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February 16 -- February 22, 2026
Issue No. 629
| | Major League Baseball's Gambling Scandal Is The Worst in Sports History | | | Rod Serling, of The Twilight Zone | | |
"There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call The Twilight Zone."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twilight_Zone_(1959_TV_series) - Rod Serling
MLB's current scandal fits that description. Allegations by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New York note that two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz would use coded language to communicate with bettors, such as "Throw a rock at the first rooster in today's fight," from Vasquez and "Yes, of course, that's an easy toss to that rooster," from Clase.
Robinson Vasquez Germosen, many miles away, was charged with five federal counts by prosecutors who allege that he worked with Clase and later, Ortiz, to rig pitches during Guardians games so that they and others could win money betting on them. He is also accused of lying to federal agents during an interview as part of the investigation.
Vasquez was arrested in December and released on a $100,000 bond. According to the Department of Justice, both pitchers "agreed in advance with their co-conspirators to throw specific types of pitches and speeds of pitches."
Why is this scandal so heinous?
The answer: it undermines the credibility of ALL SPORTS!
Every "wide right" field goal, missed free throw, muffed soccer goal, missed putt, ALL must now come under scrutiny. And why is this in the Twilight Zone? "Imagine, if you will, a world in which an individual a thousand miles away from a stadium, with the use of a handheld
little box, can communicate with a player and change the course of an athletic event to make money."
If you are skeptical, try some similar magic. You can read all about MLB's scandal right now! Simply click on the links below, on your cell phone or computer. All the information, names, and places are there. It is a dimension "... as vast as space and as timeless as infinity," and as sports reaches a more global level, the Zone of Scandal and number of online gamblers will similarly expand.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/guardians-closer-emmanuel-clase-mlb-gambling-scandal/
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/guardians-emmanuel-clase-gambling-scheme-playoff-game/
It is time to question every result of every game in every sport.
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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
We have updated our Facebook Albums link. Check here to see if your favorite team was covered and enjoy the exceptional photo coverage from our exceptional photographers:
https://conta.cc/49DptcC
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (WBkB) 64, Virginia Cavaliers 58
Cal Bears (WBkB) 58, Virginia Tech Hokies 68
Stanford Cardinal -- 197.075, Clemson Tigers - 196.300
Features & Commentary
Dubs Fans, Embrace Your Inner Kid, by Christopher Scheer
February Dullsville in Sports, by Dave Newhouse
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Legacy Broadcasting Is A Dying Profession, by Bruce Macgowan
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Roger Craig, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Say Adios to the Multi-Year Mega Deal in Baseball, by Amaury
Pi-Gonzalez
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
| | Spring training has all the significance of a sun burn, a Happy Hour martini, or a home run landing in cactus. Be careful of the needles. | | | |
February
Dullsville
In Sports
by Dave Newhouse
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Welcome to February, the Siberia of sports. A freeze on anything relevant in the world of fun and games until March arrives as a thawing savior.
Until then, it’s Death Valley, if Siberia isn’t a strong enough description for the most unimportant month on the sports calendar.
The Super Bowl is over, mercifully for the New England Patriots, but unmercifully for the rest of us looking for excitement in the athletic stratosphere.
Baseball is back, barely, but just the announcement that pitchers and catchers are reporting makes all of us wonder why the whole team can’t arrive at the same time.
When football rolls around, you don’t hear that quarterbacks and wide receivers arrive before everyone else. Or that centers are the first to show up for basketball camp.
Further evidence of the boredom that engulfs sports in February.
Then adding to the ennui, the NBA holds its All-Star Game in February, a shoot-around which usually ends up 165-155, for there isn’t a shred of defense exhibited.
In other words, more boredom in the sports universe, especially here in the Bay Area.
If you’re a San Francisco 49ers fan, you’ll have to wait to see if Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and George Kittle can return to All-Pro form following serious surgery, and if Christian McCaffrey hasn’t been overworked, thereby reducing his maximum efficiency.
But it’s February, so all you can do, Forty-Niner Faithful, is worry until training camp starts in July.
You can’t turn to baseball and say, “Give me some excitement.” For its spring training, where the games don’t count, and watching Arizona cactus grow brings more excitement.
Yes, the Giants have a new look about them, with new players and coaches, and a new manager, Tony Vitello, who hasn’t ever managed at the major-league level, thus an unproven commodity.
And so we don't really know if Vitello's up to the test, and whether Buster Posey is, too, in his risky hiring philosophy. Can’t tell much of anything in February.
| | San Jose Sharks sensation Macklin Celebrini, just 19, scored Canada’s first goal of the Winter Olympics hockey competition. | |
Then we have the Warriors, who must wait until after the All-Star break to see what they have in 7-foot-2 Kristaps Porzingis, the new center of their universe or a failed beanstalk experiment.
Giants (baseball) or giant (basketball), there are no easy answers in February, even at the college level.
Poor Cal and Stanford, which used to fly a couple of hours for an away conference basketball game. Now they must fly across the country (new global conference), studying for classes at 25,000 feet. Talk about hardship. A cruel February valentine.
The only local sports normalcy this month is hockey. And that Macklin Celebrini kid on the Sharks is the hottest new player on the ice anywhere. He’s Joe Montana on skates.
Celebrini even scored the Canada’s first goal at the Winter Olympics. And he’s just 19, puck’s bad boy, but in a nice way. He’s no hockey goon.
Watching the Winter Olympics on television is this month’s only saving grace.
Can we stretch these Milan Cortina Games into March?
Please, some relief.
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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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Golden State Warriors 113
San Antonio Spurs 126
Chase Center, San Francisco
February 11, 2026
| | Draymond Green boxes out the Spurs' rising superstar Victor Wembanyama, who is nearly a foot taller. Photo by Rich Yee. | | | | |
Dub Fans, Embrace
Your Inner Kid
by Christopher Scheer
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Last Wednesday, February 11, at San Francisco’s $1.4 billion Chase Center arena, I, along with 18,064 paying customers, witnessed a terrific spectacle of athletic artistry, competition and amassed economic might as the Golden State Warriors took on the San Antonio Spurs on the eve of the All-Star Break. There were flames, dancers, T-shirt guns, dunks and alley oops, slick dimes and off-balance learners, unexpected baskets by unheralded players, booming music, the squeak-squak of high-top sneakers and the intermittent roar of the crowd.
Despite the absence of their two best players (and 70 percent of their $202 million payroll) out with injuries, the backups and role players hustled and scratched their way to a surprising 16-point lead before the excellent Spurs, led by the likely ascendent player of his generation, clamped down and did what better teams do in the NBA, take over games late and win on the road.
| | Warriors Gary Payton II and Al Horford team up to keep Wembanyama from reaching for a rebound. Photo by Rich Yee | | |
Despite these realities, and the fact that the Dubs still have a winning record and a shot at the playoffs, those venting on social media or sports call-in shows would not be so forgiving or appreciative of the entertainment provided. As has become the norm in the three years since the team won a truly miraculous and unexpected championship, each game, each play is now fodder for endless internecine fan-on-fan warfare over who is to blame that a team that was nearly infallible for a decade now looks mortal. Is it the coach, the owner, this player or that?
SOMEBODY MUST PAY! HEADS MUST ROLL!
| | Warrior wings De'Anthony Melton and Gui Santos bracket Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant. Photo by Rich Yee. | | |
The kids on hand, however, seemed ecstatic, at least until they weren’t. But they will not remember the disheartening blown lead or the infuriating missed calls of the refs, but the gestalt, the totality of the experience: The bonding with the crowd and their families, the sensory overload, the colors and sounds and tastes, the jersey they wore, seeing their favorite player in the flesh -- Steph was hurt but still hammed it up for the crowd -- and, most of all, the free bobblehead doll gifted upon entry.
It is not perhaps an original statement that both playing sports and sports fandom are best in childhood and adolescence, when our enthusiasm is earnest, pure and natural. The risks and stakes feel higher than they are, allowing for rich experiences of joyful anticipation, emotional catharsis and the kind of challenges and struggles which tend to lead to growth rather than devastation.
Later, in adulthood, this passion tends to recede, either completely or to the level of a merely pleasant diversion from the grind, a way to stay fit or be social -- or it may sour into an embarrassing state of arrested development, where gambling, hooliganism or jingoism are leaned on as exciters to maintain a state of thrall that keeps painful adult realities at bay.
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So it is that, in a rather gloomy moment in the twilight of perhaps the greatest sustained run of success in Bay Area sports franchise history, when its swollen and international legion of fans have grown entitled and prone to furious scapegoating, that I attended a Warriors home game on behalf of the Ultimate Sports Guide to bear witness through the eyes of a child: Myself, 50 years ago.
That kid was eight, lived in Oakland, and was just realizing vaguely that we locals had been somehow blessed with three historic teams simultaneously scaling the peaks of their sport and minting fascinating characters that, for me, towered over those Hollywood was producing: Reggie Jackson, Rick Barry, Kenny Stabler and on and on. Star Wars was an entertaining movie, sure, but I was far more moved by the roar and shaking of the bleachers at the coliseum during a fourth quarter comeback or the drama of listening to Bill King describe a 12-inning shutout by Vida Blue.
| | Warriors guard Pat Spencer, newly signed to a guaranteed contract, has picked up minutes in the absence of Steph Curry, recovering from runner's knee. Photo by Rich Yee. | | |
Before I was 10, I had reveled in no less than five world championships by the Warriors, A’s and Raiders, regularly attending games in person and growing increasingly obsessed in the typical ways: Embracing new heroes, memorizing facts and statistics, finding other kids who shared your excitement and would be willing to watch together. We all know how that story ends, with all three teams eventually falling into ruin and leaving town. But I am not here today to tell a tale of woe -- there is plenty of that in the “real world.”
| | Bobblehead: Gary Payton II commemorative bobblehead given out to customers at the Feb. 11 game against the Spurs. The toy recreates GPII's signature "head scratch" pose. Photo by Rich Yee. | | |
Instead, let me tell you how a child, whether a century ago or last Wednesday, experiences a live sporting event at a sold-out arena to see their team: With glass very much half-full. Only if they are mimicking their parents or living on social media will they be doing any of the following from the moment they start making memories on the walk up to the arena entrance to the ride home listening to the post-game show:
- Complaining bitterly about who the team has not signed, drafted or traded this week, this season or this decade, or who they did but shouldn’t have.
- Obsessively trying to find blame for why their team is not the best in the world.
- Moaning and groaning about every mistake the players or coaches make, as if perfection was the only acceptable standard.
- Gossiping about who in the locker room doesn’t get along with who, etc.
Who does these things, relentlessly? Grown-ups, all the goddamn time. Let’s be real: Adults kinda suck. Or maybe it is adulthood that is the problem. Or capitalism. Human nature? Nobody is really sure right now. Dear Leader is looking into it.
The point is, if adulting has got you down, try looking at the world through the eyes of a kid who is not jaded, bitter or angry. A kid who got to go to see his team with his friends or family and may feel a bit sleepy or have a stomach ache or spent too much of his Christmas money but had, yes, even after a frustrating loss in the doldrums of a fraught, injury-plagued season, A Great Time Out.
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Christopher Scheer has been a Warriors fan since 1973
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Cal Bears 58
Virginia Tech Hokies 68
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Sunday, February 15, 2025
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Legacy Broadcasting Is A Dying Profession
by Bruce Macgowan
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“How can I become a sportscaster? What do I have to do?”
I’ve been asked this question from time-to-time by a bright, eager high school student or someone who is in the early stages of college. I try not to get too cynical by reminding them that today’s “legacy media,” -- radio, newspapers and magazines -- are on life support but rather give them a window to look through by telling them my own story.
When I first went on the air in 1969, I was a senior in high school and worked on a community radio station in Marin County. At the time, the radio business had been a vibrant and important part of American life for nearly half a century. The Bay Area had something like 40 radio stations, many of them small operations in places such as Fremont, Napa and San Mateo.
In San Francisco there were “legacy” stations such as KSFO, KFRC, KNBR, KDIA, KYA, KCBS and KGO among others while Oakland and Berkeley featured popular outfits such as KNEW and KRE. Most of those stations had news staffs and usually one or two sportscasters. Longtime Stanford and former Pacific Coast League broadcaster Don Cline worked for KCBS while Russ Hodges moved west with the Giants and along with a then-young Lon Simmons, did play-by-play on the Giants and 49ers broadcasts on KSFO, which billed itself as “the World’s Greatest Radio Station!”
Not long after that, Bill King became the first radio voice of the San Francisco Warriors of the NBA after they arrived from Philadelphia and then later was hired by the Oakland Raiders to be their radio voice for the next 26 years,
My Dad bought me a transistor radio when I was about seven years old and he also took my brother and me to the city to see the Giants and 49ers. I was instantly hooked. In those days, very few games were shown on TV so radio and the “word picture" painted by broadcasters was a link between the fans and the teams.
When I was 16 and got my driver’s license, my Dad let me use his car to drive myself and a few friends to Candlestick Park, the Oakland Coliseum and the old Cow Palace in Daly City to watch our local teams. Dad gave me a small reel-to-reel tape recorder for my birthday and I “broadcast” entire games on two small 60-minute tapes, sometimes even announcing commercials I had written. My friends and I usually purchased inexpensive reserve seats which cost anywhere from $2.50 to $5 and would try to sit in uncrowded sections of the stands so my practice announcing wouldn’t bother anyone.
From there it was on to college where I wrote about our teams for the campus newspaper and did play-by-play of home and away games of our basketball and hockey teams on the campus radio station. After college it was on to small market radio and TV and then I worked on a radio station in Seattle before a big break -- network radio sports in NYC. Then finally I realized my dream; a return to the Bay Area and jobs in local radio as a sportscaster.
Unfortunately, not many opportunities exist for breaking into radio sportscasting anymore. There are options but they are limited. If you’re a loud, opinionated super-fan and relatively talented you might try to become a sports talk show host. Or perhaps one would rather take the more challenging route of trying to get a job doing play-by-play of minor league baseball or small college basketball and football.
The path I took in my career was hardly typical, and with today’s radio marginalized by mostly syndicated programming, it’s hard to tell a young person what route to take. Perhaps blogging or podcasting is a better alternative. After all, you certainly don’t need a college degree or broadcasting experience, nor will your job be “eliminated” by some bloodless mega-media company.
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in Sports Today, click HERE.
| | MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners will be taking on the MLB Players Assciation in bargaing talks over the next Collective Bargaining Agreement contract for the 2027 season. It could be a season that will see a lockout over a salary cap in MLB. | | | |
Say Adiós to the Multi-Year Mega Deal
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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I do not know if Las Vegas oddsmakers take any wagering on this, but I believe that after the 2026 season, which is soon to begin, we will not see any more deals like the Mets’ signing of Juan Soto in December 2024 for 15 years and $765 million or the one prior to Soto for Shohei Ohtani, also over $700 million.
The chances of another such contract occurring are zero. The much-anticipated owners’ lockout is coming by early next December. It is all about the salary cap, which is what the owners want. But it is much more than a cap, because there will also be a floor.
It goes like this: the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and some others will have no problem, but some of the other franchises could be in for a financial awakening. A floor is the mandatory minimum amount of money a professional sports team must spend on a player’s payroll during the season.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Baseball, works for the owners and is paid by the 30 teams. Manfred’s job is to make money for the owners and will always act as the owners’ representative in the labor negotiations. Nobody should be fooled; that is his job. The Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the MLB team owners.
Philosophically, he is the representative of Major League Baseball, but he is paid by the owners, so he will never take the players’ side, which is the job of the MLBPA, which is considered the strongest and most powerful in professional sports.
Among all the main professional sports leagues in the U.S., the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB, Major League Baseball is the only one without a soft or hard salary cap(s).
While the Union is as powerful as any union in the United States, the owners always make money, as they should, since we are a capitalist system. It reminds me of the famous line from one of the greatest movies in history, The Godfather Part II, when Johnny Ola says, “Hyman Roth always makes money for his partners.”
Some of you have told me you love the quotes I include in most of my articles. Below is one more, and if you are a real baseball fan, I know you will agree.
Quote: "While the Commissioner holds great power over baseball, and some even call him the “face of the game”, the truth remains the fans pay to see Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and the stars that make the game the greatest; those are the faces of the game: -APG.
I believe the next baseball conflict will be won by the owners.
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| Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame. | |
Stanford Cardinal - 197.075
Clemson Tigers - 196.300
Maples Pavilion, Stanford, CA
Sunday, January 25, 2026
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Cal Bears 64
Virginia Cavaliers 58
Haas Pavilion , Berkeley, CA
Thursday, February 12, 2026
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Lee ready for move to RF:
'Whatever it takes to help'
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.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Giants thought they landed their center fielder of the future when they signed Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million deal in December 2023. But two years into the contract, Lee will be moving off the position.
With newcomer Harrison Bader expected to slot into center field, Lee will shift to right field for the Giants this year. The 27-year-old has never played the corner outfield in the Majors, but he said he spoke with manager Tony Vitello and general manager Zack Minasian about the new arrangement and took the decision in stride.
“It was a smooth conversation,” Lee said via interpreter Justin Han on Friday. “I know that bringing in Bader is going to make the outfield way better. It wasn’t hard to make a decision saying that I’ll move over to right field. Whatever it takes to help the team out.
“I played that position back in the KBO. Going back to the past season, if I played better in center field, the organization would’ve kept me in center field. But whatever it takes to make the team better. I’ve always been [for] the team.”
continued...
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A's prospect Jump 'like a sponge'
in first big league camp
MESA, Ariz. -- The buzz surrounding Gage Jump is palpable.
Upon taking the mound on the second day of Athletics Spring Training for his first bullpen of camp, the energy on the backfields of Hohokam Stadium was different. Suddenly, all eyes were locked in on Jump. Among the spectators: A’s manager Mark Kotsay, general manager David Forst and special guest instructors Dave Stewart and Dallas Braden.
Jump, currently ranked the A’s No. 3 prospect and MLB’s No. 57 overall prospect, thrilled a captive audience by flashing his superb control and assortment of plus pitches.
“His bullpen was really good,” Kotsay said. “He knows what he wants to do. He’s very advanced in terms of preparation and knowledge of what he feels like he does well. … It’s great to see a young pitcher have an understanding of his abilities.”
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Our third FREE Community Movie Event at Raimondi Park in partnership with Cal State East Bay and Pixar Animation Studios is Saturday, February 21.
Where: Raimondi Park, the home of the Oakland Ballers.
1689 20th St, Oakland, CA 94607
When: Saturday, February 21st
Admission: You need a ticket but they are FREE | All Ages | Gates Open at 3:30 PM | Show begins at 4:00 PM
A COMMUNITY EVENT AT THE BALLPARK
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The home of the Pioneer Baseball League Champion Oakland Ballers transforms into a neighborhood living room as Town Flicks lights up the scoreboard with Pixar Animation Studios favorites. Families, students, and neighbors are invited to gather on the outfield grass or even in the stands for a free evening of connection, laughter and Oakland pride.
It's a free event but advance tickets are required, get them here for the Saturday, February 21st screening of Pixar Animation’s ‘Soul.’
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PRESEASON MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, New York City FC 0
San Jose ends preseason with perfect 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational (3-0-0) with goals from Ousseni Bouda, Niko Tsakiris; Quakes return home for Feb. 21 season opener vs. Sporting KC presented by Habbas Law; Match to air live on Apple TV, local radio via KNBR 680 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish); Single-game credential application link now open
INDIO, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes shut out New York City FC 2-0 Saturday afternoon at the Empire Polo Club in their final preseason game at the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational.
After a scoreless first half, both attacks awoke, with NYCFC threatening Daniel multiple times in the first 15 minutes. But the Brazilian goalkeeper and his back line refused to concede, and the match remained knotted 0-0. Finally, in minute 71, the Quakes achieved the breakthrough. Substitute Edwyn Mendoza stole the goalkeeper’s pass at the edge of the box and left a backheel for Niko Tsakiris, whose initial shot was parried away, but Ousseni Bouda was there to timely pounce on the rebound and give San Jose the 1-0 lead. The Black and Blue added an insurance goal when in the waning minutes, Bouda was fouled in the box and drew a penalty kick, which was promptly converted by the left-footed Niko Tsakiris in minute 87 to seal the victory and a perfect trip to Coachella (3-0-0).
MEDIA ASSETS: Click here for videos/photos from today’s match
The Quakes will now return home to commence the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season on Saturday, Feb. 21, at PayPal Park against Sporting Kansas City (7:30 p.m. PT), presented by Habbas Law. The season opener will air live globally on Apple TV and on local radio via KNBR 680 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish). The only way to guarantee a seat to all 2026 Earthquakes home games is by purchasing season tickets. Single-game and group tickets for matches at PayPal Park are now available to the general public HERE.
The link to apply for single-game credentials for next Saturday’s season opener is now open HERE . The deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. PT, which is 72 hours before kickoff.
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Multi-Platinum Musician &
Entrepreneur E-40
Becomes Co-Owner of Oakland Roots
and Soul Sports Club
The Bay Area Native will Perform at Oakland Roots Home Opener In Celebration of Becoming an Owner
Oakland, CA—Today, multi-platinum musician, entrepreneur and philanthropist Earl “E-40” Stevens announced that he has joined the ownership group of Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club – the men and women’s soccer teams.
In his new role, the Vallejo, California native will use his platform to further elevate both clubs’ commitment to bringing together soccer, entertainment, culture, and community. As part of the announcement, E-40 will also perform at the Oakland Roots’ 2026 regular-season home opener on March 14 against New Mexico United.
“Bringing my business acumen and sports fandom together as part of the Oakland Roots & Soul ownership group is truly special,” E-40 said. “This move is about investing in a sport that connects the world. I look forward to working closely with the ownership team to continue to amplify the fan experience while delivering successful results on the field.”
Over the course of his 30+ year career in the music industry, E-40 has firmly solidified his status as a living hip-hop legend, having released several multi-platinum and gold studio albums, mixtapes, collaborations, and hit singles, including “U and Dat,” “Tell Me When To Go,” “Choices (Yup),” and “Function,” among countless others.
As a solo artist, E-40 previously held the record for most solo album entries on the Billboard 200 charts by a hip-hop artist (33) before he was eclipsed in 2025. His legacy as a musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist was celebrated on Oct. 21, 2023, when E-40 had his childhood street in Vallejo, California renamed in his honor as the 1-mile stretch of Magazine Street that was officially renamed
“E-40 Way.”
E-40 joins a growing list of Bay Area favorites in the Oakland Roots & Soul ownership group, including Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, NFL legend Marshawn Lynch, and global rap star
G-Eazy.
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Bay FC Acquires Midfielder Claire Hutton in Intra-League Transfer with Kansas City Current
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2026) – Bay FC announced today the club has acquired midfielder Claire Hutton from the Kansas City Current in exchange for $1.1 Million in intra league transfer funds. The 2025 NWSL Best XI First Team selection will join Bay FC in a historic transfer, with the exchange representing one of the highest transfer fees between two NWSL clubs and one of the highest for any women’s player worldwide.
“Claire is an important signing for us. She’s a top-quality player who is tight on the ball, and she has the mobility and physical presence to break up play,” said Head Coach Emma Coates.
“Despite her age she brings experience and a strong mentality, and we believe she has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world. The most exciting part for us is her desire to keep getting better, and we’re excited to support her through the next stages of her career and even more excited to see the impact she will have at Bay FC.”
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Ballhalla awaits! The Valkyries return to the violet hardwood for Year Two with a preseason match-up against the Seattle Storm on Saturday, April 25 at 5:30PM at Chase Center.
After an unforgettable inaugural season, we can’t wait to welcome fans back for another year of elite basketball, unforgettable moments, and the electric energy that makes Ballhalla one of the loudest homes in the league. Preseason is your first chance to see the team back on the floor, build momentum for the season ahead, and be part of what’s next.
Single-game preseason tickets will be going on sale soon! Stay tuned for on-sale details and be ready to lock in your seats as we kick off Year Two together.
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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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Roger Craig & Ronnie Lott -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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Back in the 1990s, former 49er Ronnie Lott used to have an annual charity sports event at Stanford University football field where he invited his fellow athletes to attend. At one of these events I was able to get Ronnie Lott and Roger Craig to sign this mini football that they were giving away. It was always a great family event
to meet athletes.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
Now That Football Is Over...
let's get onto some easy basketball trivia. (If the Pats
had won, I probably would have done one more
question about football.)
What NBA head coach has the most NBA titles?
Answer below...
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 171: When Professional Experience Divides College Basketball's Future
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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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The intersection of NIL rights and NCAA eligibility rules has reached a critical inflection point, raising fundamental questions about fairness, consistency, and the future of college athletics. Recent developments underscore a growing tension between the NCAA's stated commitment to amateurism and the practical realities of how eligibility rules are applied.
An athlete can be drafted by the NBA, be part of multiple NBA trades, compete in top professional leagues for years, and still gain NCAA eligibility, provided they never first enrolled in college. Meanwhile, a former college player who briefly competed professionally faces a fundamentally different standard. This disparity is creating real consequences for athletes whose circumstances don't fit neatly into the NCAA's eligibility framework.
As Professor Sam C. Ehrlich noted following the recent Charles Bediako preliminary injunction denial, the court's decision "absolutely did not say that the rules are legal. Just that the burden required for a preliminary injunction was not met." Ehrlich's breakdown of the ruling identifies four key findings: questionable irreparable harm, uncertainty about Alabama antitrust law applicability, insufficient evidence of market harm, and questions about arbitrary waiver denials. Critically, none of these findings validates the underlying rules themselves.
Alabama's statement in response to the ruling cuts to the heart of the matter: "The NCAA has granted eligibility to over 100 current men's basketball players with prior professional experience in the G League or overseas. Granting eligibility to some former professionals, and not to others, is what creates the havoc we are currently in and why consistency from decision-makers is so desperately needed."
As legal analyst and sports law professor Michael McCann wrote, "No one is arguing a G League contract is the same as a standard NBA contract. That's not the legal issue. It's that a G League contract is a professional services contract for a unionized employee who is a member of a collective bargaining unit. Both a G League contract and an NBA player contract are the same in that respect."
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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Be Part of the Action
From trackside action to behind-the-scenes coordination, our volunteers are at the heart of the excitement. Whether you’re jumping in for a single race weekend or getting involved throughout the season, every role plays a critical part in bringing the sights, sounds, and energy of race day to life—and strengthening our connection to the community.
Our volunteers are passionate, community-driven individuals who bring their time, skills, and enthusiasm to the track. From all walks of life, they share a common drive to be part of something bigger and help deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, teams, and partners.
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REGISTRATION OPENS FOR THE
2026 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for the 62nd edition of Rolex Big Boat Series, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California. In addition to four days of highly competitive racing in select classes, this year’s event also serves as the 2026 ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) North American Championship.
Scheduled for September 16-20, 2026, this iconic regatta, held on the challenging waters of San Francisco Bay in the shadow of Golden Gate Bridge, invites the following to compete:
- One design boats of the J/88, J/105 and Express 37 classes. Other classes with a minimum number of entries may be considered with application to the Organizing Authority.
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ORC monohulls with a LOA ≥ 30 feet. ORC boats are required to have a current valid ORC International certificate issued by any national rating office. US boats can apply HERE.
- Classic boats built using traditional wooden plank-on-frame construction with a LOA ≥ 40 feet and a current ORRez rating certificate. For the avoidance of doubt, cold-molded construction boats shall not qualify.
| Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | |
Zen Master Phil Jackson
Phil Jackson is the most successful head coach in NBA history, winning 11 championships over 20 seasons
with the Chicago Bulls (6 titles) and
Los Angeles Lakers (5 titles).
Renowned as "The Zen Master," he implemented
the triangle offense and focused on mindfulness, managing superstar egos to create dynasties.
-- Google AI overview
This link will take you to more links and info
about Phil Jackson that you will ever
need to know!
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Cal Finishes As Runner-Up At Metroplex Challenge
Bears Outscore No. 10 Stanford, No. 42 Air Force,
Fall To No. 8 Georgia
FORT WORTH – The No. 20 California women's gymnastics squad (9-4, 3-1 ACC) took second place at the Metroplex Challenge in Fort Worth with a 196.850 overall score, outscoring No. 10 Stanford (196.400) and No. 42 Air Force (195.750) and falling to No. 8 Georgia (197.650). Golden Bears Tonya Paulsson and Annalise Newman-Achee tied for bronze in the all-around with scores of 39.475, which is a personal-best for both gymnasts.
continued...
Photo: Cal Athletics
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Rainbow Warriors Sweep Series
Stanford drops to 3-8 overall
STANFORD, Calif. – Held to .164 hitting, No. 18 Stanford fell in straight sets to No. 3 Hawaii, 25-17, 25-16, 25-13, Saturday, in Maples Pavilion.
Stanford drops to 3-8 overall, while Hawaii, which hit .442 for the match, improved to 12-1 on the season. The Cardinal finished with 25 kills, 20 digs, 5.0 blocks and an ace.
continued...
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Roldan, Kremser Shoot Low Rounds for Spartans Saturday
PALM DESERT, Calif.—Regina Roldan and Tessa Kremser each shot a 3-over 74 to lead the San José State women’s golf team in the first round of the Alice and John Wallace Women’s Golf Classic at the Monterey Country Club. The Spartans finished the first round in 14th place at 23-over 307.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
BSB | Cam Staton Helps Deliver Gaels First Win of 2026, Saint Mary’s Splits Doubleheader
MORAGA, Calif. - The Saint Mary's baseball team split its Saturday doubleheader with Creighton to pick up its first win of the 2026 season, defeating the Bluejays 7-2 in the morning contest. Creighton held on late to win the rubber match 9-8 in game two, ultimately taking the series two games to one.
continued...
Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
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Dons Snap Skid, Bounce Back in
Win over Toreros
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco (USF) men's basketball team (15-13, 7-8 WCC) snapped its skid and bounced back in a big way on Sunday afternoon as the Dons used a second half burst to outlast San Diego (11-17, 5-10 WCC), 92-79, at Jenny Craig Pavilion.
Vukasin Masic finished with a season-high 22 points while David Fuchs logged another double-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Guillermo Diaz Graham also helped out with a season-high 17 points of his own.
continued...
Photo: Jezrael Gandara
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Kim Secures Men's Tennis 3-all Clincher Against Washington
on the Road
SEATTLE – John Kim came through with the 3-all clincher against Washington at the Nordstrom Tennis Center on Saturday coming back from a set down to defeat Rohan Belday 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 to help Santa Clara men's tennis improve to 7-2 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
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In a back and forth affair between Santa Clara (7-2) and Washington (4-4), Kim had the last word on court three with his three set victory. This is the second time the Broncos have defeated a Big Ten conference opponent on a 3-all clincher this spring. On Feb. 1, Ferran Redza secured the 3-all clincher against Oregon at the Degheri Tennis Center and was recognized as the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year for his efforts.
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Strong First Half Not Enough for Tigers against Saint Mary’s
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific men's basketball program led for nearly the entire first half and hung around in the second, but Saint Mary's ended on top 72-61 Saturday on an ESPN2 broadcast at the Alex G. Spanos Center.
Pacific (17-11, 8-7 WCC) was ahead for over 19 minutes of the first half and took a 21-10 advantage with 6:38 remaining. Though, Saint Mary's (23-4, 12-2 WCC) carried a 10-0 run from the end of the first half to the start of the second and stayed in front the rest of the way.
continued...
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Aggies Overpower UNLV In Final Game At Desert Classic
Score: UC Davis 10, UNLV 8
Winning Pitcher: Ashley Sawai (2-1)
Losing Pitcher: Lauren Fettic (1-3)
Location: Las Vegas, Nev. (Eller Media Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 6-4, UNLV 3-7
The short story: 13 total hits, led by leadoff hitter Alyssa Dethlefson, powered UC Davis softball in its final game at the UNLV Desert Classic, pushing the Aggies past hosting UNLV in an offensive showdown in Vegas.
continued...
| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Women's Swimming Captures PCSC Championship
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. – Cal State East Bay wrapped up the 2026 PCSC Swimming and Diving Championships on Saturday at ELAC Swim Stadium by securing its second conference title in three years, closing out a dominant and disciplined week under head coach Shane Pelton. The Pioneers entered the final day with a comfortable advantage but still needed strong point‑scoring swims to seal the crown, and they responded with another round of medal‑winning performances that returned the trophy to Hayward.
continued...
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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, February 16, through
Sunday, February 22, 2026
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Monday, February 16
Tuesday, February 17
Wednesday, February 18
Thursday, February 19
Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m.
Friday, February 20
Saturday, February 21
Sacramento Kings @ San Antonio Spurs, 5 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 22
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets, 12:30 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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