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Ground broken on EDSA busway concourse

Commuters line up at the Main Avenue station of the EDSA bus carousel in Quezon City, July 18, 2022. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) broke ground on the EDSA Busway Concourse, signaling the start of the construction of the project in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI).

“We will be establishing convenient access to the EDSA Busway — right in the middle of overlapping transport infrastructure projects,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said in a statement.

The DoTr said the project is expected to be completed by July 31.

The concourses will be constructed at SM North Edsa, SM Mega Mall and SM Mall of Asia.

Funding for the design and construction of the concourse will be provided by SMPHI, the DoTr said.

The company has disclosed that it had invested around P120 million in the project.

The EDSA Busway bridge with concourse features a ticketing booth, turnstiles for automatic fare collection, ramps and elevators.

The project is designed to provide convenient access to the stations of the EDSA busway. Once finished, the concourse is expected to serve around 300,000 commuters daily.

“This concourse leading to the busway should be counted as a (corporate social responsibility) CSR initiative that addresses one of the DoTr’s goals — accessibility,” Mr. Bautista said.

In a separate statement, the DoTr said construction for the South Commuter Railway Project in Cabuyao, Laguna has started.

The South Commuter Railway is part of the P873.6-B North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), which has been identified as a priority project by the government. The NSCR will connect New Clark City in Tarlac, and Calamba in Laguna via high-speed train.

The DoTr said the projected started boring for pilings.

The segment around Cabuyao has been valued at P25.83 billion and includes 10.3-railway linking Cabuyao to Chipeco Ave., Calamba City.

The 147-kilometer NSCR will connect Malolos, Bulacan with Clark International Airport, and Tutuban, Manila with Calamba, Laguna.

The project is being co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank. It will have 35 stations and three depots.

Once fully operational, the NSCR system is projected to reduce travel time between Clark and Calamba to two hours, against the current four to 4.5 hours. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Shipping industry modernization plan sets ‘retirement age’ for older ships

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said its shipping modernization plan will limit the service life of vessels to 30 years at most, to ensure that the domestic fleet is regularly renewed with new ships.

It announced a maximum age for steel ships of 30 years; wooden-hulled ships 20 years; and motor bancas five years.

The fleet renewal rules are among the initiatives it is pursuing under the 2028 Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP).

On Tuesday, Marina said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. approved updates to the 10-year MIDP.

“Marina recognizes the crucial role of the MIDP in charting the course towards a robust and sustainable maritime sector. The plan’s focus on enhancing the Philippine Merchant Fleet, expanding domestic and overseas shipping industries, and promoting a skilled maritime workforce aligns perfectly with our goals of economic growth and global competitiveness,” Marina said in a statement on Tuesday.

The MIDP lays down the framework for upgrading the merchant fleet and expanding the domestic and international shipping industries, Marina said.

The updated MIDP also contains plans to modernize and expand shipbuilding and the ship repair industry and the enhancement of maritime transport safety and security.

“These initiatives will not only propel the growth of the maritime sector but also contribute to the overall welfare of our citizens and the protection of our marine resources,” Marina said.

Marina is tasked with establishing additional domestic sea routes and shipping services. As of 2022, 181 Roll-On, Roll-Off services have been established under the Philippine Nautical Highway System.

On the condition of vessels, Marina said ships of excess age “shall be automatically de-listed from the Philippine registry. The operators of ships that have reached the maximum allowable age shall have the option to have their ships classed, replaced with classed ships, or retired without replacement,” it said.

Marina has also included plans for port and road rehabilitation and improvement; development of coastal and inland waterways transport systems, and the development of shipping services for tourist destination areas. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Industrial parks expected to benefit from pledges secured during President’s trips

SCIENCEPARK.COM.PH

PROPERTY consultant Colliers projected greater take-up of industrial space and warehouses once investment pledges made during President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s overseas trips materialize.

Joey Roi Bondoc, director for research at Colliers, said that industrial park developers and investment promotion agencies’ (IPAs) optimism that the investors will follow through soon will result in greater take-up in industrial parks.

“The government’s move to diversify sources of foreign investment also bodes well for the industrial sector especially if this diversification strategy results in attraction of more high-value manufacturing investments such as semiconductors,” Mr. Bondoc added.

As of December, the Department of Trade and Industry said the President’s travels generated pledges of $72.2 billion across 148 projects, 46 of which ($14.2 billion) are already operating, registered with an IPA, or are in some other stage of implementation.

Colliers said that the realization of the investments will help in improving the take-up in industrial spaces as vacancies are expected to rise to 7% in 2024.

Meanwhile, Colliers sees an average 4.5% vacancy rate from 2024 through 2028.

“From 2024 to 2026, we expect the average annual delivery of 120 hectares of new industrial supply in Calaba (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas) and Central Luzon,” Colliers said.

“Among the industrial parks likely to be completed include Batangas Technopark, Filinvest Park-Ciudad de Calamba, and the expansions of Cavite and Pampanga Technopark,” it added.

Colliers also said that diversification of investment sources could also lead to the expansion of the industrial sector.

“Colliers believes that property firms should diversify as they consider expanding their industrial footprint,” it said.

“Aside from traditional investment partners such as the US and Japan, industrial park developers should remain aggressive in enticing investments from non-traditional sources of investments including Taiwan and Europe,” it added.

It said the US CHIPS and Science Act as well as the ongoing abandonment of China by manufacturers could further support the Philippine industrial sector’s expansion. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

DBM releasing P456M for RCEF in Q1

DA.GOV.PH

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it approved the release of P455.59 million for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) in the first quarter.

The funds cover the operating requirements of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and three government-owned and -controlled corporations in administering RCEF.

“The fund, also known as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, is intended to improve the productivity and competitiveness of local rice farmers and increase their income through the provision of farm machinery and equipment, rice seed development, propagation, and promotion, expanded rice credit assistance, and rice extension services.”

RCEF is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which sets aside P10 billion a year from rice import tariffs to modernize the rice industry through the provision of machinery, seed, and fertilizer support, among others.

“In our quest for food security for all under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision of Bagong Pilipinas, we will continue to support programs that boost the local production of major agricultural commodities, including rice, which is a staple food in almost every Filipino household,” Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement.

The DBM approved the release of Notices of Cash Allocation worth P431.79 million for the operating requirements of RCEF implementing agencies.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute obtained the top allocation of P178.14 million, followed by the Land Bank of the Philippines (P133.65 million) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (P120 million).

The DBM also approved the release of P23.79 million for the DA’s operating cash requirements for RCEF.

“Of the approved amount of P23.79 million, P10.972 million was released to DA’s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), while the remaining P12.823 million was released to the DA’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech),” it added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Accelerated drug approval process, ‘pharmazones’ announced by FDA

DCSTUDIO-FREEPIK

THE GOVERNMENT will streamline the process for approving drug applications, which will complement plans to establish so-called “pharmaceutical economic zones or pharmazones, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday.

Setting up pharmazones in collaboration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) will attract locators by bringing down production costs, ultimately helping bring down drug prices, FDA Director General Samuel Zacate said at a Palace briefing.

“Pharmazones consolidate companies that are engaged in all aspects of drug manufacturing including research and development, clinical testing and trials as well as regulation,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.

Currently, the government hopes to put up such a zone within Clark Freeport in Central Luzon, Mr. Zacate said.

The two other pharmazones sites have yet to be determined by PEZA, he said.

In 2017, the trading arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) unveiled a similar plan with the goal of bringing the Philippines up to par with India and other pharmaceutical hubs.

The Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) said at the time it had identified 28 initial manufacturing sites for pharmazones.

A technical working group headed by the PITC was created for the project, including PEZA, the Department of Health, the Board of Investments and the Bureau of International Trade Relations as members.

Meanwhile, Mr. Zacate announced plans to shorten the period of review and approval processes for generic drug applications from 120 days to 45.

The streamlining program is known as the Facilitated Review Pathway (FRP) for generic drugs.

FRP is an alternate registration procedure that considers input from overseas regulators who have conducted their own review of the product.

“It is a matter of time” before the memorandum circular authorizing the FRP to proceed, Mr. Zacate said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Title-seeking Beermen, Hotshots clash in pivotal Game 6 Wednesday

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN — PBA.PH

Game Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7:30 p.m. — Magnolia vs San Miguel Beer
SMB leads series, 3-2

SAN MIGUEL BEER (SMB) is intent on coming out of this Valentine’s Day date with the ring. Magnolia is bent on gaining salvation on Ash Wednesday.

With all to play for, the title-seeking Beermen and the fighting-for-dear-life Hotshots clash in crucial Game 6 of the PBA Season 46 Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After blowing a 2-0 lead, SMB regained its swag via a 108-98 triumph in Sunday’s fifth match and put itself in position to wrap it all up in the 7:30 p.m. tiff.

Knowing how capable their dangerous rivals are in striking back and potentially stealing it with two in a row, coach Jorge Gallent and his troops have spent the last two days devising schemes to finish off Magnolia.

“The job’s not finished yet,” Jericho Cruz, who torched the Hotshots with eight triples and 30 points last match, said in describing the Beermen’s mentality amid a 3-2 lead.

“Every game is hard to win in the finals so we expect it to be a tough game. But we’ll be ready,” said import Bennie Boatwright.

Mr. Gallent, who is gunning for his first PBA championship and the franchise’s 29th overall, cautioned his charges against repeating the mistake they did after taking the first two games of the series. Magnolia countered with its own two-match streak to tie it up.

“It’s a matter of being confident but not overconfident. Maybe in Game 3 and Game 4 (losses), we were overconfident and it brought us down. Confidence is good but overconfidence is bad and that’s what happened to us in Games 3 and 4,” he said.

The embattled but unyielding Magnolia Hotshots are looking at an encore of the pull-around performances that led to 88-80 and 96-85 victories that not only kept them alive before but also made it an even fight.

Foremost of such adjustment is getting the Tyler Bey-led Hotshots to stop SMB’s offensive onslaught. In the three games they lost, Chito Victolero’s troops allowed the Beermen to score an average of 106.6 points. In contrast, they allowed SMB only 85.2 markers in their two Ws.

Notes: Guard Baser Amer is up for a homecoming at NLEX. The former Blackwater Bossing playmaker reunites with coach Frankie Lim, his old mentor at San Beda University, as he joins the club he used to play for in the PBA D-League. Mr. Amer signed his contract yesterday in the presence of NLEX President Jose Luigi Bautista, team governor Ronald Dulatre, team manager Larry Fonacier, and Mr. Lim. — Olmin Leyba

Adamson grabs girls’ title via sweep while NUNS regains the men’s crown

ADAMSON LADY BABY FALCONS — FACEBOOK.COM/WEARETHEUAAP

ADAMSON University captured its first girls’ title via sweep as National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) reclaimed the men’s crown in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 high school volleyball tournaments Monday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Baby Falcons dethroned the NUNS Lady Bullpups, 25-18, 25-18, 28-26, in Game 2 for a magnificent 14-game tournament sweep of the girls division en route to the school’s breakthrough championship. Graduating ace Shaina Nitura stood at the forefront of Adamson’s march to history by bagging the Season MVP, Finals MVP and Best Outside Spiker awards in a stellar campaign.

Mary Grace del Moral (Second Best Middle Blocker) and Felicity Sagaysay (Best Setter) also played instrumental in completing the perfect run of the Lady Baby Falcons — at the expense of two-time champion Lady Bullpups.

Adamson’s historic girls’ title came on the heels of the school’s championship in the boys’ basketball for the first time in 31 years, coincidentally also against NUNS. Good thing for NUNS, it took care of business in the boys’ volleyball with a thrilling 20-25, 25-16, 27-25, 25-21 reverse sweep of the University of the East in the winner-take-all Game 3 to complete redemption after losing its throne to Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) last season.

Miguel Egger, the Best Middle Blocker, showed the way with Matthew Abut, Karl Lascuña, Dave Lardizabal and senior playmaker Jeffe Gallego, Jr., who was adjudged the Finals MVP.

Meanwhile, other awardees on the boys’ side were Jancriz Ayco (MVP and Best Opposite) Paolo Medino (Second Best Outside Spiker) and Sean Cruz (Second Best Middle Blocker) of Santo Tomas, FEU-D’s Rhodson Du-ot (Best Setter) and Adamson’s John Ian Gueverra (Best Libero).

In the girls’ division, Season 85 MVP Kianne Olango of NUNS was named Best Opposite Spiker with teammates Bienne Bansil (First Best Middle Blocker), Celine Marsh (First Best Outside Spiker) and IC Cepada (Best Libero). — John Bryan Ulanday

Healthy Sotto looks forward to Gilas Pilipinas tour of duty

KAI SOTTO — B.LEAGUEOFFICIALENGLISH

KAI SOTTO looks forward to embarking on his latest Gilas Pilipinas tour of duty under the mentorship of coach Tim Cone.

“Very excited. Obviously I’m a big fan of coach Tim (Cone),” Mr. Sotto told News5 upon his arrival from Japan Monday afternoon.

The 7-foot-3 slotman is making his Gilas comeback after missing the Mr. Cone-coached Gilas crew that won the Asian Games gold last October due to his commitment with his then B. League club Hiroshima.

Mr. Sotto last wore the Philippine colors last September when the Nationals routed China, 96-75, in the FIBA World Cup classification game. He accounted for 12 points and nine rebounds in that famous win. Mr. Sotto reports to the Gilas Pilipinas camp for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers fresh from a pair of stellar performances for his current club Yokohama.

Last Sunday, he erupted for 26 markers and 11 boards to power the B-Corsairs to a 90-85 overtime win over Chiba. This came a day after he delivered 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting and 10 rebounds in a 79-89 loss to the Jets.

“I’m 100 percent ready. More confident than the World Cup (campaign) and definitely healthy now. It’s (going to be) more exciting,” said Mr. Sotto, who played through a back injury during the WC. — Olmin Leyba

Lionel Messi has ‘invitation’ to play for Argentina at Olympics — Mascherano

LIONEL MESSI — REUTERS

THE DOOR is open for Lionel Messi to play at this year’s Paris Olympics, Argentina’s under-23 manager Javier Mascherano said.

Argentina secured their place at the Games after beating Brazil 1-0 on Sunday in the final four of South America’s qualifying tournament.

Asked about the possibility of 36-year-old Mr. Messi playing in Paris, his former Argentina and Barcelona team mate Mr. Mascherano told reporters: “Well, everyone knows my relationship with Leo, the friendship I have with him.

“I have always said that a player like Leo has opened doors and the invitation to accompany us then will obviously depend on him, his compromises and his time, but the invitation will clearly be there.”

Inter Miami forward Mr. Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, won gold with the national team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The men’s soccer tournament at the Olympics takes place in July and August. Teams are allowed three overage players in their squads. — Reuters

Luisita seniors face tough PAL Interclub defense

LUISITA Golf Club is gearing up for a tough title defense in the senior competition of the 75th Philippine Airlines Interclub golf team championships.

Canlubang and Manila Southwoods have beefed up their lineups to challenge Luisita at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro and Del Monte golf course in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Following the exit of Benjie Sumulong, who will now play for Alabang, Luisita recalled Jing Tuason and added Ferdie Barboza and Marvin Caparros to backstop holdovers Rodel Mangulabnan, Ronnie Littaua, Chino Raymundo, Marty Ilagan, and Dan Cruz.

Luisita came from behind to beat Canlubang by seven points at the 2023 PAL Interclub in Cebu City last year.

“Luisita still has a solid team even without Benjie Sumulong this year,” said Luisita non-playing team captain Jeric Hechanova. “But Canlubang should be favored with three new solid players who will be a good addition to their existing lineup.”

Canlubang will return with only five members from its 2023 team – Abe Rosal, Damasus Wong, Zaldy Villa, Abe Avena, and Rolly Viray.

The Sugar Barons have tapped Pem Rosal, John Paul Reyes, and Jess Hernandez to provide additional firepower.

Manila Southwoods is hoping to break the Luisita-Canlubang stranglehold of the event by securing the services of many-time Alabang Country Club champion Jorge Gallent.

Mr. Gallent will team up with top gun Junjun Plana, Thirdy Escano, Joseph Tambunting, Theody Pascual, and Mandred Guangko who all played at the 2023 PAL Interclub in Cebu City.

Southwoods also tapped Monet Garcia and Michael Cheon.

The PAL Interclub seniors’ competition, which kicks off on Feb. 22, will serve as the aperitif to the men’s regular tournament set on March 1.

The diamond anniversary edition of what is regarded as the country’s unofficial golf club team championships will now be played with a new format that guarantees keener competition.

From the usual five players coming out for each team every day, the men’s regular event will now use the four-to-play, three-to-count format that makes for balanced action.

Looming as a possible title contender is Alabang spearheaded by Sumulong. The team is also made up of Arnel Paras, Toti Zara, Kevin Kim, RJ Maclang, Jerome Hernandez, Timmy Yang, and Marc Reyes.

The 75th staging of the PAL Interclub is supported by diamond sponsors Mastercard and Asian Journal. Platinum sponsors include Airbus, Primax and Araw Hospitality while gold sponsors are Tanduay and Asia Brewery. Joining the event as silver sponsors are ABS-CBN Global and Radio Mindanao Network. VISA is a minor sponsor while Must Glow is joining as a donor.

Andy Reid to coach Chiefs in 2024; QB Patrick Mahomes thinking No. 3

LAS VEGAS — Andy Reid woke up as the fifth head coach to win at least three Super Bowls, a class that includes Bill Walsh, Joe Gibbs, Chuck Noll and Bill Belichick.

Mr. Reid confirmed he will be back next season as head coach but is leaving dynasty and three-peat talk up to others.

“Honestly, I haven’t even thought of it. I get asked it. I’m still kind of in awe of the game. I haven’t thought why or what,” Mr. Reid said Monday when asked why he wouldn’t ride off into the sunset. “It’s not going to just be easy. We’ll have changeover on our team, there’s always the unexpected, have to keep battling through it. I just asked (quarterback Patrick Mahomes), has anyone done in three (consecutive) times? He said no. It’d be great.”

Super Bowl LVIII MVP Patrick Mahomes ended his seventh season with his third Lombardi Trophy, and hit the pillow early Monday morning thinking about becoming the first team in NFL history to three-peat.

“It’s legendary — no one’s ever done it,” Mr. Mahomes said Monday of his trophy mindset. “Only eight teams have done it back-to-back. We felt like we had the best opportunity we’ve ever had. All you can do is come back next year with the best mindset and try to do it again. I know how hard these guys work. I know how hard they get after it. I know how hard these coaches work.

“To be able to have our stamp on NFL history is something I’ll never take for granted.”

Quarterback (QB) Mr. Mahomes said the Chiefs entered the halftime locker room trailing 10-3 on Sunday night very confident because they weren’t executing.

“For us, we just had to be us. Give it everything we have and live with the results after,” Mr. Mahomes said.

Mr. Reid said Mr. Mahomes’ performance and excellence can be easy to take for granted, but he’s still getting better.

“He makes it look easy,” Mr. Reid said. “This is a fluid game with the best athletes in this sport in the world. You’ve narrowed it down to the top two. And he’s out there playing like he’s in the back yard, like it’s nothing. From a head-coaching standpoint, guy that works with offensive guys, all you can ask for.”

Free agency begins with the franchise tag window running from Feb. 20 to March 5. Seven players were tagged last year.

Teams can retain their own free agents prior to the start of the unrestricted free agency negotiating period, which begins at Noon ET on March 13. Contracts can become official on March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.

Among top players eligible for free agency are Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and 49ers defensive end Chase Young.

“I know how hard it is to do and how hard the season was,” Reid said. “The ups and downs of the season and how proud I am of the guys for just hanging with each other and staying positive with each other. The young guys grew up, and nobody ever pointed fingers at the offense when the offense was growing. It all kind of came together during the playoffs and worked out well. Great leaders in Patrick, Chris and Trav (tight end Travis Kelce), the job that they’ve done.”

Mahomes said he’ll work with the Chiefs to remain “as flexible as possible as far as the cap and stuff like that” to keep the franchise in position to add talent to the roster.

Kicking off LIX: New Orleans will host the Super Bowl for the 11th time next February, tying Miami for the most in league history, which included three games at Tulane Stadium before the Superdome was unveiled.

“I think it’s 363 days until Super Bowl (LIX) 59 begins,” Goodell said. “We look forward to being there.”

New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson was on hand for the “handoff” from the Las Vegas host committee on Monday morning.

“I am confident we will pull together as we always do to deliver our guests from around the country and world the greatest experience possible,” Benson said. — Reuters

Some 49ers unaware of overtime rules in Super Bowl loss

THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ers woke up on Monday still stinging from a Super Bowl loss and facing criticism given that some of their players admitted they were not aware of playoff overtime rules that allowed for both teams to possess the ball.

Sunday’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas was only the second to go to overtime and the first to fall under a March 2022 rule change which eliminated the chance of a team winning the game outright on the first possession of the extra period with a touchdown.

“I didn’t even know about the new playoff overtime rule, so it was a surprise to me,” 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead said after the game. “I didn’t even really know what was going on in terms of that.”

After winning the overtime coin toss, the 49ers elected to receive the ball to start the extra frame and marched down the field before settling for a 27-yard field goal and a 22-19 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs.

But the Chiefs responded with a 75-yard drive that Patrick Mahomes capped with a three-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman that secured a 25-22 victory.

In the regular season, if the team that gets the ball first in overtime scores a touchdown on the opening possession, they win.

“You know what? I didn’t even realize the playoff rules were different in overtime. I assume you just want the ball to score a touchdown and win,” 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk said in an ESPN report. “I guess that’s not the case. I don’t totally know the strategy there. We hadn’t talked about it, no.”

The NFL’s overtime rules came under fire in January 2022 after the Buffalo Bills’ high-powered offense never got a chance to touch the ball in the extra period of their crushing playoff loss to the Chiefs.

At the time, if a team kicked a field goal on the first possession of overtime, their opponent got a possession and could win the game with a touchdown or tie it with a field goal. If both teams got field goals, then the next team to score wins.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he and his analytics team discussed overtime possibilities ahead of the Super Bowl.

Members of the Chiefs, including head coach Andy Reid, said after the game their analytics showed it was better to kick off in overtime so that if both teams matched and scored, they would have a chance to win outright on the next possession.

“He’s a pretty smart guy, so there’s gotta be a reason why he (chose to receive the ball first),” Mr. Reid said of Mr. Shanahan.

“Everybody’s got their own philosophy on it. I don’t know if there’s a right or wrong; we felt that you (should) kick off first, but that’s neither here nor there. That’s what we think, but, listen, the guy’s a great football coach.” — Reuters