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March 24 -- March 30, 2025
Issue No. 582
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Brackets Bonanza
Carousel: Time to
Run with the Pack!
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Let's take a quick look at how my selections have fared: Duke, Florida, Creighton, Houston and Saint Mary's/Vanderbilt. Unfortunately, the CREIGHTON Bluejays couldn't overcome AUBURN's defense, but it was hardly the oft-predicted triumphant victory by the #1 ranked team, (82-70). With the exception of one 8-0 Auburn run, it was an even game. On the plus-side, I have the two most overfed bluejays in Monterey, and my crow, Sheryl, has also done well. She routinely dines on some bread while on the deck, then takes a "to go" order for the family (she's a Duke fan, btw).
HOUSTON handled an always tough GONZAGA team, as West Coast fans know. The Zags, under coach Mark Few, made an incredible run down the back stretch, but lost by a nose, 81-76.
DUKE beat BAYLOR 89-66 in what was the Stress-Free Game du Jour. Cooper Flagg & Co. excelled in all areas.
The FLORIDA Gators finally converted some free throws to narrowly beat the NCAA champs from the previous two years, U. CONN, under the volatile coach Hurley, 77-75, in a tense, rough and tumble contest.
A fearless SAINT MARY'S team fell victim to a well-stocked ALABAMA team, 80-66. First half shots wouldn't fall for the Gaels, but a respectable second half kept it within range. Alabama's relentless high-powered offense ultimately took its toll as they reached 80-points, a rarity for Saint Mary's always tenacious defense.
IN OTHER ACTION: In a game which attracted major national interest, the "Loser's Hall of Fame Game," John Calipari's ARKANSAS upset Rick Pitino and ST. JOHN'S, 75-66, the first high seed (#2) to exit. To all those who had anointed St. John's and, some would say the sleaziest coach in basketball to win it all, the truth is NIL $ can't buy a Tournament. Even with Seton Hall's best player from last year and other products, Pitino was shamed by Calipari. St. Johns was 2-of-22 from behind the 3-point line and shot just 28% overall. In another upset, the BYU COUGARS (6) beat WISCONSIN (3), 91-89, the program's first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2011. Good day to be a Cougar. Still alive and kickin' for my selections? DUKE, FLORIDA and HOUSTON. Lookin' good!
ATTN: TEAMS STILL IN THE RACE: Be prepared to "Run with the Pack" --with some Bad Company alongside.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMTpMAQz9-w
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
Marketing Director, Sports Today
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Contents
Games
Bay FC 2, Racing Louisville FC 0
Oakland Roots SC 1, San Antonio FC 2
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Charlotte FC 4
Features & Commentary
Donna de Varona, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Hey! We've Got Pro Sports in Oakland!, by Lydia Chain
It's That Time of Year, by Howard Pearlstein
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Sportscaster's Special Bond with Attles, by Dave Newhouse
Organizations
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A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Nighthawks
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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(L-R) Bruce Macgowan, Rich Walcoff and Al Attles at
Crogan's Montclair in Oakland. Photo by a Crogan's staff member
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Sportscaster's
Special Bond
With Attles
by Dave Newhouse
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Fifty years ago, Bruce Macgowan was a young sportscaster just getting started, working in Auburn and so eager to succeed that he sat in the stands at Warriors games and practiced doing play-by-play.
That just happened to be the 1974-75 season, the Warriors first NBA championship out west. After one regular-season victory, and feeling “a little intimidated,” he entered the coach’s office during a media session. Then, finally, as the room emptied, the 6-foot-4 Macgowan heard the coach say to him, “How’s your jump shot?”
This was Macgowan’s first meeting with Al Attles, an interaction that grew into a friendship that lasted until Attles passed away last August at 87.
| | Bruce Macgowan at KNBR in 1993 | | |
“He was the first coach I’d interviewed,” said Macgowan, now 72, “and he was like an uncle, making me feel comfortable."
It’s not uncommon that a journalist and coach become friendly, but that such a friendship would last a half-century is extreme. Even more rare: that a journalist would look after a coach in the autumn of life.
“He was the finest man I ever met next to my father,” Macgowan said last week, trying to explain the strong bond between two good men.
Steve Kerr recently triumphed for the 558th time as Warriors coach, passing Attles as the team’s all-time winning coach. Kerr then said, nobly, after Attles’ widow Wilhelmina presented him the game ball, “Al Attles is the Warriors, and the Warriors are Al Attles.”
So true. Attles played for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors from 1960 to 1971, earning the nickname “The Destroyer” for his fierce, combative approach. He then evolved from player-coach to head coach, which lasted 14 years until he stepped down in 1983. After three years as general manager, he stayed on with the Warriors in a community capacity until his death from colon cancer and dementia.
“Al and Willie (Wilhelmina) came to my wedding when I married Colette in Nicasio in 1995,” said Macgowan.” It was so cool that I would know Al throughout my broadcasting career.”
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Macgowan with daughter Molly in front of KIEM TV 3 in Eureka where Bruce continued his broadcasting career as a
TV sportscaster in 1975
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Macgowan was a longtime Bay Area radio sports figure, most prominently at KNBR, before his retirement. That's when he conceived of a plan on how to remain close to Attles. Macgowan lives in Fairfax in Marin County, while Attles lived in the Oakland hills. The two met "a half-dozen times" at Crogan’s, a restaurant in Oakland’s Montclair District, sometimes joined by retired KGO sportscaster Rich Walcoff and yours truly. Willie drove her husband to the lunch, and Macgowan sometimes drove him home.
“Al's warmth, sense of humor, and appreciation of people was always there,” he said. “He never said a bad word about anybody. He just wasn’t that kind of person.”
Attles’ deep, booming voice would stun people at first, but there was a gentle nature behind the roar.
“There aren’t too many people like that — friendly, supportive of others — in life,” added Macgowan. “He kept his feet on the ground; he was very stable.”
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Golden State Warriors Legend and Community Ambassador
Alvin Attles was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019 in Springfield, MA.
Also pictured, Rick Barry, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member inducted in 1987
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But, all too soon, his feet would be bedridden. Time was ticking away much too fast.
"He loved getting together, but I knew he was going to go,” said Macgowan. “Willie said he was joking until he died.”
So many years, memories, and changes have occurred since Macgowan and Attles first met. Bruce and Colette Macgowan have a daughter, Molly, in college.
So many memories stick.
“Once in a while,” Macgowan recalled of a now older sportscaster and a retired coach reconnecting at the Oakland Arena, “I’d sit with Al in the upper bay, and he’d tell stories. He had a way of putting people at ease, like you were important.”
Good people are made that way.
For the new MLB season, Bruce Macgowan will be covering the
San Francisco Giants for Sports Today.
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* * * * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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San Francisco Giants
Media Day
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
| | Larry Baer, President and CEO of the San Francisco Giants, addressed the media on Wedneday, March 19 at Oracle Park. Photo by Ed Jay. | | |
Alfonso Felder, Chief Operations & Experience Officer,
San Francisco Giants. Photo by Ed Jay.
| | Stanford Continuing Studies | | |
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:50 pm (PT)
• 6 weeks • April 8 – May 27
Join Us Online!
Baseball isn’t just a game, it’s a national heartbeat. The most traditional, numbers-oriented, and nostalgia-inducing of our major sports, it offers a fantasyland for statisticians, an instrument for social change, a reprieve from the digital rush, and a source of lifelong memories. This course offers a behind-the-scenes look at the culture, history, and strategy that make America’s game so captivating.
Each week, you will join baseball insiders as they reveal the sport from unique perspectives: the journey of a player, the life of an umpire, the impact of analytics on team building, the evolving
media landscape, and more. We will also examine the business side of baseball, exploring everything from minor league operations to contract negotiations and stadium construction.
Luminary guest speakers, including major league players and executives, will show you how the game has evolved on and off the field.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just curious, join us this spring for an in-depth, entertaining look at what makes baseball an enduring part of American culture.
Register Now »
Course Instructors
| | | | |
Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting
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Andy Dolich has held executive positions in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Capitals. He is the
executive vice president of Fan Controlled Sports and Entertainment. Dolich is a co-author of Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival with Dave Newhouse and of 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes and LOL, Loss of Logo: What's Your Next Move? He is also the co-host of the podcast Life in the Front Office and a columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide.
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Dave Newhouse
Columnist and Author
| | Dave Newhouse has been a prominent figure in the Bay Area sports scene since the 1960s. He was an award-winning sports writer and columnist for the Oakland Tribune, a pioneer among sports talk show hosts on San Francisco radio, and is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town's Fight for Survival, co-authored with Andy Dolich, explores the story of Oakland losing its professional sports teams. | | |
Guest Speakers
Dave Stewart, Former Oakland A's All-Star Pitcher and Baseball Executive
Larry Bear, CEO, San Francisco Giants
Ken Korach, Oakland A's Radio Announcer
Brian Murphy, KNBR Sports Radio Host
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle Sports Columnist
Mike Pinto, Manager, Joliet Slammers, Minor League Baseball
Daniel Rascher, President, Sports Economics and Faculty, University of San Francisco
Ted Robinson, National Sports Broadcaster
Bill Schlough, CIO, San Francisco Giants
Russ Stanley, Senior Vice President, Ticket Sale's Service,
San Francisco Giants
Please note: Guest speakers may be subject to change.
Register Now »
| |
Jeremy Affeldt:
Pitching in the Big Leagues—Physical, Psychological and Strategic Aspects
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While opening day fever is still in the air, join us at noon to hear the inside story of pitching in the big leagues from Jeremy Affeldt, who pitched seven of his 14 major league seasons for the
San Francisco Giants (2009–2015).
How do major league pitchers prepare for their jobs? How do all the pieces (physical, mental, strategic, managerial, team chemistry, coaching and more) fit together? Affeldt will be in conversation with Leland Faust and will explore the realities and dispel the
myths of the sport.
George Hammond / Organizer
Leland Faust / In Conversation
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Jeremy Affeldt --
Former San Francisco Giants Pitcher; Three-time World Series Champion; Founder, Generation Alive nonprofit; Analyst, Major League Baseball Network
| | Leland Faust --Founder and Former Chief Investment Officer, CSI Capital Management; Investment Advisor to more than 100 NFL, NBA and MLB All-Stars | | |
George Hammond --
Author: Conversations With Socrates
| | |
In-person: $22
Free for Leadership Circle members and students
Thu, Apr 10 / 12:00 PM PDT
Not yet a member? Now is the time to join. Members get ticket discounts, special programs, travel opportunities, early notice of big events and more; plus, your membership helps sustain our nonprofit organization's work. You can become a monthly sustaining member for just $13 a month.
The Commonwealth Club of California
110 The Embarcadero
Toni Rembe Rock Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
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If you enjoy our free publication, a
contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
| | Thanks to the following generous donors! | | |
A. Nonymous
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Steve Chain
Harvey Cohen
Richard Cross -- Founder / San Francisco Nighthawks
Andy Dolich
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Robert Flammia
Bill & Nona Hool
Sheila Jordan
Arif Khatib
Mitchell Kim
David Larson
Ann McNaughton
Timothy Maroney
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Dave Newhouse
Timothy Palacios
James Reynolds
Ross & Vicki Robinson
Chloe Satterlee
Selina Satterlee
Robert Scheer
Leonard Schwab
Narda Zacchino
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Jerar Encarnacion versus the Detroit Tigers, August 10, 2024.
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Encarnacion out with fractured finger after hot spring
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado's Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- A promising spring for Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnacion came to an end on Friday when he landed on his glove hand during a diving catch attempt late in a game against the Guardians. Now, it’s looking like he will miss an extended period of time to begin the season.
MRI testing revealed a hairline fracture in Encarnacion’s left hand, around the knuckle on his ring finger.
“He was putting himself in the position of getting quite a few at-bats, and rightly so,” manager Bob Melvin said. “Based on what we saw last year and based on what we saw in the spring, there's a lot to like. Power dynamic, play the infield a little bit at first, play the outfield, DH. Sometimes it's tough for guys to DH, and he's good at it, so this stings some.
“And I feel bad for him, because the road that he's taken to get to the big leagues, this is probably going to be as good an opportunity as he's ever had.”
McCray and Lamb are both lefties who batted in the upper .200s this spring. Lamb’s average (.273 in 33 at-bats) was slightly higher, although McCray (.250 in 44 at-bats) has the advantage of speed. McCray can also play center field in the event that Jung Hoo Lee continues to miss time with back tightness.
It’s a tough break for Encarnacion, who batted .302 with two home runs and an .856 OPS this spring, but he seemed to be in good spirits ahead of his recovery.
continued...
www.sfgiants.com
| | |
"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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Zack Gelof versus the Los Angeles Angels, July 4, 2024.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
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Examining options at 2B if Gelof isn't ready for Opening Day
Martín Gallegos
@MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos' Athletics Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here and subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
MESA, Ariz. -- The Athletics are preparing for the possibility of an Opening Day without Zack Gelof.
Removed from Wednesday’s Cactus League game against the Guardians with a right hand contusion after getting hit by a pitch from reliever Paul Sewald, the A’s were hopeful Gelof could return to action within the next couple of days after precautionary X-rays came back negative. Before Saturday’s game against the Brewers at Hohokam Stadium, however, manager Mark Kotsay said there had been “no improvement” with the second baseman’s recovery over the previous two days.
“Still the same,” Kotsay said when asked Saturday morning for an update on Gelof. “We may look into getting further testing this afternoon.”
Gelof was spotted fielding grounders during batting practice prior to Thursday’s game against the D-backs, which seemed like an encouraging sign at the time. Following Friday’s game against the Royals, Kotsay said he believed that Gelof would likely be able to play through the issue if this was the regular season. But with the swelling on his right hand still apparent, the next step is likely an MRI to provide more clarity on what exactly he might be dealing with.
continued...
www.athletics.com
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Oakland Baller Opening Day Tickets Now Available
Ballers,
It’s baseball time.
We cannot wait for Opening Day on May 20th, 2025 at 6:35pm at Raimondi Park. We’re starting the season out the way we like it: at home in Oakland.
Tickets for this game are now available -- purchase them in our ticketing platform.
What: 2025 Opening Day Game
When: 5/20, 6:35pm
Where: Raimondi Park, Oakland, CA
Have questions about game day? Review our Game Day Information page that includes info about policies, transportation, parking, etc
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Oakland Roots SC 1
San Antonio FC 2
Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Saturday, March 22, 2025
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More than 26,000 fans packed the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday evening to celebrate the Oakland Roots’ home opener
versus San Antonio FC. (All photos by Lydia Chain)
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Hey! We’ve Got Pro Sports in Oakland!
by Lydia Chain
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Though the 2-1 score line did not leave the Oakland Roots SC victorious at their sold-out home opener against San Antonio FC, the general consensus of the crowd was that The Town won.
Establishments were packed with diverse groups of Roots fans meeting up with many pleasantly surprised by the turn out. BART trains were full on the way to the stadium, like pre-pandemic rush hour, while the freeway exits and parking lot at the Coliseum was a nightmare. Nobody cared as long as we all got into the stadium before kick-off.
The bridge over the Coliseum’s copious food and operating supplies was crowded with bottlenecking, but the street vendors and “unofficial” t-shirt purveyors helped to distract by adding some color to the scene.
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The crowd was an eclectic mix of women having “girls’ night,” families, tech bros, hipsters, nerds, the medical community, punks in leather jackets, and A’s Fans. The latter showed extreme pride in the night’s retiring of the number 24, after the late “Man of Steal” A’s Hall of Famer Ricky Henderson.
San Antonio tried to bring down the energy with an early goal, but Justin Rasmussen harnessed the electric energy of the over 26,000 in attendance—11,000 more than the original capacity. His amazing skill was put on display through the magic of a beautiful bicycle kick to score a goal to tie up the match. The Roots played in their alternate kits that featured the A’s signature green and gold color palette to show the passing of the torch from Oakland’s previous Coliseum inhabitants.
East Oakland native Too $hort’s halftime show, where he was accompanied by Knights Cheer, the mostly black cheerleading squad from Castlemont High School (formerly East Oakland High School), had the crowd bumping.
The jovial spirit of the night was only brought down by San Antonio’s second, ultimately winning, goal.
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The vibe of the stadium was akin to that of more soccer-obsessed cities worldwide. Los Roots, whose leader kept the “Let’s go Oakland” chants going through his megaphone, accompanied by their drummer, until the conclusion of the match. They waved their banners and flags as they continued undeterred to cheer on their team.
The night ended with one of the biggest fireworks displays I’ve seen in Oakland outside of the Fourth of July, except this one was sanctioned and produced by professionals.
We didn’t win, but I wasn’t even that annoyed by the post stadium markup of $10 for a street dog—a Nogale-style bacon wrapped hot dog fresh off the grill covered in sizzling onions and bell peppers.
Sometimes when you lose, you win?
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MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Charlotte FC 4
San Jose unable to make up for first-half deficit; Quakes return home next Saturday night to defend Heritage Cup against Seattle Sounders FC
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The San Jose Earthquakes were defeated by Charlotte FC 4-1 on Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium in front of 27,463 fans.
Charlotte FC scored first in transition when midfielder Pep Biel’s left-footed shot from the edge of the box found the back of the net in the 11th minute. The hosts doubled the advantage in the 36th minute when another transition opportunity resulted in forward Idan Toklomati finding midfielder Ashley Westwood in the box for a 2-0 lead. Four minutes later, Biel curled a through ball behind the back line and midfielder Brandt Bronico finished the service. Despite outshooting Charlotte FC 11-7, San Jose entered halftime down 3-0.
In the 52nd minute, Charlotte right winger Kerwin Vargas hauled in a long ball from Biel on the right wing and slotted it home for a fourth goal. San Jose forward Preston Judd helped the Black and Blue get back in the game in the 74th minute when he was dragged down in the box by Andrew Privett, resulting in a red card for the Charlotte defender and a penalty kick for the Earthquakes. Three minutes later, Quakes forward Chicho Arango converted from the spot to pull one back for the final margin.
The Black and Blue will now head home next Saturday, March 29, when they defend the Heritage Cup against Seattle Sounders FC. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Bay FC 2
Racing Louisville FC 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, March 22, 2025
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Match Recap: Bay FC Bests Racing Louisville behind first-half scores by Joelle Anderson, Karlie Lema
SAN JOSE, Calif. (March 22, 2025) — Bay FC (1-0-1, 4pts.) bested Racing Louisville FC (0-1-1, 1pt.) 2-0 in its home opener Saturday night at PayPal Park, earning its first victory of the 2025 NWSL season. A pair of first half goals and a strong defensive performance led the club to its first shutout of the season, while Joelle Anderson and Karlie Lema netted their first goals of the campaign. Lema’s score represented the first of her pro career, coming in her first career start.
“It’s a great win. It’s something we’ve been looking forward to – playing at home,” said Head Coach Albertin Montoya. “We have what I consider the best fans in the league, and it just gives our players that extra energy and excitement of just being unpredictable, and enjoying themselves in the attacking third and creating things and they just continue to work, we’ve come together, and we’re understanding each other really well on the field, with great chemistry.”
After an early chance from the visitors, Bay FC controlled the early goings. San Jose native Anderson opened the scoring just 12 minutes in, corralling a recycled set piece opportunity and sending a shot from near the penalty spot into the upper right corner. The score was her first of the season and the sixth of her NWSL career, as well as her second straight match with a scoring contribution after assisting Kiki Pickett’s score vs. Utah last week.
Abby Dahlkemper nearly found her first goal of the season just moments after Anderson opened her 2025 account. Bay FC’s captain got on the end of an Alyssa Malonson cross in the 16th minute after getting in behind Louisville’s backline, but her headed attempt was stopped by the goalkeeper.
continued...
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It's That Time Of Year
by Howard Pearlstein
All the sports are chockablock here, there, everywhere, these are the question mark times with seasons about to start or about to finish. Nothing’s actual yet, so it’s all Nostrodumbass, people trying to predict who what when will happen and what won’t, because if this, then that, unless something else.
MLB is getting ready for the season, lots of news about who is going to do what. I don’t care enough about any of that to try to pretend I know anything.
NFL is in that pre-season pre-draft place of no news, confounding writers by giving us nothing to say. And that becomes a justification for trash talking and silly statistics.
I was especially appalled by one for my collection of famous moments of idiotic arrogance, some Nepo Baby writer trying to make a case for the Niners dumping Purdy. The smart move would be trading him for a passel of draft choices, because paying him what he’s worth would be too much, and he wasn’t all that great last season. They can draft a new one. At the very least, make him sweat. Never give a player what he asks.
As if no one could point to the holdouts by the All-Pro left tackle and Purdy’s WR as contributing to the early season injuries that were a good part of young Mr. Purdy’s season not being up to the standard he’d set. I mean, come on. These are real human beings out there, not just Fantasy Football names on paper.
As to the “tough guy” standard of never giving a player what he asked for, the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) season has started, with our own BAY FC’s home opener this past weekend. The NWSL’s improved Collective Bargaining Agreement, completed last year, is a first in American professional sports, coming up to FIFA standards of players’ rights.
What the new NWSL CBA does, among other changes, is eliminate the college draft, make every player eligible for unrestricted free agency, sets a minimum salary with all contracts guaranteed (as they usually are in the real world, i.e., the place outside of sports) and make trades conditional on the player’s approval of which team becomes her destination.
Combined together, the new contract specifics make a much-needed change in the nature of American professional sports. Since all the players are free agents, the owner of each team owns the team itself but does not own the players. Each team has to do what it can to make it attractive and career-supporting.
Okay, I admit it. It’s a game played outdoors from March to November. I realize all a player has to do is look at the national weather report to find the Bay Area pretty attractive.
Finally, NBA season coming to a close since Jimmy Butler joined the team with the Dubs kicking ass and taking names like, well, like warriors on a rampage. I’m delighted even though my cable system means I’m reduced to watching the Youtube highlights a few hours after the game.
I’m especially pleased that I wasn’t able to post my article about why adding one super player never seems to make the team into the champion it wants to be.
Had I finished it in time, I would have revealed myself to be a smartass know-nothing idiot, just the same as all the other writers I target for slanders. That’s something I do my best to cover up. Although, now that I think about it, my readers may already know those things about me.
In which case, I offer you heartfelt thanks for your kindness.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
| | Donna de Varona -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | | |
I recently had the privilege of attending the Multi-Ethic Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Oakland, California. Among the new inductees was former Olympic gold medalist swimmer Donna de Varona. In 1964 the Associated Press and United Press International voted de Varona the "most outstanding woman athlete in the world." Throughout the ceremony, Donna was very friendly and I had a chance to speak with her briefly. After the award ceremony, Donna signed the program booklet for me.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
| |
Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 124: NCAA's NIL Recruitment Rules Are
No More
| | |
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
The recent settlement between the NCAA and several states marks a significant turning point in the collegiate athletics landscape.
On March 17, a joint motion was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee seeking entry of a consent judgment and permanent injunction in the case of State of Tennessee, et al. v. National Collegiate Athletic Association.
As a refresher, the States of Tennessee, Florida, and New York, along with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia, brought legal action against the NCAA. They challenged the NCAA's policies regarding NIL compensation for college athletes, which has been a contentious issue in college sports for years.
The settlement, as evidenced by the filed motion, indicates that the NCAA has agreed to certain terms that will be formalized through a consent judgment and permanent injunction.
The gist is that the NCAA will not restrain prospective college athletes and current college athletes in the transfer portal or who otherwise have declared their intent to transfer during the recruiting windows from discussing or negotiating potential NIL opportunities or entering into contracts with third parties for NIL compensation even when such compensation is contingent on enrollment at a particular school.
It essentially makes permanent what was preliminarily ruled upon by the court. Everyone has since been acting as though the prior restriction was no longer valid. Now we know that there are no controlling rules surrounding these activities.
continued...
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Friends of Laguna Seca Names Motorsports Veteran Mel Harder General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
MONTEREY, Calif., Mar. 20 2025—Friends of Laguna Seca announced today that Mel Harder has been named President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Harder brings three decades of motorsports experience to his new role after most recently serving as team manager at Chip Ganassi Racing. His previous positions include senior vice president and general manager of Circuit of the Americas and senior vice president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Harder’s experience provides him with an extensive background in hosting international, world-class events and facility management.
“Our board and team are very enthusiastic about having Mel join us and his background makes him uniquely qualified to strengthen our efforts at WeatherTech Raceway and Laguna Seca Recreation Area,” said Lauri Eberhart, CEO of Friends of Laguna Seca. “His insight and operational expertise will play a pivotal role in facilitating our long-term commitment to the local and motorsports communities, our partners and dedicated fans, and our efforts to revitalize Laguna Seca for generations to come.”
In his new role, Harder will collaborate closely with Eberhart and the entire raceway team to implement Friends’ business model designed to enhance operational performance and develop new experiences and services for guests, motorsports series, and partners.
"The vision of Friends of Laguna Seca fuels the passion and energy needed to drive this venue forward, and I’m thrilled to bring my experience and enthusiasm for the world of motorsports to help lead the team,” Harder said. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners and the entire community to create unforgettable experiences as we continue the legacy of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as a world-class entertainment destination.”
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca located in Monterey, California is operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the revitalization and modernization of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Find out more at www.friendsoflagunaseca.org.
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www.weathertechraceway.com
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Ferrari Challenge at Sonoma Raceway Raises Over $67,000 for
Speedway Children's Charities Sonoma Chapter
SONOMA, Calif. (March 12, 2025) – Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) Sonoma, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, is proud to announce that it raised over $67,000 through ticket sales from the Ferrari Challenge North America event on March 8. The funds generated will directly benefit local children and families in need across Sonoma County.
The Ferrari Challenge North America, renowned as the largest single-marquee racing series in North America, offered an exciting weekend of high-speed action, fierce competition, and a festive atmosphere, all set against a backdrop of Ferrari Red. Alongside thrilling races, attendees were treated to a stunning display of the latest luxury Ferrari models, including the all-new twin-turbo V6 296 Challenge with over 700 horsepower, as well as a collection of privately owned Ferraris. The event kept fans on the edge of their seats with dramatic podium finishes and intense racing during the penultimate round of the series.
In addition to the on-track excitement, this year’s event featured a special Air Show during the pre-race festivities. For an exciting 26 minutes, the sky above Sonoma Raceway came alive as the Patriots Jet Team performed a breathtaking aerial spectacle that captivated the crowd, adding a thrilling layer to the weekend’s festivities.
While the roar of Ferrari engines and the aerial acrobatics of the jets stole the show, the weekend was also focused on giving back to the community. All proceeds from ticket sales went directly to Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma, whose mission is to support local nonprofits that assist children and families in need through annual grants.
"We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the fans and the community," said Courtney Kiser, Director of SCC Sonoma. "The funds raised will help provide essential resources to local children and families, making a real difference in their lives."
For more information on Sonoma Raceway’s lively 2025 racing season schedule, including the upcoming GT World Challenge America on March 28-30, visit SonomaRaceway.com.
To learn more about Speedway Children’s Charities and how you can get involved, visit speedwaycharities.org.
www.sonomaraceway.com
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Kayla Williams drives to the hoop against Mississippi State
No. 8 Cal Falls To No. 9 Mississippi State In NCAA Tournament
Michelle Onyiah Posts 12th Double-Double
LOS ANGELES (AP) Madina Okot had 14 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out late and ninth-seeded Mississippi State beat California 59-46 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.
Eniya Russell added 14 points for the Bulldogs (22-11), who are back in March Madness for the first time in two years. They lost in the national title game in 2017 and 2018.
Michelle Onyiah led the eighth-seeded Golden Bears with 17 points and 15 rebounds despite four fouls. Lulu Twidale added 13 points before fouling out in the final seconds.
Cal's only lead was by one point in the first quarter, when the Bears managed just five points. They recovered to play the Bulldogs evenly in the second but trailed 26-19 at halftime.
The Bears (25-9) capped their first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference by making the NCAAs for the first time since 2019, when current USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb was in charge.
The Bears got within six in the third quarter only to see the Bulldogs close on a 9-3 run to lead 41-29 going into the fourth. Four players scored in the spurt.
The Bears committed 24 turnovers and got outscored 32-18 in the paint and 15-0 in bench points.
Mississippi State will play JuJu Watkins and top-seeded USC in the second round on Monday at Galen Center. The Bulldogs last made the Sweet 16 in 2019.
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Men’s Basketball Season
Comes to a Close
Stanford fell to Kent State in the second round
of the NIT
STANFORD, Calif. – The first season of the Kyle Smith era ended in the second round of the NIT, as Stanford fell to Kent State, 77-75. The Cardinal finishes the season at 21-14 overall, marking its most victories since 2014-15 while matching a program record with 17 wins at Maples Pavilion.
Jaylen Blakes led the scoring with 23 points, setting a new career high in his final collegiate game. Blakes finished with five assists, and zero turnovers, helping him move into 13th place on Stanford’s single-season assists list.
The only player in the country averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, Maxime Raynaud finished his Stanford career with his nation-leading 25th double-double of the season, ending the night with 22 points and 10 rebounds with four blocks. Raynaud moved past Spencer Jones ’24 and Kim Belton ’80 on Stanford’s all-time scoring list, with the Paris native finishing his career in seventh with 1,623 points. He also passed Landry Fields for fourth on Stanford’s single-season scoring list, finishing the season with 707 points, and finishes second in NCAA history for 3-pointers in a season by a 7-footer with 67.
Chisom Okpara tallied 13 points and five rebounds while Oziyah Sellers scored 11 points with six rebounds. Stanford made eight threes on the night, breaking the program’s single-season record with 294.
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Photo: Walter Casuga
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Water Polo Finished Home Schedule Against Harvard
SAN JOSE, Calif.—Jennine Osorio and Darcy Spark each scored two goals as the No. 18 San José State women’s water polo team fell to No. 11 Harvard, 14-6, in the team’s final match of the season at the SRAC.
- Spark got the Spartans on the board with the team’s first goal of the match on a penalty shot.
- Spartan also finished the scoring with a 6-on-5 goal with 15 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
- Osorio scored in the second and third quarters.
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Rose Jensen scored in the second quarter, while Nynke Willemsen scored in the third quarter.
- Spark also grabbed a team-high five steals in the match.
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Seniors Grace Smith and Renee Fleming were honored prior to the final match of the season.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
The Gaels Finished Out 2024-25 With The Same Starting Lineup
in All 35 Games
MBB | Historic Season Comes to an End in NCAA Tournament Second Round vs Alabama
CLEVELAND — Back in the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four year, the Saint Mary's Gaels (29-6) squared off with the second seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (27-8) with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line. Known as the best scoring offense in college basketball, the Gaels were able to hold Alabama 11 points below their season average, but a sluggish offensive first half prevented Saint Mary's from completing their second double-digit comeback of the tournament, eventually falling 80-66. The historic 2024-25 season has now come to an end, with the Gaels holding an impressive 29-6 record, the second most wins in a single season in program history.
Through the first eight minutes of this game, Saint Mary's matched Alabama play for play, and at the second media timeout of the game, the Gaels and Crimson Tide found themselves deadlocked at 13 apiece. In those opening eight minutes, five different Gaels combined for the first 13, with Harry Wessels serving as the high man with four. An 8-0 Crimson Tide run over the next 90 seconds demonstrated their quick strike ability, and while the Gaels would claw back to within three at 24-21, Alabama would continue to convert at a high offensive clip, finishing the half on an 18-8 run over the final 7:22 to take a 13 point lead into halftime, their largest of the half, 42-29. More than half of the Gaels scoring in the first half was made up by the big man duo of Mitchell Saxen and Harry Wessels. Wessels led the way with nine, including a 5-6 clip from the stipe, while Saxen scored seven on 3-5 shooting, while reeling in a team-high four boards and poking away a pair of steals. In a rather intriguing statline, the Gaels took seven more shots than Alabama in the first half, but made seven fewer shots. The field goal attempt discrepancy was due in big part to the Gaels finishing the half with no turnovers to Alabama's eight, and seven offensive rebounds. Unfortunately, the Gaels could not capitalize on these advantages.
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Photo: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
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Shorthanded Dons Narrowly
Fall to Ramblers
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Coming up just short of victory, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (25-10, 13-5 WCC) battled back from a 13-point deficit, but ultimately fell to Loyola Chicago (24-11, 12-6 A-10), 77-76, in the second round of the NIT at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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Jayden Dawson opened up the contest with a three-pointer, but the Dons answered with a Junjie Wang layup and a Robby Beasley trey to take a 5-3 advantage two minutes into the ballgame.
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A Des Watson jumper soon tied the game for Loyola Chicago, but a 7-0 Dons run with buckets from Wang, Veniamin Abosi and Malik Thomas gave USF an early seven-point lead, 12-5, with 15 minutes remaining.
- The Ramblers followed suit with 16 unanswered points, including five more points from both Watson and Jayden Dawson, to lead 21-12 with 10:30 to play in the first half.
- Thomas hit a three to snuff the Ramblers' run, but LUC kept its foot on the gas, stretching its lead to 13 points, 28-15, with eight minutes left in the period.
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Crawling their way back into the game, Carlton Linguard Jr. hit his first three-ball of the contest, followed by buckets from Abosi and Thomas to cut Loyola Chicago's lead in half, with the green and gold trailing 32-25 with under four minutes left to play in the half.
- Continuing to battle back, Thomas converted on all five of his free throw attempts in the final two minutes to send the Dons back into the locker room down by just four, 36-32. Notably, San Francisco end the half on a 17-8 run in the final eight minutes after trailing by as many as 13 points.
- Loyola Chicago opened up the second half of play with back-to-back buckets from Dawson to go back up by eight, but Linguard Jr. quickly answered back with a put-back dunk and a jump hook to bring it back to a four-point game, 40-36, with 17:37 to play in the second half.
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Photo: Christina Leung
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Broncos' Season Comes to an End in NIT Second Round
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — A potential game-tying 3-pointer rimmed out, and a cross-court pass for one more shot got broken up, and the Santa Clara University men's basketball team's 2024-25 season came to an end Sunday in a close, 88-84, defeat to UAB in the second round of the 2025 National Invitational Tournament at the Leavey Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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Carlos Stewart Jr., already with a team-high 19 points in the game, dribbled the ball down the court with 10 seconds left and UAB (24-12) leading, 87-84. The Broncos decided not to take a timeout, and Stewart Jr. pulled up for the game-tying 3-point attempt. The ball went halfway down, but bounced back out, forcing the Broncos to foul and stop the clock one more time.
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UAB's Ja'Borri McGhee missed the front end of his one-and-one attempt and Tyeree Bryan rebounded the miss, giving the Broncos one more chance to tie it with 2.1 seconds remaining. But a court-long inbounds heave from the endline was broken up by the Blazers, who'd make one more free throw to ice the game.
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Stewart Jr. was one of three Broncos to score in double figures, joined by Christoph Tilly (17) and Bryan (14). Tilly posted his third double-double of the year with a team-high 12 rebounds. Elijah Mahi guided Santa Clara's offense with a game-high-tying seven assists.
- UAB was led by Yaxel Lendeborg, who posted his 24th double-double of the year with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Christian Coleman had 21 points, McGhee added 12 and Alejandro Vasquez chipped in 11. McGhee and Lendeborg both had seven assists to lead the Blazers.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Women’s Basketball Season
Comes to an End in WNIT
STOCKTON, Calif. – In the first round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament Thursday night, Pacific fell to New Mexico State 54-49 from the Alex G. Spanos Center.
The Tigers (15-19) led most of the way, even overcoming a 25-7 third quarter deficit to take a three-point lead with just under four and a half minutes remaining. However, New Mexico State (18-15) countered with a 10-2 run to close out the contest.
Pacific's block was on full display throughout the contest, racking up ten blocks. In doing so, this team matched the 2012-13 Tiger team as the only ones in program history to block ten or more shots multiple times in one season.
Junior Sydney Ward led that Pacific interior defense with her four blocks, moving her final ledger to 41 – the tenth best single season mark in program history. By joining the top-ten, she became the first Tiger since Kendall Kenyon in 2014-15 to block 40 or more shots in a single season.
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UC Davis Extends Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca’s Contract
DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis has announced that Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca has signed a five-year contract extension. Since assuming the position in 2021, DeLuca has established a bold vision for Aggie Athletics, emphasizing academic and athletic excellence, student-athlete well-being, and strategic growth.
"Under Rocko's leadership, our student-athletes have excelled on the field and thrived academically and in the community, embodying the essence of the term 'student-athlete,'" UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May said. "He has elevated our athletics program in so many ways and has been a tremendous partner to me and to our university leadership. Rocko's commitment to excellence in all of his endeavors has left a lasting impression on our campus and beyond, and I look forward to continuing our work together for years to come."
One of DeLuca's most notable achievements was leading UC Davis to the Mountain West Conference beginning in June 2026 — a move that enhances UC Davis' visibility and competitiveness while providing student-athletes with new opportunities at the highest levels of collegiate sports. DeLuca also introduced Ignite, the department's first comprehensive strategic plan, laying a foundation for future growth in student-athlete development, competitive excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, personnel, and revenue generation. In the classroom, student-athlete academic success has risen under DeLuca's leadership, with the department recording a 93% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) in 2024, ranking among the top 10 nationally and establishing a program record. On the fields and courts of competition, UC Davis teams have captured 12 conference championships since his elevation to director of athletics in 2021, with 25 individual Aggies winning conference titles.
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| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
TOURNAMENT RECAP:
Men's Golf at Hot Dirt Desert Shootout
Easton Hether finishes in second-place tie on leaderboard at single-day tournament
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - On Friday, a single-day 36 hole men's golf tournament took place at the Golf Club of Estrella. Cal State East Bay men's golf placed third among 14 teams in the Hot Dirt Desert Shootout. Tied for second on the leaderboard from East Bay was Easton Hether.
- Hether finished 10-under-par 134 (66-68) with seven birdies in the first round and four in the second round for a team-high 11. Also in round two, he had an eagle on hole #13. It was Hether's fourth top-five leaderboard finish of the 2024-25 season.
-
Placing 10th on the leaderboard from the Pioneers was Cooper Groshart at 5-under-par-139 (69-70). He finished the 36 holes with nine birdies.
-
Adam Brangefalt also had nine birdies and placed 14th at 3-under-par 141 (71-70).
The winning team was co-host and No. 1 Colorado Christian, followed by No. 27 Colorado Mesa, then the No. 14 Pioneers. Adam Duncan from CCU, ranked No. 2 individually, was the medalist with a final score of 12-under-par 132.
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Photo: Justine Willard / KLC fotos
| | REGISTRATION OPENS FOR THE 2025 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES | | |
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for the 61st edition of Rolex Big Boat Series, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club.
Scheduled for September 10-14, 2025, when conditions on San Francisco Bay are ideal for fast and thrilling competition, this legendary regatta rewards the best in West Coast racing with perpetual trophies and Rolex timepieces for select fleets.
The following are invited to compete in this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series:
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One-design boats of the J/88, J/105, Cape 31and Express 37 classes. Other classes with a minimum number of boats can be considered with application to the Organizing Authority.
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ORC Monohulls with a LOA ≥ 30 feet. Boats with an APH of 500 or lower are required to have an ORC International certificate. Boats with an APH higher than 500 may compete using either an ORC International Certificate or ORC Club Certificate.
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Classic boats built prior to 1955 with a LOA ≥ 48 feet and a current ORRez rating certificate.
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, March 24, through
Sunday, March 30, 2025
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Monday, March 24
Sacramento Kings vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:45 p.m.
A's vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 25
Golden State Warriors @ Miami Heat, 4:30 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers, 5:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 26
Thursday, March 27
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Cincinnati Reds, 1:10 p.m.
A's @ Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.
Friday, March 28
Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans, 5 p.m.
A's @ Seattle Mariners, 6:40 p.m.
Bay FC @ Washington Spirit, 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 29
Sacramento Kings @ Orlando Magic, 2 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Cincinnati Reds, 1:10 p.m.
A's @ Seattle Mariners, 6:40 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 7:30 pm.
Oakland Roots vs. Las Vegas Lights FC, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 30
Golden State Warriors @ San Antonio Spurs, 4 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Cincinnati Reds, 10:40 a.m.
A's @ Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired).
Artist: Carl Macki
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim
Webmaster/Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | | The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | | To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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