A selection of quotes from Rob Ford’s television interviews Wednesday

By The Canadian Press

TORONTO – Toronto Mayor Rob Ford granted one-on-one interviews to a handful of television stations Wednesday, talking about the drug and alcohol abuse that sent him to rehab. Here is a selection of quotes from those interviews.

On the extent of his drug use:

“You name it, I pretty well covered it. I was in denial. I convinced myself I didn’t have a problem,” Ford told CBC.

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On the life-long nature of his problem:

“It’s not just an addiction. Some people can drink, some people can casually use drugs. I have a disease. I have a chronic disease. I was born with blond hair and I’m going to die with blond hair. I was born with this disease. I’m going to die with this disease,” Ford told CBC.

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On saying sorry to Toronto’s “diverse community” for reported racist and homophobic remarks:

“I think I did and if I haven’t I’ll apologize again. I think I was quite clear and everything I said while I was using — I offended a lot of people and all I can do is apologize and say sorry. I cannot change the past and I think that covers everyone that you just mentioned,” Ford told CP24.

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On the stresses of being mayor not being a trigger:

“This is what I love to do. This is not causing the disease. I’ve had this disease before I even entered this office,” Ford told CBC.

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On refusing to be interviewed by police:

“Regardless of my alcoholism and my substance abuse problem this is handled through my lawyer, Dennis Morris. I think anybody in my position would get legal advice and that’s exactly what I’ve done. Obviously it’s before the courts,” Ford told CBC.

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On whether he would resign if he relapses:

“I did not drink yesterday and I haven’t drank today. I take one day at a time.”

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