Deseret News (Salt Lake City): Notes & quotes

"I don't know if there was a better quarterback back there, whether he makes the plays or not. But you saw what they did to Peyton Manning last week and what they did to a rookie this one." -- Ben Roethlisberger, about the Patriots and their 41-27 thrashing of Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game.

"We continue to have significant philosophical differences. No meetings are scheduled and we will not make further comment at this time." -- NHLPA senior director Ted Saskin, after two consecutive days of talks with the NHL ended with no plans to meet again.

"Mickelson shot a 64 today at La Quinta. I'd say technically he's probably leading. Score-wise, I am, but technically I'd say he's leading. That's Duke math." -- The former Duke economics major Joe Ogilvie, who had a second-round 63 at Bermuda Dunes. He led the Hope Classic, which is played on four different courses, by three strokes over Phil Mickelson and Fredrik Jacobson after two rounds.

"He put himself in position to win big points; I donated a little bit more than I wanted to." -- Andy Roddick, who lost his Australian Open semifinal match to Lleyton Hewitt, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-1.

"I think this is the best fit for me to have a chance to win. And the fact that it's nice and warm here, the fact that it's only two hours from Puerto Rico, yeah, it is very nice as well, it's gravy." - - Carlos Delgado on signing with the Florida Marlins.

"Please do not allow the one game to define this season. To finish 16-2, 15-1 in the regular season, and win 15 straight games is quite an achievement." -- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, after his team lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game.

"It's like roulette. I always pick the right numbers." -- Top- ranked Roger Federer, after beating Andre Agassi in straight sets to reach the Australian Open semifinals. Federer lost in the semis to Marat Safin.