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January 20 -- January 26, 2025
Issue No. 573
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Too bad, Lions fans. When expectations are high, and you have a team with a chance to go all the way to the Super Bowl, any loss is tough. Focus on the excellent season you had, the best since 1957!
Fats Domino wouldn't want you to have a case of the Blues.
Detroit City Blues, 12/10/49, Fats Domino (2:29)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDM7a8ccE5o
Jacques Diamond
Oakland, CA
Tennis Anyone?
Sic Semper Tyrannis is a Latin phrase which translates to "thus always to tyrants" and is often used to describe how tyrannical leaders will eventually be overthrown. However, for the Australian Open, perhaps Sic TEMPER Tyrannis might be more appropriate. Russian tennis star, Daniil Medvedev had an epic meltdown and violently smashed the mini camera wedged in the net. This freak-out makes John McEnroe's outbursts of yesteryear look like Zen Meditation. This short clip captures the action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ThG1nTt0A (1:27)
In his next match, two days later and after a hefty fine, Medvedev was upset by American Learner Tien, playing in his first major outside of the U.S. Open, in a five-set classic. Medvedev had reached three of the past four Australian Open finals but could not handle the remarkably composed Tien. In this case, the Learner taught the Tyrant a valuable lesson!
Learner Tien was born in Irvine, CA to Vietnamese parents of Chinese descent. His first name, Learner, is inspired by his mother's profession — a math teacher. His sister is named Justice after her father's profession — an attorney. Only in America.
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (MGYM) 303.950, Stanford Cardinal 318.450
USF Dons (MBkB) 81, Oregon State Beavers 70
Features & Commentary
A Matter of Proportion and Perspective, by Howard Pearlstein
Harlem Globetrotters, by Rich Yee
Janet Evans, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Playing My Hunch, 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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Harlem Globetrotters
Oakland Arena, Oakland, CA
Friday, January 17, 2025
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The Harlem Globetrotters, a joyful professional basketball team which combines athleticism, comedy, and entertainment, brought another magical performance to the Oakland Arena on Friday, January 17. Known for their ball handling, dunks, and high-spirited fan interaction, the Globetrotters did not disappoint. Above, Thunder Law (#23) and a fan engage for a special moment
in a phone-lit arena. Photo by Rich Yee.
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After stealing a fan’s shoe, Thunder Law (#23) reenacts a scene from Cinderella to see if the shoe fits. Photo by Rich Yee. | |
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Cal Bears -- 303.950
Stanford Cardinal -- 318.450
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Monday, January 13, 2025
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Kicking off the 2025 men’s gymnastics season, the Golden Bears played host to their Bay Area rival, the Stanford Cardinal, in a head-to-head meet. Stanford has a current US Olympic teammate in 5'-1" Asher Hong and Cal responded with several competing freshmen who made big impacts. Above, freshman all-around newcomer Matteo Bardana scores big for Cal in the floor exercise with a 13.65. ACC Conference Men’s Gymnastics at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Monday, January 13.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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One of the elder statesmen, a graduate student and the Pommel Horse staple, Aidan Li would lead all scores on the exercise with
a 13.85. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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College National Championship | |
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The average ticket purchased through StubHub is $2,500...
both Notre Dame and Ohio State exhausted their
allotment of 20,000 tickets
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Playing
My
Hunch
by Dave Newhouse
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Knute Rockne vs. Woody Hayes. The Four Horsemen vs. Howard “Hopalong” Cassady. Seven Heisman Trophies vs. six Heisman Trophies.
It’s Notre Dame vs. Ohio State for the college football championship.
All that history, all that tradition, all that success colliding in Atlanta to wind up the country’s first 12-school college gridiron playoff system. It’s only fitting that it's Notre Dame taking on Ohio State.
Two elite football powerhouses: Notre Dame with 11 national football championships — the country’s most — and Ohio State with eight. And Notre Dame with seven Heisman winners — one behind USC, the leader — and Ohio State with six.
Historic coaches? Rockne of the Fighting Irish dominated the early 20th Century, and Hayes of the Buckeyes ruled in the second half.
The Four Horsemen, a Notre Dame backfield, were glorified in the Roaring Twenties, while Cassady, the 1955 Heisman recipient at Ohio State, was nicknamed Hopalong after that famous Hollywood western hero, Hopalong Cassidy.
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Archie Griffin won four Big Ten Conference titles with the Buckeyes and was the first player to ever start in four Rose Bowls
But Ohio State has something, or someone, that Notre Dame or anybody else lacks: the only two-time Heisman honoree, Archie Griffin in 1974 and 1975.
Back in those times, a bowl victory could secure a national championship. It’s more complicated these days, requiring a longer season, though receiving that trophy on the victory stand has the same lifetime impact.
Ohio State is a touchdown favorite, actually 8 and a 1/2 points. The Buckeyes were predicted to reach this pinnacle early in the season, while Notre Dame has been coming on strong, and getting stronger in the playoffs.
Therefore, the pressure is on Ohio State coach Ryan Day to put this one away, or the ghost of the combustible Hayes will haunt him at night.
Contrarily, there is less demand on Marcus Freeman, the Notre Dame coach, as an underdog, although he could become the first black college football coach to win a Division One national title by defeating Ohio State. Therefore, inner-pressure.
This game has multiple story lines even without getting into the ticket prices. The average ticket purchased through StubHub is $2,500, compared to $1,800 for last year’s national championship game between Michigan and Washington in Houston.
However, the $2,500 is a record for college football, because the NFL is off the charts. The lowest Super Bowl ticket price is around $4,000 to $5,000. Nonetheless, both Notre Dame and Ohio State exhausted their allotment of 20,000 tickets.
So who’s going to win? If it were arm wrestling, that’s easy, I’d pick Knute over Woody. The only nagging feeling I have is that Ohio State has reached its peak and has flattened out, while Notre Dame is gathering steam toward that mountaintop.
Thus I’m picking the Fighting Irish, then I’m disappearing.
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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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USF Dons 81
Oregon State Beavers 70
War Memorial Gym, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, January 18, 2025
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USF Dons guard Malik Thomas scored 24 points as the Dons (16-5 overall, 6-2 WCC) defeated the Oregon State Beavers (14-6, 4-3), 81-70, at War Memorial Gym on Saturday, January 18th.
Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Warriors Announce Tributes To Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At Celtics Home Matchup On Monday, January 20
First Warriors Home Game On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Since 2017
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as they take on the Boston Celtics at Chase Center on Monday, January 20, at 2 p.m. Inspired by Dr. King’s words, "The time is always right to do what is right,” the game will feature a variety of tributes designed to uplift and celebrate his contributions to equality and justice. Fans can purchase tickets for the game at warriors.com or by calling 888-GSW-HOOP.
The Warriors’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day activations include:
- During halftime, five students from the Oakland Unified School District’s Oratory Festival will deliver speeches they’ve written in honor of Dr. King. The speeches will blend renditions of his famous works and original reflections.
- Dr. Clarence B. Jones, Dr. King’s former lawyer and speechwriter who authored the first seven paragraphs of his “I Have a Dream” speech, will be featured as the game’s Impact Warrior.
- Rev. Dr. Amos Brown, one of the eight students taught by Dr. King at Morehouse College, will be a guest of honor at the game.
- Warriors players will warm up in custom t-shirts honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
- The Warriors Dance Team and Blue Crew will feature performances inspired by Dr. King, showcasing movement and music selections that celebrate his life.
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www.warriors.com
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If you enjoy our free publication, a
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Thanks to the following generous donors! | |
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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
Narda Zacchino
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"Still, president of baseball operations Buster Posey downplayed trade rumors last month and said he’s 'bullish' on Doval’s ability to bounce back in 2025." Photo by Darren Yamashita,
May 19, 2024
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Here's how the Giants' relief corps
is shaping up
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.
The area of the Giants’ roster that has experienced the least amount of turnover this offseason? The bullpen.
With no major free-agent additions or departures thus far, San Francisco is poised to return virtually the same unit that covered a National League-high 655 innings in 2024. The Giants are hoping they’ll be able to ease that workload by getting more length from their starters, but they’re confident they’ll be able to count on their incumbent group of relievers to continue to buttress the pitching staff this season.
“I think it’s important that there’s not a ton of uncertainty in the bullpen,” manager Bob Melvin said in late September. “You know there are going to be certain guys in there going forward. The guys that are under contract are the guys that we rely on to win the games. A lot of times in the offseason, the bullpen is an area that is pretty unpredictable and one that every team seems to have a lot of turnover in. The fact that we do have some guys going forward under contract is a benefit for us.”
Here’s a look at how the relief corps is shaping up with less than a month to go until Spring Training.
The projected bullpen
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www.sfgiants.com
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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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Ballers,
May 20th is Opening Day at Raimondi Park and it's coming up fast.
For season tickets, we still have some availability in each section, but we wanted to give you a heads up that we only have 12 seats left in our Premium Reserved Section A, the section right behind home plate.
We don't sell all our seats as season tickets, so there will definitely be seats available in all sections when we begin Flex Ticket redemptions in late February. But if you were eyeing PR Sec A Season Tickets, we recommend acting soon before those 12 seats go.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/16/2025
Oakland, CA – Oakland Roots and Soul SC, in partnership with Northeastern University’s Oakland Campus, proudly announce the Women in Sports Business Conference to be held on Feb 28, 2025. "Rooted and Rising: Women Leading in Sports Business" conference, is a celebration of the leadership, innovation, and influence of women shaping the sports business landscape. The partnership embodies our shared dedication to fostering inclusion, collaboration, and experiential learning by bringing together professionals, students, and change makers from across the industry.
This event will feature powerhouse women from all aspects of professional sports, not only from Oakland Roots and Soul but also including executives from the Golden State Warriors, Golden State Valkyries, San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, San Jose Sharks, and the Sacramento Kings.
“The Bay Area is a global epicenter for sports, and we are gathering many of the top women leaders of sports business in one space to share their immense wisdom and experience,” said Oakland Roots and Soul Director of Community Engagement, Nelda Kerr. “We want to connect women who have carved out successful careers with students and professionals who are new to sports or interested in breaking into the industry, and strengthen the community as a whole.”
“We are excited to bring together some of the most inspiring women leaders in the Bay Area sports community for this incredible event,” said Magda Cooney, Director of the Center for Transformative Action at Northeastern University. “Our goal is to highlight the transformative impact these women are making both locally and globally, while creating meaningful opportunities for students and early-career professionals to connect, learn, and chart their own paths in the sports industry.”
The event will be held in the Lisser Hall and Graduate School of Business (GSB) at Northeastern University’s Oakland Campus. A welcome and opening remarks will be shared by Oakland Roots and Soul President Lindsay Barenz.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:
- Nelda Kerr - Director of Community Engagement - Oakland Roots & Soul SC
- Andrea Lepore - VP Brand Partnerships - Oakland Roots & Soul SC
- Nikki Lowy - Director of Community & City Outreach - Northeastern University
- Magda Cooney - Director Center for Transformative Action - Northeastern University
MODERATORS INCLUDE:
- Angelina Narvaez - Radio Host Wild 94.9 and Official Stadium Voice Oakland Soul
- Kate Karniouchina - Director D'Amore-McKim School of Business
- Lara Potter - Chief Revenue Officer - Oakland Roots & Soul SC
PANELISTS INCLUDE:
- Jessica Smith - President - GS Valkyries
- Rachel Heit - Chief Marketing Officer - SF Giants
- Hannah Gordon - Freelance Advisor - Formerly Chief Legal Officer - SF 49ers
- D'Lonra Ellis - Vice President - Athletics
- Neda Tabatabaie - Senior VP Business Analytics & Tech - SJ Sharks
- Maritza Davis - VP of Experiences and Social Responsibility - Sacramento Kings
- Ay'Anna Moody - Senior Director, Social Impact - Warriors Foundation
- Gabby Turner - VP Marketing and Partnerships - Bay Area Host Committee
- Zena Keita - On-Air Talent - NBC Sports Bay Area
- Marissa Ingemi - Sports Reporter - SF Chronicle
- Kristin Rogers - Director of Brand, Retail, Media and Ad - Plug and Play
- Akilah Cadet - Founder/CEO Change Cadet and Community Investment Round Lead for Oakland Roots & Soul SC
- Pam Baker - Founder - Women's Coaching Alliance
- Joanne da Luz - Co-Founder/Board Member My Yute Soccer
- Jill Schweitzer - Head of Product - PFF FC
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
To learn more or register click the link below to attend please contact: info@roots.com
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Earthquakes Sign Kaedren Spivey, Jermaine Spivey to Pro Contracts
Teenage brothers, Academy graduates sign first pro deals; 15-year-old midfielder Kaedren Spivey to sign MLS contract as Homegrown Player; 18-year-old forward Jermaine Spivey to ink accord with Quakes’ MLS NEXT Pro Team, The Town FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed brothers Kaedren and Jermaine Spivey to professional contracts. Midfielder Kaedren Spivey has signed a contract with the Earthquakes’ Major League Soccer first team as a Homegrown Player through 2028 with a club option for 2029. Meanwhile, forward Jermaine Spivey has signed a contract with the Earthquakes’ MLS NEXT Pro Team, The Town FC, through 2026 with a club option for 2027.
“Kaedren and Jermaine come from an exceptional family, and we’re absolutely thrilled for them to take this big step,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. “They are both tremendous talents, but more importantly, they’re tremendous young men. We look forward to continue to work with them for many years to come.”
Born and raised in San Jose, Kaedren and Jermaine are two of three Spivey siblings in the Earthquakes’ developmental pyramid. Shemar Spivey, the youngest of the trio, is currently in his first season with the Quakes Academy U-14 squad.
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www.sjearthquakes.com
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BAY AREA UNITE
The Bay Area Host Committee and 7 Bay Area professional sports teams are supporting LA communities affected by wildfires.
Each organization has selected a worthy recipient involved in the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts and encourages others to make additional contributions as they are able.
DONATE>>
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WOMEN'S SPORTS SUPPLIES DRIVE
Bay FC is participating alongside the Golden State Valkyries in the Teaming Up for LA: Women’s Sports Supplies Drive to support the relief efforts in the Greater Los Angeles area.
For individuals or organizations wishing to contribute, new and unused toiletries as well as cosmetics can be dropped off at locations in San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Mountain View.
LEARN MORE>>
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A Matter of Proportion
and Perspective
by Howard Pearlstein
Last week I was writing about the 49ers and the Dubs -- their disappointing seasons. And how important it was to resist the impulse to find blame.
At the same time, it was difficult to ignore the fact that only a seven-hour drive south from Oakland, fires were raging over the hills, destroying thousands of houses. High winds blowing embers, starting new fires.
The fires are still only partially contained. Two dozen dead, burned alive or strangled by toxic fumes. Three dozen missing. (Let’s not pretend they’re still alive.) Many thousands lost everything they owned in a few minutes, burned to the ground as they ran for their lives to escape the advancing flames.
It seemed so miniscule to be writing about a game where a shift in the score in the final seconds is called “heartbreaking.” After that, everyone gets to go home.
But the point wasn’t that the game was so important, not as much as the need to resist the impulse to blame someone. Fixing the blame isn’t the same thing as fixing the problem, not even the same as identifying it. Blaming someone is just a thing people do to make themselves feel better, which usually makes it worse.
Avoiding the finger-pointing impulse is not easy to do in our society.
“Who’s to blame?” is baked into our socio-cultural history, from the first movies. Where’s our hero (white hat), who’s the villain (black hat). (There was also a lot of “Hey baby, hubba-hubba!” But that’s a different problem.) From lynch mobs to present-day television packed as high as an elephant’s eye with crime shows, our top priority seems directed to finding one thing: who’s to blame?
It's all-pervasive, sometimes irresistible, especially when so many things confuse so many people. Our new president’s campaign was basically the same as that of most every other presidential candidate in our history, a very different style, definitely, but still all about telling people who to blame. These days, millions of people are confounded by the changes in our society, how fast they come, how much they challenge some basic beliefs. Fix it?
How about first figuring out what the problem is?
I realized, well wottahell, boss, as Archie the Cockroach useta say, I guess big or small, we’re all in the same pickle, figuring out how to deal with stuff that doesn’t make sense. All the same whether it’s a clutch time loss for the Dubs or monster fires eating everything you own in a few minutes.
Journalists, the people who gossip over the back fence professionally, started fixing blame for the fires almost immediately with the mayor of Los Angeles. She was in Ghana when the fires started: “She shouldn’t be there when we need her here!” Like she had some sort of a magickal fire hose? Blaming the governor for something or other, maybe the fact that the cities’ water systems weren’t built to connect directly to the reservoirs. The reservoirs are full, but the need for water exhausted the pressure in the hydrants.
The source of the problem? In a way, success. The Dubs and Niners, too many years in the playoffs, lost weeks of post-season rest and rehab. The LA area, too much good climate, lots of people moving there, building houses wherever. But the climate has changed! Fixable?
I’m encouraged that inauguration day protests are planned specifically against the new president’s agenda, not against him personally. People are just people, but agendas can be fixed, and maybe even so can offensive and defensive schemes. At least so we can hope.
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Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Janet Evans -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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While attending a swim meet at Stanford University many years ago I had the chance to meet Olympic gold medal swimmer Janet Evans. She was super nice to all who met her and signed this photo for anyone who wanted one. Janet won three gold medals at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and another gold and silver at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics she did not medal but she was the one who handed the torch to Muhammad Ali for him to lite the Olympic Flame.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 115: Would Judge Wilken Waiting To Rule On The House V. NCAA Settlement Cause Chaos in College Sports? | |
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
If you're reading this newsletter, you're likely aware that Judge Claudia Wilken has provided preliminary approval to a settlement that would end 2 pending class action lawsuits against the NCAA (often collectively called House v. NCAA).
Judge Wilken has scheduled a hearing for April 7, 2025, to discuss the possibility of providing final settlement approval.
Judge Wilken may decide to reject the settlement or not rule on it from the bench. The latter scenario could cause chaos in college sports.
College football players currently benefit from 2 annual transfer portal windows wherein they can enter their names into the NCAA's transfer portal and thereafter move institutions without having to sit out a year to play for their new schools.
In 2025, those 2 windows are: (a) April 16-25; and (b) likely a period in December.
Suppose Judge Wilken rejects the settlement agreement before April 16. In that case, athletes who previously signed NIL revenue-sharing agreements with institutions contingent on Judge Wilken approving the settlement can transfer if third-parties (i.e. NIL collectives) do not quickly pick up the slack for the promises that schools conditioned on the settlement being confirmed. It's not optimal, but at least athletes will have a choice.
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Dan Gurney’s 1961 Chevrolet Impala Debuts as Pace Car for Dan Gurney Saloon Car Trophy Race at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
Justin Gurney Celebrates Family History with Dad’s Brash Impala
MONTEREY, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025—Few would call American racing hero Dan Gurney subtle when he entered a slightly modified stock 1961 Chevy Impala to race against smaller displacement cars at the British Saloon Car Championship at Silverstone. Now, 63 years later and under the rightful ownership of his son Justin Gurney, this original Impala will be driven by Justin as the pace car for the aptly named Dan Gurney Saloon Car Trophy race at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Aug. 13-16 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
“My dad loved this car and always talked about it,” explained Justin Gurney, president and CEO of the famed All American Racers. “There’s a photo of him driving it in our office’s hallway and a large mural in the shop.”
But it was bittersweet as the Impala was banned before the next race after its lone appearance where he was leading before a wheel broke on the second to last lap. “Dad wasn’t very happy with the ban prior to the second race and tried to argue his case, but in the end realized he couldn’t fight city hall and sold it on the spot.”
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www.weathertechraceway.com
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DENSO TO CONTINUE AS TITLE SPONSOR OF NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS
SONOMA, Calif. (January 15, 2025) – NHRA officials announced today that DENSO will continue as the title sponsor of the annual NHRA national event at scenic Sonoma Raceway.
The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals will take place July 25-27 in Sonoma, and is part of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This year’s race marks the 10 year anniversary of DENSO serving as title sponsor for an NHRA national event.
The annual trek to wine country in Sonoma and picturesque Sonoma Raceway is one of the highlights on the NHRA circuit. For nearly four decades, fans have been treated to a scenic racing facility that is also one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA tour, showcasing incredible performances year after year.
The title sponsorship in Sonoma continues DENSO’s long relationship with NHRA, and DENSO also partners with a number of top NHRA competitors, including Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Matt and Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo and John Hall, as well as 2024 U.S. Nationals Top Fuel winner Clay Millican and his 11,000-horsepower dragster.
"DENSO is proud to continue its sponsorship of the NHRA Sonoma Nationals,” said DENSO Marketing and Communications Manager Daniel Muramoto. “This event has been a cornerstone of our longstanding commitment to the NHRA and its passionate fans. This partnership reflects our dedication to innovation and performance both on and off the track, and we’re excited to once again be part of the action at Sonoma Raceway in 2025 and for years to come."
The 2025 DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals will again feature the GETTRX NHRA All- Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout as well. Riders will compete in the Callout style specialty event, picking their first-round opponent in a bonus event that features big money and bragging rights. Matt Smith won the GETTRX NHRA All- Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout a year ago, finishing off a stellar weekend with a DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals victory.
Tickets, camping, upgrades, and premium options for the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals on July 25-27, 2025 are available at SonomaRaceway.com.
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www.sonomaraceway.com
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Johnny Goode broke Cal's indoor 400m record in his Golden Bear debut
Bears Post Slew Of Program Top 10s In Stellar Season Opener
Sprints Stand Out In Explosive 2025 Debut
SPOKANE, Wash. – California track & field lived up to its high billing Friday as the Golden Bears headed north to start off their indoor season at the Spokane Sports Showcase and the Spokane Indoor Challenge, winning three events and earning several program top-10 marks at The Podium.
Five of those program top 10s came from the sprints and hurdles group, led by junior transfer Johnny Goode and his school-record 400m time of 46.68 that bested Paramveer Chohan's 2019 mark by one-tenth of a second. Cal also excelled in the 60m dash on both the men's and women's sides, with the former advancing two (senior David Foster and redshirt junior Gavin Schurr) to the final. Foster, a 2024 All-American in the event, placed second by tying his own school record of 6.54, while Schurr's preliminary time of 6.63 moved him up from No. 10 to No. 2 in program history. Senior Aysha Shaheed moved up the women's 60m all-time list with a qualifying time of 7.38 that earned her Cal's No. 5 spot. The women's 60m hurdlers were paced by senior Asjah Atkinson and sophomore Mari Testa, as the former posted a finals time of 8.44 to improve her own No. 6 program entry and the latter notched a personal-best 8.63 – ninth-fastest in program history – in the qualifying round. In total, 12 members of the sprints and hurdles unit recorded personal bests on the day.
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Photo: Luka Gillis - RunnerSpace
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Cardinal Blanks Buckeyes
AUSTIN, Texas – No. 11 Stanford opened the First Point Collegiate Challenge with a 25-19, 25-14, 25-20 sweep over No. 13 Ohio State, Friday, at the Austin Convention Center.
Stanford (2-1) hit .246 as a team and recorded 11 aces and 12.0 blocks – both season-highs. The Cardinal held the Buckeyes (2-3) to a -.081 attack percentage, the lowest by an opponent this season.
Junior Moses Wagner led all players with 13 kills on .381 hitting, two aces, a dig and a career-high six blocks. Outside hitter Nate Clinton added eight kills on .500 hitting, four digs, two blocks and an ace.
Setter Theoren Brouillette dished out 27 assists, and tallied three digs, three aces and a block. Freshman libero Evan Porter collected a match-best five digs.
Junior outside hitter Theo Snoey finished with four kills, four digs, four aces and five blocks. Freshman middle blocker Kaumana Carreira was a perfect 3-0-3 (1.000) offensively and had three blocks, while sophomore Gray Mandelbaum chipped in with two kills, three digs and five blocks.
Middle blocker Luke McFall started the third set and registered three blocks. Junior Ryan DuRoss had an ace off the bench.
Stanford closes out the First Point Collegiate Challenge on Saturday against No. 14 Penn State. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT on ESPN+.
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Five Spartans Score Double-Digits
in Loss at Nevada
RENO, Nev. - Robert Vaihola recorded 12 points and six rebounds to lead the San José State (9-11, 2-6 MW) men's basketball team in a 75-64 loss to Nevada (11-7, 3-4 MW) at Lawlor Events Center.
- Of Vaihola’s six rebounds, four of them were offensive. Coming into the game, Vaihola was one of two players in the conference averaging three or more offensive rebounds per game in conference play.
- Vaihola also tallied two assists and a block.
- Uduje tallied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in the game.
- Uduje has now scored in double-figures in 17 out of 20 games this season.
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Both Latrell Davis and Sadaidriene Hall also scored 12 points in the game.
- Hall would also collect five rebounds and two steals.
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Donavan Yap scored 10 points and dished out three assists.
- SJSU had five players score double-digits for the third time this season and the second consecutive game.
- The Spartans hit eight threes in the game. The Spartans have now hit eight or more threes in five consecutive games.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MBB | Gaels Hold Fifth Straight Opponent Below 60, Down Pepperdine 74-50
MALIBU, Calif. — The Saint Mary's Gaels (16-3, 6-0 WCC) continued to defensively shut down every team in their path, defeating Pepperdine (7-12, 1-5 WCC) to complete the season sweep of the Waves. The Gaels remain the only unbeaten team in WCC play, with every other team in conference having at least two losses, and now have run the NCAA leading road winning streak to 13 in row.
The Gaels fell into an early 6-3 hole, scoring the opening bucket before surrendering a 6-0 run to the Waves. The Gaels would pull level at nine apiece on a sweet connection from Augustas Marciulionis to Paulius Murauskas for a slam and the Gaels would ride that all the way to a 35-22 halftime lead as part of a 32-16 run over the final 16 minutes of the first half. Luke Barrett led the Gaels with 12 first half points on 5-7 shooting, not leaving the floor in the half. Jordan Ross chipped in 10, going a perfect 2-2 from three. Paulius Murauskas was limited to just two points, but ripped down a team high six rebounds, while his countryman Augustas Marciulionis played the entire 20 minutes of the first half and, while held scoreless, assisted on four buckets. The Gaels had just three turnovers in the first half, as they were able to run their offense and often pass up good looks for great looks.
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Comeback Falls Short as Women's Basketball Falls at Pacific
STOCKTON, Calif. – The University of San Francisco women's basketball team (8-10, 5-4 WCC) suffered a 76-64 road loss at Pacific (9-10, 5-4 WCC) Saturday afternoon at the Alex G. Spanos Center.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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In a low-scoring first quarter, Cami Fulcher scored San Francisco's first basket, a driving layup to tie the game at two at 9:11.
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After an Anaya James three-pointer and a layup to put Pacific up 7-3, Emma Trawally Porta and Freja Werth combined for the following five points to give the Dons an 8-7 advantage.
- The Dons continued to build their lead, with Trawally Porta connecting on a layup for a 13-9 lead at the 3:15 mark of the period.
- From there, the Tigers recorded a 9-0 scoring run, regaining the lead and holding a five-point advantage, 18-13, at the end of the first quarter.
- Pacific dominated the second quarter, beginning the 10 minutes on a 12-0 run, extending its lead to double-digits, 30-13, at 6:34.
- At 4:24, Werth broke the scoring drought two minutes later, recording a layup to trim the deficit to 15, 30-15.
- The Tigers continued to hold the momentum, outscoring the Dons 19-9 in the quarter, and led 37-20 at the halftime break.
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Following six straight points from Pacific for a 43-22 lead, Luana Leite put the green and gold on the board with a layup, trimming the Tigers' edge to 19, 43-24, at 8:22.
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Trailing 54-29, Mia Vukšic knocked down back-back three-pointers from the corner to bring the Dons to within 56-34 at 4:49. Vukšic added two more three-pointers in the third as the Dons trailed 62-45 at the end of the period.
- San Francisco cut into Pacific's lead at the start of the fourth quarter, reaching within 11, 69-58, following a 13-7 run. Werth and Vukšic led the charge, combining for nine points, with Werth capping off the run with a three-pointer at 7:02.
- Werth continued to lead the team in the final period, knocking down two clutch free throws to trim the deficit to six, 70-64, with two minutes remaining.
- The Tigers, however, held on and scored the game's final six points to win 76-64.
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Broncos Upset No. 16 Gonzaga Behind Career Night From
Tyeree Bryan
SPOKANE, Wash. - The Santa Clara men's basketball team (13-7, 5-2) stunned the No. 16 ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs 103-99 on Saturday at the McCarthey Athletic Center, their first true road win against a top 25 team since Dec. 4, 1993 against Cal. The Broncos hit 18 threes, the second most in school history, and the most Gonzaga has ever given up at home. Tyeree Bryan led all scorers with a career high 35 points, including the game-sealing trey with 43 seconds left.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
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An 8-2 spurt from Gonzaga (14-6, 5-2) put them ahead 11-7 early, but a layup from Christoph Tilly tied it at 11 just before the first media timeout. A trey from Dusty Stromer put the Bulldogs up 20-16, but just the third three of the season for Camaron Tongue cut the lead to 22-21.
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A trey from Ryan Nembhard gave the Bulldogs their largest lead to that point, 30-24, but a layup from Tyeree Bryan capped an 11-1 Broncos run to give them their largest lead of the half, 35-31, forcing a Gonzaga timeout. Nolan Hickman ended over five minutes without a bucket for Gonzaga, as he scored five in a row by himself to regain the Bulldogs lead.
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Both teams traded blows as a jumper from Nembhard put Gonzaga up one at the half despite Tyeree Bryan tying a season high with 18 points in the first half alone.
- Bryan continued right where he left off, splashing another corner trey to eclipse a new career high 24 points, capping off a 13-4 Broncos run, propelling them to a 59-53 lead. Another trey from Bryan ballooned the lead to 65-57. However, Gonzaga refused to back down as an and-one bucket from Braden Huff capped a 7-1 Gonzaga run to cut it to two, 66-64.
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A three from Carlos Stewart Jr. marked the seventh straight make from beyond the arc, capping a 10-4 spurt which put the Broncos in front 76-68 with 10 minutes left. A three from Jake Ensminger marked the Broncos 17th trey, giving them their largest lead of the night at 88-76.
- A 14-5 Gonzaga push cut the lead to three with two and a half to play. With 43 seconds left and the game on the line, Bryan drilled a game-clinching three, one of his career high seven triples, to put the Broncos up 98-92. The Bulldogs battled back, cutting it to four with 15 seconds left, but the Broncos held on for the 103-99 victory.
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Tigers Pounce On Dons Early for Home Victory
STOCKTON, Calif. – A 21-0 run in the first half created too much separation for San Francisco to come back from as the Pacific women's basketball program rode to a 76-64 win Saturday at the Alex G. Spanos Center.
The Tigers (9-10, 5-4 WCC) trailed 13-9 in the first quarter when a lay-up by Daria Nestorov got Pacific going. The Tigers connected on eight of its next 10 shots to catapult ahead 30-13.
Senior Anaya James and graduate Liz Smith played big roles in the first half spurt and led Pacific for the game. James finished with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting and 3-of-5 from long range, while Smith tallied 17 points on 7-of-12 from the floor. The duo also dished out five assists apiece.
The pair's efficiencies highlighted a Pacific team that shot 50.8% (31-for-61) from the field. This production extended to the defensive end of the court as well where the team held the Dons (8-10, 5-4 WCC) to just 34.4% (21-for-61) from the field.
Junior Sydney Ward led a defense that tallied 10 blocks by swatting five. She became the first Tiger with five or more blocks in a game since Dec. 27, 2014, when Kendall Kenyon blocked six shots, also against San Francisco. The 10 team blocks tied for the fifth most single game in program history and the first time Pacific has recorded 10 or more blocks against Division I competition since Jan. 19, 2013 against Cal State Northridge.
Smith grabbed seven of the team's 15 steals. Her seven steals were not only a new career-high, but she also now ranks tied for seventh in team history for most steals in a single game. She joins James as the only active Tiger with seven-plus steals in a contest and is the fifth Tiger in the head coach Bradley Davis era to do so.
Between the blocks and steals, it represented just the third time in program history Pacific has recorded more than 10 blocks and steals in the same game (last done Dec. 12, 2014 versus Cal Maritime).
It was Pacific's second straight win over the Dons after knocking them out of the WCC Tournament last season 76-71.
Looking ahead, Pacific is on the road for its next contest when it travels to Pepperdine on Thursday at 6 p.m. before returning home to celebrate Powercat's birthday next Saturday against Oregon State at
6 p.m.
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Johnson's 35-Point Performance Propels UC Davis to Road Victory Over UC Santa Barbara
Score: UC Davis 64, UC Santa Barbara 60
Location: Santa Barbara, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 11-8 (5-3), UC Santa Barbara 12-6 (4-3)
The Short Story: TY Johnson scored a game-high 35 points, and Niko Rocak added a double-double as the Aggies completed their road trip with a season sweep of Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara, improving to 5-3 in Big West play.
COURT SIDE
- Johnson commanded the offense, scoring 35 points on 12-23 shooting from the field and a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line with only one turnover
- He also added two steals to his efforts
- Johnson recorded his fourth 30+ point game this season and the ninth of his career
- The 35-point output for Johnson tied his career-high, a mark he set earlier this year against Washington
- Rocak notched his third double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds
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Leo DeBruhl contributed eight points and four assists
- The UC Davis defense for the second straight game was the difference maker, forcing 13 UC Santa Barbara turnovers and converting them into 18 points
- The Aggies also limited the Gauchos to just 37.3 percent shooting from the field
- UC Davis' defense especially in the first half was as good as it has been all season, allowing only 17 points, the fewest total the Aggies had surrendered in a half this season
- UC Davis made the most of their possessions in the first half, only turning it over once and scoring on over half of their possessions
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UC Davis took control after a brief 11-8 deficit, going on an 8-0 run to take a 16-11 lead with 11:58 left in the first half
- The Aggies increased their lead with a 7-0 stretch and entered halftime with a 29-17 advantage
- UC Davis' defense stood strong in the first 20 minutes, allowing just 17 points in the first half as UC Santa Barbara shot 25.9% from the field (7-of-27), including 1-of-8 from three, and committed nine turnovers
- Most of the Aggies first-half damage came in the paint, scoring 16 of their 29 points inside
- UC Davis started strong again in the second half, pushing the lead to 37-19 with an 8-0 run at 18:20
- UC Santa Barbara responded with a run of their own, cutting the deficit to 39-30 with 13:49 left
- The Gauchos continued to fight back, narrowing the gap to just five points with 11:33 left after a fast-break layup
- UC Davis answered with one of many key buckets by Johnson to keep the lead at six points with 9:05 remaining
- Santa Barbara would also respond with key shots of their own, cutting the lead to 49-48 with 6:24 left after a three-pointer
- With the score going back in forth during the closing minutes, UC Davis would hold a 57-54 lead with 3:08 remaining
- In the end though, it was Johnson who made his presence felt, scoring the final seven points for the Aggies, including the game-securing free throws to lift UC Davis to a 64-60 win.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Despite Comeback, Pioneer Men's Basketball Falls Saturday at CSULA
LOS ANGELES - The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team showed its ability to come back from a notabable deficit, but ultimately fell to Cal State LA 87-81 in a CCAA contest on Saturday afternoon at University Gym. The Pioneers battled back from multiple double-digit deficits but couldn't overcome the Golden Eagles in a game that showcased the competitive nature of conference play.
The contest remained tight throughout the first half, with neither team able to build a substantial lead early on. Cal State LA led by as much as 12 points, but the Pioneers battled back to tie the game at 37-37 after a 3-pointer by Beril Kabamba at the 3:08 mark. However, the Golden Eagles finished the half on an 11-3 run to take a 48-40 lead into the break.
In the second half, Cal State LA extended its lead to as much as 15 points, but the Pioneers refused to go away quietly. East Bay mounted another comeback, pulling within two points at 81-79 with just 33 seconds remaining after a free throw by Tyree Campbell completed a three-point play. However, six clutch free throws by the Golden Eagles in the final moments, coupled with missed opportunities for the Pioneers, sealed the 87-81 victory for Cal State LA.
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Tyree Campbell led the charge for East Bay with a game-high 21 points, shooting an efficient 7-for-18 from the floor and 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. Campbell also secured his first double-double as a Pioneer, pulling down 11 rebounds while adding four steals and a team-high five assists.
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DJ Sanders provided a significant spark off the bench, contributing 20 points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes of play.
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Teiano Hardee added 11 points, rounding out the double-digit scorers for the Pioneers.
- The Pioneers showcased their tenacity on the boards, outrebounding Cal State LA 31-20.
- The Golden Eagles shot an impressive 62.2% from the field, which proved to be a key factor in their victory.
Cal State East Bay: 6-10, 4-6 CCAA
Cal State LA: 7-9, 5-5 CCAA
The Pioneers will look to bounce back as they return home for their next CCAA matchup. Cal State East Bay will host Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday, January 23, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward, California. Prior to the game, a special ceremony will be held to thank Pioneer Hall of Famer Rich Sherratt for his generous video board donation.
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Photo: Rob Edwards / KLC fotos
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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, January 20, through
Sunday, January , 2025
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Monday, January 20
Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics, 2 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Boston Bruins, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, January 21
San Jose Sharks @ Nashville Predators, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, January 22
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors, 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 23
Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Denver Nuggets, 6 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 24
Saturday, January 25
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 5:30 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ New York Knicks, 4:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Florida Panthers, 7 p.m.
Sunday, January 26
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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, James Molgaard,
Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired).
Artist: Carl Macki
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
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/
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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: $15 hardcover, $10 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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