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May 18 -- May 25, 2026
Issue No. 642
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Wayne Gretzky -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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Hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky did a private autograph signing thru a sports collectors show and I placed an order for him
to sign this photo for me.
Gretzky played for the Edmonton Oilers from 1979-1988. He has been called the greatest ice hockey player to have ever
played in the NHL.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
| | Note: 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 | | |
Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame
(BASHOF)
2026 Enshrinement Dinner
The Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, May 14, 2026
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The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) Class of 2026 Enshrinement Dinner, presented in part by KNBR 680 AM, was held on Thursday, May 14 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. The terrific Class of 2026 inductees included (l-r) Jack Clark (Rugby), San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie (honored guest), Eddie Hart (Track & Field), Missy Franklin (Swimming), Jesse Sapolu (Football), and Brandon Crawford (Baseball).
Photo by Ed Jay.
| Jack Clark: Currently in his 43rd season as head coach of men’s rugby at University of California, Berkeley; Has led Cal to 30 National Championships (25x National 15s Championships, 5x National 7s Championships) and produced 157 All-Americans; Head coach of the USA National Team (1993-99) and GM from 1993-2003; Craig Sweeney Award recipient for major contributions to the sport in 2001; 2014 inductee U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame; 2016 Glenn T. Seaborg Award recipient and member of the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame. Photo by Ed Jay. | Missy Franklin: 28x medal winner in swimming including 5x Olympic Gold, one Olympic bronze; 11x Gold at the World Championships; USA Swimming and FINA Swimmer of the Year (2011, 2012); At University of California, Berkeley, captured 2015 NCAA Women’s Division I Swimming and Diving Team Championship; 7x individual NCAA champion; 2015 Collegiate Woman of the Year and Honda Sports Award as the nation's top female swimmer; Inducted International Swimming Hall of Fame (2023). Photo Ed Jay. | Eddie Hart: A native of Pittsburgh, CA, is an Olympic gold medalist, Olympic Trials champion, two-time world record holder, and Olympic record holder. While a favorite in the 100 meters, he missed the chance to compete for gold due to a scheduling miscommunication. Hart won state titles in the 100- and 200-yard events at Contra Costa College and later captured NCAA titles in the 100-yard dash and 4x110- yard relay while competing for the University of California, Berkeley. Ranked among the top 10 U.S. sprinters five times between 1970 and 1979, he was inducted into the UC Berkeley Hall of Fame in 1988 and will enter the Bob Hayes Hall of Fame later this year. Photo by Ed Jay. | |
Bob Beamon introduced Eddie Hart. Beamon set the world record in the long jump in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His world record jump of 29’2.25” stood for almost 23 years.
Photo by Ed Jay.
| Jesse Sapolu: 4x Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers (1984, 1988, 1989, 1994); 2x Pro Bowl selection; NFL All Pro at center and guard (1994, 1995); 13 NFL seasons with San Francisco; 10th all time in games played for the 49ers; 2nd in franchise history with 22 playoff games; Ed Block Courage Award (1997); Bobb McKittrick Award (1991, 1996); California Sports Hall of Fame (2025). Photo by Ed Jay. | |
Brandon Crawford: 2x San Francisco Giants World Series Champion (2012, 2014); 3x MLB All-Star (2015, 2018, 2021); 4x Gold Glove (2015, 2016, 2017, 2021); 2015 Silver Slugger Award; 2x Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award winner (2012 and 2016); 2017 World Baseball Classic Gold Medal; 2016 Willie Mac Award; Bay Area native played more games at shortstop than any player in Giants history and the seventh-most games played for the franchise overall; 6th player in MLB history to hit a grand slam in his first MLB game (2011), and the first shortstop to hit a grand slam in an MLB postseason game (2014). To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo by Ed Jay.
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
FC Dallas 3
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, May 16, 2026
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Right back Benji Kikanovic (#28) of the San Jose Earthquakes reacts to a missed opportunity in the first half. FC Dallas defeated San José, 3–2, in a MLS Matchday 14 game at PayPal Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in San Jose, CA. Photo and
caption by Alex Ho.
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Goalkeeper Daniel (#42) of the San Jose Earthquakes rises for a
save in the first half. Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
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Head Coach Bruce Arena of the San Jose Earthquakes grabs Benji Kikanovic, (#28) as he spins out of bounds in the first half.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
| Left centre back Reid Roberts (#18) of the San Jose Earthquakes heads the ball in front of centre forward Logan Farrington (#23) of FC Dallas. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | Left centre back Reid Roberts (#18) of the Earthquakes reacts to his goal in the 81st minute. Photo and caption by Alex Ho. | |
Fans celebrate the Quakes' opening goal of the match. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Photo and caption by Alex Ho.
| | Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller on September 26, 2024 versus the Texas Rangers. Photo by Darren Yamashita | |
How Can You Mend
a Broken Heart?
by Pete Elman
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A couple of years ago, my friend, the late, legendary sportswriter Dave Newhouse, along with another notable local sports figure, marketing guru Andy Dolich, wrote the terrific book Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town’s Fight for Survival, one that many of you have read.
It is a brilliant, loving tribute to Oakland’s rich sports history. It is also heartbreaking. But what makes it even more painful is that finally, after years of struggle, pain and righteous anger about the betrayal of the beloved Oakland Athletics—they are actually good.
As of today, their record stands at 23-22, one game above .500, a far cry from last May, when they dropped 20 of 21 games, effectively ending their chance for a winning season. But this year anybody who has watched them on TV cannot deny that this is a young, dynamic team that is, dare I say, competitive.
They can hit, especially for power, field well, run the bases, and their pitching staff, which in April looked very shaky, has been surprisingly serviceable. Mark Kotsay has become a fine big league manager, and, who knows, this time they might even make the playoffs.
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Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller with former Athletics relief pitcher Rollie Fingers during 1974 Championship Reunion,
June 23, 2024. Photo by Darren Yamashita
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Before the season started, I was cautiously optimistic. The 2025 team showed promise until that fateful day, July 31, when the Athletics traded their all-star closer Mason Miller to San Diego in exchange for touted 18-year old Dominican shortstop prospect Leo DeVries and three other players.
It was what owner John Fisher has always done; get rid of a promising—or in this case, generational—young player before he can command a large salary. The only comparison that comes to mind is when theatrical producer/agent/hustler Red Sox owner Harry Frazee traded Babe Ruth in 1919 to the Yankees because he needed cash to allegedly support a failing production. It eventually came to light that the money was used to pay the mortgage on Fenway Park—and bail out the Red Sox.
Wait, am I actually comparing the trade of Mason Miller to the Curse of the Bambino? Damn right I am. Acclaimed national baseball writer Jayson Stark, longtime writer for the Philadelphia Enquirer, ESPN and now The Athletic, wrote recently that Mason Miller is, statistically, at least, and admittedly based on a small sample size, may be “the most unhittable pitcher in the history of baseball.”
We knew when this young fireballer came on the scene in 2023 that he was something special. I was out at Oracle Park recently to watch the Giants play the Padres, and Miller came in for a non-save appearance. It was like watching high school kids trying to hit Nolan Ryan, except Ryan never had the best slider in baseball to go with the best fastball.
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Mason Miller versus the Toronto Blue Jays on July 13, 2025.
Photo by Darren Yamashita
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Back to the Sacramento Athletics, who are currently toiling in a little league--oops, I mean minor league—ballpark, playing out the string, the middle year of a sad three-year stint in baseball purgatory. There’s only one big league city—present or future-- more uncomfortable in summer than Sacramento, and that’s Las Vegas.
No matter how this season ends, and how many records Mason Miller breaks, I will never give up on the A’s—they will forever be my team, even when they move to the most dreadful city in America. First the Raiders, now the A’s.
I will be sitting here at home in Oakland just as angry as I was the last day of 2024, when Miller, fittingly, threw the last big-league pitch at the Coliseum.
Maybe hope springs eternal. But how can you mend a broken heart?
Pete Elman
Rockridge
May 18, 2026
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* * *
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.
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As of Monday, May 18, 2026
over 13,000 guests have visited our remarkable new site for sports updates and outstanding photography.
Don't be left out!
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| | San Francisco Giants Jung Hoo Lee completes an inside-the-park home run at Dodgers Stadium on May 14, 2026 | |
Lee adds to SF vs. LA lore with Giants' first inside-the-park HR
at Dodger Stadium
View here!
By Maria Guardado
LOS ANGELES -- One night after being blanked by two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, the Giants once again struggled to gain much traction against Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan.
With the help of a misplay by Los Angeles left fielder Teoscar Hernández, though, they ended up getting on the board in rather electric fashion.
Jung Hoo Lee took advantage of Hernández’s miscue to deliver a game-tying inside-the-park home run in the top of the fifth inning, though the jolt proved short-lived in a 5-2 loss for the Giants in Thursday’s series finale at Dodger Stadium.
Lee’s first career inside-the-parker was one of only two hits for San Francisco (18-26), which allowed the Dodgers to rally for three runs in the sixth and secure a split of the four-game series.
"It’s tough to come over here to Dodger Stadium and play the Dodgers at their home,” Lee said via interpreter Justin Han.
"We got two wins, but it would have been better if we had a winning series. We’ll need to put our best effort and then the next time we get here, try to show the performance we [can].”
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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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The main scoreboard displays an ABS challenge resulting in a confirmed strike call: River Cats vs. San Francisco Giants,
March 22, 2026. Photo by Darren Yamashita
We have a new record for most ABS challenges in a game
View here!
By Theo DeRosa
WEST SACRAMENTO -- The new ABS challenge system has certainly changed the game for hitters, catchers and pitchers. But on Thursday, Cardinals skipper Oliver Marmol offered a good reminder of its impact on managers, too.
After a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Athletics, Marmol was finally catching his breath in the manager’s office in the visiting clubhouse when he heard the numbers. Thursday’s game featured a whopping 12 ABS challenges, nine of which were successful.
“Nine overturned? That means I would have been in here in the third inning last year,” Marmol joked.
This time, though, there was no need for an untimely ejection for arguing balls and strikes -- even in a game that saw the ABS system tested more than it has been in any Major League contest through the first two months of the season.
Thursday’s 12 challenges between the two clubs -- seven from the A’s and five from the Cardinals -- surpassed the previous high of 11, set during the Twins-Royals game on April 1 and equaled by the Rockies and Padres on April 10. Both of those April contests also featured nine overturns.
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Pigskin Dog at Arrowhead Stadium
Perhaps inspired by Tracy Kelce's pregame strawberries and
French toast warmup meal, Arrowhead Stadium has
upgraded its fare for fans.
NFL players love the Uncrustable Crunch as a pre-game snack.
The Uncrustable popping up at Arrowhead comes as a different version than the one the players are eating, with a griddled strawberry Uncrustable topped with fried chicken bites
and a sour apple slaw.
Alongside the Uncrustable Crunch, another new Arrowhead
menu item includes the Pigskin Dog featuring a bacon-buttered bun, a candied jalapeno pork belly slab, smoked pulled pork and spicy marshmallow crème. The stadium also features a new
BBQ Pit on a Stick and Two-Point Confection
of loaded donut holes.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
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Sharks to host 4th annual NHL Draft Party at SAP Center on Friday, June 26
Free event will feature festivities including live viewing of the NHL’s Draft on the SAP Center video board, photo opportunities, interactive games, and more
The San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) have confirmed plans to host the 2026 Sharks Draft Viewing Party on Friday, June 26 at SAP Center at San Jose (@SAPCenter). Doors for the viewing party will open at 3 p.m. PT for Sharks365 members and 3:15 p.m. PT for the public. The event will include live viewing of the NHL’S Entry Draft broadcast on the SAP Center center-hung video board. The party will end at the conclusion of the first round. Parking is free in SAP Center’s Lot ABC.
To give Sharks fans and the local community a central location to celebrate the draft, a limited number of event tickets will be made available. Fans who would like to attend the Draft Viewing Party can claim their FREE tickets starting this Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m. by clicking HERE.
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“If you don’t swing for the fences, how will you ever hit a home run?”
This is the energy we’re bringing into 2026. Back-to-back Pioneer League titles in our sights. Bigger gamedays at Raimondi Park are on deck. And with 51 home games, 51 themes, and 51 giveaways, we’re giving you every reason to show up, get loud, and ride with us all season long.
Seven days until Opening Day. Let’s go.
New Fieldside Seats are here
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You asked to get closer, so we got to work.
This year, we’re breaking down the walls at Raimondi Park and putting fans closer to the action than ever before with brand-new Fieldside Seats directly behind home plate. We’re talking on-the-field access, right next to the game, close enough to hear the chatter from the dugout and the on-deck circle.
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This is as close as baseball gets. You’ll be closer to the batter than the pitcher is. That’s the kind of access we’ve always wanted to give our fans, and now it’s here.
Get your Fieldside Seats for Opening Week and experience baseball like you’ve never seen before.
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MATCH RECAP:
Earthquakes 2, FC Dallas 3
Quakes erase deficit in each half but are edged in stoppage time in last home game before MLS takes World Cup break; Black and Blue now travel to Colorado next Wednesday to face Rapids in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to FC Dallas 3-2 on Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,000 at PayPal Park.
The visitors struck first in the initial minute when Patrickson Delgado scored in the box off an opportunistic rebound for a 1-0 lead. San Jose equalized in the 18th minute when Ousseni Bouda’s cross from the right wing was headed out. Beau Leroux then emphatically volleyed the ball from the edge of the box up and over Dallas goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois to make it 1-1. In minute 40, referee Chris Penso awarded the Quakes a penalty kick when Osaze Urhoghide fouled Ian Harkes in the box. However, Sirois denied Leroux from the spot and the first half ended knotted 1-1.
After the break, Dallas recaptured the lead in the 49th minute when Herman Johansson’s cross from the right wing found Petar Musa, who turned and fired in the box to make it 2-1. But San Jose answered in minute 81 when off a corner kick, Reid Roberts flicked a loose ball into the back of the net for his first MLS goal to tie the game 2-2. However, the match-winning goal would come for the visitors in the third minute of stoppage time, when FCD forward Logan Farrington collided with San Jose captain Ronaldo Vieira as the latter cleared the ball. Urhoghide collected it and combined with Kaick to feed a streaking Samuel Sarver, who got behind defense and finished the play for the 3-2 final margin.
The “Quakes Replay” of tonight’s match will air on KTVU Plus on Wednesday, May 20, at 8 p.m. PT. Earthquakes fans can also watch game highlights, analysis and features on the newest episode of “Quakes Exclusive,” the club’s new half-hour prime-time magazine show, on KTVU FOX 2 on Friday, May 29, at 8 p.m. PT. All episodes of “Quakes Exclusive” are available on demand on the FOX Local app .
The Black and Blue now go on the road Wednesday, May 20, to face the Colorado Rapids in the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals. Kickoff from DICK’s Sporting Goods Park is set for 7 p.m. PT and will stream on Paramount+ as well as air on CBS Sports Network (CBSSN).
High Lights
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Roots Fall 0-1 in Prinx Tires USL Cup Match at Home to Sacramento Republic FC
Roots struggled in their second fixture of the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup on Saturday night, as Oakland fell to rivals Sacramento Republic FC 0-1 at the Oakland Coliseum, dropping to 0-1-1 (W-D-L) in the Group 1 Table.
The first half came and went with little fanfare, as both clubs traded stints of attacking momentum but exited the first 45 with nothing to show for it as the halftime whistle blew with the score sheet still unaltered.
After another quiet start to the second half, Sacramento broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Mayele Malango took a good touch in the top left corner of the Oakland box to shake a defender before curling a shot into the top right twine to give Republic a 1-0 lead.
Roots fought for the remainder of the match to claw their way back and earn at least a point in the Cup table, but could not find an equalizer before the final whistle, eventually falling 0-1 to Sacramento.
Roots will now return to USL Championship play as the club heads south to visit Orange County SC for their next match on Saturday, May 23rd at 7 PM PT.
Watch Highlights
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Match Recap:
Bay FC 1 vs. Boston Legacy FC 1
SAN JOSE, Calif. (May 10, 2026) –Bay FC played to a 1-1 draw in their first-ever meeting with Boston Legacy FC on Friday, May 15, at PayPal Park. After controlling the pace and getting multiple opportunities in the first half, Bay FC finally cashed in the second half when Dorian Bailey scored in the 51st minute. But Boston responded 13 minutes later when Amanda Gutierres converted on a penalty kick. Neither team would score again and Bay FC earned a single point for the second straight match. Now unbeaten for three straight matches, Bay FC will look to get back on track when the club visits Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday.
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Golden State Valkyries 63
Chicago Sky 69
(Most Recent Game, 5-13-2026, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA)
Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams Postgame Press Conference
Click here!
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On June 23 & 24th the 80th NBA draft will be held at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York
Last week you learned the first-ever NBA draft pick was Clifton McNeeley by the long defunct
Pittsburgh Ironmen, in 1947 and had quite a
non history with the NBA. Who was the first
NBA player drafted without playing
college basketball?
Weak hint: The player was drafted in 1962
but had to be redrafted in 1963!
Answer below...
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SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS ADD HIGHLY RATED SOUTH AFRICAN LHUAN-DRE PRETORIUS TO 2026 ROSTER
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- South African all-format international wicketkeeper-batter confirmed to join San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 Major League Cricket season.
- 20-year-old rising star set to bring explosive top-order hitting, following a breakout year on the international and T20 franchise stage.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Francisco Unicorns have recruited South African 20-year-old rising star and all-format international Lhuan-dre Pretorius to its 2026 Major League Cricket roster.
The wicketkeeper-batsman has experienced a standout professional year, which saw him become his country’s youngest test centurion when scoring 153 on his debut against Zimbabwe, as well as finishing the 2025 SA20 League as top scorer with 397 runs.
Pretorius has already made 24 appearances for his South African franchise Paarl Royals, along with making his debut in both the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals, and in England’s Vitality Blast for Hampshire Hawks, both in 2025.
Labeled as one of global cricket’s most exciting young talents, Pretorius is known for both his destructive ball-striking and robust wicketkeeping capabilities. His skillset will complement the Unicorns’ aggressive early innings approach, which has been established by the likes of Finn Allen and captain Matt Short in the last two seasons.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, San Francisco Unicorns’ new signing, said: “It’s clear The Unicorns are building something special when you look at the world-class players on their roster and the form they’ve shown at the Oakland Coliseum. I’m excited to play a key role as we push to win our first MLC Championship in July, both with the bat and behind the stumps.”
Cameron White, Head Coach of San Francisco Unicorns, said: “Lhuan-dre is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young names on the international scene. He has demonstrated an ability to perform at the highest level across all international formats, which is almost unheard of at his age. We’re confident he will slot straight into an already exciting batting attack, as well as being a safe pair of hands as wicketkeeper.”
Lhuan-dre Pretorius joins Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin and Australian pair Aaron Hardie and Oliver Peake, as well as a number of domestic retentions and draft picks, and further international retentions in the final Unicorns’ roster for the 2026 Major League Cricket season.
Tickets for the 2026 Major League Cricket season are available now at tickets.majorleaguecricket.com.
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SPECIAL LINKS TO BACK ISSUES
Years of Back Issues, Facebook Albums,
Autographs and Haikus
Immediately below is a link to over 350 issues of
Sports Today! which bring to life memories of Bay Area sporting events and the stories behind them. Reclaim memories of titles won and lost and championships reclaimed and slipped away.
Sports Today Links
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Comments? Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 184: The First CSC Arbitration Decision Changes Everything and Nothing
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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 College Sports Commission won the first arbitration proceeding to test its clearinghouse authority. Arbitrator Andrew Strongin concluded that Playfly Sports Properties, LLC is an "associated entity" under NCAA Rule 22.02.1, and that the 18 materially identical NIL deals Playfly entered with University of Nebraska football players violated both the Valid Business Purpose Rule (NCAA Rule 22.1.3) and the Warehousing Rule (NCAA Rule 22.1.3.3).
What Anyone Paying Attention Should Have Expected
A CSC victory in this first test case was always the most probable outcome. The Arbitration Rules and Procedures grew out of the House v. NCAA settlement, which was negotiated by the same Power Four conferences whose member institutions fund the CSC.
On the threshold question of associated entity status, the outcome under Rule 22.02.1(a) was telegraphed by Nebraska's own conduct. In April 2025, in satisfaction of its disclosure obligations under NCAA Rule 22.2.3.1, the University itself designated Playfly as an associated entity. The University reversed that designation in May 2025, but did not explain the reversal. Thus, it shouldn't be surprising that the arbitrator took into consideration that original designation.
The Warehousing Rule violation was similarly foreseeable. Playfly admittedly structured these agreements to acquire NIL rights as inventory, to be held and activated at the moment of maximum market value, for sale to as-yet-unidentified sponsors offering as-yet-unidentified goods or services to the general public. The rule requires direct activation and reasonable specificity. Playfly's model is the opposite of that. The arbitrator's language is blunt. He wrote, "The problem is an intentional lack of direct activation. Under the circumstances, the Arbitrator cannot responsibly require CSC to subvert the rule as a matter of discretion to clear deals that it reasonably has inferred were meant to circumvent the cap."
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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The 2026
ROLEX Monterey Motorsports Reunion
August 12-15, 2026
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The 2026 ROLEX Monterey Motorsports Reunion is where history roars to life - a living museum on wheels featuring hundreds of historic and period-correct race and sports cars spanning nearly every era of motorsport.
Recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport lifestyle gatherings, the 2026 edition will honor the Icons of Japanese Motorsport as the featured marque. The celebration will showcase legendary machines from Mazda, Toyota, Yamaha, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and more - representing decades of innovation, craftsmanship and competition.
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But First…
The Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb
August 8-9, 2026
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Kick off Monterey Car Week at the Montrey Pre-Reunion, where racing history comes alive at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Watch hundreds of historic race cars - from iconic prototypes to classic sports car battle wheel-to-wheel on the legendary circuit in a relaxed, fan-friendly atmosphere. It’s the ultimate chance to get up close to cars, meet drivers, and experience the sights and sounds of vintage racing before the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
The fifth annual Corkscrew Hillclimb happens Saturday, August 8th, as drivers take on the world-famous Corkscrew in reverse, charging uphill through one of the motorsport’s most iconic corners in a thrilling showcase you won’t want to miss.
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Sonoma Raceway Announces Multi-Year Extension With Pit Boss® Grills & FoodMaxx For NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race Co-Entitlement
SONOMA, Calif. – Sonoma Raceway officials announced a two-year extension of the co-entitlement sponsorship partnership with Pit Boss® Grills and FoodMaxx for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The continued partnership between Pit Boss® — a leader in outdoor cooking and premium grills — and FoodMaxx — the value-focused grocery brand from The Save Mart Companies — ensures that the race at Sonoma Raceway’s 1.99-mile road course will again carry the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx entitlement, further enhancing the fan experience and brand visibility throughout NASCAR’s return to Northern California.
The multi-year extension reinforces both brands’ commitment to Sonoma Raceway and the passionate NASCAR fan base, providing ongoing activation opportunities on-site and in-market during each race weekend.
In 2026, the event will take on even greater significance as the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. In recognition of this historic milestone, the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 entitlement logo has been refreshed with patriotic red, white and blue accents, symbolizing the pride, heritage and unity that define both the sport of NASCAR and the spirit of the United States. The updated mark will be prominently featured across race branding, merchandise and promotional materials throughout the season, adding a celebratory and distinctly American flair to the race weekend.
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REGISTER BY MAY 15 FOR DISCOUNTED ENTRY IN THE 2026 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES
Registration Fees Increase after May 15, 2026, for West Coast’s Premier Regatta & ORC North American Championship
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA—May 15 marks four months until the first starting gun of the West Coast’s most anticipated annual regatta, Rolex Big Boat Series, scheduled for September 16–20, 2026, on San Francisco Bay. May 15 is also the early-entry deadline when skippers can enjoy a great discount on registration.
Already, 30 teams are signed up to compete in this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series, which will double as the 2026 Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) North American Championship. Early entrants include Rolex Sydney Hobart division winner Bacchanal, and a fully refitted Santa Cruz 52, Rosebud. We caught up with both skippers to learn more about their race preparations.
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| Hardly Trival Answer by T. Buff | | |
Reggie Harding
Reggie Harding was the first player drafted into the
NBA without playing college basketball, selected
by the Detroit Pistons in 1962.
However, he did not play in the league until 1964 due to eligibility issues. By many, it was thought he could have been as good a player as the Celtics' Bill Russell.
His Wikipedia story can be found here, An interesting Youtube narrative can be found here. A google search will get you lots more info about his tragic story
Go Red Sox
Go Celtics NEXT Year
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Bears Place Second At
MPSF Championship
Cal's 3V8+, V4+, Freshmen 8+ Notch Victories
SACRAMENTO – The No. 2 California men's rowing team's varsity eight was the runner-up at the 2026 MPSF Championship behind No. 1 Washington on Sunday morning at Lake Natoma in Sacramento. The Golden Bears' third varsity eight, varsity four and freshmen eight each notched victories, while the second varsity eight finished in second place behind the Huskies in its race.
Strong winds on Lake Natoma provided a challenge for the crews in their quest for the conference crown. Six programs featured at the competition, three of which have their varsity eights ranked in the latest weekly IRCA/IRA Coach's Poll: No. 1 Washington, No. 2 Cal and No. 5 Stanford. Oregon State, UC San Diego and British Columbia rounded out the competition field.
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Photo: Zach Franzen
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Season Ends in Regional Final
Gall homers as Stanford falls at No. 15 Oklahoma State
STILLWATER, Okla. – Stanford Softball’s 2026 came to a close this evening, falling 11-5 at No. 15 Oklahoma State in the NCAA Stillwater Regional final. The Cardinal advanced to the regional final for the fifth-straight season, after earning a seventh-straight trip to the postseason.
Unlike in yesterday’s matchup with the Cowgirls, Stanford struck first today. Zoe Prystajko held Oklahoma State scoreless in the top of the first, and the Cardinal bats went right to work in the bottom half of the inning. Emily Jones went opposite field for a solo home run to make it a 1-0 lead for Stanford.
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Philanthropic Commitment of Four Million Dollars Marks Transformational Moment for San José State Men’s Basketball
Historic donation fuels player retention, talent acquisition, budget augmentation, and facility planning as Spartans
aim for the top of the Mountain West.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — San José State Athletics announced today a groundbreaking $4 million philanthropic commitment to the men’s basketball program, representing the most significant philanthropic investment in program history. The transformational commitment will directly support player retention, talent acquisition, and critical operational needs, while helping position Spartan men’s basketball for sustained success in the Mountain West Conference.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MGOLF | Gaels Ready to Go; Marana Regional Set to Tee Off on Monday, May 18
MARANA, Ariz. - The Saint Mary's men's golf team has arrived in Arizona and is set for the 2026 NCAA Marana Regional for its first regional appearance since 2019. The Gaels took to Gallery Golf Club for the first time on Sunday, completing a warm and breezy practice round ahead of the opening round Monday morning. The Gaels ended the 2026 regular season ranked No. 67 in the latest Clippd Scoreboard rankings and earned the 11-seed in the 14-team regional field.
continued...
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Rally Falls Short, San
Francisco Drops Series
Finale at Saint Mary's
MORAGA, Calif. – The University of San Francisco baseball team (24-28, 15-12) dropped the final regular-season game of the 2026 season, falling 6-4 at Saint Mary's (30-24, 15-12) Saturday afternoon at Louis Guisto Field.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
-
Trailing 6-0 in the sixth inning, Jackson Nystrom put San Francisco on the board with a long RBI single to left center field. Tyler Harries recorded a two-RBI double later in the frame to bring the Dons to within 6-3.
continued...
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Season Concludes for Women's Rowing at WCC Championship as Two Named All-Conference
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. – Santa Clara women's rowing wrapped up its season with a ninth place finish at the WCC Championship. After the races, Dominique Matthews and Frankie Park were named All-WCC.
The Broncos finished second in the 2V8 Petite Final and the third in the Petite Finals with their V8 and V4 boats.
This is the second year in a row Matthews has been named all-conference. It was the first honor for Park.
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Tigers Drop Regular Season Finale, Lock Up No. 2 Seed for WCC Tournament
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Pacific baseball program dropped its regular season finale to Portland by a 9-5 margin on Saturday afternoon from Joe Etzel Field.
The Tigers (23-28-1, 15-11-1 WCC) got another quality start from redshirt junior Garret Plata, but the Pilots (27-25, 13-14 WCC) rallied late to take the rubber match and series on their Senior Day.
continued...
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Kylee Davis Takes Gold
to Highlight Opening Day
of Track and Field
Big West Championships
LONG BEACH, Calif. — The UC Davis track and field team resumed postseason competition on Friday, as the full squad opened the main weekend of the Big West Track and Field Championships at Jack Rose Track. Building on the momentum from last weekend's multi-event finals, sophomore Kylee Davis secured an individual conference title in the long jump to lead the Aggies' opening-day efforts.
HOW IT HAPPENED (MEN)
The Aggie men saw a collection of top-10 performances lead the way on the track during a busy opening day of The Aggie men saw a collection of top finishes lead the way on the track during a busy opening day of competition. Kathir Balakrishnan punched his ticket to the weekend's final round in the 400m hurdles, locking up a spot in Saturday's championship heat after finishing ninth overall with a time of 53.51 during the afternoon prelims.
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| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Historic Season Ends in West Regional Championship Round
HAYWARD, Calif. — No. 16 Cal State East Bay saw its 2026 season come to a close Saturday afternoon, falling 3-2 to Biola University in the NCAA Division II West Regional championship round at Pioneer Field.
The loss ended a postseason run that saw the Pioneers battle through the elimination bracket and advance to the regional final after winning the program's first CCAA Tournament championship the week before.
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/
| | |
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, May 18, through
Sunday, May 25, 2026
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Monday, May 18
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Athletics @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Athletics @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:40 p.m.
Athletics @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Colorado Rapids, 7 p.m.
Bay FC @ Portland Thorns FC, 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 21
Athletics @ Los Angeles Angels, 6:38 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ New York Liberty, 5 p.m.
Friday, May 22
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Indiana Fever, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 23
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Portland Timbers, 6:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Orange City SC, 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 24
San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox, 1:05 p.m.
Athletics @ San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m.
Bay FC vs. Chicago Stars FC, 2 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, 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
| | |
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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