|
May 19 -- May 25, 2025
Issue No. 590
| | |
Al Unser Jr., -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
| | |
At the well attended Long Beach Grand Prix I met Al Under Jr. purely by accident in one of the garages. He had a table set up and was signing photos for fans who showed up. I congratulated him on his two Indy 500 wins and shook his hand after he
signed this photo for me
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
| | |
Contents
Games
Bay FC 2, Angel City FC 0
Oakland Roots SC 2, North Carolina FC 4
San Jose Earthquakes 3, Inter Miami 3
San Jose Earthquakes 0, New England Revolution 0
Features & Commentary
Al Unser Jr., from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
BASHOF, by Ed Jay
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Shoeless Joe? Ah, No. Rose? Possibly So, by Dave Newhouse
The End, by Pete Elman
Organizations
| | |
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
San Francsco Giants
| | |
San Francisco Nighthawks
San Francisco Unicorns
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
| | |
Pete Rose (above), Shoeless Joe Jackson and seven of his Chicago White Sox teammates who fixed the 1919 World Series, have regained eligibility for the Baseball Hall Of Fame after being
re-instated by Commissioner Rob Manfred
| | | | |
Shoeless Joe?
Ah, No. Rose? Possibly So
by Dave Newhouse
| | |
Heaven must be Pete Rose’s new team, because he now is eligible for the Baseball Hall Of Fame, a candidacy that was unattainable to him earthly when he died last September at 83.
And he has equally questionable potential Cooperstown company in Shoeless Joe Jackson and his disgraced teammates on the 1919 Chicago White Sox, better known historically as the Black Sox.
Gambling on baseball no longer is a sin? That happens to be the mindset of Commissioner Rob Manfred, who announced last week that he is changing baseball’s permanent ineligibility, arguing that bans would expire at death.
That’s quite a proclamation because at the top of the list of baseball offenses hanging in major league clubhouses is gambling on games. Thus an immediate reaction to Manfred might be “Say it ain’t so, Man.”
OK, a veiled reference to Shoeless Joe, but Manfred has opened up a can of worms, and out popped a Gila Monster. As for how the major league owners feel about his landmark stance, it can't be unanimous support, no matter what is proclaimed publicly.
But, getting down to the nitty-gritty, do Rose and Jackson even belong in Cooperstown, their plaques mingling with Sandy Koufax, Hank Aaron, Christy Mathewson, Ted Williams, Ernie Banks and other pillars of the game?
| | Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson | | |
Let’s look at this separately, starting with Jackson, a brilliant ballplayer with a .356 lifetime batting average, but a functional illiterate who signed his name with an “X.” Jackson and seven Chicago teammates conspired to throw World Series games in ’19 for payoffs from gamblers, and that’s why underdog Cincinnati came out the victor.
So Jackson chose to lose in return for money, for which there is no defense. The case involving Rose is quite different, and much less guilty compare to Shoeless Joe.
Rose also bet on games, but they weren’t in the postseason, as much as we understand his controversial situation. The bigger question, however, is did Rose, as Cincinnati manager, bet on the Reds to lose during the regular season? That’s a question for which no answer has ever been given, including by then Commissioner Bartlett Giametti, who banned Rose for life.
Should that make a difference, betting on your team to win or lose? Yes, if a manager might overuse his pitching staff to achieve a positive outcome.
And, yes, if he suited up an injured player for the same purpose.
No one knows, or has said publicly, that Rose abused his players in this fashion, including Giametti who never divulged the details of his decision.
Still it’s possible that Rose only bet on the Reds to win. That hasn’t been fully explained either. But the foolishly stubborn Rose didn’t help his own case by continuing to bet on baseball after he was out of uniform.
| | MLB Rule 21(d) states: "(2) Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible." | | |
The key question remains on how he bet as a player or manager. Even though gambling on games is a no-no, Rose deserves Cooperstown reconsideration, unlike Jackson, if he only picked winners.
There will be a negative reaction to either position, win or lose, but can we look at another disturbing baseball picture, players on steroids.
Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis was hired as baseball’s first commissioner to deal with the Black Sox Scandal, and he banished those eight Chicago players for life. But in that same time period, two baseball greats, Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker, were accused of gambling on games, and nothing came of it. Why? Celebrity? Too much bad news all at once in tarnishing the game?
Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire aren't in Cooperstown, and neither are Sammy Sosa and Alex Rodriguez, and we all know the motivation behind their exclusion.
Well, there are others of recent vintage in Cooperstown who are suspicious for the same reasons, but they were voted in anyway. Not by me, because I gave up my Baseball Hall of Fame vote years ago because I didn’t want to induct a steroids abuser.
Whether you side with Rose, Jackson or otherwise, at least they didn’t inflate their bodies unnaturally, for heaven’s sake.
| | |
* * * * *
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.
| |
BASHOF
Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, May 15, 2025
| | The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) inducted five new members at its annual enshrinement ceremony on Thursday night, May 15 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. Inductees included (l to r) Alex Morgan, Eric Wright, Joe Rudi, Mike Montgomery, and Dr. Harry Edwards. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | | Alex Morgan -- 2012 Olympian, U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year finalist. Part of the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | | |
Eric Wright -- Four time Super Bowl champion, two time Pro Bowl player. Considered one of the best cornerbacks of his day. Selected in the productive 1981 NFL Draft along with Ronnie Lott and Carlton Williamson. Made instrumental plays in 1982 NFC Championship game, including a tackle late in the game, which led to the foundation of the 49ers dynasty.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| | |
Joe Rudi -- Former Oakland Athletics left fielder, three-time World Series Champion, 1972 AL leader in hits with 181. Stellar defensive player with three Gold Glove Awards.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| | Mike Montgomery -- Former basketball coach with Stanford, Golden State Warriors and University of California. Montgomery made 16 NCAA Tournaments and recorded nearly 700 victories. In 2000 Montgomery was named the Naismith and Basketball Times Coach of the Year. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | | |
Dr. Harry Edwards -- Sociologist and civil rights activist. Consultant for the San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors and Major League Baseball. Advocate for African American athletes.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| | |
San Jose Earthquakes 3
Inter Miami 3
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
| | |
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Vítor Costa #94 (L) and forward Amahl Pellegrino #7 (R) celebrate a goal by midfielder Ian Harkes #6 (middle) in extra time at the end of the first half
Caption and photo by Alex Ho.
| | |
Inter Miami right midfielder Lionel Messi #10 analyzes the Quakes defense prior to a penalty kick in the second half.
Caption and photo by Alex Ho.
| | Each season the pursuit of the Larry O'Brien trophy begins... | | |
The End
by Pete Elman
In the end, it was not the glorious ride off into the sunset the Warriors wanted--but was it the one they deserved?
As William Munny, the ruthless outlaw played by Clint Eastwood in his classic Oscar winning 1992 western, The Unforgiven, said to villain Little Bill, played by the late great Gene Hackman, in response to Bill’s plea for mercy, “I don’t deserve this,” just before Munny sent Bill to hell.
“Deserves got nothing to do with it,” Munny responded icily.
And for loyal Warrior diehards, who are left to ponder the difficult question so many have been afraid to confront the past three years; did the Warriors deserve this?
When Steph Curry went down in Minneapolis with a hamstring injury in game one of the second round, the fat lady was warming up. For 16 years number 30 has carried the team on his back; his loss proved insurmountable.
Is this the end of the dynasty? The decade of domination has most likely run its course. Four championships, the ushering in of the three-point era, and the proof that small-ball can win titles—isn’t that enough?
But the beauty of sports—especially when you have one of the greatest to ever play the game—is that hope springs eternal. The fever dream of the miracle comeback, whether it is from a crushing injury or a lost season, lives. Redemption is always lurking.
When journeyman Buddy Hield had the game of his life in game seven at Houston, anything seemed possible. And when he followed that with another gem—after Steph went down —in game one in Minnesota, there was the glimmer that they
could pull this off.
Just win one game and get us to Sunday. Steph will ride into Chase Center on the white horse; we’ll win games six and seven and move on to the conference final, where anything can happen.
They would have played the OKC Thunder, and if they could have handled that young team, they would have faced an unlikely survivor from the East, either the Knicks or the Pacers, either team eminently beatable. Really?
Stranger things have happened.
My buddy Gary is the most loyal and knowledgeable Warrior fan I know. But even in the face of this disappointing end to this roller-coaster season, he is looking forward to next year.
His bold scenario flies in the face of the prevalent thinking that the team must at all costs get younger, taller, quicker and more athletic. While acknowledging that the attrition of the long season eventually contributed to the outcome, his plan allows the aging veterans one more chance at the brass ring.
His idea is intriguing:
-- Keep Jonathan Kuminga at any cost; start him at the three and Butler at the four.
-- Play Draymond off the bench 20-25/ minutes/game, a la Andre Iguodala.
-- Get a center that can face Jokic, Davis, Zubac, OKC, Sengun and Wemby.
-- Get a real backup point guard; maybe bring D’Anthony Melton back.
-- Have Brandon Podziemski come off the bench to anchor the second unit; perhaps the memory of his brilliant final game will fuel him going into next season.
-- Keep Buddy Hield--but do not let him dribble
-- Sign Kevon Looney and GP2
Regardless of the scheme that Kerr and Dunleavy conjure up, two things are certain: 1) The team must face the reality of their aging superstars and act accordingly, and, 2) As long you’ve got one Wardell Curry, well, anything is possible.
I guess it’s still okay to dream…
| | |
* * *
Pete Elman is the author of an outstanding new book, Insights and Outakes, a collection of sports essays covering Bay Area teams and sports personalities. For more information, see below.
Gary Caine and Lou Jones contributed to this article.
| | |
Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust and a Sports Town’s Fight for Survival, written by Andy Dolich and Dave Newhouse (Triumph Books), transitioned from hard cover to paperback in April.
The book, dealing with Oakland’s disappearance as a major sports town, has sold in excess of 3,000 copies, thereby prompting the move to paperback.
All aspects of Oakland’s sports dissolution is covered by the authors, including interviews with civic leaders, economists, politicians and sports figures, plus in-depth studies of team owners who lifted Oakland to the top of the national sports scene, then left for San Francisco and Las Vegas (twice), stamping Oakland as America’s most abandoned sports city.
Sports commentator Chris Berman wrote on the book cover: “Goodbye Oakland takes us through all of it, from when the sky was the limit to when the bottom fell out.”
Oaktown is trying to recover with minor-league baseball and men’s and women’s soccer, but it’s a significant uphill climb.
| |
|
Our Mission:
Weavery's mission is to provide data and ai strategy advice, training, and innovative solutions to high impact humanitarian organizations. Weavery leverages artificial intelligence to enhance operations and amplify impact to serve a world in need.
| | |
If you enjoy our free publication,
a contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
| | Thanks to the following generous donors! | | |
A. Nonymous
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Steve Chain
Harvey Cohen
Richard Cross -- Founder / San Francisco Nighthawks
Andy Dolich
| | |
Robert Flammia
Bill & Nona Hool
Sheila Jordan
Arif Khatib
Mitchell Kim
David Larson
Ann McNaughton
Timothy Maroney
| | |
Dave Newhouse
Timothy Palacios
James Reynolds
Ross & Vicki Robinson
Chloe Satterlee
Selina Satterlee
Robert Scheer
Leonard Schwab
Narda Zacchino
| | |
Heliot Ramos versus the Seattle Mariners, April 5, 2025.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
| |
Hot at the start, clutch at the end: Ramos leads Giants to sweep
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
SAN FRANCISCO -- Heliot Ramos came through at the beginning and at the end for the Giants on Sunday.
The 25-year-old left fielder continued his hot May by crushing a leadoff home run and delivering a go-ahead single in the eighth inning to help San Francisco complete a three-game sweep of the A’s with a 3-2 win in the series finale between the Northern California rivals at Oracle Park.
Ramos’ productive day helped the Giants record their 13th comeback victory of the season, which is tied for the second-most in the Majors.
continued...
www.sfgiants.com
| | |
"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
| | Athletics position player strikes out Shohei Ohtani | |
A's catcher wanted to face Ohtani, got his chance -- and struck him out!
By Jacob Gurvis
LOS ANGELES -- For 25 of the players on the A's roster, Thursday’s 19-2 loss to the Dodgers is one to immediately try to forget.
Not for Jhonny Pereda.
The backup catcher came in to pitch the eighth inning for the A’s and give the taxed bullpen a breather, with Shohei Ohtani due up fourth. The reigning National League MVP had already hit two home runs -- on his own bobblehead night -- to tie Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber atop the MLB leaderboard with 15.
So how did Pereda pitch Ohtani? He started him off with four straight offspeed pitches, none of which topped 69 mph. Ohtani took a first-pitch strike, a ball outside and fouled off the next two to fall behind 1-2.
continued...
www.athletics.com
| | |
The Countdown Is ON—Opening Week Starts May 20
We’re just 2 days away from Opening Week, and the energy is through the roof. Our guys are grinding at Spring Training, the spikes are laced, and the good vibes are rolling. If you’ve missed the behind-the-scenes action, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky for daily content and surprises.
| | |
Join us for a special Spring Training Game on May 17 at Raimondi Park. Tickets are only $5, but hurry—capacity will be capped at 400, especially after early access for Season Ticket Holders and Investors.
This isn't just a warm-up for the team—it’s a rehearsal for our gameday staff, too. Expect a little “organized chaos” as we fine-tune the fan experience together.
| | |
San Jose Earthquakes 0
New England Revolution 0
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Saturday, May 17, 2025
| | |
Earthquakes 0, New England Revolution 0
San Jose runs unbeaten streak in all competitions to five with scoreless draw; Quakes return home for Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday vs.
Portland Timbers
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with the New England Revolution 0-0 on Saturday night in Major League Soccer regular-season play at Gillette Stadium in front of 31,078 fans.
Scoreless at intermission, the game opened up in the final 45 minutes and San Jose took the initiative. In the 66th minute, a Paul Marie free kick was almost headed home by Preston Judd but floated just wide of the far post. Two minutes later, Marie took a deep attempt from outside the box that bounced off the crossbar. In the 69th minute, New England forward Ignatius Ganago appeared to put the hosts ahead when he beat the back line and scored, but the flag was up. In minute 77, a Beau Leroux cross from the right wing was headed on by Mark-Anthony Kaye, but Revs goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic cleared it off his line. Neither side could find a go-ahead goal in the waning minutes and would share the points at the final whistle.
The Black and Blue will now return home to take on the Portland Timbers on Tuesday, May 20, in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network as well as streamed on Paramount+.
| | |
Oakland Roots SC 2
North Carolina FC 4
First Horizon Stadium, Cary, NC
Friday, May 16, 2025
| | |
Roots’ Comeback Bid Falls Short in
2-4 Loss at North Carolina FC
Oakland managed to get back into the contest in the second half after a dismal first 45 minutes, but their comeback bid fell short in the end as Roots fell 2-4 on the road to North Carolina FC on Friday night in Cary.
The match began looking fairly level for both sides, but North Carolina started to build momentum as the game progressed.
Around the 30th minute North Carolina started putting sustained pressure on the Oakland back line, moving the ball around the attacking third until finally breaking through in the 33rd minute when Jaden Servania worked some free space at the top of the Oakland box and ripped a shot towards goal that took a deflection off of Kai Greene before finding the back of the net to make it 0-1.
North Carolina doubled their lead in added time of the first half when Michael Maldonado scored an absolute worldie on a set piece from just on top of the box, bending it around the wall and in off the top part of the right post.
Roots regrouped in the locker room at halftime and came back to the pitch looking like a different team. Oakland started applying pressure of their own, creating a number of scoring chances before finally finding one of their own. In the 63rd minute Wolfgang Prentice drove the net on the left side before chipping it across the box to Jürgen Damm who put a strike on the ball before it hit the ground, beating the North Carolina keeper for his first goal in a Roots kit to make it 1-2.
North Carolina regained their two goal advantage in the 74th minute when Oalex Anderson played a cross from the right side all the way through the Oakland box and past a dummy to find Louis Pérez who had subbed on only moments before tapping in the wide open look and giving his side a 1-3 lead.
But Roots never quit. In the 81st minute they cut the lead to one again when Damm put a great move on a North Carolina defender on the right side of their penalty box to find space and rip a shot on target that the keeper couldn’t corral. Peter Wilson was right there to finish the second chance opportunity and give his side life with the scoreboard showing 2-3 in the final moments.
Oakland nearly found an equalizer on several occasions, but the comeback wasn’t to be, as North Carolina ended it at the death, capitalizing on a Roots turnover with just seconds remaining as Anderson scored one of his own to make it 2-4 at the final whistle.
Roots will look to get back in the win column when they return home to the Oakland Coliseum next Saturday, May 24th to host New Mexico United at 7 PM PT.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
| | |
Bay FC 2
Angel City FC 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, May 17, 2025
| |
Match Recap: Bay FC returns to the win column with 2-0 victory over in-state rival Angel City FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. (May 17, 2025) — Bay FC bested in-state rival Angel City FC 2-0 Saturday night at PayPal Park, riding two first-half scores to all three points. Forward Penelope Hocking got the scoring going in the 23rd minute, finding the net for the second straight game on midfielder Taylor Huff’s first career assist.
Midfielder Caroline Conti tallied her second straight match with a scoring contribution and her second goal of the season with a 28th minute penalty score. A stellar defensive performance resulted in the club’s third shutout of the season.
“The team played the type of football we’ve been asking them to play all season long, and it all came together at the right time against an excellent opponent that’s been playing really well,” said Albertin Montoya of the match. “Credit to our team, our players, they stuck to the game plan and came out with a great victory.”
Things were open in the early goings, with each side generating pressure up top. A flurry of attempts at goal by Bay FC challenged Angel City in its own box in the opening moments but were sent away. Bay FC was rewarded for its persistence near the mid-way point of the first half, as Hocking found the net just after the 20-minute mark. An early cross played into the box by defender Caprice Dydasco and helped along by Huff fell to the SoCal native’s feet, who rocketed it through for her second score in as many games.
Bay FC doubled its advantage five minutes later. After Huff was taken down by Angel City keeper Angelina Anderson pursuing a loose ball in the penalty area, Conti stepped to the penalty spot and converted for her second goal of the season. The goal secured a second straight match for Conti with a scoring contribution after last week’s assist of Hocking in Kansas City.
continued....
| | |
New Soccer Club To Debut
by Carl Macki
Golden City Football Club (GCFC) is bringing professional soccer back to San Francisco as it joins MLS NEXT Pro, the third tier of U.S. soccer. Set to begin play in 2026 or 2027, GCFC will be based at the historic Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park, a venue that holds about 10,000 spectators and has long been a hub for community sports and events.
What sets GCFC apart is its independent status—it’s not affiliated with a Major League Soccer parent club. The team is led by Bay Area finance professionals Geoff Oltmans and Marc Rohrer, both former collegiate players and active supporters of local youth soccer.
To prepare for the team's debut, GCFC is investing over $10 million in stadium upgrades, including a new natural grass field, upgraded seating, a high-definition LED scoreboard, improved sound systems, and enhanced accessibility. Despite these improvements, Kezar will remain a shared space for local events and high school sports.
GCFC is expected to have a positive economic and cultural impact, especially in nearby neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury and the Inner Sunset, where local businesses are preparing for increased game-day foot traffic and community engagement.
| | |
* * *
Carl Macki — carlmacki@gmail.com -- (415) 323-9187 (text)— is a writer, designer, and cultural instigator based in Northern California.
A lifelong advocate for creative expression, he has championed music, poetry, and community activism through media, events, and storytelling. His work brings bold ideas down to earth and elevates humble notions with clarity and wit. Carl has contributed several graphics to recent issues.
| |
Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 132: Deloitte Says 70% Of Past NIL Collective Deals Would Fail New Fair Market Value Standards
| | |
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
This week, Deloitte officials shared some startling statistics with athletic directors and coaches.
They said that 70% of past deals from NIL collectives would have been denied under the "fair market value" (FMV) system that is soon set to launch, assuming the House v. NCAA settlement receives final approval. However, 90% of deals from public companies would have been approved.
That's an interesting comment given that journalist Jon Wilner wrote this week that a little-known aspect of the pending settlement is that publicly traded companies are exempt from FMV oversight by the NIL clearinghouse. So, I guess 100% of deals from public companies would have been approved? Unless Deloitte differentiates between public companies and publicly traded companies. Who knows?
Anyhow, no further details have been provided since that data was shared. We know nothing about the 10% of deals from public companies that would not have passed muster. No information has been shared about what caused Deloitte to determine that 70% of past NIL deals would be rejected and why the remaining deals would have been approved. And we still know nothing about the system that Deloitte plans to use to make a case-by-case determination as to whether an NIL deal is kosher. It does not appear that Deloitte plans to provide any transparency surrounding its process, although it will likely be made public as soon as a lawsuit is filed, and lots of litigation is expected in the future if Deloitte does reject NIL deals, claiming that FMV is not present.
"Let me get this straight: the US colleges that compose the #NCAA are willing to pay large sums of (sometimes) tax player dollars to Deloitte, a private company, to make sure that third parties (not even the colleges) don’t ‘overpay’ athletes," wrote my friend Marc Edelman . "That’s the scandal: not athlete pay."
Amen, Mr. Edelman. But here's my solution to the scandal: If Deloitte gets to determine what is and isn't FMV when it comes to athlete pay, then I get to determine whether Deloitte employees need to take a pay cut because they're getting paid too much. Fair, right?
Recent Thoughts On House V. NCAA Settlement.
I took to X yesterday, on my way home from speaking at an event in Pittsburgh, to provide my updated thoughts on the proposed settlement. I'm pasing them below:
The more I think about the House v. NCAA settlement, the more I realize that there is only 1 good component, and it's very temporary.
The positive piece of the deal is the damages to athletes going back to 2016 in the amount of roughly $2.8 billion. You could argue this is a discount on what's owed and that it's not being properly apportioned to athletes, but it's a hedge on the risk of moving forward with litigation, which could also drag out for a long time.
However, we can all safely assume that the settlement will be appealed, at which time this payout will likely be stayed. So, the 1 good piece of the settlement could be delayed for a while.
continued...
| | |
WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
| | |
QUESTION:
Which INDYCAR driver has the most wins of any active driver, shares a nickname with a “Top Gun” pilot,
and is also an Indy 500 winner?
| | |
Answer: SCOTT "THE ICEMAN" DIXON
Scott Dixon shares the same nickname as Val Kilmer’s iconic character in “Top Gun” due to his uncanny ability to keep his cool in almost any situation. That calmness has helped Dixon rack up an amazing six NTT INDYCAR SERIES championships and 58 career wins, the most of any active driver. Only the legendary A.J. Foyt can claim more, with seven USAC championships and 67 visits to the top spot on the podium.
Victory at the Indianapolis 500 has been more elusive for the proud New Zealander who was born in Brisbane, Australia, in 1980. Over his career at The Brickyard, Dixon has taken pole position five times, finished second three times, claimed third twice and finished in the top five nine times. He also holds the impressive record for completing the most laps in the history of the Indianapolis 500 at 665 total laps. His singular Indy 500 win came in 2008, which he understandably described as a great relief.
His “Iceman” nickname would be put to an extreme test during his only win at Laguna Seca. Before the wild finale of the 2023 season even started, Dixon was assessed a six-grid penalty for an unscheduled engine swap after encountering issues during the morning warmup. Mayhem then ensued at the start, and Dixon was given a drive-through penalty for contact with Rinus VeeKay on the first lap. To overcome the penalties, Dixon kept his cool and adopted a slower pace to conserve fuel, hoping to make one less pit stop. The strategy, with some assistance from multiple yellow flags during the race, worked to catapult Dixon to the finish line first.
Dixon, who marks his 24th season with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2025—the longest tenure for any driver in team history, has been among the quickest drivers in the early practice sessions for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. The Iceman will look to extend his legacy with repeat victories in Indy and Monterey this year.
Don’t miss live qualifying coverage from Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend! Saturday’s Day 1 qualification coverage will air live at 8 a.m. PT on FS1, while Sunday’s day 2 coverage begins at 1 p.m. PT on FOX.
Photo: F. Peirce Williams USA. LAT Photographic
| | |
Sonoma Raceway Launching New Teen Safe Driving Program to Build Confidence and Save Lives
SONOMA, Calif. (May 15, 2025) – Sonoma Raceway is proud to announce the launch of its Teen Safe Driving Program, a comprehensive new initiative aimed at equipping young, inexperienced drivers with the skills and confidence needed to navigate today’s roads safely and responsibly.
Designed for teen drivers looking to build a strong foundation behind the wheel, the program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training in a controlled environment. Participants will drive behind the wheel of an official Sonoma Raceway vehicle to gain a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics and essential car control techniques—knowledge crucial for accident avoidance and overall road safety.
“Too many young drivers hit the road without a full understanding of how their vehicle responds in emergency situations,” said Brian Flynn, EVP & General Manager of Sonoma Raceway. “This program is designed to fill that gap, giving teens the experience they need to make better decisions and stay safe.”
The course places a strong emphasis on practical application, offering teens the rare opportunity to safely explore the limits of braking, swerving, and recovery from loss of control. Instructors guide students through exercises that simulate real-world emergency situations, such as sudden stops, evasive maneuvers, and managing oversteer.
While the program focuses on accident-avoidance skills, its deeper mission is to develop a level of anticipation and situational awareness that helps drivers avoid hazardous situations altogether.
The Teen Safe Driving Program will be held at Sonoma Raceway, and sessions will be offered throughout the year, beginning June 10. Enrollment is now open to teenage drivers with at least a learner’s permit and 20 hours of driving experience. Additionally, a minor waiver must be completed in person by a parent or guardian if under the age of 18.
For more information or to register, visit SonomaRaceway.com or email our team at drivingexperience@sonomaraceway.com.
| | |
RELIVE THE ACTION OF THE 2024 ROLEX
BIG BOAT SERIES
And mark your calendars for September 10-14, 2025!
Sixty years, one excellent regatta! Take a moment to watch a recap video from the 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series, and mark your calendars for next year. We look forward to seeing you on the water September 10-14, 2025, at St. Francis Yacht Club!
| | |
If you enjoy our free publication, a
contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
| |
Bears Topple Records As Cal’s Men Finish Third At ACC Championships
Cal Finishes Meet With 12 Conference Medals
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The California track & field team closed out a successful three days at the ACC Outdoor Championships on Saturday night, earning another four medals at Wake Forest's Kentner Stadium to bring its weekend total to 12. The Golden Bears' men finished third in the team standings with 79.83 points, just behind second-place North Carolina (82) and winner Duke (86). The Bears placed sixth in the women's competition with 61 points, while Virginia claimed the team title with 93 points.
"I think we did really well, and I'm really proud of how the team performed and stepped up," Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Robyne Johnson said. "It was top-to-bottom excellent effort from our athletes – we had so many PRs that it's not even funny, but that's exactly what we expect in a championship season and they answered the call. I'm super proud of all of them."
Cal's first event of the day was the men's discus, where world record-holder and The Bowerman candidate Mykolas Alekna continued his dominant season with the third conference title of his career, out-throwing the rest of the field by over 10 feet on the way to a new facility and meet record of 69.86m (229-2). Two other Bears – Jared Freeman (53.19m/174-6) and Charlie Dang (52.85m/173-4) – placed fourth and fifth, respectively, to score points for the squad, while Nik Iwankiw threw a personal-best 50.69m (166-3). On the women's side, Caisa-Marie Lindfors picked up her second medal of the meet, placing second with a throw of 58.81m (192-11), while Lucija Leko placed sixth at 50.98m (167-3) to pick up three points.
continued...
Photo: Alex Halloway / KLC fotos
| |
Card Closes ACC Championships
Stanford teams place ninth and 11th in new conference
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Stanford junior Roisin Willis ran under the women’s 800-meter meet record while finishing third at the Atlantic Coast Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday.
Willis ran a season best 2:00.43 in a fast race that should feature each of the top three contending for an NCAA title. Clemson’s Gladys Chepngetich won in 1:59.94 and North Carolina’s Makayla Paige was second in 2:00.21 in the highly-anticipated race. All three were under the meet record of 2:00.70 by Clemson’s Laurie Barton in 2021.
Sophomore Sophia Kennedy was second in the women’s 5,000 meters for Stanford’s highest placing on the meet’s third and final day, at Wake Forest University’s Kentner Stadium.
In her second race of the day, Kennedy stayed on the tail of Grace Hartman for seven laps before the North Carolina State runner pulled away. Kennedy ran 15:24.61 to Hartman’s 15:12.03. Two hours and 15 minutes earlier, Kennedy was ninth in the 1,500, in 4:15.16.
The Stanford women, which got a victory from long-jumper Alyssa Jones on Friday, finished in a tie for ninth with 46 points. The Cardinal men were 11th with 38.5.
This was Stanford's first ACC Outdoor Championships after competing in the Pac-12 and its predecessors since 1919.
Jones had three events on Saturday and opened with ninth in the high jump at 5-7 ¾ (1.72 meters). Jones, the ACC indoor high jump champion, had trouble from the start, missing on her first tries at her first two heights before going out completely at 5-9 ¾ (1.77).
But Jones rebounded in stunning fashion, placing fourth in the 100, and in 11.25. Jones, a junior, was a two-time Florida 3A 100 high school champ, but did not compete in individual sprints at Stanford until her sophomore outdoor season. Though she ran 11.53 in 2024, she didn’t make it out of the Pac-12 prelims in that event.
continued...
| |
Spartans Clinch Spot in Mountain West Championship With Win
Over Nevada
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Kyle Calzadiaz allowed one earned run across eight innings pitched and Jake McCoy went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a home run to lead the San José State baseball team (26-28, 13-17 MW) in a 10-2 victory over Nevada (33-21, 19-11 MW) at Excite Ballpark on Saturday afternoon in the final game of a three game series. With the win, the Spartans clinched a spot in the Mountain West Baseball Championship.
Calzadiaz (2–2) earned the win with a masterful performance on the mound, going eight strong innings while allowing just two runs (one earned) on seven hits and striking out seven without a walk. Offensively, the Spartans erupted for 13 hits, including a decisive six-run fifth inning that broke the game open.
The Spartans took an early lead on Zach Tallerman’s two-run homer in the second. However, Nevada tied things up with two runs of their own in the third. McCoy put the Spartans back in front with a home run to leadoff the fourth. In the fifth, extra base hits from McCoy and Zach Chamizo, as well as a two-run home run by Jeriah Lewis, allowed the Spartans to score six runs in the inning, putting the Spartans squarely in front.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
BSB | Gaels Erase Six-Run Deficit to Pull Off Another Wild Victory, Solidify 3-Seed in WCC Tournament
MORAGA, Calif. - In classic Saint Mary's fashion, the Gaels won another wild one on Senior Day as they overcame a six-run deficit to complete the series sweep over Santa Clara with a 12-10 victory. They tied their season high with 18 hits in the contest and eight runs over the final three innings to seal the comeback win. Portland was unable to defeat Gonzaga in their rubber match so the Gaels will officially be named the three seed for the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas.
The Gaels went down 7-1 after the first three innings as Santa Clara had five hits and took advantage of a pair of defensive miscues from Saint Mary's early in the game. The Gaels are no strangers to playing from behind and they proved that again today as they went on to outscore the Broncos 11-3 over the final six innings. Daniel Guevara Castro, Elliot Joslin and Sean Cannon helped steady the ship in the middle innings, putting up scoreless frames in the fourth, fifth and seventh inning.
The bats then came alive with a three-run sixth thanks to home runs from Diego Castellanos and Eddie Madrigal and then another four runs in the seventh with RBI hits from Jared Mettam, Ian Armstrong and again Madrigal. In fitting fashion, Derik Eaquinto would come in for the ninth and record his fourth save of the season for fourth most in the WCC.
continued...
Photo: Tod Fierner /SMC Athletics
| |
Dons Earn Thrilling Come-From-Behind Victory, Sweep Wolverines in Regular Season Finale
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The University of San Francisco baseball team (26-29) capped off the regular season in thrilling fashion, storming back for a 6-5 comeback win over Utah Valley (28-26) on Friday afternoon at Benedetti Diamond.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
-
TJ Rogers put San Francisco on the board first, launching a two-run shot over the left field wall in the bottom of the third for an early 2-0 lead.
- Utah Valley quickly responded, tying things up with a two-run home run in the fourth. The Wolverines kept the momentum going in the fifth, as Landon Frei broke the game open with a three-run blast to go ahead 5-2.
-
The Dons erupted in the eighth inning, sparked by Eddison Esquivel's leadoff solo home run that ignited the rally. Patrick Keighran followed with a blast of his own, trimming the deficit to one, 5-4.
-
After Matty Fung reached on an infield bunt single, Matteo Bellisimo delivered the team's third long ball of the inning, launching a go-ahead pinch-hit shot to give the Dons a 6-5 lead.
-
Dylan Brown came in to slam the door in the ninth, facing the minimum in a clean inning. He needed 10 pitches to lock down the win and preserve the Dons' one-run lead.
continued...
Photo: USF Athletics
| |
Softball's Historic Season Comes to an End Against Grand Canyon in Tucson Regional
TUCSON, Ariz. – The Santa Clara softball team's historic season came to an end at the hands of Grand Canyon 9-4 in the first elimination game of the Tucson Regional on Saturday at Hillenbrand Stadium. Santa Clara took an early 2-0 lead but Grand Canyon rallied with three solo home runs in the fourth to take the lead and added five more in the fifth to break the game open and end the Broncos dream season.
Grand Canyon staved off elimination and plays Arizona in the second elimination game on Saturday evening. The winner of the game will take on Ole Miss on Sunday with an opportunity to claim the Tucson Regional title.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Grand Canyon (47-7) bats were kept quiet through the first three innings as Santa Clara took a 2-0 lead but in the fourth, they woke up with Makaiya Gomez, Emily Gonzalez and Willa Ford each hitting solo home runs to take a 3-2 lead. After the Broncos tied things up 3-all in the top of the fifth, the Antelopes answered right back and broke it open with five runs in the home half of the inning to have an opportunity to play another game in the regional.
-
Hannah Edwards started the game strong in the circle retiring nine of 10 batters after giving up a lead off single to Savannah Kirk to start off the game. But she ran into trouble going through the Grand Canyon lineup the second time around getting touched up for the three solo home runs.
-
For the second straight game in the regional, Santa Clara struck first. In the top of the second, Taryn Clements hit a fly ball to left field where Mia Weckel lost it in the sun resulting in a double. A ground out by Hazyl Gray moved her over to third and she came home on Robynn Balmediano's RBI grounder for the first run of the game.
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Baseball’s Season Closes With 9-3 Loss at San Diego
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The 2025 campaign came to a close as the Pacific baseball program dropped a 9-3 decision Saturday afternoon at Fowler Park.
The Tigers (20-36, 8-16 WCC) reached the 20-win mark for the first time since the 2019 season this year under first-year head coach Reed Peters, closing the final game of the regular season against the Toreros (25-28, 19-5 WCC) today.
Sophomore Braeden Schnabel collected a multi-hit performance and scored the first Tigers' run this afternoon that gave Pacific an early lead. After a 2-2 tie after three innings, San Diego's bats came to life and ultimately held on for the 9-3 result.
The Tigers used a trio of seniors to start the game with senior Adan Perez making his 13th start on the year. Senior Ethan Shaver was productive in relief, going a game-high 3.1 innings with one earned run and three strikeouts.
With the final regular season series in the books, the Tigers look ahead to the 2026 season where they look to build upon four conference series wins and a 20-win campaign.
continued...
| |
Aggies Find The Podium Five Times At the Big West Championships
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Taking off for the first of two days in Big West Conference Championships play, the Aggies nestle in at seventh for the women and ninth for the men's side.
The team posted five podium finishes, with a gold from Dani Barrett, silvers from Muhammed Ahmed and Maya Shinnick, and bronze from Kylee Davis, Aidan Hagerty, and Ryan Ishibashi.
HOW IT HAPPENED (MEN):
Junior Muhammed Ahmed posted an incredible time of 29:21.74 for a silvery finish in the 10k race, securing the first medal on the men's side. Junior Ethan Brooks also settled into the top five finishers in the event, posting a 29:50.62 in the race.
Ahmed continued his reign, seating in the top ten for the 5,000 meter run with an eighth place finish with a 14:43.70 in the event.
Senior Michael Cooper also found his way into the top ten, scoring ninth in the 1,500 meter run with an impressive 3:49.98.
Seniors Aidan Hagerty and Ryan Ishibashi tied for third place in the pole vault, matching a 4.90 meter vault.
continued...
| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
FINAL RECAP: Women’s Golf Wraps Up Season on Thursday at NCAA Championships
BOULDER CITY, Nev. – The final round of stroke play took place Thursday at Boulder Creek Golf Club in the 2025 NCAA Division II Women's Golf National Championships. Cal State East Bay women's golf finished tied for 12th among 18 teams competing in stroke play and did not make the cut to advance to match medal play.
-
Torrie Bowman had a strong third round score of 68, elevating her to a 13th place tie on the leaderboard with an overall score of 3-under-par 213. Her Thursday round included six birdies, including four straight on the back-9. Bowman had a total of 13 birdies throughout the three rounds.
-
Also with 13 total birdies was Sophia Tejeda, including five in the third round. She finished tied for 32nd on the leaderboard at +1 overall after her even par third round.
-
Carlota Eroles had two birdies on Thursday, while Jasmin Krishna and Denise Paulsson had one birdie each in the final round of stroke play.
Cal State East Bay head golf coach Alan Sue reflected on the Pioneers' performance throughout the tournament. "Unfortunately, our season ended today but I was very pleased with the fight that the women brought," stated Sue. "Our undoing came in the back-9 of the second round where we accumulated all of our dropped shots for the stroke play portion of the tournament. This group was so special and they accomplished so many amazing things this year that while I'm sad, I am smiling for remembering their successes! We'll miss our seniors, Jasmin and Sophia, so much and wish them the best as they move forward. I can't be more excited about our core three from this group that will lead next year's charge to return to the national championship."
continued...
Photo: Anne Marie Soleta
| | | | |
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/
| | |
San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders
2025/26 Schedules
| | |
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, May 19, through
Sunday, May 25, 2025
| | |
Monday, May 19
San Francisco Giants vs. Kansas City Royals, 6:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels. 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20
San Francisco Giants vs. Kansas City Royals, 6:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels. 7:05 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21
San Francisco Giants vs. Kansas City Royals, 12:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels. 7:05 p.m.
Thursday, May 22
Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels. 12:35 p.m.
Friday, May 23
San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 3:45 p.m.
Athletics vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, May 24
San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo FC, 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. New Mexico United, 7 p.m.
Bay FC @ Houston Dash, 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 25
San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals, 10:35 a.m.
Athletics vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 1:05 p.m..
| | |
Publisher: Christopher Weills
Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Sales: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Lydia Chain, Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)
Artist: Carl Macki
Webmaster/Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| | |
FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | | The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | | To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
| | | | |
