Media day MADNESS

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Charlie Riedel / the associated press Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was in no mood to discuss performance-enhancing drugs or a previous conviction of obstruction of justice in connection to two murders. (CP)

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Media day came and went at the Super Bowl with no shortage of talk from the bold to the bizarre.

The NFL estimates there were over 5,000 international media at the Superdome on Tuesday to absorb the words of the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers.

Here's a sampling of what was being said:

Ray Lewis, Ravens LB -- on reports he's used performance-enhancing drugs:

"Two years ago that was the same report. I wouldn't give that report or him any of my press (time). He's not worthy of that."

-- on being convicted of obstruction of justice in connection to two murders:

"Nobody here is qualified to talk about that at this time. I live with that every day of my life. You don't... I'd rather not talk about that today."

"Next question."

Ray Rice, Ravens RB

-- on his guilty pleasure:

"Mom's cooking and more of mom's cooking. I'm allergic to shellfish, so I don't get a lot of sensations off seafood. I like a lot of grilled chicken. I like pasta. To me, I might be a little guy, but I've got to keep my weight on so I can absorb some of these hits. I've got to be the hammer and not the nail."

Joe Flacco, Ravens QB -- on why holding Super Bowl in New York next year is a bad idea:

"I think it's obvious reasons. They've done it the way they've been doing it for 47 years. There's a lot that goes into this game, more than just playing the game: it's about the fans and it's about the players that played for the right to get there. There are a lot of things that go into it and it's just kind of a crazy decision, I believe."

-- on being called dull:

"People have been telling me that my dad was quoted as calling me that. I think the bottom line is I think he takes it as a compliment because I believe that it probably means I'm going out there and carrying myself in a good manner and not giving anybody a reason to maybe like me or dislike me. Either way, I don't really concern myself with that. It's all good with me. I don't know if I would say I'm dull but I'm probably close to it. And no, I don't have any tattoos."

Colin Kaepernick, 49ers QB -- on being a quarterback covered in tattoos

"(I was) 19 (when I got my first tattoo). I always wanted tattoos, but my dad told me that, 'You're not going to have any tattoos while you're under this roof. Once you're 18 and out of the house you can do what you want.'"

-- on whether he is worried his tattoos will affect his marketability

"That's not something I worry about. I'm here to play football. If the endorsements come then that's great. If not, well that's what it is. I love my tattoos regardless."

Alex Smith, 49ers QB -- on Kaepernick taking the starting job

"No question, I'm not going to lie about any of that. (It's been) tough at times for sure, tough to accept, tough to watch, but we're in the Super Bowl, and this has been an amazing experience. It's a great team, I love being a part of it. I have said it before, it's bittersweet a little bit, but still, it's been a great thing to be a part of."

-- on his frustration losing the starting job:

"I mean, it's only human nature that things like that do happen, but for me it's just trying to shut all that down. That's not doing any good for anybody, certainly not me. For me, it's focusing on my job, staying ready, and being the best teammate I can. Those are the priorities for me; those are what I try --to focus on."

Jim Harbaugh, 49ers coach -- on his brother and coach of the Ravens John Harbaugh:

"He's a great coach. He's very talented. I've said it many times, I think I'm half the coach that he is but I'm trying. That might be a little bit generous. I have less than half the experience he has, less than half the playoff appearances, wins, etc. We know the task ahead of us, we know the great challenge ahead of us."

-- on his least favourite thing about John Harbaugh:

"I don't have that on the tip of my tongue."

-- compiled by Gary Lawless

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 30, 2013 C4