Sparky Anderson Quotes

We have to play football and not talk. We don't talk about politics, the personal opinions, and debates - you take them home. We only talk about football. That's what we are here for.

My dad, since I was growing up, has always taught me that I need to keep my mouth shut and just play baseball.

It's not just what you do on the pitch, it's what you do off the pitch.

But we're not supposed to talk anything besides football.

When I'm on the court, I'm a follower.

I don’t want people chitting and chatting. Once the game starts, we watch football.

You're not going to see my sense of humor on the football field. That's not a place for me to joke around.

The only thing I can think of was an incident one day when I did get angry with the substitutes for talking behind the goal while we were practising free-kicks - I told them to pay attention because we might need them during the match. That was something I always insisted on.

On the pitch we tend to forget the things that happen off the field. I try to focus a lot on what I'm doing.

It's important to play the right way. If you play the right way, it's so much fun.

Ultimately, as players, we are inside the tent, and we have got to deal with what happens between the white lines.

Only a couple of guys should be talking in practice.

When I played cricket for the West Indies, I never worried. I never really watched anyone else. I had a job to do, and I tried to do it to the best of my ability.

I'm someone who always comes on the court no matter what's going on in my life. It's all about basketball and my teammates and my team. I don't let any distractions in, and I bring my best every night, regardless of what's going on or what people are talking about.

I was taught you never, ever disrespect your opponent or your teammates or your organization or your manager and never, ever your uniform.

Coaches have told me I can help the team much more if I don't talk, if I don't moan.

To succeed in hockey, you need teamwork.

I think there's nothing that's not important. Everything you do - from how you connect with the guys in the locker room, to how you learn, to how you play on the field - everything's important; everything goes with the position.

Working with Michael Chiklis is a lesson in professionalism and staying focused. That's what Chiklis brings all day long.

Ninety percent of hockey is mental and the other half is physical.

I wish I had played team sports. I think every kid should. Teamwork builds character - teaches people about leadership and cooperation.

Discipline is knowing what you're supposed to do and doing it as best you can... On third down and short yardage, the Raiders don't jump offside. That's discipline - not a coat and tie, not a clean shave.

The great thing coming from sports is you understand the concept of a team. It leaves no room for being selfish, and that's something I picked up from home.

Mr. Bergman was a man of great working discipline. He forced everyone to concentrate when it was important. No disturbing noise during rehearsal. A code of silence.

Team sports are very important for shaping personalities. It's important that kids understand the mentality behind playing team sports and playing for one another and playing with friends.