November 10 -- November 16, 2025

Issue No. 615

Credit: Carl Macki

Letters to the Editor


San Francisco

49ers 26,

Los Angeles

Rams 42

George Kittle


Completely outclassed for the majority of the first half, the 49ers rallied in the last minutes of the second quarter to score. Flummoxed early on by the Rams' offense and their mix of runs and passes, a

27-yard punt return by Skyy Moore lit a fuse and Mac Jones found Jajuan Jennings, George Kittle and then J.J. for the score, 21-7, Rams. The 49ers Defense also seemed to awaken with a sack on Stafford by Kalia Davis and Keion White. 

 

The second half saw a rejuvenated 49ers as Brian Robinson Jr. stormed into the end zone, 21-14, Rams. As they did all game, the Rams answered, 28-14. Mac Jones, who hit on over 80% of his passes, hit Luke Farrell for a TD but a missed extra PAT deflated the euphoria and kept it 28-20. The 49ers defense, seriously depleted, could not contain the Rams who scored on their next possession, 35-20. After Jones was intercepted, L.A. added another TD, a pass to Puka Nacua, 42-20.


George Kittle is OFFICIALLY BACK, as he somehow twisted his way into the end zone, 42-26: (A two-point conversion attempt failed.) Matthew Stafford was 24/36 for 280 yards and four TDs. Credit where credit is due -- the Rams avenged their early season loss to San Francisco with a high powered and creative offense. There was no quit by the 49ers who, even with countless injuries (Aiyuk, Pearsall, Purdy, Bosa, Warner et al), for a few brief moments in the second half looked as if they might overcome that first half deficit. Final Score:

Los Angeles Rams 42, San Francisco 49ers 26.

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jf5TUu8jxk  

Game Highlights

Robert A. Moselle, Esq.

Marketing Director, Sports Today

https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus

* * * * *

Note to Readers

Most photos in each issue are linked to Facebook albums produced by our talented photographers. To enjoy additional photos, simply click on a photograph or on the link provided at the end of each report. New albums, contributor essays and Sports Today issues are continually posted to: www.ultimatesportsguide.net

Contents



Games

Cal Bears MBkB 87, CSU Roadrunners 60

Cal Bears WBkB 69, Sacramento State Hornets 52

Saint Mary's Gaels MBkB 87, Chattanooga Mocs 66

Stanford Cardinal MBkB 91, Montana Grizzlies 68


Features & Commentary

Is Nothing Sacred?, by Robert Moselle, Esq.

Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.

Purdy Following Mac Jones, by Howard Pearlstein

Stephen Curry, from the autograph collection of Rich Yee

The Raiders' Ownership Dysfunction, by Dave Newhouse


Organizations

A's

Bay Area Falcons

Bay FC

Cal Bears

Cal State University East Bay

Golden State Valkyries

Golden State Warriors

Oakland Ballers

Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Soul SC

Oakland Spiders

Saint Mary's College Gaels

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Nighthawks

San Francisco Unicorns

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

Mindless Direction

The Raiders have a modern stadium in Las Vegas,

but can’t seem to fill it up


The Raiders'

Ownership

Dysfunction



by Dave Newhouse

So, how’s it going, Las Vegas? Are you enjoying the Raiders?

They left Oakland for your gambling empire, promising to re-energize their franchise in your warm desert air. Wait, am I sensing some negativity from you?


You’re upset, you say, with their five-plus years record of 38-55, with just one winning season in Nevada? Remember, they had a long period of losing in Oaktown before relocating your way. You didn’t see that coming?


Perhaps you were swayed by team owner Mark Davis’ misguided optimism, and by callous NFL owners, in agreement that the move was a can’t-lose proposition. Check your playing cards, folks, looks like a bad deal.


The Raiders are playing for their fifth head coach, and under their fifth general manager, since abandoning Oakland. Does anyone think Davis has a hiring brain, or that NFL owners are oracles? If so, avoid poker tables.


Mark Davis had Jon Gruden as his first head coach in Las Vegas, but there have been yearly head coaches —

and general managers — ever since

As a refresher course, the Las Vegas head coaches have been Jon Gruden, Rich Biasaccia, Josh McDonald, Antonio Pierce, and presently Pete Carroll. The Las Vegas general managers: Mike Mayock, Dave Ziegler, Champ Kelly, Tom Telesco, and currently John Spytek. Next year, perhaps, Penn and Teller?


The evidence should be clear to Las Vegans, as it was overwhelmingly obvious to Oaklanders, that Davis is as incapable an NFL owner as his father, Al Davis, became in his autumn years. The son has produced only two winning seasons since becoming team owner in 2011. Snake eyes.


Al Davis, at least, has his bust in the NFL Hall of Fame, while his only child is an NFL bust. Why didn’t Las Vegas see this coming?


Mark Davis ran away from home as a boy, and his father, engrossed in training camp, sent a limousine driver to find him. A perfect parent-child scenario, no?


Mark never had a real job as a young man, unless selling T-shirts qualifies as employment. His father didn’t want him around the organization, so there was no grooming ownership program for Davis the Younger.

At home with the Davis family in Oakland, 1963. Al Davis, head coach of the Oakland Raiders, his wife Carol and son Mark.

Credit: Curt Gunther/Sports Illustrated


But when his father died, he inherited the Raiders. And after the father moved the team to Los Angeles, then back to Oakland, the son moved the team to Las Vegas. Chip off the old block.


Neither father nor son embraced fan loyalty, a dual character flaw. Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, capacity 65,000, is a sea of costumed fans like Oakland, though not capacity crowds: A 62,190 game average in 2023, 62,175 in 2024, and 62,307 so far this year in a fully enclosed, climate-controlled facility.


The Raiders lost a 10-7 squeaker in Denver last Thursday. The Broncos are first in the AFC West with an 8-2 record, while the 2-7 Raiders are dead last. Here is a franchise with numerous Hall of Famers, three Super Bowl victories (1977, 1981, 1984), but 23 head coaches, affirming that Silver and Black success is distant history.


The franchise began in Oakland in 1960, moved to Los Angeles in 1982, returned to Oakland in 1995, then shifted to Las Vegas in 2020. The vagabond Raiders have been awarded lifetime AAA membership.


And if Las Vegas seems shortsighted in terms of the Raiders, wait until it deals in depth with the mindless A’s owner when the next Oakland evacuee arrives later this decade. Mark Davis and Jon Fisher, a losing pair.


So long, Las Vegas. Good luck in the future in pro football and baseball. You’ll need it.

* * * * *

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.

Cal Bears 87

CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 60

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA

Monday, November 3, 2025

Moments before the start of the game, the new look Cal men’s basketball team salutes the national anthem as the University of California Golden Bears played host to the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners for a preseason non-conference game at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Monday, November 3.

Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.

Eleven seconds into the season, graduate student John Camden (#2) throws up the first three-point shot to get the scoring going for the Golden Bears. Camden would finish the game with

22 points and be the high scorer.

Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.

One of three rotational players to return for Cal, Lee Dort (#34) threw down a dunk in the opening minutes of the second half. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.

Transferring from Michigan, Justin Pippen (#10) draws a hard foul as he drives the ball to the basket midway through the second half. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.

At 6-2, Dai Dai Ames (#7) forces the action, scooping the ball around the defender for another basket on his way to scoring 18 points. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net

Stanford Cardinal 91

Montana Grizzlies 68

Maples Pavilion, Stanford, CA

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Stanford Cardinal freshman guard Ebuka Okorie followed up his 26-point performance in his NCAA debut with a 29-point effort to help defeat the Montana Grizzlies, 91-68, at Maples Pavilion on Saturday, November 8th. Photo and caption

by Darren Yamashita.  

Forward AJ Rohosy finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.  Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

Senior guard Benny Gealer hit three three-pointers, finishing with 11 points. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

Stanford Cardinal forward Kristers Skrinda (center left) is congratulated by teammates after making a three-point basket against the Montana Grizzlies during the second half.

Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

The Stanford Cardinal bench reacts after a dunk by forward AJ Rohosy (not shown) during the second half against the Montana Grizzlies. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

Stanford Cardinal cheerleaders prepare to catch a teammate during the second half against the Montana Grizzlies.

To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.netPhoto and caption

by Darren Yamashita.  

Saint Mary's Gaels 87

Chattanooga Mocs 66

UCU Pavilion, Moraga, CA

Friday, November 7, 2025

Saint Mary's Gaels guard Mikey Lewis scored 28 points as the Gaels defeated the Chattanooga Mocs, 87-66, at UCU Pavilion on Friday, November 7th. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

7'2" sophomore Andrew McKeever had 16 points and eight rebounds as the Gaels improved their record to 2-0. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

Junior forward Paulius Marauskas finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

Saint Mary's Gaels center Andrew McKeever (45) blocks a shot by Chattanooga Mocs center Makai Richards (34) during the first half at UCU Pavilion. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

Saint Mary's Gaels guard Mikey Lewis reacts after making a three- point basket against the Chattanooga Mocs during the first half at UCU Pavilion. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.  

Saint Mary's Gaels and Chattanooga Mocs players reach for a rebound during the first half at UCU Pavilion. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.netPhoto and caption

by Darren Yamashita.  

Cal Bears 69

Sacramento State Hornets 52

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Cal Bears guard Mjracle Sheppard scored a team-high 16 points and added seven rebounds as the Bears returned from their Paris trip to defeat the Sacramento State Hornets, 69-52, at Haas Pavilion on Sunday, November 9th. Caption and photo

by Darren Yamashita.  

Freshman Taylor Barnes finished with 12 points while logging a game-high 38 minutes. Caption and photo

by Darren Yamashita.  

Forward Naya Ojukwu leaps high to block a shot by Hornets Keanna Salave'a to end the first half. Caption and photo 

by Darren Yamashita.  

California Golden Bears guard Anastasia Drosouni (23) warms up before the game against the Sacramento State Hornets while wearing shoes designed by former player Jayda Noble at Haas Pavilion. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo 

by Darren Yamashita.  

The Golden Bear

Is Nothing Sacred? The Greenbacks are Favorable for The Golden Bear


by Robert Moselle, Esq.

“Nothing exists except atoms and space; everything else is opinion.” – Democritus



Jack Nicklaus wins the 1986 Masters


And in my opinion, the people who attempted to smear Jack Nicklaus are beyond despicable. Earlier this year, a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nicklaus Companies against Nicklaus that attempted to prevent Jack from using his name, image and likeness (NIL) to promote his golf course design business. This past October, after a three-year legal battle between Nicklaus and the company that bears his name, a jury awarded "The Golden Bear" $50 million in a defamation lawsuit and found that Nicklaus Companies, the Defendants, had participated in publishing false statements that exposed the golf legend to “ridicule, hatred, mistrust, distrust or contempt.” For more information on these cases, click here:


https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jack-nicklaus-defamation-suit-ex-business-partners-50-million/


Nicklaus is the greatest golfer of all time. He won 117 professional tournaments in his career, including a record 18 major championships


His record of philanthropy is equally legendary, particularly with regard to children's hospitals to which he has donated millions of 

dollars and been personally involved. He forever changed the game of Golf through worldwide expansion and displays of true sportsmanship. 


Fortunately, in between the atoms and space there is also Jack Nicklaus. 



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Nicklaus 

Robert A. Moselle. Esq., Marketing Director, Sports Today

https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus 

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San Francisco Giants

Tony Vitello, San Francisco Giants manager



How will Vitello fill out his

coaching staff?


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.


New Giants manager Tony Vitello has acknowledged that he’ll have some blind spots as he begins navigating his historic path from the University of Tennessee to the Majors. The key for him now will be finding the right people to help buttress him against those unknowns.


One of Vitello’s first priorities will be to finalize his coaching staff, which could feature a mix of new and familiar faces. Vitello, 47, will surely want to handpick some of his lieutenants, but the Giants are also likely to retain several coaches who worked under previous manager Bob Melvin.



“It could be a variety of things,” Vitello said during his introductory press conference at Oracle Park last week. “It could be keeping those that are on board and obviously know the players well already. Bringing somebody in, covering blind spots, complementing one another. But my biggest thing is just for everybody to be on the same page. Pulling on the same rope is a cliché for a reason. We talked about how long the season is, so it’s important to have a group of guys that are willing to be there through thick and thin. It literally is a marriage for the course of the season.


continued...

Athletics

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz versus the San Francisco Giants, July 24, 2025. Photo by Darren Yamashita



Silver Slugger Awards honor baseball's hitting titans


David Adler

@_dadler


The National League’s best hitters were honored Thursday night as the first half of the 2025 Silver Slugger Awards were announced. On Friday, it was time for the American League’s top bats to get their due.



The Silver Slugger Awards, which are voted on by MLB managers and coaches, go to the top offensive player at each position in the NL and the AL, including three outfielders and one utility player. There is also an Offensive Team of the Year in each league.


Here are the AL and NL Silver Slugger Award winners for 2025.


AMERICAN LEAGUE

First base: Nick Kurtz, A's (first win)



The A's star rookie burst onto the scene in 2025, batting .290 with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs and a 1.002 OPS over 117 games in his debut season. Kurtz was one of just three players with at least 400 plate appearances and an OPS over 1.000, along with fellow Silver Sluggers Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. This is the A's second straight season with a Silver Slugger Award winner after Brent Rooker won at DH in 2024; before that, their last winner was Eric Chavez in 2002.


continued...

Oakland Ballers

Ballers,



Half Season Tickets are now available for the 2026 season. Choose between Tues/Thur/Sat and Wed/Fri/Sun plans, with current pricing at 27% off regular ticket price.



Half Season Ticket pricing goes from $16.07/game for General Admission to $35.36 for Premium Reserved Section A. There are 48 games in the regular season, so these half season tickets are for 24 games.


Our half season perks are half of our full season perks:


  • Your Season Ticket is good for access to regular-season home games for the 2026 Oakland Ballers at Raimondi Park on the specific days of the week of your ticket -- half as many as a Full season.
  • Playoff Tickets Early Access
  • 2027 Seat Selection: Option to renew for 2027 with same seat for same half-season
  • Event: Spring Training Preview at Raimondi Park
  • Opening Day Additional Tickets Early Access
  • Discounts on Additional Tickets for Regular Season (5% off)
  • 5% off certain food and beverage offers in ballpark. Exclusions and conditions apply (will not include food-trucks, and will have other exclusions)
  • Stack/Skip up to 5 games during the season. Process: you'll email us at least 2 weeks before a game you want to skip/stack, and let us know which game(s) you want to skip, and where you want to use them.
  • Transfers: transfer individual game tickets from your season ticket out to friends/family through our self-service ticket-transfer system.
  • PLUS: See Below about the Community Championship Ring Perk*.


Please note: Half Season Tickets are for the regular season home games on the specifically named days-of-the-week only. They do not include post-season, playoffs, spring-training, exhibition games, etc.


As we said, our half season perks are half of the full season perks, and that includes half the ring.



So for every half season ticket purchase, you get half of a Community Championship Ring. But these rings are way too precious to cut in half, heck—we may not even have that technology at the ballpark, so it’s only redeemable if purchased in even quantities.



Game Times

We anticipate that game times will be like they were in 2025: Tuesday - Friday: 6:35pm, Saturday: 4:35pm, and Sunday: 1:05pm.


Payment Plan

Are you interested in a payment plan? Email us at tickets@oaklandballers.com with your full name in the subject line and let us know what seats and quantity you want, and if you want parking, too, and which lot -- all the info we'd need to create an order for you, and request a pay-over-time plan. We'll grab your seats and then send you a special invoice that uses a company called Affirm. Once you receive that special invoice, you'll be able to click through and configure your pay-over-time settings with Affirm.


Availability

Don't see seats in the area you want? Dead-set on Section A or Section B, but don't see any seats available? Email us with your ideal seats at tickets@oaklandballers.com, mention your name in the subject line, and ask us if there's anything else nearby. We might be able to find additional options for you.


Note that not all seats are going to be made available for Half and Full Season Tickets -- we are holding back a lot of our inventory to make sure people who just want to go to individual games can also enjoy every section of the ballpark. So don't despair and think that an entire section is permanently sold out for all games.

And if you haven't been following our social media, follow us on Instagram -- the Championship Cup has been making the rounds.



Thank you,

Ballers

Golden State Warriors

Golden State Community Foundation Surpasses $50 Million

in Cumulative Impact


Foundation Announces Record $4 Million In Grants To 62 Local Nonprofits 



SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Community Foundation has surpassed $50 million in cumulative impact with today’s announcement of a record $4 million to 62 nonprofits as part of its annual grants slate, bringing the Foundation’s total impact to $52 million since its inception in 2012. This year’s $4 million grant total tops last year’s $3.65 million as the most-ever awarded in a single year.

 

“Surpassing $50 million in impact was something we dreamt of when establishing this Foundation,” said Golden State Community Foundation Board President Nicole Lacob. “It is extremely gratifying to know that the Foundation has impacted approximately one in six Bay Area youth, including those being served by the 62 incredible organizations receiving a grant this year.”

 

Earlier this week, Warriors and Valkyries players, coaches and broadcasters made personal calls to various recipients of this year’s Golden State Community Foundation grants to inform them of their funds, including Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr and guard Moses Moody and Valkyries Head Coach Natalie Nakase. 

For videos of the calls, CLICK HERE.

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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

Sports Precis

Purdy Following Mac Jones


by Howard Pearlstein


It’s Thursday, so I don’t know if Brock Purdy will (or did) play against the Rams – what I’m saying is that Mac Jones is giving him a seriously tough act to follow.


But then, he’s had one since the beginning, since I first saw him get five minutes in the last rookie year pre-season game. ANY QB coming into the 49ers STILL has the damn near impossible act of Joe Montana to follow, and Purdy, especially since what I saw really reminded me of Joe, stepping into the pocket like stepping into a friend’s living room – cool, comfortable and at ease in the pocket.


Saw my nephews recently, two smart guys who understand a lot about football, planning to come to my place to watch the Rams game, and the question was if Purdy would get to play this week: “You were the only one who said it back then, that Purdy has got that thing. And we thought you were totally nuts.”


Nuts? Well, ok, maybe so, in general, but all I said about Purdy was that he sparked memories of Joe Cool. Looking good when stepping into the pocket for the first time is a long way from playing like him or, actually, like any NFL QB.


Googling him afterwards, four years as a starter for Iowa State, well, I don’t think I’d ever heard of Iowa State, but … Big 10 school.

That meant playing against the Big Time Great Plains schools – Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas… giant-size farm boys that played on hard-as-rock winter dirt in cold weather. So, if he stuck, he’d be dodging defensive players he’d probably already met on the field.


And the possibility of him being successful in the NFL looked almost… well, possible.


There’s a thing I always noticed driving across country. Living on the plains – flatland all around, creates a different mind than living in the hills of the west or east coast. Nowhere to get out of sight. Historically, when General George Armstrong Custer’s troops deserted from the fort in Kansas, they were captured since they could still be seen miles away. Flatland.


I remember meeting a young man from the flatlands when I lived in Texas. He’d won a scholarship/ appointment to the Air Force Academy and told me, when he got off the plane, and called home to tell his mother he’d arrived safely, that he’d said: “Mom – the ground is lumpy around here.”


One of those in-a-bar over-a-drink admissions, that he didn’t know the word for what he was seeing – hills, mountains. The lumpy ground stuff.


So, driving west back home to California, always doing it straight through, getting to Nebraska flatland and wondering: "Why did they stop here?" Were they all farmers, seeing all that good fertile soil? Was this their intended destination? Five miles a day in the Conestoga wagons. A month or more into it."

 

And my ass already aching from a single long day and a half, I decided they should have called it:"Far enough! That's it! You go to Hell or California, I'm done. I'm stopping here." 


(A memory of reading about Davy Crockett telling the people in Tennessee: “You all go to Hell, I’m going to Texas.” Not the same, but sort of the same nonetheless.) 


Anyway, if Purdy plays/played, I’m hoping he does/did well. He’s really something.


Still, he might need to do what Steph Curry did – bulk up a bit to handle all the bumping and bruising.


NB: I have known many people from Nebraska and none of them were the sort of person to "Just give up." Even though they were FROM Nebraska and living out here.

  * * *

Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.

Stephen Curry -- from the

Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

I attended a Golden State Warriors VIP luncheon in 2009. After the lunch, there was a presentation where they introduced their new rookie, Stephen Curry. At the end of the luncheon there as a meet-and-greet with several of the current players. Each player had a separate signing table so I first headed straight

over to Stephen Curry.


I remember wishing him a great rookie year, shook his hand and he signed this photo for me from his stack on the table.


Rich YeeSports Today photographer

Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 157: The College Sports Commission Is Begging For A Legal Challenge


by Darren Heitner, Esq.

Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration


The Weekly Longer NIL Thought

The College Sports Commission dropped a social media post on November 3rd directing prospective Division I athletes to new resources about NIL compliance. Attached were three infographics outlining disclosure requirements for high school athletes, junior college athletes, and transfer athletes. The materials are professionally designed. The guidance appears straightforward. And the legal foundation supporting these rules? That's where things get interesting.


Let's start with the most glaring issue. These rules require non-class members to comply with the terms of the House v. NCAA settlement. High school athletes signing NIL deals today aren't part of the House class. They won't become class members until 60 days after enrolling at a Division I school and receiving proper notice and an opportunity to object to the settlement terms. So, the CSC is demanding that 16- and 17-year-olds (people who aren't parties to any litigation, who haven't had their day in court, and who haven't been represented by counsel in these proceedings) forfeit their rights and comply with settlement terms negotiated by others.


How exactly does that work from a due process standpoint? It doesn't. At least not without some creative legal gymnastics that I'm not sure will survive judicial scrutiny if/when someone decides to challenge it.


The infographics specify that athletes must disclose "any NIL deal for which you received payment since July 1, 2025 or at the start of your junior year of high school, whichever is later." They must report deals worth $600 or more. The materials outline what's allowed (deals with entities not associated with your eventual school that pay you for use of your name, image, or likeness; deals with a valid business purpose; compensation similar to others at your level of fame) and what's not (being paid without actually promoting anything; vague promises of future NIL usage; pay-for-play; compensation outside a reasonable range).


Here's the thing though ... and this seems critical ... these restrictions only apply to compensation specifically for NIL usage. The College Sports Commission is attempting to regulate the right of publicity. But what about all the other ways a high school athlete might generate income? What if you're getting paid for services rendered that have nothing to do with your name, image, or likeness? What if you're being compensated for your labor, your time, your expertise in ways that don't constitute publicity rights?


A high school QB who gets paid $5,000 to work at a football camp teaching kids? That's not NIL. A basketball player who receives $2,000 for speaking at a youth clinic about leadership and work ethic? Arguably not NIL either. The College Sports Commission materials don't draw these distinctions clearly, which means we could see disputes about what actually counts as reportable NIL activity versus other forms of permissible income.


continued...

WeatherTech Raceway

Laguna Seca

We’re Racing to Give Back This Holiday Season


The season of giving has arrived and we hope you’ll join in the fun as we host a variety of events to support our community! From a food drive to a Turkey Trot, there’s something for everyone this month at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Help Feed Our Neighbors in Need

We’re teaming up with the Food Bank of Monterey County to raise funds and food for those in need, but we need your help! Here are three easy ways to get involved:

  1. Donate non-perishable food items at the raceway’s Administrative Office.
  2. Make a direct financial donation on the Food Bank of Monterey County website.
  3. Participate in the Turkey Trot at the raceway on Thanksgiving Day and make a $10 per person donation or bring non-perishable food items.


This Month’s Community Events

Cars and Coffee, Saturday, Nov. 22, 7:30-11 a.m.

Show off your ride or just come out to enjoy the last Cars and Coffee event of 2025! A $5 donation is required for admission. All proceeds benefit Friends of Laguna Seca.


Race to Space, Saturday, Nov. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m., FREE

Take in the night sky with real astronomers to guide you! Hosted by the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy on Hospitality Island in the Lakebed, this incredible event features telescopes of all shapes and sizes. All ages are welcome!


Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 7-11 a.m.

Walk, run or wobble down the Corkscrew for the perfect way to kick off Turkey Day! Bring non-perishable food items or $10 per person for donations to the Monterey County Food Bank. 

Sonoma Raceway

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, poses for a photo with the Bill France 2025 and 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship trophies after finishing first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025. (Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

**MEDIA ADVISORY**


Sonoma Raceway & The City of Elk Grove to Host Championship Parade Celebrating 2025 NASCAR Champion and Northern California Native Kyle Larson on Friday, November 14


  • Elk Grove, California native Kyle Larson and his family will participate in a Championship Parade in Elk Grove on Friday, Nov. 14. Immediately followed by a ceremony at the Old Town Plaza.
  • The event will begin at Noon at Boulevard Bistro with a parade down Elk Grove Blvd and ending at the Old Town Plaza. It is open and FREE to the public.
  • Larson will return to Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 28, 2026.


continued...

What Did Back Issues

of Sports Today Look Like?

See For Yourself!

Click: www.ultimatesportsguide.net


Universities & Colleges

Cal Bears

Bears Record Dramatic Victory Over No. 14 Louisville


Fourth-Down Touchdown In Overtime Seals Thrilling Win


LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jacob De Jesus' final reception of the night on Saturday did much more than tie a school record.


De Jesus caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele on fourth down during the first possession of overtime and the California football team knocked off No. 14 Louisville 29-26 at L&N Stadium.


The winning reception gave De Jesus 16 catches for the evening, tying Geoff McArthur's standard that he set against Stanford in 2003.


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Photo: Al Sermeno /KLC fotos

Stanford Cardinal

Stanford Snags Third Win in a Week


Cardinal again has five double-digit scorers in

90-55 victory over Cal Poly


STANFORD, Calif. – Nunu Agara had 16 points and seven rebounds and Stanford collected its third win in seven days, beating visiting Cal Poly 90-55 on Sunday afternoon.


Agara was the leading scorer in another balanced attack for the Cardinal. Chloe Clardy had 14 points off the bench, Lara Somfai put together her second consecutive double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, Courtney Ogden chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds, and Hailee Swain had 12.



In its first three games of the season, Stanford has had at least five double-digit scorers in every one, including six against Santa Clara.

The Cardinal used a dominant first half to coast to victory. Swain and Agara each had 12 points in the first two quarters, with the freshman point guard going 6-of-7 from the floor. The Cardinal had a 13-0 run late in the second to balloon an 18-point lead to 31, 48-17. Agara had four points during the spurt, Clardy five, and Somfai four.


continued...

San Jose State Spartans

Three Score In Double Figures as Spartans Open 2025-26 Season


PROVO, Utah—Three Spartans scored in double-figures, led by Maya Anderson’s 17, as the San José State women’s basketball team opened the 2025-26 season and Jonas Chatterton era Saturday at BYU, as the Cougars prevailed 70-51.



  • Anderson scored in double figures for the first time in her Spartan career.
  • She also led the team in rebounding with a career-best eight.



continued...

Saint Mary's College Gaels

Abby Castillon: 12 Kills, 9 Digs


VB | Gaels Push Toreros to the Brink, Fall in Five Set Thriller


SAN DIEGO — Just like on Thursday evening, Saint Mary's (8-15, 6-6 WCC) went toe-to-toe with a program sitting atop the WCC standings, this time, in fact, taking the top team in the standings in San Diego (19-4, 12-0 WCC). The Toreros, who are looking to polish off a perfect conference season, nearly saw that dream whither away, as the Gaels forced five against USD, and even had a chance to close things out in four, but when the going got tough, the Toreros responded to win sets four and five to win their 14th straight WCC contest dating back to last year. Meanwhile, for the Gaels, it was another strong showing, as the youthful group that began the season has clearly gelled together and is looking more and more like a veteran squad everyday. 


continued...

Photo: Saint Mary's Athletes -- Tod Fiener

USF Dons

Dons Falls Short in Second Half Comeback at Memphis


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Hitting the road for the first time this season, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (1-1) made a valiant comeback effort in the second half on Saturday afternoon, but ultimately fell short against Memphis, 76-70, at FedExForum.

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

  • Opening the contest, the Dons and Tigers went back and forth in the first 11 minutes of the half, as Memphis held a narrow 15-13 lead with 9:17 to play, with Mookie Cook scoring seven of USF's first 13 points.
  • Ending the half with momentum, Memphis put together a 21-9 burst in the final nine minutes, as nine Tigers scored in the opening period, sending the Dons into halftime in a 36-22 hole.
  • Extending their run, the Tigers pushed their advantage to a game-high 23-point lead, leading 48-25 less than three minutes into the second half, with Aaron Bradshaw scoring five early points to open the period for Memphis.


continued...

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 11/8/2025 3:00:00 PM | Josh Bascos

Photo: USF Athletics

Santa Clara Broncos

Broncos Beat Pacific for Sixth Straight Win


SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara women's volleyball defeated the Pacific Tigers in four sets Saturday, marking their sixth straight win and eighth in the last nine matches. The Broncos were led by Cate Shanahan (16) and Layla Truitt (14) in kills, while Grace Flanagan had 10 kills and a season high eight blocks. Lexi Trapani led the way with 21 digs and Macy Hinshaw had 42 assists, keeping her streak of hitting double figures in every game this season.

 

continued...

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 11/8/2025 3:36:00 PM |

Written by Graduate Assistant James Huston

University of Pacific Tigers

Senior Day Celebration Ends in 2-1 Defeat to No. 13 Oregon State


STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific men's soccer program celebrated Senior Day on Saturday night, coming up short in a 2-1 decision to No. 13 Oregon State at Knoles Field.


 The Tigers (4-13, 1-7 WCC) found a late goal to tie the contest in the 82nd minute, but the Beavers (10-3-2, 6-0-2 WCC) pulled away with the result after a goal in the 84th minute.



continued...

UC Davis Aggies

Aggies Finish Season with Road Win Over UC Riverside


Score: UC Davis 1, UC Riverside 0

Location: UC Riverside Soccer Stadium (Riverside, Calif.)

Records: UC Davis 3-12-4, 1-8-1 | UC Riverside 0-16-2, 0-9-1


THE SHORT STORY: UC Davis closed out its 2025 season strong, defeating UC Riverside 1-0 on the road Thursday night. Genavieve Fontes scored her fourth goal of the year in the 67th minute, while the Aggie defense, led by goalkeeper Cat Pieper, held firm to secure the shutout and end the first season under head coach Kat Mertz with a win.


continued...

Cal State University East Bay Pioneers

Pioneers Push Unbeaten Broncos to the Brink in Five-Set Thriller


POMONA, Calif. — Cal State East Bay women's volleyball went toe-to-toe with the CCAA's top team on Saturday afternoon, forcing a fifth set before ultimately falling to No. 23 Cal Poly Pomona, 3–2 (20–25, 16–25, 25–12, 25–21, 15–11). The Pioneers moved to 13–11 overall and 10–6 in the CCAA play while remaining in fourth place.


continued...

Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent." 



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2025/26 Schedules

San Francisco 49ers

Las Vegas Raiders

Weekly Bay Area

Sports Calendar


Monday, November 10, through

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Monday, November 10


Tuesday, November 11

Golden State Warriors @ Oklahoma City Thunder, 5 p.m.

Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets, 8 p.m.

San Jose Sharks @ Minnesota Wild, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, November 12

Golden State Warriors @ San Antonio Spurs, 5 p.m.

Sacramento Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m

Thursday, November 13

San Jose Sharks @ Calgary Flames, 6 p.m.

Friday, November 14

Golden State Warriors @ San Antonio Spurs, 6:30 p.m.

Sacramento Kings @ Minnesota Timberwolves, 5 p.m

Saturday, November 15

San Jose Sharks @ Seattle Kraken, 7 p.m.

San Jose State Spartans @ Nevada Wolf Pack, 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 16

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals, 1:05 p.m.

Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans, 4 p.m.

Sacramento Kings @ San Antonio Spurs, 1 p.m.

Publisher: Christopher Weills

Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke

Marketing Director: Robert Moselle

Sales: Ayiko Konopaski

Contributors: Lydia Chain, 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

Software Engineer / Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya

Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)

Advisor: Arif Khatib

Artist: Carl Macki

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

Sports Today's Book Shelf

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/

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Insights and Outtakes,

Excerpts and Epiphanies from

the World of Sports

written by Pete Elman


Essays Recently Shared:

Do They Have Greatness in Their Future (#493)

Rocket -- Or Flawed Star? (#472)

Just Win, Baby (#473)

Knockin' on Heaven's Door (#474)

It Was More Than Just A Game (#475)

Looking Over The Ledge (#476)

The Slider That Saved Baseball (#478)

Is This The Last Dance? (#480)

The Heart of a Champion (#483)

The Warriors: An Appreciation (#485)

“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."

-- Andy Dolich, prominent Bay Area sports executive



To order: $18.50

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"An invaluable and inspiring compilation that shines a light on unsung athletes of color."


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 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: $10 hardcover, $7 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704

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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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