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In Seneca the Elder's Controversiae, the rhetorician Stertinius Maximus is primarily referenced and discussed in Book 2 (specifically Controversiae2.1.36) rather than Book 9. 

However, Book 9 features a highly famous preface (Contr. 9. praef.) that critiques the exhibitionist nature of the declamation schools. If you are looking at Book 9 regarding contemporary figures, you may be thinking of Votienus Montanus. Below is the context, Latin text, and English translation regarding Stertinius Maximus as recorded by Seneca the Elder. 

The Context

Stertinius Maximus (who became a suffect consul in 23 CE) was a Roman rhetorician and a close, longtime friend of the quick-witted declaimer Vallius Syriacus. Despite their twelve-year friendship, Stertinius turned on Syriacus and attacked him. Syriacus retaliated during a debate with a famous, stinging piece of repartee that Seneca the Elder deemed too brilliant to leave out of his collection. 

Latin Text (Contr. 2.1.36)

Et in Stertinium Maximum, qui illum ex vetere amicitia lora laeserat, dixit: „Duodecim annis in contubernio tuo fui; dic quid in domo tua peccaverim. Sed hoc vestri generis est: libertatis finem putatis iniuriam; tamdiu vobis placemus, quamdiu utiles sumus.“ Has Syriaci sententias, quia cum magno plausu exceptae erant, cum in memoriam mihi redissent, praeterire non potui. 

English Translation

“And against Stertinius Maximus, who had attacked him despite their being old friends, he [Syriacus] said: 'For twelve years I was in your circle; tell me what I did wrong in your house. But this is typical of your type: you call the ending of slavery an insult. We are to your liking only as long as we are of use to you.' I could not leave out these witticisms of Syriacus, received as they were with great applause, once I recalled them.” 

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If you are looking for a different Stertinius—such as the general under Germanicus mentioned by Tacitus, the Stoic philosopher mocked by Horace, or the wealthy imperial physician under Claudius—or if you meant a different section of Book 9, let me know so I can track down the exact passage you need!