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February 19 -- February 25, 2024
Issue No. 525
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San Francisco 49ers coach Bill Walsh is hoisted on the shoulders of his team after they defeated the Miami Dolphins 38-16, in Super Bowl XIX on Jan. 20, 1985 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto. | | |
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49ers Report
Card --
Super Bowl Redux Iffy
by Dave Newhouse
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In showing my age, I’ve been watching the San Francisco 49ers since the 1940s — I saw Len Eshmont play before he became a trophy — and I’ve written about them since 1970, so I’ve viewed their peaks and valleys, plus their often getting stuck in between.
The 49ers have been so good of late that their Faithful flock tends to forget, or possibly don’t even know, that their history is replete with long stretches of failure in qualifying for the post-season.
But their spoiled fandom now expects them to win every Super Bowl, and falling short thus becomes a major crisis, which is the current mindset. Why not be happy, and be grateful that the Niners have just played in another Super Bowl, albeit a disappointing outcome? The New England Patriots would gladly trade places with the 49ers, for the Patriots once ruled the NFL roost for such a long time, but now are mired in a bottomless pit.
Will these 49ers achieve that same top pedestal level of those Patriot chowderheads, or is San Francisco due for a nosedive? The obvious answer is no way, but who can say truthfully what the NFL will look like the next time around? Nobody who really understands pro football would even venture a guess. Not even the old head atop this column, who, at times, gets just as confused as anyone else.
But let’s analyze as best we can the 49ers continued attempt at ruling their conference, let alone the entire league. Their offense is loaded, no doubt, but confusing at times, like basically eliminating All-Pro tight end George Kittle from the passing game against Kansas City a week ago. The Chiefs highlighted their tight end, Travis Kelce, by comparison, with a positive outcome outside of whom he’s dating.
If the Niners offense needs anything, perhaps a marquee offensive lineman to pair with All-Pro tackle Trent Williams would be beneficial. The kicking game is solid, even though a missed PAT and a punt return that turned into a lost fumble proved costly in a 25-22 overtime defeat.
Defensively, the front seven is one of the NFL’s best, but the secondary needs tweaking. When the 49ers have been at their best historically, they’ve had Pro Football Hall of Famers roaming the secondary, names like Jimmy Johnson, Ronnie Lott and Deion Sanders. If the team could upgrade the back four to an elite level, you could almost guarantee a return to the Super Bowl next season.
As talented as the 49ers are, they can’t stand still and expect to excel. The Detroit Lions should be just as formidable in 2024, and you never know who else in the NFC will be of playoff calibre. Kansas City is trying to become what New England was in the AFC, but dynasties don’t last forever. And all of football is waiting to see what Jim Harbaugh does with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The first year I covered the 49ers, in ’70, quarterback John Brodie was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, but they lost to Dallas with the Super Bowl at stake. They fell to the Cowboys in the post-season the next two years, too, and then disappeared as a Super Bowl contender until Bill Walsh rescued the franchise in the 1980s. But, let’s not forget, the 49ers didn’t win a league championship from their inception, 1946, until the 1981 season.
Peaks, yes, but mostly valleys describe their history. OK, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, your move in writing new history.
* * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Josh Nickel, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Arnie Passman, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff,
Shelia Young
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Ubiquity: Thy Name is McAfee
Sacre Bleu! I turned on ESPN and Pat McAfee was NOT ON!
I don't know where he came from or what his claim to fame is, but ATTN: Stephen A. Smith: there's a burly dude in a white T-Shirt and he's right behind you. And the show? Generic topics with Burly and a five-man posse who contribute scripted questions to banal conversations: plus, there's a ceaseless Disclaimer-scroll: "this entire progrum (that's how it's spelled) features a bunch of clowns who do comedic information." (Two points for accuracy).
It's also a friendly forum for Aaron Rodgers and the anti-vax, tin foil hat crowd. McAfee seems like an okay dude, but could do without the use of profanity, (rhymes with "kitty") to describe any dislikes.
Find Stephen A., or any ESPN gabfest, and McAfee won't be far behind. He's EVERYWHERE, whoever he is.
Robert A. Moselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
Super Bowl Disappoints
I must say that I did not find “THE GAME” too exciting in any way or form. The commercials were rather boring and the entertainment???
The Chiefs were not great, except for Mahomes, of course – anyway, many people had high expectations. “Carpe Diem!”
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore, CA
Your Weekly Classic
Dear Editor:
(This message arrived late Sunday afternoon:) I know that right now you’re finalizing this week‘s diary episode. Always intelligent, always humane and reflective of your cagey wit.
One of many fans.
Patric Mayers
Rancho Mirage, CA
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As we transition from football to baseball, here is a collage from my days of shooting MiLB (MInor League Baseball) 11 years ago (2013). That’s former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey, Sr.
top right (then manager of the now defunct Bakersfield Blaze, Single A for the Reds), and former San Francisco Giants first baseman Will Clark (dead center), then hitting coach for the Single A San José GIants. Top left: Bakersfield Blaze second baseman Joe Terry.
Bottom left (pink): second baseman Jemile Weeks of the Sacramento River Cats (later the A’s / Orioles). Bottom right: Modesto Nuts third baseman Sam Mende; and lower center is former Oakland A’s left fielder Yoenis Céspedes, who was on a rehab assignment with the River Cats (he was wearing his green and yellow A’s cleats).
By the way, that was a home run swing.
-- Kenny Karst, Sports Today photographer (retired)
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (WGYM) vs. Arizona Wildcats
Cal Bears (WBkB) 49, Stanford Cardinal 84
Saint Mary's College Gaels (BASE) 11, Oakland Golden Grizzlies 8
Stanford Cardinal (WGYM) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils
Features & Commentary
49ers Report Card -- Super Bowl Redux Iffy, by Dave Newhouse
Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
I'm (Less) Worried Than I Was, by Andy Dolich
Ronnie Coleman, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
The Coliseum to the Rescue?, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
The Curmudgeonly Review of Super Bowl XLVIII, by Howard Pearlstein
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland B's
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Giants
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San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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Contending for my Loss Record? Of some concern... | | |
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I’m (Less)
Worried......
Than I Was
by Andy Dolich
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In the January 8th edition of Sports Today I wrote a piece entitled I’m Worried, (https://conta.cc/48HuzBm) about the Detroit Pistons who were 3-33 after their horrific start to the NBA 2023-24 season, including a 28-game losing streak. The Philadelphia 76ers also lost 28 straight, but it took them two seasons, adding up their final 10 games in 2014-15 and the first 18 in 2015-16.
In 1972-73 the Philadelphia 76ers set the NBA record for futility over a full 82-game season, going 9-73. A record which has stood for 51 years.
Yes, I know that the Charlotte Bobcats went 7-59 in the strike shortened 66-game season in 2011-12. That’s not a full season of stink. Gotta play through a full 82 schedule to be at the Top of the Bottom!
On Sunday, February 18th the NBA celebrated the greatest players on the planet at the 73rd All-Star Game in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The roster will not have a Piston representative.
As of the All-Star break on February 15, through 54 games the Detroit Pistons have 8 wins and 46 losses with 28 games left to play in the regular season. Safe to say they aren’t in Playoff contention.
Only two more wins and I can take a deep breath that the 76ers 9-73 record will remain as the Standard of Sorry. Why do I care? My first job in sports was with the 76ers in 1971.
The next season and beyond showed me that the Chaos and Disaster of 9-73 was the best way to navigate climbing the ladder in the wonderful world of sports.
The non-Wizardry in Washington has the Nation’s Capital Hoop fans looking at a monumental first half in which their home team crafted a magical mess of 9-45. Quick addition, the Wiz and the Pistons are a combined 17-91 as of the All-Star break. 74 games under .500!
NBA’s Lavatory of Losing:
* Philadelphia 76ers 1973 -- (9-73)
* Philadelphia 76ers 2016 -- (10-72)
* Dallas Mavericks 1993 -- (11-71)
* Denver Nuggets 1998 -- (11-71)
* LA Clippers 1987 -- (12-70)
* New Jersey Nets 2010 -- (12-70)
Strike Shortened Season:
* Charlotte Bobcats 2012 -- (7-59)
A few more historic notes on NBA losers:
* Most home losses is a row -- 19 Dallas Mavericks in 1993-94.
* Most road losses in a row -- 43 by the Sacramento Kings over two seasons, 1990-1992.
So as not to end on a negative note, the best record in the NBA at this year’s break is 43-12 by the Boston Celtics. All Time, it’s a tie between the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors and 2021-2022 Phoenix Suns with 48 wins at the All-Star break.
Since the All-Star Game was played last night, the highest combined scoring game ever was in 2017 when 374 points were put on the board during an intense display of defense: West 192, East 182.
Let’s enjoy the Warriors post-All Star Game run to the Playoffs!
* * *
Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
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Sports Today
thanks the following generous donors!
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Cal Bears 49
Stanford Cardinal 84
Maples Pavilion, Stanford
Friday, February 16, 2024
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Stanford Cardinal forward Kiki Iriafen had 23 points and 11 rebounds as the third-ranked Cardinal defeated the Cal Bears, 84-49, at Maples Pavilion on Friday, February 16th. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Saint Mary's Gaels 11
Oakland Golden Grizzlies 8
Brother Ronald Gallagher Stadium, Moraga
Sunday, February 18, 2024
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Saint Mary's Gaels catcher Connor Harrison went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI as the Gaels defeated the University of Oakland Golden Grizzlies, 11-8, at Brother Ronald Gallagher Stadium in Moraga on Sunday, February 18th. Harrison is the brother of San Francisco Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison. Caption and photo by
Darren Yamashita.
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Thrive City Hosts Annual Black
History Month Celebration
The community is invited to an afternoon of live music, entertainment, and immersive activities to celebrate
Black History Month
When: Monday, February 19, 12:00 -- 3:00 p.m.
Interviews: Rhymefest, Grammy-award winning artist, Queen Iminah, Oakland-based singer and songwriter, Black History 101 Mobile Museum Representative
Where: Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
Details: Thrive City will host its annual Black History Month Celebration presented by Waymo on Monday, February 19. Enjoy performances from Queen Iminah & AAFE Kids and Golden State Entertainment talent and Grammy-award winning artist, Rhymefest, will also headline the celebration as he just released his new project, James & Nikki: A Conversation, in honor of Black History Month.
Guests can also experience the Black History 101 Mobile Museum’s Music of the Movement exhibit, an immersive experience that delves into the powerful impact of music on the social, cultural, and political movements of the Black experience in America.
continued...
More Information, click HERE.
www.warriors.com
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Call (510) 414-5394 or write acooke3495@aol.com
Ann Cooke, Sales Director
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Pitchers and Catchers Report Today
2024 Spring Training is officially here! Don't miss out on these exciting matchups in sunny Mesa, Arizona. Check out the full Spring Training schedule here and grab your seats now.
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(L to R) Dave Newhouse, Ignacio
De La Fuente, Andy Dolich
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Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
Oakland A's New / Old Home? | |
Oakland Alameda County Coliseum at night | | |
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The Coliseum to the Rescue?
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
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In the never-ending saga of the only baseball franchise in Bay Area history to have won four World Series, the Oakland A’s are now to meet with the City of Oakland and County of Alameda to renew a new lease past this 2024 season (last year for the current lease).
As Spring Training in Arizona is getting underway, the Oakland A’s, who are scheduled to inaugurate a new ballpark in the Las Vegas strip by 2028, have obstacles still on the horizon, the most important being the financing for the $1.5 billion stadium in Sin City as well the renderings of the proposed new 30,000 seat facility.
If you call the Tropicana Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas today hoping to get a reservation for a stay, you can do so until April. The iconic Tropicana has already officially announced that they will not take any reservations after April 2 because they are making way for the demolition, which is also scheduled for this year.
While the A’s build their new park in Las Vegas, the one city that makes the most sense for the team to keep playing in is Oakland, which is common sense but as we all know in this current story, "common sense is not common anymore.”
If the Oakland A’s were to extend their lease with the City of Oakland and Alameda County for 2025 and beyond, that would ensure the team keeps playing in a major league facility. As dated as the Coliseum is today, granted, it is not the most attractive baseball park.
However, it is still a major league facility and the Players Union will probably never approve of the A’s playing in a smaller setting or barnstorming in minor league cities outside the Bay Area.
So get ready. More discussions are underway. This makes sense; there is money for everybody, if they extend it, plus the A’s will still keep the millions they get in television broadcasting revenue and the city and county also will benefit financially. This is not amateur sports; this is the Big Leagues, and when there is money to be made, everybody likes to talk about it.
Let’s see what happens now.
* * *
Amaury Pi -Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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The Oakland Ballers Announce $1.6M Revitalization Effort of Historic Raimondi Park for Spring 2024 Inaugural Season
(Oakland, CA)—The Oakland Ballers proudly announce their plans to activate a historic Oakland ballpark for their inaugural Spring 2024 season. Raimondi Park in West Oakland has been chosen as the home field, a park renowned for nurturing baseball talent and hailed for producing "more baseball stars than any park in the country."
Raimondi Park holds a special place in Oakland's baseball history, serving as the training ground for legends such as Frank Robinson and Curt Flood. It was always the first choice for the Oakland Ballers, given its storied legacy.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal Bears
Arizona Wildcats
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley
Sunday, February 11, 2024
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The No. 2 California women's gymnastics team used a clutch performance in the floor exercise to rally for a 197.125 - 196.850 win over No. 17 Arizona on Sunday, Feb. 11 at Haas Pavilion. Cal took home the Pac-12 Gymnast of the Week award three consecutive weeks, with sophomore eMjae Frazier securing the honor on Jan. 16. Photo by Rich Yee. | |
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The No. 2 California women's gymnastics team returned home on Super Bowl Sunday for a showdown against No. 17 Arizona at
Haas Pavilion. Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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Cal co-head coach Liz Crandall-Howell notched her 100th career victory with the Bears' win over Oregon State on Jan. 27.
Crandall-Howell has an overall record of 101-40-2.
Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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Stanford Cardinal
Arizona State Sun Devils
Maples Pavilion, Stanford
Friday, February 9, 2024
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Stanford fell just short of upsetting No. 20 Arizona State, falling 196.975-196.875 inside Maples Pavilion on Friday night, Feb. 9. Above, Stanford sophomore Taralyn Nguyen gets carried by her teammates after the floor routine. Photo by Rich Yee. | |
Jay Santos, Arizona State University's Women's Gymnastics Head Coach, chats with Tabitha Yim, Stanford's Director of Women's Gymnastics. Caption and photo by Rich Yee. | |
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The Curmudgeonly Review of
Super Bowl XLVIII
by Howard Pearlstein
For most people, football is TV. And they know it, “they” being the networks, the advertisers, the NFL. Rules are made and changed for the advertisers to show more product and less game. The Super Bowl is always a total sellout to the Paralysis Machine -- glitz, glitter, irrelevant old farts who used to play talking about their glory days. And when it’s also in Las Vegas?! Holy s---t!
I always DVR games, fast forward past the irrelevant crap -- commercials, etc. But I decided to watch the Super Bowl live and found out I was no longer tough enough to deal with it all, not in tv football-watching shape.
I just wanted to watch a football game. Unfortunately that’s not what we got, even though they had to show it, grudgingly, between commercials @ $7,000,000 for 30 seconds of airtime.
It was played in Las Vegas which struts its stuff atop a three-legged economy: (1) Casinos, (2) Uber-glitter stage shows to bring people into the casinos. And (3) Prostitution, a service industry for the middle-aged men who watch the dancing nearly-naked women with beautiful bodies. And, as it always was, the prostitutes are the only ones who deliver what you paid for.
I use “Casinos” as shorthand for all the gambling, especially the NFL’s born-again embrace of online betting. Given their history of describing the horrors of hell that accompany sports gambling, the NFL turnaround is akin to the Pope coming out and embracing abortion, adultery, child-rape and murder, saying “We’ve been too uptight about this stuff. Everyone does it, so have fun.”
Remember the demonization of Joe Namath just for having a friend who was a gambler?
But wottahell, kids, according to reliable reports, the NFL is getting One Billion Dollars for allowing commercials which say: “You can turn watching A show into watching THE show -- with a bet.”
By the end of THE game, Nevada’s sportsbooks had netted $185.6 million for the day. (With that much coming in, they might have even been able to provide a decent practice field for the “visiting team.”)
Meanwhile, Usher made me laugh and remember having seen Tiny Tim do the Rod Stewart song: “If you want my body and you think I’m sexy, Come on Sugar, let me know.” Not as funny but just as creepy.
And I’m saying: “I just want to see the game!”
But all the shiny hoo-hah made the game nearly irrelevant. By the end of it in OT, I didn’t care anymore. I wanted the Niners to win, but the tsunami of blaring crap wore me out, totally depleted my IGAF reserves. I knew the players must have felt bad, but my emotional connection was so battered it wasn’t until the next day I could actually feel what that meant for the players I admired, the collapse of all they’d worked for.
TV isn’t about selling stuff to us. It’s about selling us to the advertisers. Must-see programming gets higher ratings. Higher ratings (i.e., us) raise ad prices.
Higher ad prices get more money. More money gets more must-see programming.
It’s a cycle of addiction that never ends: money – ads – must-see tv – money.
Kill the Noise puts it more simply in "I do Coke.”
“I do coke so I can work longer.
So I can earn more. So I can do more coke.
So I can work longer. So I can do more coke.”
The cure? DVR the games, start watching later, and FF through all the crap.
p.s. -- My thanks to Matt and Jon for contextual editing help.
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Ronnie Coleman -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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I had the opportunity to meet retired bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman at a past Fitness Expo held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Ronnie had a booth there and was selling a variety of his products, including this photo. Ronnie has won the Mr. Olympia title eight consecutive years, making him the greatest bodybuilder in the world.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Curt Flood Platinum Awards Dinner | |
Arif Khatib (right), founder of the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, appeared on Radio Zindagi while at the Super Bowl to promote his upcoming Curt Flood Platinum Awards Dinner at the Marriott City Center in Oakland on February 24. Also pictured: Mohinder Gill. | |
Special Offer from a Sports Today Reader | |
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Tim from the Midwest is making his 2024 San Francisco Giants season tickets available, as follows: Section 106, row 1, seats 5/6. Prices will vary and the entire season is available. Prices are for both seats and there is no parking.
26 games are 136.50, 28 games are 196.50, 17 games are 296.50,
6 games are 342.50. One is a DH, 3 games are 454.50. (View from 106, Row 1, Seat 7, one seat closer to home plate than seats 5 and 6.)
https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/143157/Oracle+Park/section-106/row-1/seat-7/
These are Tim's costs, no markups, no fees, tickets are all via smart phones. For more information: Tim Maroney, 610-519-0125
Tpmmd@hotmail.com
If you are interested, please contact Mr. Maroney directly via his email or phone. Sports Today does not receive remuneration --
we are simply happy to make these seats available to our readers
and as a favor to a loyal subscriber, Tim Maroney.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness
Vol. 67: College Sports Waits While
Judge Contemplates Motion For
Preliminary Injunction
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought.
In Vol. 66, I stated that the NCAA won a battle, but what about the war?
It was about the NCAA prevailing on a motion brought by state attorneys general of Tennessee and Virginia who sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the NCAA from enforcing any of its rules related to NIL, particularly those related to improperly inducing athletes to commit to/enroll at colleges.
But the judge hinted, in the order denying the motion for TRO, that the NCAA may be violating antitrust laws with its current NIL policies.
Since then, the parties have gone before the federal judge overseeing the case on a motion for a preliminary injunction, which would be a more permanent form of what the attorneys general were seeking by way of the TRO in that it would likely last throughout the course of the pending litigation if granted.
Before the hearing, Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel submitted a declaration that was filed with the court, which supports the request for a preliminary injunction. The declaration focuses on the following:
Much of it consists of the coach emphasizing why an athlete finding the right school is important—the “best fit,” he writes, “can make all the difference in a student’s happiness, mental health, personal development and professional future.” He warns that the “wrong environment” sometimes can lead to irreversible harms for the athlete. Heupel also emphasizes that a recruiting-related NIL deal might be the only one an athlete obtains given the “risk of injuries in college sports.” He also criticizes NCAA rules on NIL as “vague and confusing” and subject to “frequent change” that contradicts earlier NCAA statements.
For now, we wait. The court has yet to rule on the motion. I'm sure many assume that the motion will be denied given the denial of the TRO, but one never knows how the fully briefed motions and oral argument may have changed the court's disposition.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Sports Today Goes TikTok! | |
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Sports Today has ventured into the TikTok realm with Cal Football Fan, a TikTok account dedicated to covering Cal Football. This and next season you can expect all sorts of Cal Football content, including commentary, game recaps, and TikToks covering Cal Football alumni who are in the NFL currently or were at some point in time.
Keep checking our TikTok account, Cal Football Fan, and please feel free to follow our account and share with Cal alums, football fans, or anyone you think would enjoy it. Additionally, feel free to comment on content that you’d like to see, as feedback is always encouraged! We can be reached at theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com.
https://www.tiktok.com/@cal.football.fan?_t=8gdIUGofPpO&_r=1
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California Memorial Stadium Berkeley | |
Creator Ammar Bhaiji is a Cal alumni who graduated in the Spring of 2023. Ammar majored in public health and hopes to attend medical school in the future, but is taking some time to explore other passions, including social media and football. Outside of sports and social media reporting, Ammar enjoys the outdoors, swimming, and hanging
out with friends.
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Earthquakes Unveil The 50 Kit Commemorating 50th Anniversary
Intermedia Cloud Communications enters fifth year of jersey partnership; retro-inspired top offers fresh
take on iconic look
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has acquired goalkeeper Mikołaj Biegański from Polish side Wisła Kraków on loan through the 2024 season with an option for a permanent transfer, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have officially unveiled The 50 Kit to serve as the club’s new alternate jersey for the 2024 and 2025 Major League Soccer seasons, with Intermedia Cloud Communications returning as official jersey partner. As a tribute to the Earthquakes’ 50th anniversary, The 50 Kit features the club’s initial colors of red and white and is the first jersey in MLS history to don a retro crest.
Evoking memories of the club’s early days, the iconic throwback crest that originated in the North American Soccer League era is proudly pressed on the chest with two embroidered stars above it to represent the 2001 and 2003 MLS Cup titles. The crest reads “EARTHQUAKES ” in swooping red and black letters, with the “Q” breaking through a soccer ball and “SAN JOSE” printed in black lettering below.
Click here to download photos and video of The 50 Kit
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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Excitement is brewing as we gear up for an incredible season, and we're thrilled to announce single-game tickets for our first 9 home matchups are
officially on sale!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the passion, pride,
and pure soccer magic that defines Oakland.
Don't miss out on the magic!
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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County of Monterey Public Works, Facilities, and Parks and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Collaborate to Support PG&E Recovery Effort
Story provided by The County of Monterey.
MONTEREY, CA - [February 5, 2024] In the aftermath of the recent severe weather event, commonly referred to as the Pineapple Express, the County of Monterey Public Works, Facilities, and Parks, in conjunction with the management team at Laguna Seca Recreational Area home of the WeatherTech Raceway, announces its pivotal role as the primary staging area for Pacific Gas & Electric's (PG&E) recovery effort in Monterey County. Additionally, the County of Monterey has offered PG&E the use of Toro Regional Park for debris staging in the interest of speedy restoration of services to County residents and businesses.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, renowned for its iconic motorsports’ events, will now shift gears to serve as a central hub for equipment deployment coming from various locations across northern California. This strategic collaboration aims to expedite the restoration of power, inspection of critical infrastructure, and, most significantly, the swift reconnection of over 30,000 customers currently without power in Monterey County.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Due to inclement weather the previous weekend, the Spiders were required to hold two tryouts back-to-back the same night this past Saturday at Fremont High School, in Oakland.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Due to inclement weather the previous weekend, the Spiders were required to hold two tryouts back-to-back the same night this past Saturday at Fremont High School, in Oakland.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Due to inclement weather the previous weekend, the Spiders were required to hold two tryouts back-to-back the same night this past Saturday at Fremont High School, in Oakland.
Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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No. 14 Cal Beats SDSU 5-2
SAN DIEGO – The 14th-ranked California women's tennis team defeated host San Diego State, 5-2, on Sunday at the Aztec Tennis Center, with Cal junior Lan Mi clinching the victory at court-five singles.
The Golden Bears improved to 4-2. SDSU is 5-2.
Cal plays again Monday at 1:30 p.m. PT at 18th-ranked UCLA.
A full recap will follow.
No. 14 Cal (3-3) vs. San Diego State (5-2), 5-2
Feb. 18, 2024, in San Diego, Calif.
Aztec Tennis Center
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.calbears.com
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Dugan, Cobb Shine in Finale Victory
Nick Dugan got the start and earned the win in a 4-1 victory over Cal State Fullerton
STANFORD, Calif. – Sophomore Nick Dugan impressed in his first start of the season, and Owen Cobb contributed a pair of triples and a double, to guide Stanford (1-2) to a 4-1 victory in the finale of a three-game series against Cal State Fullerton (2-1) on Sunday from Sunken Diamond.
Dugan tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits with no walks while striking out five to move to 1-0 on the season. The only blemish on Dugan's line came on a solo home run from Colby Wallace in the top of the second inning.
Cobb, who finished 3-for-5 while hitting out of the leadoff spot in the order, tripled down the left field line with one out in the third inning, but was stranded there as Stanford trailed 1-0 headed to the fifth. The native of Seattle, Wash. kickstarted the offense once more in the fifth, shooting an RBI-triple down the line in right field to plate Saborn Campbell and draw the Cardinal even at 1-1. He would ultimately scamper home with what proved to be the game-winning run on a wild pitch.
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Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: John R. Lozano / isiphotos.com
www.gostanford.com
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SPARTANS TAKE FORDHAM FOR THEIR FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Ahmiya Noriega hit a two RBI triple and Ava Conti earned her first career victory to lead San José State (4-4, 0-0 MW) softball in a 5-4 win over Fordham (3-6, 0-0 Atlantic 10) in the Silicon Valley Classic I Saturday night for their fourth straight win.
The Spartans put all five of their runs across in the fourth inning against Fordham to take a lead they wouldn't relinquish as Conti struck out three in 2.0 IP and Alexis Toner came in to close it out for her first career save.
Game One vs. Fordham
Shay McDowell got the scoring going in the fourth inning with an RBI single and went 1-for-3 in the game.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WBB |Gaels Dominate to Earn Largest Win of the Season
MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's Women's Basketball could not be stopped on Saturday night, and secured a 75-47 victory over Pepperdine in a Saturday evening match up at home. The 28-point advantage earned the Gaels their largest win of the season so far.
Saint Mary's celebrated Girl's and Women's in Sports Night this evening by acknowledging female student athletes across various sports and their achievements on and off the court. Tonight, SMC took on the Pepperdine Waves, who are currently last in the WCC and have not won in the UCU Pavillion since the 2018-2019 season.
In the first possession, Zeriyah Aokuso drove straight to the basket and finished the layup on the left side. The freshman point guard has been the leading scorer for the Gaels this season and is averaging 11.3 points per game.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / SMC Tod Fierner
#GaelsRise www.smcgaels.com
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Dons Roll Lions in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Picking up their six straight victory in dominant fashion, the University of San Francisco men's basketball team (21-6, 10-2 WCC) as the Dons cruised past LMU (10-16, 3-9 WCC), 82-59, on Saturday night at Gersten Pavilion.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Knocking down his first attempt from beyond-the-arc, Mike Sharavjamts got the scoring started just 22 seconds into play as the guard nailed his first triple of the evening on the wing to give USF an early 3-0 lead.
After the Lions got on the board and took the lead with their first baskets of the night, Sharavjamts banged home his second trey to start the ballgame at 15:29 to put USF back in front, 9-8.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Josiah Destin
www.usfdons.com
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Women's Water Polo Concludes Bronco Invitational With Loss to Brown
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara women's water polo team concluded the Bronco Invitational with a match against Brown (5-5) that didn't end in their favor. Chloe Morrison and Sydney Maccabe led the team with two goals each, wrapping up the weekend with a 2-2 record.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Santa Clara (4-5, 1-0) got off to a strong start, with Maddie Clough assisting Elle Fredrickson's goal just 20 seconds into the game. However, Brown quickly responded with four goals of their own, leading 4-1 until Maccabe scored from a penalty shot. By the end of the first period, Brown was ahead 5-2.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Sarah Smith / Santa Clara Athletics
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Gonzaga Breaks Free From Pacific Late
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Pacific men's basketball program hung around for most of the night, but Gonzaga was able to shake off the Tigers in the final eight minutes for a 102-76 final Saturday at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
Pacific (6-22, 0-13 WCC) was in striking distance for most of the way as freshman Villiam Garcia Adsten drilled a three to trail 73-61 with 8:52 to go. However, Gonzaga (20-6, 10-2 WCC) answered with a decisive 12-0 run with under eight minutes left to pull away.
The Tigers withstood a scorching hot shooting night from the Bulldogs who went 37-of-56 (.661) from the field and 20-of-22 (.909) from the free throw line. Pacific only trailed 47-34 at the intermission despite Gonzaga shooting 19-of-28 (.679) from the floor in the first half.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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UC DAVIS BREAKS THROUGH LATE TO SECURE SERIES AGAINST SEATTLE U
DAVIS, Calif. — The UC Davis Aggies overcame a slow start and erupted late to beat Seattle U 8-4 on Sunday, securing the series for the Aggies on opening weekend.
Starting the ballgame for UC Davis was Noel Valdez who threw 4.1 innings while collecting three strikeouts in his Aggie debut. But it was Carter Delaney (1-0) who earned the win in relief for UC Davis (2-1) and he was electric in his appearance. He was tasked with entering into the ballgame to slow down a Seattle U offense that had been swinging it well throughout the early portions and limited them to just one hit through two scoreless frames.
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For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Women's Basketball Snaps Skid with 66-60 Win Over CSUSB
HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay women's basketball snapped a five game losing streak on Saturday evening with a 66-60 win over Cal State San Bernardino inside Pioneer Gymnasium.
GAME SUMMARY
Cal State East Bay started the game on 10-5 spurt capped by an Abigail Cooper jumper with 3:18 left in the quarter. The Pioneers led by as much as nine in the opening quarter, at 19-10, on a Brooke Donnelly layup with six seconds left in the first frame.
The Coyotes started the second quarter on an 11-2 run, capped by an Isabel Arango jumper with 7:08 left in the half, to tie the game at 21-21. The Pioneers would gain their largest lead of the quarter at six, at 29-23, on a Josias Mickens jumper with 3:34 left in the half and eventually led 32-27 at halftime.
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For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Justine Willard / KLC Fhotos
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RACE COMMITTEE
The St. Francis Yacht Club Race Committee is renowned for running some of the best sailboat, kiting and windsurfing races in the world. Comprised of over 200 member and non-member volunteers, our Race Committee's dedication to the sport shows in the 140+ days they spend on the water each year.
Sign up to Volunteer
All of the Race Committee races, trainings and events utilize the online volunteer registration program called CERVIS. Everyone is welcome to create an account and start volunteering or attending trainings at any time! Click LOG IN below to access your account. Please do not hesitate to call the Race Office with questions at 415-655-7756.
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For a full report, click HERE.
www.stfyc.com
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Are you Web-Savvy and interested in career opportunities in the world of sports? Sports Today/Ultimate Sports Guide may be the place for you!
Shoot us an email and resume and we'll be happy to discuss the possibilities! We've had good times and have helped many a team player move
up the ladder of success!
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Absorbing, frank and informative, Elman's smart prose makes for entertaining reading and brings to life our sports world with a deft touch.
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“A must read…an in-depth look into stories that come from all avenues of professional sports."
-- Andy Dolich, prominent sports executive with fifty years experience with the NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
https://www.thechieftain.com/
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy | |
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Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBB) 11, Oakland Golden Grizzlies 8,
February 18, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Oakland Spiders Tryouts, February 18, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Stanford Cardinal (WBkB) 84, Cal Bears 49, February 16, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Saint Mary’s College Gaels 74, Boston College Eagles 7.
February 11, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WGYM) vs. Arizona Wildcats, February 11, 2024.
Captions and photos by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 60, UCLA Bruins 61, February 10, 2024.
Captions and photos by Ron Sellers.
Stanford Cardinal (WGYM) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils,
February 9, 2024. Photos by Rich Yee.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 83, USC Trojans 77, February 8, 2024. (OT)
Captions and photos by Ron Sellers.
Oakland Roots Sports Club Media Day, February 8, 2024.
Captions and photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 69, USC Trojans 79, February 4, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
USF Dons (MBkB) 79, UOP Tigers 73, February 3, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 58, UCLA Bruins 78, February 2, 2024.
Photos by Darren Yamashita.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, February 19, through
Sunday, February 25, 2024
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Monday, February 19
San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, February 20
Wednesday,February 21
Thursday, February 22
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m.
Friday, February 23
Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets, 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 24
San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators, 7 p.m.
Sunday February 25
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets, 4 p.m.
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and 4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and
Spanish versions, too!
Go to www.checkforbikes.org or email contact@checkforbikes.org
with questions or to order.
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq. is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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