I'm excited to be a part of it for another three years. I said all year long that I wanted to get a long-term deal done to stay in Cleveland and it looks like with this new contract I will be able to finish my career as a Brown.”

Free-agent WR Bernard Berrian, quoted on topix.com after discovering Thursday the Bears had decided not to place the franchise tag on him: “Of course that was a relief. You want a long-term deal rather than to be under contract on a one-year tender. You don't want to be here worrying about not getting injured or not missing games. I had a feeling two or three days ago that it wasn't going to happen. It would have been unprofessional for them to franchise me this late and not say anything ahead of time. I don't think the Bears are the type of people to do that.” Berrian went on to discuss the importance of re-signing Rex Grossman if the Bears want him to return, as well: “How important is Rex for me? He's very important. The [Grossman signing] would affect me in a positive way. Rex and I definitely have chemistry. We've been there for a while together. We understand each other.”

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008

Panthers OT Jordan Gross, expecting to have the franchise tag placed on him Tuesday, was quoted in the Charlotte Observer on not being able to get a deal done with the Panthers: "I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. It doesn't put a period at the end of the sentence as far as my relationship with the team is concerned. One way or another, I'm still going to be a Panther next year. … It's the business side of football; you can't take anything personally. It's a better problem than if nobody wanted you."

Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs, disappointed that he was designated as the team’s franchise player, but also optimistic about staying in Baltimore, as quoted on Baltimoresun.com: "I talked to Ozzie [Newsome, Ravens general manager] earlier [Monday], and he said they would put the tag on me [Tuesday]. I'm disappointed because I really wanted a long-term deal, and I think I earned it. But this also keeps me in a Ravens uniform, and this is just another way of eventually getting it done. I'm a Raven at heart. That's my identity. I started my career here in Baltimore and want to end it here in Baltimore."

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick denies ever watching practice film of any opponents prior to playing that opponent, as quoted on IndyStar.com: "In my entire coaching career, I've never seen another team's practice film prior to playing that team. I have never authorized, or heard of, or even seen in any way, shape, or form any other team's walk-through."

Drew Rosenhaus, agent of former Dolphins LB Zach Thomas, quoted on BostonHerald.com regarding his client’s visit with the Patriots on Monday: “We had a great visit in New England. They offered him a contract and we will continue negotiations.”