Headline Sports podcast Jessica Kwong: Will there be further bad blood between media and Giants Vitello?; Will Chiefs restructuring Mahomes contract affect other players negotiations; plus more news

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San Francisco Giants manager was none too pleased regarding press reports that he was signed sealed and delivered and coming to manage the Giants. Vitello told reporters on Mon Feb 16, 2026 that the reports were premature. (photo by MLB)

Headline Sports Podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello said during a spring trainning media session that he didn’t think it was appropriate that the media broke the news that he was signing with thee Giants while negotiations were not finalized. Vitello compalined it set off confusion on how he departed from his managing job at Tennessee as he spoke to beat writers and reporters in Scottsdale the Giants spring training camp. Some say this will create bad blood between the media and Vitello and Vitello could expect more criticism in news reports in the weeks to come.

#2 NFL & Contracts / Team Strategy:
How will the recent restructuring of Patrick Mahomes’ contract affect the Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to invest in other key roster positions and compete in the 2026 season?

#3 MLB Labor Relations:
With Tony Clark resigning as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association amid scrutiny and an impending collective bargaining negotiation, how might this leadership change impact labor relations and potential disputes between players and owners?

#4 Women’s Sports Expansion:
What are the potential long-term effects on college athletics and professional women’s sports of Conference Carolinas launching the first varsity women’s flag football season and its recognition by the NCAA?

#5 NFL Infrastructure & Fan Experience:
How might the design and construction of the new $2.4 billion Cleveland Browns stadium — emphasizing fan culture with features like the “Dawg Pound Stand” — influence how future professional sports facilities are designed to enhance fan engagement?

Join Jessica every other Wednesday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Underdog Spartans Stun Nevada 87-71, End Losing Streak

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San Jose State Spartans forward Sadraque NgaNga (99) takes a jump shot on the Nevada Wolfpack’s guard Corey Camper (4) at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Tue Feb 17, 2026 (San Jose State Spartans X photo)

By Ryan Hannagan
San Jose, Calif.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — San Jose State ended its eight game losing streak in emphatic fashion Tuesday night, knocking off the Nevada Wolfpack 87-71 at Provident Credit Union Event Center.

The Spartans (7-19, 2-13 Mountain West), who had not beaten the Wolf Pack since January 2020, delivered one of their most complete performances of the season despite being without four starters. Jermaine Washington Jr., Yaphet Moundhi, Javaughn Hannah and Ben Roseborough all remained sidelined due to injury.

San Jose State entered the night short handed and near the bottom of the Mountain West standings, while Nevada (17-9, 9-6) came in fourth in the conference and heavily favored. The Wolf Pack defeated the Spartans 87-54 in their previous meeting.

The Spartans wasted little time setting the tone.

San Jose State opened the game on an 11-3 run, fueled by back-to-back 3-pointers from Nganga. The Spartans hit their first five attempts from beyond the arc and built a heavy lead, forcing Nevada to burn an early timeout.

Adrian Meyers paced the offense early, scoring 11 points in less than seven minutes, with most of his production coming from long range. Nevada struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 33% midway through the first half.

San Jose State did not attempt its first free throws until the final three minutes of the half, underscoring its efficiency from the field. The Spartans carried a 47-32 lead into halftime, shooting 52% from the field and 52% from 3-point range while dishing out 12 assists and grabbing 18 rebounds.

Nevada shot 41% in the first half and just 20% from beyond the arc, while also getting out rebounded by the smaller Spartans.

The Wolf Pack responded with urgency in the second half.

Nevada increased its physicality inside and began attacking the rim, earning frequent trips to the free throw line. Five minutes into the half, the Wolf Pack had attempted 18 free throws, converting 15, compared with just four attempts for San Jose State.

The surge cut the Spartans’ lead from 15 to six, as Nevada’s halftime adjustments and San Jose State’s foul trouble shifted momentum.

But the Spartans answered.

Colby Garland drilled a 3 pointer to push the lead back to double digits, and Pasha Goodzari followed with another from deep. San Jose State extended its advantage to 13 with 8:55 remaining and maintained control the rest of the way.

The Spartans finished 30 of 58 (52%) from the field and 15 of 29 (52%) from 3 point range. Nevada shot 22 of 55 (40%) overall and just 3 of 20 (15%) from long distance.

Nevada held a significant edge at the free throw line, going 24 of 32 (75%), while San Jose State finished 12 of 19 (63%).

The Spartans outrebounded the Wolf Pack 38-32 and recorded 18 assists. Both teams committed 15 turnovers.

San Jose State’s largest lead was 18 points. Nevada never led.

For a team battered by injuries and a difficult season, the victory marked a much needed bright spot as the regular season winds down.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Tony Clark Major League Players Association executive director, resigns

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Tony Clark Major League Players Association executive director, resigns

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

ESPN reported today that the Major League Baseball Players Association executive director, Tony Clark, resigned Tuesday after an internal investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was hired by the union in 2023, sources told ESPN.

The union, which was scheduled to start its spring training tour of all 30 clubhouses on Tuesday, abruptly canceled its 8 a.m. ET meeting with the Cleveland Guarduians in Goodyear, Arizona.

His resignation comes months before the MLPA will face an “almost certain” lockout by a good man and leader in negotiations will not be in charge of one of the country’s top labor unions when they face the owners next December.

During the union’s internal probe — which came in the wake of a wide-ranging and still-open federal investigation into the MLBPA’s finances and other alleged improprieties, including nepotism — the relationship between Clark and the woman came to light, sources said, and prompted him to step down after more than a dozen years as the union’s leader.

The federal investigation was triggered by a whistleblower complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board in November 2024, alleging self-dealing, misuse of resources, abuse of power, and nepotism. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires December 1, 2026, and then here comes the labor battle. What could be the “Main Event” in Baseball this year? A Lockout happens, and big money will be lost by both sides, and fans will sour on the game again, as they have done during previous strikes and lockouts. No es bueno.

No official successor has been named; the union is expected to select an interim leader shortly.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Kung Fu Robots demonstration almost too perfect; Bay FC players happy with new coach; plus more news

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Kung Fu robots demonstrate some serious martial arts in China almost perfect form that would be difficult to duplicate for a human on Mon Feb 16, 2026 (China Media Group (CMG) 2026 Spring Festival Gala photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, CNN reported on Monday night the technology of robots were domonstrated performing martial arts in China and there were a dozen doing a Kung Fu demonstration in unison as they were performing at a Spring Gala Festival. While martial arts is a huge sport and a huge sport at the Olympics what about the idea that robots can do martial arts and many things frankly better than humans?

#2 Bay FC Women’s soccer players have said that it’s a breath of fresh air that Bay has hired new head coach Emma Coates. After a tough 2025 last season under former head coach Albertin Montoya who was said to bully players in meetings, gave players the cold shoulder, punishing players who addressed mental health concerns, one player had anixety going to training. These issues were addressed and the to the players relief that their happy to have coach Coates leading them for this season.

#3 San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez is a quick learner according to Giants infield coach and former LA Angels manager Ron Washington. Washington said during Giants camp this week in Scottsdale that Arraez is picking up everything quickly and could turn into another Marcus Semien who developed into one of baseball’s top infielders.

#4 Lots of talk regarding the Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz the talk hasn’t stopped since Kurtz ripped four home runs in one game in Houston last season and he’s expected to deliver the goods this season again.

#5 Someone wrote about that Roberto Clemente the former Pittsburgh Pirates legendary right fielder didn’t die chasing a trophy but carrying food to others who needed it such as the case of flying to Nicaragua where his plane crashed into the ocean before making it there in December 31, 1972.

#6 Major League Baseball players union representiative Tony Clark has resigned from his top position. The most likely reason is the impending players lockout that will take place and that Clark will be in the middle of a storm negotiating with MLB to prevent a salary cap that the owners plan to implement. In addition he’s being accused in a federal probe for having a inapporpriate relationship with his sister in law.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Giants report: SF adds OF depth, signs injured pitcher, Vitello’s team bonding

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Cleveland Guardians’ Will Brennan follows through with his swing against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning of a spring training baseball game on March 17, 2025, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

By Vince Cestone

The San Francisco Giants are back in Arizona for spring training, as pitchers and catchers reported for duty last week.

The Giants are getting ready for their opener against the New York Yankees on March 25. The game will be televised exclusively on Netflix at 5:05 p.m. PDT. This will be the first game broadcasted in the 2026 Major League Baseball season.

Here are some news and notes from big league camp this week:

The Giants signed outfielder Will Brennan to a major league deal this week but it’s a split contract. That means he will get $900,000 when he’s playing in the big leagues and $400,000 when he’s playing in the minor leagues. While not a splashy move, Brennan can add addition depth to a Giants outfield that was ranked one of the worst in all of baseball last year.

The Cleveland Guardians non-tendered Brennan in November. The 28-year-old hit .267 with a .307 on-base percentage throughout his four year Major League career. His best year came in 2024, when he hit .264 with eight home runs and a .309 on-base percentage. The only issue is he’s been injury prone. If he can stay healthy, the Giants may have a solid backup outfielder or a steady fill-in if one of the starters get injured.

On the pitching side, the Giants signed right-hander Rowan Wick to a one-year major league deal. The problem? Wick is recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t pitch in 2026. The deal does include a club option for 2027, so there’s a chance that Wick can pitch for San Francisco next year.

Wick, 33, spent the past two years pitching in the Japanese league, where he had a 1.75 ERA in 87 2/3 innings. He could prove to be a solid arm at a bargain price for the Giants if he comes back healthy in 2027. Wick previously pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 2019-2022, even briefly becoming their closer in 2022. However, he faltered in late 2022 and started the 2023 season in the minors. Who knows? The Giants may be able to work their magic at rehabbing injured pitchers, and he may help them in the bullpen next year.

New Giants manager Tony Vitello is bonding with his new team in a way you don’t see every day. During practice last week, the Giants posted a video of Vitello taking grounders with the team during pitcher’s fielding practice. Vitello was feeding the ball to Logan Webb after fielding a grounder. Already, Vitello may be showing that he’s going to be a more hands-on manager when bonding with the team. Only time will tell if we’ll see more of Vitello on the field during practices.

The Giants signed Vitello to a three-year, $3.5 million annual contract. Vitello replaces Bob Melvin. After the 2023 season, Melvin was hired by former Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, who was dismissed at the end of the 2024 season.

The Giants will kick off their spring training schedule on Saturday, Feb. 21, as they will take on the Seattle Mariners at 12:10 PST from Peoria, Arizona. The game will be televised on NBC Sports Bay Area, and you can also listen to the game on KNBR. Of course, Sports Radio Service will have all your San Francisco Giants coverage.

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings open second half against Magic Thursday at Golden 1

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Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives the lane against the Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (right) at Delta Center in Salt Lake Center on Sun Feb 15, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 How will the Kings’ offense adapt without Zach LaVine, who is out for the season with a hand injury — will DeMar DeRozan or Domantas Sabonis take on an even bigger scoring role?

#2 Can Russell Westbrook control the pace and create for teammates like Keegan Murray and Malik Monk, given Sacramento’s struggles generating consistent offense this season?

#3 Will Maxime Raynaud’s rebounding and energy be a difference-maker against Orlando’s frontcourt, especially if Sacramento needs more physical play on the glass?

#4 What adjustments might coach Doug Christie make defensively to contain Orlando’s scorers, and can veteran defender DeMar DeRozan lead that effort?

#5 How will Sacramento’s bench production — including contributions from Devin Carter and Nique Clifford — impact the outcome, particularly if starters like Sabonis and Murray face foul trouble?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings Monday podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Jose Barracuda podcast Madison Montez: What went wrong in loss to Silver Knights for Barracuda

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San Jose Barracuda forward Egor Afanasyev (11) moves the puck as the Henderson Silver Knights defenseman Jeremy Davies (84) dives to stop the shot at Tech CU in San Jose on Sun Feb 15, 2026 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast Madison Montez:

#1 How did San Jose respond defensively after giving up early goals, and could players like Filip Bystedt or Igor Chernyshov have done more to stem Henderson’s momentum?

#2 What adjustments might forward Donavan Houle have made in the third period that helped the Barracuda’s late goal despite the team trailing for most of the game?

#3 Did Barracuda defenseman Mattias Havelid play a key role in generating offensive chances, and how effective was he in transitioning play against Henderson’s pressure?

#4 What contributions did Quentin Musty or Oliver Wahlstrom provide in terms of forechecking or creating scoring opportunities, even though they didn’t record points?

#5 How did the goaltending performances from Gabriel Carriere (or Jakub Skarek) impact the outcome, and what could they have done differently to contain Henderson’s early scoring?

Madison Montez filled in for Marko Ukalovic who does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB podcast Charlie O: WNBA-Union no drop dead date set yet; Qualities of new Raiders head coach Kubiak; plus more news

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the news media at the NBA All Star Game weekend in Los Angeles on Sat Feb 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:

#1 WNBA and the players association are still negotiating over a new collective bargaining agreement. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he is not ready to set a deadline to get a deal in place. The WNBA season is scheduled to start May 8th. Silver said that it’s getting pretty close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining.

#2 In essence the WNBA players want a more equitable revenue share model (gross revenue)Stronger working conditions and support systems, Significantly higher salaries and better pay structure, Broader benefits (retirement, mental health, parental), Both sides are still negotiating, and there’s no deal yet — and even talk of a potential work stoppage if terms aren’t met.

#3 What specific qualities or past achievements of Klint Kubiak made him an appealing choice for the Las Vegas Raiders head coach?

#4 Stephen Vogt  is the manager of the Cleveland Guardians, entering his third season in 2026 after being appointed in November 2023. He achieved historic success by winning the AL Manager of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025, his first two seasons, leading the team to an AL Central title in 2025. You got to know Vogt when he was a player at the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants no suprise that he’s come this far?

#5 Currently the Sacramento Kings are on a 14 game losing streak. It’s been a long tough streak for the Kings but the All Star break couldn’t have come at a better time?

Charlie O does Headline Sports each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Halttunen hat-trick in Barracuda’s 8-4 win

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San Jose Barracuda vs Henderson Silver Knights on Sunday February 15th at Tech Cu Arena (via sjbarracuda/flickr)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Barracuda made a comeback after losing game one of the two game set on Saturday with the visiting Henderson Silver Knights. The Barracuda came back with a vengence winning a four goal contest at Tech CU 8-4 on Sunday.

The Barracuda were the first on the board when Lucas Carlsson scored his ninth of the seasonto make it an early 1-0 Barracuda lead. Later on in the first period, the sixth ranked powerplay got to work. Henderson’s Matyas Sapovaliv scored his eighth goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1.

Keeping it going, Henderson scored again just a minute and a half into the second period. Lukas Cormier with his 7th goal of the year to make it 2-1 and to take the lead. San Jose got their own powerplay goal when Oliver Wahlstrom scored his fourteenth goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2.

Henderson regained their lead after Ben Hemmerling scored his 12th of the season to give them a 3-2 lead. Beating three Henderson skaters to the puck, Kasper Halttunen scored his eighth of the season to tie the game at 3-3.

Picking up a loose puck, Kasper Halttuen scored his second of the game and ninth of the season to take the 4-3 lead. Ben Hemmerling picked up his second goal of the game too, tying the game at 4-4.

In his second game back in over a month, Quentin Musty scored his ninth goal of the season to take the 5-4 lead. Less than a minute later, Oliver Wahlstrom scored his second of the game to extend that lead to 6-4. To extend their lead even further, Afanasyev scored his tenth of the season to make it a 7-4 game. Hats came flying when Kasper Halttunen scored his third of the game to make it a 8-4 game. This marks his first career AHL hat-trick.

After the first period, San Jose outshot Henderson fourteen to nine. After the second period, San Jose outshot Henderson again, 17-11.

Both teams had opportunities to work their special teams units. Both teams were even able to capitalize on their powerplays. Coming into today’s game, San Jose was first on the powerplay and fifth shorthanded. For Henderson, they came into Sunday’s game sixth on the powerplay and seventh shorthanded.

Laurent Brossoit got the start for San Jose. Brossoit, who is coming off of a 23 save loss against the Abbotsford Canucks. Making 26 saves on 30 shots, Brossoit recorded the win. Jesper Vikman started for Henderson. For Vikman, he is coming off of a 29 save overtime loss against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Making 30 saves on 37 shots, Vikman recorded the loss.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Kasper Halttunen
  2. Oliver Wahlstrom
  3. Ben Hemmerling

The Barracuda will be back in action on Wednesday February 18th where they will travel to San Diego to take on the Gulls. The last time these two teams faced off was on Wednesday January 7th in San Diego when the Barracuda won in a 3-2 shootout.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Joe Lacob still a favorite to buy Padres

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Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is the leading candidate to buy the San Diego Padres but will have to keep the Padres in San Diego and will not be able to move them to Oakland. (file photo New York Times)

Joe Lacob is still the favorite to buy the Padres

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Joe Lacob tried to buy these teams in the past: the Oakland A’s, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Today, he is considered the favorite to buy the San Diego Padres, who are officially on the market. Bids are expected by the end of February 2026. The San Diego franchise is valued between $1.9 billion and $2.3 billion; however, the current ownership may seek around $3 billion.

While some reports label Lacob a leading suitor, other potential buyers are involved as well. Lacob, who also owns the NBA Golden State Warriors and the WNBA Golden State Valkyries, confirmed he has toured Petco Park in San Diego. While he has not yet committed to a final decision, all reports indicate he remains the leading suitor for the franchise.

Joe Lacob attempted to buy the Oakland Athletics in 2005 , reaching a verbal agreement to purchase the team from then-owner Stephen Schott for approximately $180 million. However, then-MLB Commissioner Bud Selig blocked the sale, favoring a bid from John Fisher and Lew Wolff, which ultimately led to Lacob purchasing the Golden State Warriors instead.

Lacob maintained a standing offer to buy the Oakland Athletics from John Fisher for over a decade, while expressing interest in buying the team for many years (over a decade). His standing offer to buy the team from Fisher and keep it in Oakland until 2022.

The A’s under Fisher are on their way to conclude a 3-year stay at Sacramento, the city they are using as a stopover until he inaugurates his new indoor park Las Vegas, Nevada. How much have MLB franchises appreciated during the past 40 years? Walter Haas Jr., then-chairman of Levi Strauss & Co., purchased the Oakland Athletics from Charlie O. Finley for $12.7 million on August 23, 1980.

Quote: “The Stock Market is a better investment than owning an MLB team” – Rob Manfred (2022), Commissioner of Baseball.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com