From Mayweather to Dr. J to A-Rod, we take a look at the memorable quotes from the world of sport in the past week.
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A lot centred on the NBA All-Star Game this week, with Kevin Durant making it clear the players know best and Floyd Mayweather even commenting on his upcoming (maybe) fight with Manny Pacquiao.
The Irish got vocal in cricket and rugby while Chelsea captain John Terry adds a little spice to a soccer stalemate. Oh, and A-Rod is really (really) sorry.
We lead off with Floyd:
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“Before we leave this sport, we have to make this fight happen.”
Floyd Mayweather in his private meeting with Manny Pacquiao in Miami. February 8, 2015 (see his further comments below)
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“I boxed in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium last year but James has been fighting at leisure centres and shopping centres.”
George Groves thoughts on an even split of the purse with James DeGale. February 10, 2015
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“The mascots messed it all up. It was great seeing regular human beings, even though they were 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, running and dunking a basketball. When mascots started doing it with all the trampolines and all the crazy stuff and falling on the floor, then it became more like the X Games. The players can’t live up to that.”
Julius Erving on how mascots are ruining the Slam Dunk Contest. Dr J was a judge in the 2015 Sprite Slam Dunk contest on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. February 13
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“You guys really don’t know shit.”
Kevin Durant tells reporters in his final interview session before Sunday’s All-Star Game. February 13.
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“He has the emotional depth of a sock puppet during a button shortage.”
The Guardian’s Geoff Lemon directs some scathing remarks at the commentating skills of Australia’s James Brayshaw during India’s recent Test tour of Australia. February 13, 2015
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“Our opinions should count. I don’t think you guys know as much we do, and I don’t see why you have more power than we do.”
The NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player, Kevin Durant, thinks the League’s annual awards should include players in the voting process. February 14, 2015
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“I haven’t signed yet, and he hasn’t signed yet.”
Floyd Mayweather was cornered at the NBA All-Star Game and had this say on whether he would fight Manny Pacquiao. February 14
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“I don’t see why a team has to be an associate and a team has to be a full member. It’s not like that in any other sport.”
After upsetting the West Indies in the Cricket World Cup, Ireland Captain Will Porterfield is rankled that his country is still regarded as an “associate” member of the ICC, excluded from the elite Test-playing nations. February 16, 2015.
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“It’s not a case of revenge. If you go out looking for revenge, you get bit on the arse.”
Ireland’s last defeat was a loss to England in last year’s Six Nations, but Sean O’Brien admitted a bid to settle the scores this time around would only end one way. February 16, 2015.
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“Both teams were kind of feeling each other in the first half.”
Captain John Terry after Chelsea’s Champions League draw with PSG in Paris Saint-Germain. February 17, 2015.
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“I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension . . . I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point.”
Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez, in his handwritten apology letter to fans addressing his suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.
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Photo Credit: Associated Press/File
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