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December 22 -- December 28, 2025
Issue No. 621
| | Above credits: Carl Macki | | |
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To add to your holiday sports enjoyment, visit our website, superbly maintained by webmaster Medhavee Upadhyaya
www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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CFP: First Round Games -- Recap of Predictions and Results
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Underdog Selections went 2 and 2. Not bad when the picks were a collective +150,000. Here are the Before picks and the After results.
#9 Alabama vs. #8 Oklahoma: (Before): Two words I never thought I would utter: "Roll Tide" -- but 'Bama is poised to go on a roll." (After): And Roll they did, over the favored Sooners. After Oklahoma took a 17-0 lead, old-school Alabama line play showed up, field position became more favorable, and Alabama scored 27 straight points to win: Alabama 34-24. Next victory: in the Rose Bowl over undefeated Indiana.
#10 Miami vs. #7 Texas A&M: (Before) Two words I will never utter: "Go Texas." (A&M or other variations.) The 'Canes will uphold their rightful inclusion as the ACC representative, to the exclusion of Notre Dame. That's a "2-fer." No Notre Dame, no Texas teams. Go 'Canes! (After): Miami 10, Texas A&M 3. In a hostile environment, Miami won in an unexpected defensive struggle. ACC critics were silenced as Miami's cadre of talented runners and receivers made clutch plays to complement a determined and well-prepared defense which stopped the much-heralded A&M offense. No Texas A&M, No Notre Dame: Thank you, Miami!
#11 Tulane vs. #6 Ole Miss: (Before) Rodney Dangerfield continues to win. It's the Green Wave over the Coach-crisis Rebels. (After): Ole Miss started hot and managed to keep the lid on Tulane despite their talented QB and improved second half play: Ole Miss 41, Tulane 10.
#12 James Madison vs. #5 Oregon: (Before) People often have Hindsight Bias when they think of the American Revolution and that victory over the world's largest empire, England, was inevitable. However, without James Madison, who cobbled together the Bill of Rights, there would have been no Constitution and no United States. Therefore, despite the vast Empire and resources of the Oregon Ducks, I shall stay with the James Madison Dukes and Virginia grit and guile. (After): Oregon 51, James Madison 34.
Don't get fooled by the final score. JMU outplayed the Ducks in the second half and scored more points than any Oregon opponent all season. James Madison is no Rodney Dangerfield. They earned Respect!
It's time to contemplate the Quarterfinals: All on ESPN - check local times:
Wednesday, December 31: Miami vs. Ohio State
Thursday, January 1: Oregon vs. Texas Tech, Alabama vs. Indiana,
Ole Miss vs. Georgia
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49ers vs. Bears Preview
This matchup (Sunday, 12/28) looks like a big day for both running backs. If the 49ers stay on schedule by avoiding negative plays on early downs, Christian McCaffrey should easily surpass 100 yards. His ability to capitalize on angle routes and screens makes him difficult for the Bears to contain, especially if their tackling isn't perfect in space.
For the Bears, D'Andre Swift can also reach the 100-yard mark if Chicago stays committed to the run. By using outside zones and tosses to leverage the 49ers' speed against them, Swift can find success at the second level—provided play-action keeps the 49ers front from getting too aggressive.
Key factors to watch:
- Turnovers: The team that wins the turnover battle will likely control the game.
- 3rd-and-short: Consistent conversions will be vital for wearing down the opposing defense.
- Red zone: This game will be decided by touchdowns rather than field goals.
Ultimately, expect a highly competitive matchup where both backs have a strong chance at 100+ yards if their offensive lines execute.
Carl Macki
Mill Valley, CA
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Fan Mail
Dear Editor: As we approach another Christmas season, I am reminded of how fortunate we are who depend upon your publication to keep us abreast of the latest sports news. Your magazine will be pretty visible under my Christmas tree.
I hope Santa doesn't get snowed in and can't deliver the magazine for Christmas. Please continue to keep us on your list to receive this extraordinary publication.
Happy Holidays.
Arif Khatib
Founder and President
Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
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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
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MBkB) 97, Morgan State Bears 50
Cal Bears (WBkB) 57, USC Trojans 61
Saint Mary's Gaels (MBkB) 88, Florida Atlantic Owls 75
Stanford Cardinal (WBkB) 64, Oregon Ducks 53
Features & Commentary
Arrogate? Arrogant?, by Howard Pearlstein
Barry, Ray Doubtful of Dubs' Chances, by Dave Newhouse
Dale Earnhardt, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Organizations
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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
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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
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Cal Bears 57
USC Trojans 61
Invisilign Bay Area
Women's Classic
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, December 21, 2025
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Stanford Cardinal 64
Oregon Ducks 53
Invisilign Bay Area
Women's Classic
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Sunday, December 21, 2025
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Cal Bears 97
Morgan State Bears 50
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Friday, December 19, 2025
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A bonus for wrapping up Finals Week meant taking in Cal's Friday night men’s basketball game against the visiting Morgan State Bears who faced a hot Golden Bear team experiencing their best start since their 1959-60 season. As expected, Morgan State was easily defeated, 97-50, and the Bears are perfect at home. Above, John Camden (#2) spots up to take a shot in the first half. Camden would finish with 23 points and go 5 for 7 from behind the
three-point line. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Raising his game, Cal's Chris Bell (#22) goes up for an awkward one-handed shot midway through the second half on his way to becoming the game's scoring leader with a season high of
28 points. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Taking a moment to collect his thoughts and breathe after being knocked to the floor late in the second half, Semetri (TT) Carr (#3) finished the game with a season-high 17 points in 36 minutes
of action. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Wreaking havoc on the boards and with several monster dunks, Lee Dort (#34) would finish with 12 points and seven rebounds.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Getting in the festive cheer, local Golden Bear fans snuggle in before the game. To view a photo album, visit visit our Facebook Page our or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Saint Mary's Gaels 88
Florida Atlantic Owls 75
UCU Pavilion, Moraga, CA
Friday, December 19, 2025
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Saint Mary's guard Joshua Dent posted 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to lead the Gaels to an 88-75 victory over the Florida Atlantic Owls on Friday, December 19th at UCU Pavilion.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.
| 7'-3" center Andrew McKeever recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita. | |
Forward Paulius Marauskas made 13 of 14 from the free throw line, finishing with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.
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Gaels forward Paulius Murauskas shoots a free throw after a Florida Atlantic Owls technical foul during the second half at UCU Pavilion. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page
or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.
| | Draymond Green bursts from poster of 1975 Warriors' half-century championship reunion Nov. 21 at Chase Center | | | |
Barry, Ray Doubtful of Dubs' Chances
by Dave Newhouse
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Which figures of local significance are studying the Warriors, judging whether this is a fading franchise or merely a down-spiraling team in a temporary lockdown?
These basketball-wise figures happen to be members of the Warriors’ first NBA championship team in the Bay Area in 1975, thus worth listening to for perspective.
Fifty years ago, the upstart Warriors shocked the sports world by upsetting the favored Washington Bullets, in a four-game sweep, no less. But the current disappointing Warriors are struggling to rise above .500. Thus the postseason is no guarantee.
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Stephen Curry pleads for support Nov. 14, but the Warriors
fell to Portland regardless
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Warriors management reunited the '75 team last month for a half-century celebration. Rick Barry, Butch Beard, Jamaal Wilkes, Clifford Ray, George Johnson, Charles Dudley and Jeff Mullins attended the tribute, remembering deceased teammates Charles Johnson, Phil Smith, Derrick Dickey, Bill Bridges and Steve Bracey.
Barry and Ray agreed to evaluate the current Warriors after watching their 127-123 loss to Portland on Nov. 21. Three topics were explored: What positives did they see, what negatives stand in the way, and how might this season turn out?
The positives were soon overlapped by the negatives in Barry’s mind, and the season’s outcome wasn’t exactly favorable either.
“They played aggressively,” he said of the Portland game. “They moved the ball, and that’s when they are at their best, playing unselfishly. But, then, they lost their focus, and didn't defend the three-point shot better. You can’t let them beat you from the perimeter.”
The Warriors are predominantly an outside shooting team, which disturbs Barry, who watches them regularly on television from his East Coast dwellings.
“They don’t have a rim protector, and their small ball gets them into trouble,” he noted. “You need to have a good post game, and it doesn’t have to be a center. Jimmy (Butler) is their only player with a post game.”
| | Brandin Podziemski shows displeasure at a game official’s call as the Trailblazers closed strong at the end | | |
So what should Warriors fans expect from the Dubs down the NBA’s yellow brick road?
“They’re too inconsistent,” Barry believes. “It must drive (coach) Steve (Kerr) nuts. You have to be consistent. (Moses) Moody gets 20 points, the next time four.”
Barry then went on the internet to point out how other Warriors are similarly high-then-low in scoring.
"Steve doesn’t know what he’s going to get,” he continued. "Look how many lineups he puts out. Who’s going to step up? I don’t know what they can do with (Jonathan) Kuminga. He’s so inconsistent, too passive They may want to trade him.
“The Warriors play best with four, five, six passes to set up a shot. But they'll lose their focus and let teams back in the game. That’s what happened when we watched them (Nov. 21).”
The team’s three-point strategy is both a positive and a negative, Barry pointed out.
“They don’t have that rim protector, and their small ball gets them into trouble. Just look at the players — it’s a roller-coaster, up and down, up and down. Just not consistent. They’ve had injuries, but other guys need to step up.”
It’s a big step up, so what's the final analysis?
“It’s going to be a long season,” Barry concluded, “for a team that wants to win a championship. They’re a long shot with the way they’re structured."
| | Rick Barry and Clifford Ray evolved from teammates into best friends into astute observers of their former team | |
Barry and Ray became best friends as Warriors, a relationship that remains strong as senior citizens. And Ray, like Barry, sees holes in the Dubs.
“They may have to rebuild, maybe sign a player,” said Ray. “They can’t be a half-court team. Running is best for them, because they’re not big enough to play the big teams.
“Their key guys to close out games are not young players. But with older players, you’re going to run out of gas. Against Portland, they moved the ball, showed the ball, but I just thought Portland out-manned them.”
Ray and George Johnson were a monster tandem in the post for the ’75 Warriors. Ray physically punished opposing centers, while Johnson swatted away their shots.
“We were great defensive players,” Ray said, “and we ran the court well. We had a presence. That’s what these Warriors need in the paint, but at some point you have to go young.”
The Warriors are far from young, and then got older this season by signing 40-year-old Al Horford.
“You can tell when teams get older, because they turn the ball over. The Warriors did that even last year,” Ray recalled.
“(Stephen) Curry’s a generational player, but you need to have more than one closer, which the Warriors do not have.”
Ray’s final analysis?
“I just want them to be competitive,” he said.
He’s not alone. We’ll see what the winter months have in store.
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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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Rule 5 pick Susac has a chance to carve out key role with Giants
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
:232:08
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.
The Giants don’t have to look too far back to find their most recent Rule 5 Draft success story.
In December 2022, San Francisco worked out a trade for Rule 5 pick Blake Sabol and gave him a chance to compete for a spot as a backup catcher/outfielder. Sabol not only cracked the Giants’ Opening Day roster, he beat the odds by managing to stay in the big leagues for the entire '23 campaign.
Now, the Giants are hoping another Rule 5 catcher -- Daniel Susac -- will be able to do the same.
Originally taken by the Twins in last week’s Rule 5 Draft, Susac was immediately flipped to the Giants, who sent 17-year-old catching prospect Miguel Caraballo and cash considerations to Minnesota to complete the trade.
Susac, the younger brother of former Giants backstop Andrew Susac, was a first-round Draft pick of the A’s in 2022, and he hit .275 with an .832 OPS and 18 home runs over 97 games with Triple-A Las Vegas in '25. The Rosewood, Calif., native was stuck behind Shea Langeliers and Austin Wynns on the A’s catching depth chart, which was one of the reasons he wasn’t added to the 40-man roster and protected from the Rule 5 Draft this year.
continued...
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What changes are coming to Sutter Health Park for 2026?
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.
Martín Gallegos
@MartinJGallegos
Year Two of Athletics baseball in West Sacramento is going to bring some changes to Sutter Health Park.
After gathering feedback from players and coaches throughout their inaugural season in their new temporary ballpark, the A’s are making improvements to the stadium for 2026.
The biggest change will come in the dugouts. One main difference between pitching at Sutter Health Park as opposed to other MLB ballparks last season was the lack of a connected clubhouse. It was something brought up at times by A’s starter Luis Severino, who had grown accustomed to heading inside the clubhouse between innings to either watch film or move around to keep his body warm, as a difficult adjustment.
The A’s clubhouse will remain situated beyond left field. But for next season, Severino and the rest of the A’s pitchers will have a place to go besides the bench. During last week’s Winter Meetings in Orlando, A’s general manger David Forst told MLB.com that work is already underway on a room within the dugout designed for pitchers to utilize if they'd like to when they are not on the mound. The room, which Forst jokingly referred to as "The Severino Room," will be added to both the home and visiting dugouts.
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Ballers Fam,
As the year winds down and the days get a lot cooler, we find ourselves thinking about what made this season so special. It wasn’t just the wins, the records we broke, or the championship moments. It was and will always be the people. The fans who came together for a shared purpose. The kids running the bases with wide eyes and big dreams after Sunday games. The feeling, night after night, that Oakland came together and built something real.
This season gave us memories we’ll carry long after the calendar flips. 2025 was our year and as we get set to ring in the New Year, we wanted to find a way to honor not just a championship team, but a championship community.
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The players won the games on the field, but Oakland fans were the secret to our success. Most teams say things like that, but we mean it and can prove it. We went down 0-2 on the road in the Pioneer Baseball League Championship and went 3-0 when we returned to Oakland. Why? We think it’s pretty obvious. Oakland doesn’t quit and we have the best fans in the world.
With that in mind, we designed a version of our championship ring that is affordable and available for $73.23, which mirrors our historic 73-23 regular season record. It is available for pre-order now and we can’t wait to see everyone rocking their bling when we do our ring presentation ceremony at Raimondi Park.
| | The 2026 Schedule Has Arrived | | |
Coachella Valley Invitational Announces 2026 Match Schedule
Quakes to face Charlotte FC, Portland Timbers, New York City FC on Feb. 7-14
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes and the Coachella Valley Invitational announced today the match schedule for the 2026 preseason tournament at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, from Feb. 7–21. The Quakes are slated to kick off their CVI campaign Feb. 7 against Charlotte FC (12 p.m. PT), followed by a match against Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers on Feb. 11 (3 p.m. PT) and closing out with a clash against New York City FC on Feb. 14 (1 p.m. PT).
With the addition of the LA Galaxy, Utah Royals, Bay FC and Kansas City Current, CVI will host 12 Major League Soccer (MLS) and nine National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) teams for its largest event ever. 2026 marks the FIFA World Cup’s return to U.S. soil and this year’s CVI not only builds momentum for the global tournament ahead but gives fans unprecedented access to the sport’s biggest stars.
Early Bird pricing is now available for General Admission Day Passes and will start at just $34. Pricing for General Admission Weekend Passes (Feb. 7-8 and Feb. 14-15) will start at $68. Pricing and savings vary by date. Early Bird Pricing ends Jan. 5. To purchase passes, visit coachellavalleyinvitational.com/passes.
Match Schedule
MLS DAY 1: Saturday, Feb. 7
- St. Louis CITY SC vs Austin FC at 11 a.m. PT
- San Jose Earthquakes vs Charlotte FC at 12 p.m. PT
- Minnesota United FC vs Sporting Kansas City at 1:30 p.m. PT
- Portland Timbers vs D.C. United at 2:30 p.m. PT
MLS DAY 2: Sunday, Feb. 8
- LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire FC at 10 a.m. PT
- LAFC vs. New York City FC at 12 p.m. PT
MLS DAY 3: Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Austin FC vs. Chicago Fire FC at 10 a.m. PT
- LA Galaxy vs. St. Louis CITY SC at 11 a.m. PT
- D.C. United vs. Minnesota United FC at 12:30 p.m. PT
- Sporting Kansas City vs New York City FC at 1:30 p.m. PT
- San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers at 3 p.m. PT
MLS DAY 4: Saturday, Feb. 14
- Austin FC vs Sporting Kansas City at 10 a.m. PT
- Chicago Fire FC vs. Portland Timbers at 10 a.m. PT
- Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United FC at 10 a.m. PT
- New York City FC vs San Jose Earthquakes at 1 p.m. PT
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Oakland Roots Sports Club Announces 2026 USL Championship Season and Prinx Tires USL Cup Schedule
Oakland Roots home opener set for Saturday March 14th at the Oakland Coliseum
Oakland, CA – Oakland Roots SC, in partnership with USL Championship, has announced the 2026 season schedule. The season kicks off on March 7th with an away match against local rivals Monterey Bay FC. Oakland Roots will make their home debut back at the iconic Oakland Coliseum the following weekend on March 14th, hosting New Mexico Unitedto begin the season.
The 2026 season features 30 USL Championship regular season games and 4 group-stage Prinx Tires USL Cup games, totaling 34 games, with 17 scheduled at the Oakland Coliseum.
Oakland Roots will face rivals Sacramento Republic FC for the most anticipated game of the season at home not once but twice. First on May 16th at home in the Prinx Tires USL Cup, then again on July 25th in League play before traveling to Sacramento on the last day of the season to face Republic on October 24th.
Oakland’s second local derby against Monterey Bay FC will take place three times in 2026 as well. First as already mentioned to kickoff the season on March 7th in Monterey. A second trip down the coast will happen again a month later in the Prinx Tires USL Cup on April 25th before Roots host Monterey in Oakland on August 15th in League play.
“Our goal is to build Oakland into one of the top teams in the league, and this schedule shows the path toward that,” said Head Coach Ryan Martin. “Our supporters are the heartbeat of this Club—among the best in North America—and we can’t wait to write our journey together with them. Finishing the season in Sacramento feels like the perfect way to end the regular season together with our biggest fans. The 2026 season can’t get here soon enough.”
Oakland Roots SC will compete in a 12-team Western Conference that includes Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, Las Vegas Lights FC, Lexington SC, Monterey Bay FC, New Mexico United, Orange County SC, Phoenix Rising FC, Sacramento Republic FC, San Antonio FC, and FC Tulsa. Oakland will play 24 Intra-Conference matches with Western Conference teams and 6 Cross Conference matches against Eastern Conference opponents. The top 8 teams in the Western Conference will qualify for the USL Championship Playoffs in 2026.
Oakland will compete in a 6-team Prinx Tires USL Cup group that includes Athletic Club Boise, Las Vegas Lights FC, Monterey Bay FC, Sacramento Republic FC, and Spokane Velocity. Each team will play 4 group-stage games, with 7 group winners and 1 wild card from across the Country advancing to the knockout stage for additional matches.
Limited single-game tickets will be available in the new year. However, you can guarantee access at the lowest price by securing a 2026 Season Ticket now. For more information about season tickets or planning your next group event with the Oakland Roots, contact us at tickets@rootssc.com or call (510) 488-1144.
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"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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Dale Earnhardt -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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I got this trading card signed by Dale Earnhardt many years ago at the Phoenix International Speedway at a meet-and-greet before the race. Nicknamed “The Intimidator,” I was a little nervous meeting him but he was very friendly and seemed
to enjoy meeting his fans.
He sadly passed away from a crash at the Daytona 500 in 2001.
He was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Arrogate? Arrogant?
The Good and the Bad and the Ugly
by Howard Pearlstein
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Both are about “I, Me, Mine.” Taking power, being grabby. But arrogating can be good, taking a stand on things to help people because no one else is going to do it.
Just avoid the quick and nasty slide from helpful to creepy from listening to the worm-tongues: “But if you just change it a little bit, take THEM out of it and charge a little more, you can help more people.”
Mother Teresa. During the Kosovo fighting, arrogated to herself the drive through crossfire to an orphanage. No one else would do it, go there and rescue the children left behind when everyone ran for their lives. A sulking press accompanied her, not happy about being there.
She brought out the children, several at a time, and sat them in the van. One of the journalists asked her: “What will you do with them?” She looked at him with pity, as if he were brain-damaged. She said: “I’ll give them a lot of love.”
Athletes do Good Arrogation when they answer their success by contributing to the less advantaged, e.g., Lebron James, creating a school for children in his hometown. Steph Curry did that when a million children a year in Africa were dying from malaria. He set a personal goal: buy a nighttime anti-malarial net for every
3-pointer he made. Other NBA players joined in.
In a broader way, the late Rob Reiner, having accomplished almost everything possible in the Movie/TV industry, realized he was in an unique position to influence positive social changes as an advocate for such issues same-sex-marriage, domestic violence and tobacco use.
He ruffled a few feathers of those who didn’t appreciate anyone being even a little preachy about their biases, but that never stopped him. Even I, a Chesterfield smoker at the time, got annoyed by being reminded of what was happening in my lungs.
Arrogation gets to Arrogant Bad when their “I, Me, Mine” ends up in their own pockets. Carpetbaggers who buy a sports team and then demand the team’s home town pay for a new stadium, or flip it like a piece of property and take it to another city, i.e. John A Fissure (sic).
It can get worse. The famous Lord Chesterfield, in one of his Letters to His Son: “Wrongs are often forgiven; but contempt never is. Our pride remembers it forever.”
Add contempt to Arrogation and you get Arrogant UGLY, i.e., Al Davis. Despite his Oakland Raiders enjoying many years of truly loyal fans, he decided Oakland was too small-time, and moved the team to Los Angeles. They decided in relatively quick order that Al Davis was too small time for them. So back to Oakland, demanding the city pay for luxury boxes in the Coliseum. He wanted temperature controlled comfort for his pals. And then out again, thinking he had a better deal, the city still paying off the cost of the arrogance boxes.
I remember a phone conversation with a new client who lived somewhere in the Midwest, Kansas or Nebraska, and noticing I was in Oakland, asked if I were a Raiders fan.
I said: “Well, yes. I was, and I expect I will be a fan again to be again as soon as Al Davis is dead and I have confirmed sightings of him in Hell.” Lord Chesterfield’s observation had kicked in.
Except, of course, before that could happen, his Nepo-baby took the team to Las Vegas, where relieving out-of-state visitors of their excess cash is the business that floats the economy.
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* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 163: When Politicans Don't Understand Markets
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
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President Trump told us last week that NIL is "a disaster for sports" and that colleges are going to "wipe themselves out" if they keep paying quarterbacks (without specifying which quarterbacks he was referring to) $14 million. Senator Ted Cruz echoed similar concerns, warning that NIL compensation needs Congressional intervention because it could "spiral out of control and bankrupt school programs."
Here's what both are missing ... The federal government has no business bailing out institutions that make terrible financial decisions.
If a university decides to pay an unproven high school quarterback $14 million, that's a choice. If an athletic director green lit a $7 million deal for a player who doesn't deliver a championship, that's on them. These aren't victims of some uncontrollable external force. These are sophisticated institutions with boards of trustees, experienced administrators, and professional financial officers making calculated bets on talent.
When Trump says colleges "cannot afford" these salaries, he's actually identifying the exact mechanism that should discipline this market: affordability constraints. If a school truly can't afford to pay these amounts, then they shouldn't pay them. And if they do anyway and face financial consequences, they should bear those consequences themselves.
The same goes for Olympic sports. Trump argues that schools are cutting "lesser" sports to fund football salaries. That's a resource allocation decision. Universities have been making these choices for decades, long before NIL existed. Schools cut wrestling programs, swimming programs, and track programs, not because of NIL, but because athletic departments decided to prioritize revenue-generating sports. NIL didn't create this dynamic. It just made the underlying economics more visible.
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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Spectators enjoy the view from the terrace at the VIP Club at
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Announces Tickets On Sale, New Hospitality Experiences and Limited-Time Poster
With Purchase Promotion
Monterey, Calif. (December 18, 2025) - Tickets are officially on sale for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s 2026 race and event season, introducing new hospitality experiences, all-reserved camping, special ticket discounts, and a limited-time Poster With Purchase promotion featuring legendary motorsports artist Bill Patterson.
From iconic race weekends to unforgettable fan experiences, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca continues to set the standard for access and excitement, putting the fans at the center of the action all season long.
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Cal Marks Best Season Start
Since 1959-60
Bears Are 11-1 Overall And Perfect At Haas Pavilion
After 97-50 Win Over Morgan State
BERKELEY -- The California men's basketball team secured its best start to a season since 1959-60 in ringing up a 97-50 win over visiting Morgan State to improve to 11-1 overall. The Golden Bears also now boast eight straight wins and a perfect record at Haas Pavilion at 10-0. Cal's fifth 90-point game of the year featured a season-best 59.3 percent shooting, with four Bears scoring in double digits tonight. Morgan State is now 2-9 overall.
Cal was enjoying a hot first half, hitting at a 60.7 percent clip to put the visiting Bears in a 50-23 halftime hole. Morgan State was shooting 32.1 percent overall and trailed Cal on the boards 20-13 as the hosts kept its visitor under wraps through those first 20 minutes. Despite an early lull to open the second, Cal got back on course and forged a path to a decisive victory..
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Game recap: Darcy Couch, Photo: Iris Wang/Cal Athletics
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Stanford Closes Out Oregon at Chase
Cardinal beats Ducks 64-53 behind yet another
strong fourth quarter
SAN FRANCISCO – Courtney Ogden scored 20, Lara Somfai had her fifth double-double, and Stanford used another strong fourth quarter to beat Oregon 64-53 in the Invisalign Bay Area Women’s Classic at Chase Center on Sunday.
The Cardinal (11-2), which led for more than 36 minutes, was up one after Ari Long made a jumper to start the fourth quarter for the Ducks (12-2), but that was as close as they’d get. With just over eight minutes to go, a Chloe Clardy midrange floater hit back iron and was rebounded by Long before Ogden knocked it out of her hands from behind. The ball popped right up to Clardy who finished through contact and hit the free throw to complete the 3-point play.
Long would make another bucket on the next possession with 7:56 on the clock, but that would be Oregon’s last field goal for more than six minutes. The Ducks wouldn’t convert again until Katie Fiso made a layup with 1:29 left.
continued...
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Garland Scores 27 in Loss
at New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Colby Garland led all Spartans with 27 points, shooting 9-of-17 from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc to lead the San Jose State men’s basketball team (5-7, 0-1 MW) in a 88-65 loss to New Mexico (10-2, 1-0 MW) Saturday night from The Pit.
The Spartans stayed competitive early, using strong perimeter shooting to keep pace in the opening half. San José State connected on six three-pointers in the first 20 minutes and trailed 41–28 at the break after briefly holding the lead midway through the half. The Spartans cut the deficit to as few as five early in the second half, but the Lobos would control the rest of the game, building the advantage to as many as 31 late in the game.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WBB | Final Non-Conference Tune Up, Saint Mary’s Hosts New Mexico State Saturday, December 20th
MORAGA, Calif. - Saint Mary's will look for their ninth win on the 2025-26 season in their non-conference finale, hosting New Mexico State on Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 PM. After a four-game skid featuring three power four opponents, the Gaels have responded with a three-game win streak and will have a chance to push it to four games for their second longest streak of the season. Catch all the action live on ESPN+ and tickets for Saturday's game can be purchased online at smcgaels.com/tickets.
continued...
Photo: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
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Five Finish in Double Figures, Dons Rout Bears at Home
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco men's basketball team (8-5) used a balanced attack in its final nonconference game of the season as five Dons scored in double figures to rout Morgan State (2-10), 94-64, at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Dons were led by David Fuchs, who finished with a career-high 23 points to go along with two rebounds and two steals. Legend Smiley tacked on 15 points off the bench while Mookie Cook chipped in as well with 14 points.
continued...
Photo: Christina Leung
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Broncos Fall To Loyola in Nonconference Finale
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Christian Hammond and Elijah Mahi combined for 46 points as Santa Clara men's basketball dropped their final nonconference game, 80-78, in a thriller against Loyola at Kaiser Permamente Arena. The game featured 21 lead changes and eight ties. The Broncos finished nonconference play with a 9-4 record and will return to action on Dec. 28 for the start of WCC play with a road trip against Oregon State.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The first half saw eight lead changes as the Broncos shot 42 percent (16-of-38) while Loyola converted on 52 percent (13-of-25). The Ramblers (4-9) had a six-point advantage at the free throw line with a 9-for-11 mark against just 3-for-4 for SCU.
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Men’s Basketball Concludes
Non-Conference Play
Sunday at Home
STOCKTON, Calif. – Wrapping up its non-conference slate, the Pacific men's basketball program hosts Nicholls from the Southland Conference at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Alex G. Spanos Center.
The game between the Tigers (8-4, 0-0 WCC) and the Colonels (3-7, 2-0 SLC) is part of a home doubleheader for Pacific as its women's basketball team hosts No. 22 Washington at 1 p.m.
The Tigers are looking to win their ninth non-conference game for the first time since 2019-20 when they won 12. Pacific is 4-0 at home this season, 813-426 all-time at home and 350-229 in the Spanos Center.
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Aggies Make Statement in First Meet Back at Schaal Aquatics Center
Score: UC Davis 219, New Mexico 62
Location: Davis, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 2-3, New Mexico 0-6
The short story: UC Davis delivered a dominant home performance against New Mexico, winning 15 of 16 events as the Aggies showcased depth across swimming and diving, highlighted by multiple event sweeps and top finishes on the boards.
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| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneers' Conference Win Streak Extended With 75-65 Road
Victory at CSUDH
CARSON, Calif. — Cal State East Bay closed out Friday night at the Torodome with a 75-65 win over Cal State Dominguez Hills, staying unbeaten in CCAA play. The Pioneers (4-5, 3-0) broke open a tight contest with a decisive fourth-quarter surge, highlighted by an 11-0 run that started with a free throw from Meredith Gilbertson and flipped the game for good.
continued...
Game Recap: Women's Basketball / CSUEB Athletic Communications
Photo: Justin Willard / KLC fotos
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2025/26 Schedules
San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, December 22, through
Sunday, December 28, 2025
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Monday, December 22
San Francisco 49ers @ Indianapolis Colts, 5:15 p.m.
Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 23
Sacramento Kings vs. Detroit Pistons, 1 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Vegas Golden Knights, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24
Cal Bears @ Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors, 5 p.m. / Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl
Thursday, December 25
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks, 2 p.m.
Friday, December 26
Saturday, December 27
Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks, 2 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks, 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 28
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears, 5:20 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. New York Giants, 1:05 p.m.
Golden State Warriors @ Toronto Raptors, 12:30 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers, 6:30 p.m.
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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
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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: $10 hardcover, $7 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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