Monday, February 14, 2022
Issue No. 420
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, 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, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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The Stanford Tree mascot takes a break in the stands during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Stanford and Washington in Stanford, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Letters to the Editor
Klay's Glorious Return
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." -- Thomas Paine
Saturday night's Warriors-Lakers game was indeed a conflict, a battle, and the self-professed King went down in flames, slain by the swords of
Klay Thompson and his fellow Warriors.
Victory is sweet!
Jerry Monkman
South San Francisco
Bittersweet
2021’s NFL season ends this evening when the surprising Cincinnati Bengals meet Matt Stafford and the Rams in Super Bowl 56.
I am a Joe Burrow fan and would love to see his Ohio team win the Lombardi Trophy but regardless of who wins, this last game is always bittersweet.
Like me, many fans of the NFL go into a period of mourning, missing the weekly Sunday contests and this year, we find ourselves waiting, with worried anticipation, for baseball, the American Summer Classic, to be played.
That there is a chance it won’t happen is a criminal commentary on the greed which exists amongst owners, the media and players union. Our nation, still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic, needs this pastime.
One hopes these disagreements will be resolved in time to save the millions of jobs associated with 162 games played by 30 teams every year. Figure it out, people!
Ann Cooke
Alameda, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Cal Bears (W) 56, Colorado Buffaloes 73
Stanford Cardinal vs. Cal Bears (W) Gymnastics
Features & Commentary
Hoisted on Their Own Petard, by Peter Elman and Dr. Tom McCord
Monterey Bay F.C., by Dave Faries
NFL Folly, by Howard Pearlstein
Papi Si, Barry, No! by Andy Dolich
Sports Haikus©️
Will Professional Golf Implode? by Robert Moselle
Organizations
Golden Gate Fields
Oakland A's
Oakland Roots
San Francisco Giants
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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Super Bowl LVI
Cincinnati Bengals 20
Los Angeles Rams 23
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Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named the MVP of Super Bowl LVI after a stellar performance against the Bengals on Sunday. Kupp finished the game with eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns and capped off one of the best seasons
a wide receiver has ever had.
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The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed its class of 2022 during the NFL Honors last Thursday night, with Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch and former 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young officially selected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in August. Photo by Ed Jay.
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Baseball Hall of Fame --
Continued Madness
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MLB's home run king Barry Bonds was on the Hall of Fame ballot
for the tenth time and failed
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Papi, Si, Barry, No!
By Andy Dolich
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The voting vitriol continues with the most recent Hall of Fame voting making baseball brains all over explode, especially in the Bay Area.
Major League Baseball has chosen to continue an antediluvian method of sending players to Cooperstown. Isn’t it time to change the dynamic and end the constant debate on what character traits determine who can get voted in by the BBWAA (Baseball Writers Association of America)?
This year’s controversy is that much more frustrating as MLB has locked out the players in the midst of the billionaire vs. millionaire argumentation process. In 2021 the combined net worth of the 30 MLB owners was $97 billion dollars. The players combined payroll was a bit over $4 billion dollars.
If you choose to understand the details on how the current HOF selection system works, read on. If not, skip down to HOFF --
Hall of Fame by Fans for something completely different.
Current Hall of Fame Election Requirements
1. Authorization — By authorization of the Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) is authorized to hold an election every year for the purpose of electing members to the National Baseball Hall of Fame from the ranks of retired baseball players.
2. Electors — Only active and honorary members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, who have been active baseball writers for at least ten (10) years, shall be eligible to vote. They must have been active as baseball writers and members of the Association for a period beginning at least ten (10) years prior to the date of election in which they are voting.
3. Eligible Candidates — Candidates to be eligible must meet the following requirements:
1. A baseball player must have been active as a player in the Major Leagues at some time during a period beginning twenty (20) years before and ending five (5) years prior to election.
2. Player must have played in each of ten (10) Major League championship seasons, some part of which must have been within the period described in 3 (A).
3. Player shall have ceased to be an active player in the Major Leagues at least five (5) calendar years preceding the election but may be otherwise connected with baseball.
4. In case of the death of an active player or a player who has been retired for less than five (5) full years, a candidate who is otherwise eligible shall be eligible in the next regular election held at least six (6) months after the date of death or after the end of the five (5) year period, whichever occurs first.
5. Any player on Baseball’s ineligible list shall not be an eligible candidate.
4. Method of Election
1. BBWAA Screening Committee — A Screening Committee consisting of baseball writers will be appointed by the BBWAA. This Screening Committee shall consist of six members, with two members to be elected at each Annual Meeting for a three-year term. The duty of the Screening Committee shall be to prepare a ballot listing in alphabetical order eligible candidates who (1) received a vote on a minimum of five percent (5%) of the ballots cast in the preceding election or (2) are eligible for the first time and are nominated by any two of the six members of the BBWAA Screening Committee.
2. An elector will vote for no more than ten (10) eligible candidates deemed worthy of election. Write-in votes are not permitted.
3. Any candidate receiving votes on seventy-five percent (75%) of the ballots cast shall be elected to membership in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
5. Voting — Voting shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.
6. Automatic Elections — No automatic elections based on performances such as a batting average of .400 or more for one (1) year, pitching a perfect game or similar outstanding achievement shall be permitted.
7. Time of Election — The duly authorized representatives of the BBWAA shall prepare, date and mail ballots to each elector no later than the 15th day of January in each year in which an election is held. The elector shall sign and return the completed ballot within twenty (20) days. The vote shall then be tabulated by the duly authorized representatives of the BBWAA.
8. Certification of Election Results — The results of the election shall be certified by a representative of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and an officer of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. The results shall be transmitted to the Commissioner of Baseball. The BBWAA and National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. shall jointly release the results for publication.
9. Amendments — The Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. reserves the right to revoke, alter or amend these rules at any time.
Do you have a massive migraine yet? Are you gnashing your molars? Is it easier to win a Nobel Prize than get into the Hall of Fame?
Now for something completely different.
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David Ortiz (Big Papi) was voted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2022. Ortiz was the lone player elected into the Hall of Fame by the vote of the Baseball Writers' Association of America
In 2020 there were 401 votes cast by BBWAA members. In 2021 the number was 384. Some members of the BBWAA are forbidden to vote, such as those at The New York Times, and some choose not to vote. Papi Si, Barry, No!
How about giving the Hall of Fame vote to baseball fans everywhere similar to how players are selected for the MLB All-Star Game.
1. Create a Baseball HOFF (Hall of Fame by Fans) candidate committee. One Hall of Famer from each of the 30 Major League clubs. That committee puts forth their slate of players each year.
2. The Committee selects three candidates for each position (top nine in the outfield, top six pitchers)
3. Fan voting takes place on MLB platforms, including MLB.com, all 30 club sites, MLB and MLB Ballpark mobile apps. This process would be similar to the fans' vote for MLB All-Stars. The HOFF Candidate Committee partners with Google and a corporate sponsor or sponsors for the digital voting process.
4. In 2021, 113 million votes were cast in All-Star voting. Isn’t that what the Lords of Baseball should be thinking. Start reconnecting with fans they have lost.
5. From there, the top three vote-getters at each position in each league will advance to Phase 2.
6. Every fan in the world of baseball has one vote for each individual player they think worthy. It is estimated there are 400 million fans of baseball worldwide.
7. All players accused of steroid use are eligible.
8. The top four vote getters are sent to Cooperstown, no matter what their position.
Let the debating begin.
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Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is EVP of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro and co-author of LOL, Loss of Logo,
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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The 2022 Super Bowl is history. Hopefully the better team won. The best teams were knocked out early.
One article about The Game was that it was the "worst"
match-up ever, with the combined record of the two teams being 22-12 for the lowest winning percentage, .647, in Super Bowl history. https://bit.ly/3rKEWl7
will tell you all...
A post-2022 Super Bowl question that may, although highly unlikely, no longer be true -- who is the only player to ever win the Super Bowl MVP playing
for the losing team?
(See answer below...)
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LOS ANGELES, Calif.-- Dick Vermeil was a “fiery and capable. Fine leader, good passer and runner. …” when the 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior from Napa Junior College in Calistoga, Calif., joined the 1956 San Jose State football team as one of four Spartan quarterbacks. At San Jose State, Vermeil enhanced his competitive fire and sharpened his leadership traits with an eye on coaching football.
In a 15-season professional football head coaching career canvassing parts of four decades, Vermeil was a turnaround specialist. Three times, he took over franchises either in disarray, disillusioned, dysfunctional, or dumfounded by years of losing. Each time, through the Vermeil definition of hard work, developing and acquiring talented players, and family values, the Philadelphia Eagles, the St. Louis Rams, and the Kansas Chiefs put years of losing in the rearview mirror and marveled in the accolades of winning football.
As one of the most effective turnaround specialists in league history, Vermeil’s individual reward will be a trip to Canton, Ohio, this summer for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Vermeil becomes the 27th head coach to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and joins fellow San Jose State alum Bill Walsh (1931-2007), a 1993 inductee.
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Giants to host Buster Posey Day May 7
SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants fans didn’t get a chance to give Buster Posey a proper send-off before he unexpectedly announced his retirement at the end of the 2021 season, but they won’t have to wait long to honor the greatest catcher in franchise history.
The Giants announced Wednesday that they plan to host Buster Posey Day at Oracle Park on May 7, giving fans a chance to show their appreciation for the three-time World Series champion and seven-time All-Star. Posey will be recognized prior to the Giants’ game against the Cardinals, which will include a commemorative print gate giveaway and other festivities.
www.sfgiants.com
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Pitcher Mike Norris (left) and outfielder Dwayne Murphy were the A's first African American players to win Rawlings
Gold Gloves in 1980.
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Greg Norman in his epic meltdown in the final round
of the 1986 Masters
Will Professional Golf Implode?
By Robert Moselle
Most followers of golf are used to PGA Tour events, with some additional special Tournaments. Now, there is a major rival league, the Saudi Arabia-based and funded LIV Investments Group, headed by Greg Norman. During last week’s Saudi International, also backed by LIV Golf, reports began to circulate of multi-million dollar offers for Tour players to join, and they appear to have reached the ears of well-known pros. One such pro is Charley Hoffman who is also one of four player-directors on the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council.
“Look, I’d have more respect for them, though not much, if they just came out and said, look, it’s a boatload of money and I’m conflicted. But the idea of trying to denigrate the business model that has allowed them to live lavish lives — Charley Hoffman has made roughly $32 million, $32 million with just four wins over the course of his career.
To allow them to live lavish lives, to denigrate the PGA Tour, which, as I said, six tours around the globe, all of their money is either earmarked for charity, purses or the betterment of the tour, billions of dollars, and they’re trying to denigrate the PGA Tour and say that the Saudi League has their back, now nothing is more preposterous, and it boggles the mind that they would even try to make this argument."
Greg Norman, your greatest golf performance was your meltdown at the 1986 Masters, which enabled Jack Nicklaus to win at age 46 and become the oldest winner of the Masters. This epic failure will last in Golf History!
Now, as pitchman for the Saudi Arabian league, you may be on the brink of an even greater disaster, for yourself and for the sport of golf. We know Phil Mickelson and others may jump in to grab as much money as possible, regardless of the consequences to others. Those who will pay the price for this greed will include young golfers for whom the PGA provides opportunities to hone their skills through Korn Ferry and other tours, seniors through the Champions Tour, plus the philanthropies the PGA supports.
You, Greg, are the perfect choice with the perfect name: "The Great White Shark,” the largest predatory fish on our planet.
Robert Moselle
Monterey, CA
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today! has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!
Thank you for your many entries!
This week's top HAIKU is a salute to legendary coach
Tara VanDerveer and Stanford's Championship Women's Basketball team.
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The Many Roots of the Stanford Tree
Tara VanDerveer's
Stanford Cardinal Women
Ready to repeat
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(Photo: Karen Ambrose Hickey/isiphotos.com)
Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team
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Contributed by Robert Moselle, Monterey, CA
As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for
"Best Sports Haiku." The winner will be published!
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
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Reforming the NFL's Overtime Rule |
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NFL Folly
by Howard Pearlstein
Writing about this is like being the 57th TV news anchor mentioning Donald Trump had 15 boxes of government papers at Mar-A-Lago. Or being the 942nd person to say: “The NFL Overtime rules make no sense at all.”
We know. We know.
The problem: “What if the two teams are tied at the end of four quarters, how do we get a winner?"
“I dunno...how about adding another quarter of play? You know, another 15 minutes?”
Well, it’s the NFL so the obvious answer can’t be an acceptable answer. And the process went from Overtime to Sudden Death Overtime, not unlike a Rube Goldberg--type machine, i.e., a bizarre invention designed to solve a simple problem in the most complicated way possible.
Well, how about just another quarter? But what if it’s still tied? Well, a second OT quarter.
But… but… but…what if there’s more than two? Last season, Penn State played Illinois in a game which lasted nine overtimes and no one complained.
"WAIT! Super Bowl! Overtime! WE COULD CHARGE MORE!!!
Howard Pearlstein
Oakland
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Stanford Cardinal -- 196.250
Cal Bears -- 196.925
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Fifth-year Kyla Bryant in a leap above the balance beam during the #19 Cardinal's third rotation against #10 California in Maples Pavilion.
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Freshman Anapaula Gutierrez performing her floor routine in #19 Stanford's first home meet of the season. Gutierrez earned a 9.825 in her first efforts donning a Stanford uniform in Maples Pavilion. Caption by
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Senior Madi Brunette competes on the uneven bars during #19 Stanford's home opener on The Farm. Brunette scored a 9.825 in her second event of the evening. Caption by Maddie Heaps, photo by Rich Yee.
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Fifth-year senior Taylor Lawson in action on the balance beam during Friday night's meet against #10 California. The super senior recorded a 9.90/9.70 judges split on beam for a 9.80 score. All three of her performances Friday scored at least a 9.80-or-better. Caption by Maddie Heaps, photo by Rich Yee.
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Cal Assistant Coach Janelle McDonald prepares sophomore Gabby Perea for her exhibition bars routine in No. 10 Cal’s win over No. 19 Stanford.
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Cal sophomore Gabby Perea celebrates after landing her exhibition bar routine in No. 10 Cal’s win over No. 19 Stanford. Caption by Jared Prescott,
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Cal junior Nevaeh DeSouza performs a sheep jump in her beam routine in which she scored a 9.85 in No. 10 Cal’s win over No. 19 Stanford.
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Cal sophomore Andi Li performs her beam routine in which she took second place with a 9.875 as part of her meet-winning all-around performance. Caption by Jared Prescott, photo by Rich Yee.
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South Bay native and Cal junior Maya Green prepares for her exhibition floor routine in No. 10 Cal’s win on the road over No. 19 Stanford. Caption by
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The Stanford Women's Gymnastics team celebrated its fifth-year seniors in its 2022 home opener at Maples Pavilion. Taylor Lawson and Kyla Bryant (pictured) and Lauren Navarro (not pictured) were honored with a post-meet ceremony including their close friends and family. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption by Maddie Heaps, photo by Rich Yee.
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Cal Bears 56
Colorado Buffaloes 73
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Cal guard Leilani McIntosh scored 12 points with five assists as the Bears dropped a Pac-12 conference game to the Colorado Buffaloes, 73-56, at Haas Pavilion on Friday, February 11. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Freshman guard Jayda Curry led the team with 16 points. Caption and
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Forward Evelien Lutje-Schipholt scored seven points with seven rebounds. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and
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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
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Earthquakes Sign MLS All-Star and U.S. Men's National Team Forward Cade Cowell to New Contract
18-year-old Homegrown Player signed to long-term deal
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced that the club has signed forward Cade Cowell to a new contract through the 2025 Major League Soccer season with a club option for 2026. Cowell will occupy a U-22 Initiative slot.
"Seeing Cade grow from a promising youth player and having it translate to production at the MLS level has been exciting to watch," said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. "Not only did he take on a bigger role as a 17-year-old in 2021, but he also earned a selection to the MLS All-Star team and got his first cap with the USMNT. We're bullish on his future, excited for his contributions in 2022, and couldn't be happier to sign him to a long-term contract and play an important role in his continued growth."
Cowell, 18, signed a Homegrown Player contract with the Quakes ahead of the 2019 season. He has since made 50 MLS appearances (18 starts) and tallied six goals and seven assists. He had a breakout season in 2021 in which he appeared in 33 of the team's 34 matches and finished with five goals and six assists, second most on the team in both categories. He also earned his first selection to the MLS All-Star Team.ue to the Covid-19 pandemic
Cowell represented the United States at the U16, U17, U20 and U23 youth national team levels before making his senior team debut in a friendly vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina on Dec. 19, 2021.
The Ceres, Calif. native led the nation in scoring with 34 goals in 32 games for Ballistic United SC during the 2017-18 season before joining the Quakes Academy. He made four appearances on loan with the Quakes' former USL Championship affiliate Reno 1868 FC as a rookie in 2019.
Cowell scored in his USL Championship debut, his youth national team debut, his Earthquakes debut (friendly vs. Mexico's Monterrey), and his first MLS start.
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales |
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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. We will be open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday, 3pm til close. Friday through Sunday 12pm til close. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room. Why not bring those memories to life?
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Dear History Lover:
This holiday season consider giving the gift of education with this film. It’s intended for all ages and released at the right time with the prevalence of systemic racism, and social justice as a current topic.
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Blackadder, with jockey Edwin Maldonado, win the El Camino Real Derby $100,000 Guaranteed with a time of 1:50.34. Trained by Bob Baffert. Owned by SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC or Masterson, et al.
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The 2022 Oakland Roots Season kicks off next month with a matchup against USL newcomers and fellow NorCal club Monterey Bay FC on Saturday, March 26th. Share the experience of a Roots Game Day with your closest friends and family by securing a Fam Pack for any 2022 home match.
A Roots Fam Pack includes:
FOUR (4) Tickets to a 2022 Roots Home Game
FOUR (4) Beverages
Fam Pack w/ soft drinks - $80.00 ($20.00/ticket)
Fam Pack w/ beer - $85.00 ($21.25/ticket)
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Features New Saloon Group to Race at Venerable
Historic Race Gathering
Among the many makes and models eligible for the Saloon Group is this 1967 Alfa Romeo GTA, which Brandon Adrian drove at the 2018 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 8, 2022 — Visitors to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Aug. 17-20 will see a decidedly European staple rev to life. The historic Saloon (or Touring) car race group is an exciting class that always produces an interesting variety of cars when they race at equally legendary tracks like Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans. Now they’re setting their sights on America and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
“The Advisory Council has been discussing new classes of racing for a while to keep each Rolex Reunion fresh for both drivers and visitors,” explained Bruce Canepa, co-chair of the Advisory Council, which also oversees car selection. “The Saloon group perfectly complements the four Le Mans-focused groups, as well as our signature groups like Historic Trans-Am and Formula One. It is going to be a spectacular experience.”
Eligible cars range from the Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce and Lotus Cortina to the MG Magnette and Wolseley Hornet. “The variety of cars that are being submitted for entry consideration is impressive and entertaining,” Canepa added.
Saloon cars are road-going close-bodied models that have been heavily modified for racing. The purpose of adding this group is to begin establishing it as a regular attraction that can be rotated with others from year to year.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrates the start of a yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the world’s most famous sports car race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Of the 12 race groups, four are dedicated to cars that raced at Le Mans or were eligible to race in period. The groups span from 1923 all the way through the blindingly fast Le Mans Prototypes seen between 1981 and 2005.
Visitors to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion can expect to see the world’s best authentic and historic cars with period-correct livery in the paddock and on track. The four-day celebration, which begins on Wednesday, Aug. 17, and concludes on Saturday, Aug. 20, is preceded by two days of the Monterey Pre-Reunion, Aug. 13 and 14, where many of the same cars compete.
An entirely new-look Sunday, Aug. 21, format is being finalized and will be announced shortly that embraces motorsports, car enthusiasts and the community.
There are a limited number of VIP ticket packages available, while multiday, individual tickets and camping are available online at WeatherTechRaceway.com or by calling the Ticket and Accommodations specialists at 831-242-8200.
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Monterey Bay F.C. continues to fill roster positions, adding a
pair of midfielders
by Dave Faries
Frank Yallop is methodically building his brand new soccer club. After targeting goalkeepers and strikers, he is now adding defenders and midfielders to the Monterey Bay F.C. roster.
Earlier this week the squad announced the signing of midfielders Arun Basuljevic and James Murphy. Both were initially spotted by MLS sides and come to Monterey Bay with European experience.
Basuljevic is a product of the New York Red Bulls system who made 27 appearances with their USL Championship team in 2017 before traveling to Denmark and Sweden. The last two seasons he toiled for OKC Energy FC.
Yallop worked with Basuljevic during a stint with Fresno FC and was impressed with his attack-minded tendencies.
Murphy’s strength is in the holding role. He first played professionally with the English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in 2016 before joining MLS’ Los Angeles FC, where he was sent on load to Las Vegas Lights.
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James Murphy
He spent the 2019-20 campaign with Arbroath in the Scottish Championship, making 22 appearances. Murphy comes to MBFC from Rio Grand Valley FC.
“I am super excited to be a part of something new,” Murphy said in a statement announcing his signing. “I know it’s going to be a big challenge for myself, all of the boys and the coaching staff.”
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The Miami Dolphins fired third-year coach Brian Flores, after completing the team's second straight winning season at 9–8.
Flores was 24–25 as the Dolphins coach
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Hoisted on Their Own Petard
By Pete Elman and Dr. Tom McCord
Today is Valentine’s Day, when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. Rather than receiving cards, carnations and candy, the 31 rich white men (and one South Asian) who run the National Football League may be opening envelopes containing subpoenas.
But for these guys, it might feel more like St. Valentine’s Day exactly 93 years ago when, on the North Side of Chicago, seven of Bugs Moran’s men--whose toys were Tommy guns--were lined up against a wall in a garage and wiped out by hit men from Al Capone’s gang. Live by the sword—die by the sword.
It is poetic justice; the very traits—avarice and arrogance--that have made those NFL owners wealthy beyond their wildest dreams have also had their weapons of wealth turned on them by the findings of fact…and fate.
Only the naïve and uninformed could have failed to notice that the focus last week was not on the Big Game and the players who worked tirelessly to get there, but rather their employers’ lack of conscience and character.
How fitting it is that the NFL, which should be celebrating an exciting Super Bowl victory by the host team LA Rams, finds itself on the defensive, fighting off accusations of misogyny, racism, bribery, collusion, homophobia, sexual harassment and massive cover-ups—all of which were by their own making.
There is a reason the NFL hardly ever loses a legal battle. Sure, they’ve had to agree to expensive settlements over the years so as to avoid embarrassment, humiliation, and image-shattering trials, but let’s be honest. It’s about money.
With their obscene treasure chest, buttressed by billionaire owners and billionaire networks; the league’s winning percentage is off the charts. But that does not change the facts. Let’s look at their less than honorable recent history.
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Misogyny: Since 2000 the number of domestic and sexual abuse cases swept under the rug by the league is staggering. The owners have turned a collective blind eye to Ben Roethlisberger and others’ sexual assaults, as well as the physical assaults committed by Joe Mixon, Tyreke Hill and Kareem Hunt, purposefully overlooked.
Racism recently reared its ugly head in the recent case of former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. He is suing the NFL and three of its teams, saying racist hiring practices by the league have left it racially segregated. This has brought much-needed sunlight to the folly and deceit of the Rooney Rule, and exposed the hypocrisy of a league sealed in shadows.
Bribery: Evoking memories of the 1989 comedy, “Major League,” (who can forget Charlie Sheen’s ‘Wild Thing’ character?) the issue of bribery in football seems more real than imagined. Flores’ convincing description of how he was offered $100,000 to “tank” games by his owner in Miami was both believable and horrifying. In addition, former Browns coach Hue Jackson’s allegations of his similar experience in Cleveland appear just as credible.
Collusion and racism: Colin Kaepernick’s 2017 suit against the league claiming that all the teams colluded to blackball him and Eric Reid was settled for less than $10 million, coffee money to these owners. Kaepernick has not played since the 2016 season, when he kneeled in protest of racial injustice after several unarmed African-Americans were killed by the police.
Homophobia and misogyny: In October of last year Raider head coach Jon Gruden resigned following a report from The New York Times regarding offensive emails he sent over a seven-year span using misogynistic and homophobic language.
Sexual harassment in the workplace: The Washington Commanders offered a financial settlement described as “woefully low” last year in exchange for the silence of female former team employees who allege they endured sexual harassment.
Cover-up: The result was a $10 million fine for team owner Dan Snyder. In response to that investigation, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said, “Mr. Snyder not only condoned and encouraged the team’s culture of sexual harassment and other misconduct, he personally engaged in unwelcome sexual contact with a subordinate. The idea that this ‘independent’ investigation is anything but an attempt to cover up his bad behavior and intimidate the victims who shared their stories is absurd. Mr. Snyder must be held accountable for his actions.”
The bottom line is this: The league looks the other way. Add to the above their acknowledged history of ignoring brain injuries--with the accompanying lawsuits and relatively small settlement--and it adds up to a plantation mentality. The 32 teams are worth over $100 billion, the owners more than that. Maybe the Flores case will make a dent in the wall they have erected.
If the cases that are currently winding their way through the legal system are exposed and resolved with a measure of ethics, then these thirty-two men will have been hoisted on their own petard. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Pete Elman and Dr. Tom McCord
Oakland
Monday, February 14, 2022
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From 2000-2011 Elman wrote a column for the Oakland Athletics Fan Coalition and covered sports for the Bay Area News Group. In 2013 he penned an acclaimed children's book and recently co-authored a book on unsung minority athletes entitled In the Shadow of Obscurity; Toiling in a Reluctant Society. He is currently teaching 13 courses on popular music and sports at Bay Area colleges. For earlier articles by Elman published in the Ultimate Sports Guide, click HERE.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley
Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley made history in
Super Bowl V when he became the first non-quarterback and only member of the losing team to win
a Super Bowl MVP.
Howley, an original member of the “Doomsday Defense,” recorded two interceptions and forced a fumble in the Cowboys’ 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Colts.
https://bit.ly/3LsckFb will take you to a bunch of fun facts about Super Bowls, including a more detailed answer to the posed question. Thanks to the author, Charlotte Edmonds, for including the factoid I used to formulate
this week's question.
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
Sports Today - #415 -- Jan. 10 - Jan. 16
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, Feb. 14, through
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022
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Monday, February 14
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Clippers, 7:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Edmonton Oilers, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 15
Wednesday, February 16
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 17
Golden State Warriors @ Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 18
Saturday, February 19
Sunday, February 20
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks, 4:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 5 p.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without
your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But 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 forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
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Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
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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!
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-2035
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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 through helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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