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March 4 -- March 10, 2024
Issue No. 527
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Cal and Stanford are joining the Atlantic Coast Conference
with 3,000-mile road trips.
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Cal Rebounds At the Basket On the Season
by Dave Newhouse
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The sad ending is this week, the final basketball regular season for the Pacific 12 Conference. And what a farewell twist here in the Bay Area, with Cal visiting Stanford on Thursday, and Bears coach Mark Madsen returning to the scene of his college heroics.
From the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) to the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU) to the Pac-8, Pac-10, and finally the Pac-12, the NCAA’s winningest conference will dissolve in men’s basketball after next week’s post-season tournament.
A century of hoops history gone — poof! — with conference members then scattering across the country, as Cal and Stanford join the Atlantic Coast Conference. Imagine, 3,000-mile road trips, with abundant time to study, to sleep, or to regret this upcoming exhaustive travel format.
Cal had a mini-travel misfortune within the past week, one-sided defeats at Colorado and Utah, dropping the Bears to 13-17. “We’re going to bounce back from this,” said the super-positive Madsen. “I have no doubt about that.”
Well, Cal lost by a season-high 29 points (88-59) to Utah, which will require a major bounce-back. However, the bottom has dropped out on Stanford, which has collapsed recently with a 12-16 overall record.
Cal has difficulty with super-tall, mistake-free opponents. The Bears invariably fall into an early deficit, and then have difficulty at times pulling themselves back into the game. But this is a season, too, of positives, for Cal won a career-low three games last season, and Madsen must be complimented for turning hopelessness into hope.
One such positive is Fardaws Aimaq, the 6-11, 245-pound center whose basketball journey is a story in itself. An oldie-but-goody, Aimaq, 25, previously played college ball at Mercer, Utah Valley and Texas Tech. He is Muslim, the son of an Afghan refugee, who calls his son “My hero.”
Aimaq ranked fourth nationally with 11.3 rebounds a game prior to Saturday’s rout at Utah, in which he had 15 points, five rebounds and four steals. He is one of five major college players averaging a double-double in scoring and rebounding and is second in this category to Purdue’s Zack Edey.
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Fardaws Aimaq (#00) gets recognized by both Jalen Celestine (#32) and Jalen Cone (#15) after scoring a tough shot early in the first half of Cal's 83-77 overtime win against USC earlier in the year.
Photo by Ron Sellers.
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Before Cal swept the visiting Oregon schools two weeks ago, Aimaq was interviewed about his one-and-done season in Berkeley. He was extremely positive about the experience.
"I’d have to say it’s how close we are as a group,” he explained. “It’s honestly been that way since we first got here in the summer. I’ve tried to enhance the bond that we have.”
But with players coming from different programs, does Aimaq feel the team still is figuring out its identity this late in the season?
“I would definitely agree with that statement,” he said. “We’ve got all the right pieces, and we’re going in the right direction.”
However, it’s a journey, not a jaunt, literally AND figuratively, for the Bears, and it all started from the 3-29 team that Madsen inherited.
“It’s been his ability to instill confidence in the squad,” Aimaq said of his coach, for whom he also played at Utah Valley. “That’s the No. 1 thing he has done, truly believing in every guy out there. That’s something that goes a long way...his confidence in us allows us to be confident about ourselves.”
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Cal coach Madsen has brought a moribund basketball program
back to life. Photo by Ron Sellers.
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A great communicator then?
“One hundred percent,” said Aimaq.
Should Madsen be Pac-12 Coach of the Year, even with a losing record?
“One hundred percent,” said Aimaq. “What he’s done with us his first year, the way he’s been able to turn this around, I don’t think there’s a better coach in this conference.”
If the vote for conference Coach of the Year isn’t taken at the end of the regular season, there’s still the Pac 12 tournament next week in Las Vegas. Madsen and Cal would have to pull off a big surprise, though the season so far certainly qualifies in that regard.
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* * *
Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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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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Front-Office Flub
Known for the class and grace of their tributes to Giant greats who may have retired and who are rightly showcased in special ceremonies, the lack of any personalized efforts to keep Brandon Crawford a San Francisco Giant is unusual. Not a mention in the off-season, no efforts to keep him a G-Man in any capacity, be it a coach, backup, mentor or part-timer -- one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history, and a lifelong Giants fan and then player, has quietly been shown the door. Stats don't lie, and fans don't appreciate shabby treatment of players they've admired on and off the field.
Brandon Crawford: Gold Glove Plays (4:08) (with plenty of Kruk & Kuip)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyDEUUI7LoA
Robert A. Moselle
Marketing Director, Sports Today!
https://www.cce-mcle.com/aboutus
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears (SB), Boise State Broncos (DH) 8-2, 6-4
Golden State Warriors 97, Charlotte Hornets 84
USF Dons (MBkB) 68, Gonzaga Bulldogs 86
Features & Commentary
Cal Rebounds at the Basket on the Season, by Dave Newhouse
Carl Weathers, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Donate Today! Add Your Name To The List Below!
Giants -- 2024 Prospects Encouraging but Question Marks, by Bruce Macgowan
Sports Today Goes TikTok, by Ammar Bhaiji
The Sports Today! Pollster, by Robert Moselle
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
The Wisdom of the Rookies, by Howard Pearlstein
Organizations
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Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden Gate Fields
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Ballers
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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"...Chapman could enjoy a renaissance by reuniting with his old Oakland manager, Bob Melvin, and new third base coach Matt Williams." (Chapman, above, played two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays before signing with the San Francisco Giants.)
Photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Giants -- 2024
Prospectus Encouraging but Question Marks
by Bruce Macgowan
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The Giants may have finally turned a corner. But will they energize
a tepid fan base with the off-season free agent acquisitions they’ve made, particularly after signing third baseman Matt Chapman?
Bay Area baseball fans are quite familiar with Chapman who flashed a Gold Glove during his five years in Oakland while adding power to the lineup. But here are a couple of cautionary things to consider; Chapman is the same age – 31-- that Evan Longoria was when he signed a big contract with San Francisco back in 2017. Longoria was still an elite defensive specialist, but he was never the All-Star hitter he had been in Tampa. On top of that, Chapman’s 2023 season in Toronto was a disaster. After hitting close to .350 over the first month of the season, his batting average cratered to just over .200 the rest of the way, raising a lot of question marks.
But Chapman could enjoy a renaissance by reuniting with his old Oakland manager Bob Melvin and new third base coach Matt Williams. Both men are big fans of Chapman, particularly Williams, who was the best third baseman in San Francisco Giants history.
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Oakland A’s photographer Michael Zagaris (left) with former San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
While Chapman is not going to set the turnstiles clicking by himself, his presence along with newcomers Jorge Soler, young Korean star Lee Jung-hoo and pitchers Jordan Hicks and Robbie Ray could make the Giants the favorite to win the top wild card spot in the National league. But that’s IF at least two or three of that quintet have solid seasons.
Soler’s acquisition was much needed. The Cuban star should be good for about 25-30 home runs and will give the Giants a dangerous and consistent power hitter, something they’ve lacked since the days of Barry Bonds. Soler also has an all-star appearance on his resume, and played for the World Series-winning Cubs in 2016 and the Braves in 2021. But the negatives? Soler may be past his prime at 32; he strikes out a lot and should not be counted on to hit more than about .250.
Meanwhile, Lee is only 25 and although he was an MVP in the Korean League two years ago, he’s coming off an ankle injury that required surgery and caused him to miss the last half of the 2023 season. On top of that, playing in the Korean League is akin to Double A minor league level, so don’t be surprised if Lee struggles the first few months of the season while adjusting to the challenge of facing big league pitching. But there are reasons this potential star signed a huge contract. The scouts raved about him because his defensive skills as a centerfielder are elite, and he is potentially a .300 hitter with some power who could be a terrific lead-off man.
As far as the club’s pitching goes, there are also concerns. Outside of Giants’ ace Logan Webb, who will be the number two and number three starters? Veteran Alex Cobb had off-season hip surgery and probably won’t be available until May. Newly acquired lefthander Robbie Ray will miss the first half of the season after undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery last summer. Jordan Hicks routinely fires 100-mile-an-hour fastballs but has only started eight big league games out of over 200 appearances on the mound. Hicks will need to make major adjustments because he will not be able to rely on that kind of consistent heat that has intimidated hitters. If he fails to make a smooth transition, he could combine with elite young closer Camilo Doval to give the Giants’ back end of the bullpen the best 1-2 punch in the big leagues.
But the Giants rotation will have to start the season relying on youngsters such as highly touted lefty Kyle Harrison and perhaps Luke Jackson. Highly regarded Tristan Beck will miss the first part of the 2024 season after undergoing upper right arm surgery to remove an aneurysm.
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Thairo Estrada, with a home run against the Colorado Rockies on
September 10, 2023. Photo by Darren Yamashita.
The Giants have some solid supporting cast players returning; Wilmer Flores, JD Davis, LaMonte Wade Jr., Thairo Estrada (who has quietly become the team’s most consistent everyday performer), catcher Patrick Bailey, veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, journeymen Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater and youngsters Luis Matos and hopefully infielder Marco Luciano. The Giants are crossing their fingers that Luciano will be someone who they can rely on after legendary shortstop Brandon Crawford decided to extend his big league career for another season, signing a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. On top of that, the San Francisco bullpen has two reliable middle relievers in twin brothers Tyler and Taylor Rogers.
If things work as planned, the Giants could be much more fun to watch after seven years of mostly mediocre and boring baseball. If not, Farhan Zaidi could end up skating on thin ice and the Giants’ fan interest could continue to dip after they drew an average of only 28,000 a game to their beautiful waterfront ballpark.
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in Sports Today!, click HERE.
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Brandon Crawford
2011-2023
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Golden State Warriors 97
Charlotte Hornets 84
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, February 23, 2024
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Stephen Curry practices his three-pointers before the start. Curry would finish with 15 points and five assists in a game which also included brother Seth in a Hornets' uniform. Seth finished with six points in the Warriors' 507th consecutive sellout.
Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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The Hornets' Cody Martin fouls Warriors' Gary Payton II during a lay up attempt in the first quarter. GPII collected 12 points on the evening. Caption and photo by Rich Yee. | |
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Late in the game, Warriors guard Lester Quinones goes face-to-face with Charlotte's Grant Williams. With the game decided, Quinones had driven to the basket and Miles Bridges was called for goal tending. Both were ejected from the game with 10.9 seconds remaining. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
Caption and photo by Rich Yee.
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WARRIORS ANNOUNCE 2024 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT MONTH CELEBRATIONS, PRESENTED BY RAKUTEN
Activations Scheduled Throughout March To Amplify Women’s Voices And Establish An Equal Playing Field
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors announced today celebrations for Women’s Empowerment Month, presented by Rakuten, which includes a variety of activations aimed to empower girls and women, challenge socio-economic norms, and amplify voices to establish an equal playing field for women.
The Warriors and Rakuten will celebrate Women’s Empowerment Month, presented by Rakuten, during the team’s first home game of the month on Wednesday, March 6, against the Milwaukee Bucks. All fans in attendance will receive a Women’s Empowerment Month
t-shirt designed by women-owned Bay Area clothing company Oaklandish.
Additional upcoming Women’s Empowerment Month activations include:
- March 5: Read to Achieve Reading Rally, presented by Ross Stores – The Warriors will host a reading celebration at Burckhalter Elementary School to emphasize the importance of literacy and feature female authors. Warriors guard Lester Quinones and Warriors Dance Team members will participate in a book reading, distribute giveaways, and take part in a Q&A on the importance of literacy.
- March 5: Basketball Clinic for Educators – The Warriors and Generation Thrive will host a basketball clinic for women-identifying educators at the Warriors Oakland Facility. The clinic will focus on basic fundamentals, proper technique, and competitive play. Following the clinic, special guests will take place in a panel for the educators.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.warriors.com
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Join us for the Giants & KNBR FanFest
Open House at Oracle Park on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
where fans can enjoy numerous activities.
- Access to often restricted ballpark locations, including the field, Clubhouse, Press Box and Dugout.
- Q&A sessions with select Giants alumni from 10:30 a.m. - Noon.
- Photo opportunities with the trophies.
- The Giants Spring Training game in Scottsdale broadcast on the scoreboard.
- Interacting with players in Scottsdale, using new hologram technology.
Free event tickets are required.
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Authors Dave Newhouse and
Andy Dolich sold out at Oakland's Fans' Fest
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Goodbye, Oakland has been a remarkable success story | |
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USF Dons 68
Gonzaga Bulldogs 86
Chase Center, San Francisco
Thursday, February 29, 2024
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USF Dons guard Malik Thomas scored 23 points during the Dons'
86-68 defeat to the 23rd-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs on Thursday, February 29th at Chase Center. Caption and
photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Are you Web-Savvy using SquareSpace?
Sports Today!/Ultimate Sports Guide would
love your help. If interested, shoot us an email.
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Cal Bears 8
Boise State Broncos 2
Levine-Fricke Field, Berkeley
Sunday, March 3, 2024
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Cal Bears left fielder Kaylee Pond drove in five runs over the two games as the 20th-ranked Bears swept a doubleheader from the Boise State Broncos on Sunday, March 3rd at Levine-Fricke Field in Berkeley. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
The Sports Today Pollster | |
| Do the Giants have a Paul Bunyan on the team? That is the Question! | | | |
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The Wisdom of the Rookies
by Howard Pearlstein
This is about how the Dubs are back, or actually moving forward, and also about the veteran-like knowledge of the game they’re seeing in rookies and G-League players.
First of all, last time around I said, “They’re back,” was before the
Nuggets game, and the Joker was wild. After the game, Draymond
summed it up – “He was great. And I didn’t have any answer for the
things he did.”
And this week, by the time you read this, they’ll have completed their four-game road trip in Boston. Three wins and the Celtics, which, as I write this is tomorrow.
But getting this far along from where they were starting has not been an easy thing – getting new guys enough minutes to learn a system of continual motion with or without the ball, learning the tendencies of other players, where they will be and what they will do, and being able to come in according to need and situation.
So we owe some of becoming a more dominant team to minutes from injuries, illness and Draymond’s suspension -- even though the Dubs couldn’t be back until Draymond was back.
I was also guessing about how so many rookies were coming into the
NBA with a curiously high degree of understanding the complexities of the game, a perception that usually only comes with veteran experience.
Maybe it had something to do with the increase of TV coverage in recent years, especially TV programming during COVID. No games were being played – NBA, NFL, MLB – months and months of no games to broadcast, so to hold onto viewers, they trotted out archival footage, memory trips of great games and archival documentaries about great players.
My guess is based on something I read a long time ago, an analysis of
the ongoing program that started in the 1950s, taking inner city kids out to countryside camps during summer. (This was before “Inner City” meant race. It was just the kids who were stuck in the inner city, living in the middle of nothing but asphalt, concrete, brick buildings and 8 million people sweating their 98.6’s into the air to add to the swelter.)
And the report had an interesting portion about the part of the program where the kids were going to learn how to ride horses. Except when they got there, these kids who’d never been in contact with any animal larger than a dog (the mounted police patrols didn’t count, those were the single creature called “horsecop” and you definitely did not try to play with them.)
And after the long bus ride out to the trees, when they got there, most of the kids said: “I know how to ride a horse,” having seen it on tv in Western movies. And to the counselors’ surprise, THEY DID! Got on the left side, pulled on the saddle horn, left foot up into the stirrup and swung over and rode. Because they’d seen it done over and over again.
So maybe, getting back to the advanced level of the rookies, maybe,
because COVID gave them endless hours of great games and great
players often talking about what they needed to learn when they were starting out, maybe that had something to do with their more developed view of the game.
Maybe not, but whatever it was that helped Podziemski and Jackson-
Davis and Quinones and Santos to get to their high level of play, we’re all glad it did.
Because even on the Yellow Brick Road to the playoffs, still gotta watch out for those damned flying purple monkeys.
Addendum...
Unwanted nostalgia, back to the 50s down Disappointment Lane,
Warriors looking good, better and better -- and then ... and then the
G^%^@$#^ m CELTICS!
* * *
Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Carl Weathers -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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When I attended the Star Wars Celebration convention in 2022
I entered a contest that won me a Meet & Greet session with actor Carl Weathers. At the time, Weathers was starring in the Star Wars Mandalorian series. I’ve been a big fan of his ever since I first saw him in Rocky in 1976. I was thrilled to finally meet him, shake his hand and get this autographed photo from him. Many will remember him as an actor from his many movies but did you know he also played for the Oakland Raiders in 1970-1971? Carl Weathers passed away on February 1, 2024 at the age of 76.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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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. 69: Good Ol' Rocky Top Toppled The NCAA's Inducement Rule
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The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
by Darren Heitner
Founder of HEITNERLEGAL
February 23, 2024 is a day to remember regarding NIL rights.
It's not July 1, 2021, but it's up there.
In the late afternoon of that Friday, Judge Clifton L. Corker, presiding in the Eastern District Court of Tennessee, issued an order that granted a preliminary injunction requested by the state attorneys general of Tennessee and Virginia.
The injunction specifically prohibits the NCAA from taking any punitive action against athletes or schools based on boosters/collectives negotiating NIL deals with athletes who are not yet enrolled at a college or are in the transfer portal.
The inducement rule is no longer at issue. At least for now.
If you're into statistics, then it's more likely than not to remain in place, according to lawyer Tom Mars, who cited the American Bar Association's note that, in cases where the court grants a motion for a preliminary injunction, the plaintiff prevails in 84% of the corresponding final judgments.
The injunction also requires the NCAA to set aside enforcement of its "Rule of Restitution." This means that the NCAA cannot retroactively punish a player or school if activities occur in compliance with the injunction that would otherwise be against NCAA rules absent the existence of that injunction.
It followed Judge Corker denying the attorneys' general request for a temporary restraining order based on the belief that the proof to demonstrate irreparable harm absent a TRO was not evident
(see Vol. 66).
Some have jumped to the conclusion that the NCAA is dead. Not exactly.
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 coming 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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Match Recap:
Earthquakes 1, LA Galaxy 3
San Jose drops home opener; Quakes to host
Vancouver next Saturday
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell 3-1 to the LA Galaxy on Saturday evening at a sold-out PayPal Park in their Major League Soccer regular-season home opener. Newly acquired Preston Judd scored his first goal as a member of the Quakes.
Joseph Paintsil opened the scoring for the visitors in the 18th minute, followed by a Dejan Joveljić goal to double the lead just before the half. Shortly after the intermission in the 48th minute, Riqui Puig added a third goal for Los Angeles.
In the 70th minute, Judd found the back of the net in a spirited second half that saw San Jose create more chances in front of goal, but the hosts could not complete the comeback despite almost doubling the visitors’ overall shot total (13-7).
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.sjearthquakes.com
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The 2024 Season is Here!
We kick off our electrifying Home Opener against Indy Eleven on March 9th at 7pm PT! Join us at Pioneer Stadium for a night of pure magic.
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Ballers Go AAA & Are Taking BART to Get There!—Announcing Sponsorship with AAA Northern California and BART
Team Unveils 2024 Season Jersey Sponsors
& Jersey Design
(Oakland, CA) — Today the Oakland Ballers announced AAA Northern California, which has proudly called Northern California home for more than 100 years, will be Oakland Ballers jersey sponsors for the 2024 season.
“Yesterday’s announcement said we were going AAA, and some thought that meant we were announcing our promotion to AAA. What we meant to say is that we’re proud to announce our promotion of AAA Northern California, via our newly unveiled jerseys, which they will be sponsoring for our inaugural season. Not sure we managed to fool anyone, as Oakland fans are not only resilient, they’re pretty clever as well! Appreciate you all taking our dad joke in good faith All joking aside, we are excited to announce this new sponsorship with AAA Northern California and BART and excited to see folks rock our new jerseys this spring,” said Paul Freedman, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers.
AAA Northern California has a proud history of serving Members for more than 100 years. In addition to legendary roadside assistance, AAA offers home, auto, and life insurance, travel, and home security services.
“We’re delighted to sign up such an iconic brand as our first sponsor. AAA is one of the most trusted brands in North America. AAA Northern California’s decision to partner with us is a testament to the power of our efforts to build a sports team for the people of Oakland. We’re proud to rep Oakland and that’s why the back of our home and away jerseys clearly say “Oakland.” The Ballers are always carrying Oakland on our back,” said Bryan Carmel, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.oaklandballers.com
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(Photo provided by Ken Manfred)
Ferrari Racing Days at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca: Exclusive Showcase of All Five Unique Programs in North America
MONTEREY, Calif., Feb 23, 2024 — Ferrari aficionados and racing enthusiasts alike are gearing up for an exhilarating weekend as Ferrari Racing Days makes a triumphant return to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from May 17–19. The third of back-to-back-to-back race weekends in May this iconic event promises an unparalleled experience, featuring a lineup unlike any other. This will be the only event in North America and one of only four events worldwide to feature all five of these unique Ferrari programs.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness the famous precision of Formula 1 Clienti Cars as they roar down the legendary Laguna Seca track. These high-performance machines, once piloted by some of the greatest drivers in the world, will showcase the pinnacle of Formula 1 engineering and tell the story of the only manufacturer to have competed in every F1 Season in history.
continued...
Click HERE.
www.weathertechraceway.com
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Paving is Complete at Sonoma Raceway!
Charity event lets participants break in the new asphalt on the newly-repaved road course.
After 61 days of work, crews from Bay Cities Paving & Grading and ABSL Construction finally removed their hard hats to celebrate the completion of the Sonoma Raceway road course repave project. In honor of the first complete repave in 23 years, the track is offering to be one of the first to drive the newly repaved road course, and support local kids and families in need at the same time.
The transformation started to take shape after the Christmas holiday with crews milling the old surface of the track as the calendar flipped to a new year. Over the course of two months, the track was ground down, cracks were repaired and brand-new, long-lasting asphalt was put down to enhance the racing surface at Sonoma Raceway. With paving complete, the 2.52-mile road course is once again ready to host some of the fastest cars and most talented racers in the world.
To start, the Drive For Charity – First Laps event March 11 from 9am – 4pm will give participants the opportunity to take three laps around the track in their own car and experience the smoothest surface the track has seen in decades. All proceeds benefit Speedway Children's Charities Sonoma, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, which supports local children and families in critical need.
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Click HERE.
www.sonomaraceway.com
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No. 20 Bears Buck Broncos
Cal Sweeps Sunday Doubleheader
From Boise State
BERKELEY – The No. 20 California softball team crushed seven home runs on the way to a 6-4 and 8-2 doubleheader sweep of Boise State on Sunday at Levine-Fricke Field to close out the DeMarini Invitational.
Kaylee Pond collected three extra-base hits with five RBI and Tianna Bell hit two home runs to lead the Golden Bears (19-2). Lagi Quiroga added a 3-for-3 day with a home run and drew three walks for Cal. The Broncos (11-10) were led by two hits and three RBI from Leah McAnally.
Game 1: Cal 6, Boise State 4
The Bears started hot after Saturday's upset win over No. 3/5 Georgia, building a 6-1 advantage after three on 2-run homers off the bat of Pond and Elon Butler. Haylei Archer got the start in the circle and was on cruise control through four, allowing just one run on four hits.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Andrew Madsen / KLC Fotos
www.calbears.com
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Stanford Sweeps Quad Meet
Stanford scores a 410.850 to finish first among four top-15 ranked teams
BERKELEY, Calif. - No. 2 Stanford proved to be the class of the field in Sunday's quad meet in Berkeley, scoring a 410.850 to defeat host No. 8 California, No. 5 Nebraska, and No. 15 Air Force.
The fifth-ranked Cornhuskers placed second in the event with a 408.150, followed by Cal's 394.850 and Air Force's 386.800.
Stanford did not field an all-around competitor in Sunday's meet, but it still managed to secure four event titles in the meet.
Asher Hong tallied a pair of event crowns on the day, posting a season-high 14.750 to earn the leading vault score of the afternoon before scoring a title-winning 14.800 on still rings in the final routine of the meet. Mark Berlaga finished second on rings with a 14.400.
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Stanford Athletics. For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Karen Hickey / isiphotos.com
www.gostanford.com
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RECORD-SETTING SUNDAY FOR SPARTAN WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS
DENVER, Colo.—Jaudai Lopes and the Spartan vault team broke a nine-year old record and helped the San José State women’s gymnastics team set a new standard with a school-record 196.675 Sunday afternoon in a quad meet hosted by the University of Denver.
The vault team scored a 49.200, breaking the old record of 49.150 set at the 2015 MPSF Championships.
Lopes, the individual school-record holder on the vault, led the SJSU with a 9.900 to tie for first place. Madison Kirsch followed with a 9.875, then Mia Nelson at 9.825 and Lauren Macpherson and Devyn Valuch at 9.800.
The Spartans’ 196.675 breaks the old record of 196.625 set in a home meet with UC Davis during the 2022 season.
The floor team recorded the second-highest team floor score in school history with a 49.450.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
WBB | Strong Second Half Leads to Blowout of Pepperdine
MALIBU, Calif. – Saint Mary's Women's Basketball closed out the regular season with a 69-48 win over Pepperdine by dominating the second half, guaranteeing themselves the sixth seed in next week's WCC Tournament.
The Gaels actually trailed by four at halftime, but won the second half 44-19. They shot 55.6% in the second half to the Wave's 24%, and forced Pepperdine into committing 10 more turnovers than themselves at 13-3.
SMC shot 45.5% in the first half, but Pepperdine had a slight edge at 48%, were a plus-6 in rebounds and had three more points off turnovers than the Gaels.
But the Gaels began their run just a little over a minute into the third quarter, keeping the Waves scoreless for over three minutes. They would take the lead at 33-32 with 6:24 to go in the third when Zeryhia Aokuso stole the ball and raced the other way for a layup, leading to Pepperdine calling a time out.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo / SMC Tod Fierner
#GaelsRise www.smcgaels.com
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Roadrunners Shutout Dons in Series Finale
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The University of San Francisco baseball team (7-5) dropped a 4-0 non-conference decision to CSU Bakersfield (2-10), falling in the series finale at Hardt Field.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
CSU Bakersfield took the lead in the bottom of the second inning on an Elijah Pelayo RBI groundout. After the first two batters reached on a walk and a hit by pitch, a failed pickoff attempt from Joe Soberon moved the runners into scoring position. Pelayo quickly followed with a groundball to second base, scoring Jacob Gutierrez.
Held without a hit through five innings of play, the Dons recorded their first knock of the afternoon on a Lane Oliphant single to right field.
The Roadrunners broke open the game in the bottom half of the sixth inning, scoring three runs to take a commanding 4-0 lead.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Christina Leung
www.usfdons.com
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Softball Picks Up Two Wins on Final Day at Capital Classic Tournament
DAVIS, Calif. – Santa Clara softball picked up two wins on the final day of the Capital Classic tournament on Sunday, walking off Wagner 2-1 and beating UC Davis 8-3. The game against UC Davis was a continuation from Saturday's game that was halted due to darkness. The Broncos finished the tournament with a 3-1 record.
Game 1: Santa Clara 2 - Wagner 1 (8)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Pinch-hitter Mariah Montalvo drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the eighth inning in Santa Clara's 2-1 walk-off victory over Wagner.
The game was a pitcher's duel between Broncos starter Alaina Valdez and Seahawks starter Karson Zavala as each went the distance.
Valdez (1-0) got the upper hand picking up her first career victory allowing three hits, one run, two walks and a pair of strike outs. She threw a total of 87 pitches and faced 26 batters, just two above the minimum possible batters faced.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.santaclarabroncos.com
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
TIGERS DEBUT AT HOME AGAINST
SAN FRANCISCO
STOCKTON, Calif.- The Pacific women's tennis team makes its first appearance at home taking on conference opponent San Francisco at the Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center on Sunday, March 3 at 11 a.m.
The Tigers, through six contests, have played in five road matches. Their lone other competition was a neutral site match at the start of the season. Pacific plays San Francisco in its second WCC match this season after visiting LMU earlier this week.
The Tigers are seeking their first win over the Dons since a 4-3 win in 2018. They last beat them at home in that same contest.
Freshman Milena Maiorova and junior Liza Mladentseva have opened the year 4-0 as a doubles pair, having gone unbeaten in all five contests this year. They are currently enjoying a three match win streak playing from the three.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
www.pacifictigers.com
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UC Davis Defeats Davidson for Fifth Straight Win
DAVIS, Calif. – On a rainy Sunday afternoon at UC Davis Health Stadium, Rhea Cosand score four goals to lead the UC Davis women's lacrosse team to an terrific comeback victory, rallying from down three to win 13-9 against the Davidson Wildcats. The win marks the Aggies' (5-1) fifth straight victory and keeps them a perfect 4-0 at home as they continue to stay hot to start the season. The 5-1 start is UC Davis' best since the 2014 season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Aggies put in two quick goals to take control early in the game. Grace Gebhardt scored the opener off an assist from Cosand, and Cosand followed it up with a polished finish of her own. Davidson responded with four straight goals however, securing a 4-2 lead at the end of the first quarter.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
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Pioneer Baseball Wins Second in A Row, 10-4 over Sonoma State; Second Game of Doubleheader Halted
HAYWARD, Calif. – Cal State East Bay played the second day of its CCAA series against Sonoma State at Pioneer Baseball Field on Saturday. The day was supposed to feature two games but due to weather, the Pioneers and Seawolves played one full game while the second game was suspended due to rain. The Pioneers won the completed game, 10-4.
GAME SUMMARY
The Pioneers got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning with three runs. Niko Mollat doubled for an RBI to drive in Sam Gilliam. Also in the inning, Brendan Bell scored on an RBI groundout by Jaylen Hodges and Mollat scored the third run of the inning when Luke Brown singled for an RBI.
The Pioneers added to their lead in the bottom of the third inning on a Matthew O'Mahony RBI single up the middle that scored Luke Novitske. Hodges also scored in the inning from third base with a double play turned at second and first base.
continued...
For a full report, click HERE.
Photo: Justine Willard / KLC Fotos
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CAREERS
A Mission-Driven Workplace
The mission of St. Francis Yacht Club is to serve as the inspirational center of boating activities regionally, and a leader of yachting internationally. We honor camaraderie, sportsmanship, tradition and the maritime heritage of San Francisco in a premier yachting environment.
St. Francis Yacht Club is committed to ensuring that all feel comfortable at our club. We believe by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion we are engendering the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and respect for tradition which represent our core values. Everyone within our facilities is expected to treat all others with courtesy and respect. We endeavor to grow the sport of boating by creating a welcoming environment for all who share our love of the water and the St. Francis Yacht Club, irrespective of race, ethnicity, religious creed, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or national origin.
continued...
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 using SquareSpace?
Sports Today/Ultimate Sports Guide would
love your help. If interested, shoot us an email.
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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Cal Bears (SB) 8, Boise State Broncos 2, March 3, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (SB) 6, Boise State Broncos 4, March 3, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
USF Dons (MBkB) 68, Gonzaga Bulldogs 86, Thursday, February 29, 2024. Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (WBkB) 68, Arizona Wildcats 87, February 25, 2024.
Captions and photos by Darren Yamashita.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 69, Oregon Ducks 64, February 24, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Cal Bears (MBkB) 81, Oregon State Beavers 73, February 22, 2024.
Photos by Ron Sellers.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (MBkB) 70, USF Dons 66. February 20, 2024. Caption and photos by Darren Yamashita
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.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, March 4, through
Sunday, March 10, 2024
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Monday, March 4
Tuesday, March 5
San Jose Sharks vs. Dallas Stars, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 6
Golden State Warriors vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 7
Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 8
Saturday, March 9
Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs, 5:30 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Ottawa Senators, 4 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday March 10
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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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