Donald [Driver] is a good guy, a righteous guy. I have no beef with him. But I have multiple sources on this; people not connected with one another who verified it.

When I was covering baseball the Reds had a first baseman, Sean Casey. His nickname was "The Mayor" because he knew and connected with absolutely everyone. Incredibly lovely ... even invited Red writers to his wedding. And that never happens.

A ton of athletes, even if they know your name, pretend they don't.

If I'd had covered [ Brett Favre] in Atlanta, I'd presume he'd go down as another Todd Marinovich. Talent out the gills, but lacking the control and discipline to make much of himself.

I'm not saying - in any way - that Donald Driver is lying or lacking sincerity. But I trust my reporting.

I know people my age (early 40s) who insist upon only writing. You know what we call them? Ex-journalists.

I reached out to [Brett Favre] early on; sent him some of my books and a letter. Then I had two or three arranged times with him, and was blown off. Then I sent him another letter, and he sent me a text, explaining that he didn't wish to talk. I'm not mad - it's his right, obviously. Plus, his family members were amazingly open and cool.