* “To have the rug pulled out from under us like this is extraordinarily disappointing.”–Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld, in reaction to MLB rejecting the Rays’ split-season plan with Montreal.
* On the other hand. “Now we can focus all of our energy on a full season. I am optimistic the Rays will call Tampa Bay home for many years to come.”–Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
* No, there won’t be back-to-back Super Bowls for the Buccaneers. But what a two-year run and welcome diversion during a pandemic. The reality, however, is that the NFL, as with all major pro sports, is no repeat-champ enabler: Parity-favoring free agency, college drafts and salary caps ensure as much. Plus, the Bucs don’t know if Tom Brady will retire at 44 or 45.
* Alabama football coach Nick Saban is among the notable sports figures urging West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin to support sweeping legislation to protect the right to vote. It probably helps recruiting too.