*He will forever be remembered for “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship that launched the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl. Dwight Clark, who passed away at age 61, was not only remembered for his great days in football, but also as a family man and friend. Clark’s wife Kelly made the announcement on Monday. Clark was surrounded by friends, family, and many fans, who paid visits to the 49ers superstar.
*The Bay Area is surrounded by many pro and college teams, but a recent survey by many pro teams and college teams that came out Monday, 46% of Bay Area residents said they would like to move because of the high cost of housing and the bad traffic. In the survey, residents said they would move in the next few years.
*Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors continues Wednesday. The Warriors are up 2-0. Could Golden State take the next two games in Cleveland or will they split?
* The Oakland A’s, after finishing up on the road on Wednesday, start a 10-game homestand against Kansas City, Houston, and the Los Angeles Angels. They had a rough time last homestand. Can the A’s go above .500 this coming homestand?
49ers’ legend wide receiver Dwight Clark passed on Monday, his wife Kelly announced via Twitter.
Fighting ALS since 2015, Clark will be remembered forever for the most famous play in 49ers’ history, otherwise known as “The Catch.”
The Catch is regarded as jump-starting the Niners 80s dynasty, helping the 49ers’ string of Super Bowls. Clark was part of two of them, while also being named a two-time pro bowler.
The 49ers held Dwight Clark Day back on October 22nd of last season, where they, of course, played the Cowboys. Dwight Clark Day was celebrated by a t-shirt giveaway and a team reunion where Dwight was able to his one last goodbye to both fans and teammates.
The day was capped by a halftime celebration and a speech from Dwight that brought tears to everyone in attendance, including those of us that were in the press box at Levi’s.
Clark ranks as one of the best 49er receivers of all-time. He remains third in receiving yards, fourth in catches, and third in touchdown receptions. Dwight will forever remembered for one six-yard touchdown reception in 1982 and he was taken from us way too soon.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a news conference that team owners unanimously agreed that the NFL can fine a team whose players protest on the sidelines during the National Anthem, but that each team will set its own rules regarding players who want to kneel. Players will not be fined individually by the league and will have the option to remain in the locker room while the anthem is played.
Hopefully, this is the end of a story that has nothing to do with touchdowns, tackles or field goals. However, it did started a conversation nationwide that still is going on and it even spilled to high school kids–many who can’t find Washington D.C. on a map–but who also took a knee in school.
The First Amendment should always be protected because it is indispensable in a free Republic like the United States of America. However, the NFL is a private business and owners handsomely pay their players to play what is today the most popular sport in America and they also have a right to demand the conduct of their players.
The NFL has been besieged with players in trouble with the law. It seems that in the MLB, it is the suspension for the use of illegal substances, one of their biggest problems, while in the NFL, it is tons of their players getting in trouble with the law on and off the football field. As I remember, the main reason for the protest was police brutality towards African-Americans. Although, this also changed later to other topics.
The NFL Players Association, which was not included in the talks with owners, said the union will review the new policy and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement. Owners discussed the topic for two hours on Tuesday and one hour on Wednesday, according to Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam.
We can only hope that this controversy is settled once and for all. I remember when Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa opined on this matter, when it was happening and was a story all over the country.
LaRussa said: “I know that there’s a constitutional right to express yourself, but I think you have a right as an organization to have a certain philosophy about respecting, whether it’s our Constitution, whether it’s our country, whether its our soldiers…our flag.”
LaRussa added: “I would not, to the best of my ability, I would not sanction somebody taking a knee.”
LaRussa earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1978. Although he never practiced law, he is one of only two managers in history, Sparky Anderson being the latter, to win World Series titles in each league.
Photo credit @ABC: The Milwaukee Bucks Sterling Brown is detained by Milwaukee Police for a parking violation and later is tased from this body cam video furnished by police
On Headline Sports with Tony:
#1 The NFL has ordered all players to stand during the national anthem. They must stand at full attention respectfully, and if these orders are not followed, the NFL will fine the respective team. The NFL players’ union said they might consider appealing the new policy.
#2 Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown was stopped by the Milwaukee Police for a parking violation. The police on video ordered Brown to back up the video showed Brown cooperating, but when other officers showed up the initial officer said that Brown got in his face–a lie, which was not in the video–and didn’t show Brown getting aggressive. Brown was then tased by the police as five to six other officers arrived. The Milwaukee police have disciplined the police officers who handled the incident. Tony answers the question had it not been for Brown being a player, would this had been a story?
#3 The Vegas Golden Knights now in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, a first for any first-year expansion team in any sport. Tony answers how they’ll do against the Washington Capitals in the NHL Finals.
#4 San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster’s charges have been dropped and will now be able to join the 49ers. Foster’s ex-girlfriend said there was no domestic abuse and that she had been in a fight with two other women the day before Foster was arrested. Foster has been charged by the Santa Clara DA’s office for possession of a illegal firearm dropped from a felony to a misdemeanor.
#5 The Golden State Warriors will face the Houston Rockets tonight in Game 5 in Houston. The series is tied 2-2. Tony answers the question if this series is unpredictable at this point.
In a unanimous vote by the 32 owners of the National Football League, there will be a different policy to the National Anthem.
Effective this season, the new policy will require players to stand if they are on the field during the playing of the National Anthem. This also will include kneeling and sitting, something many players have done since the 2016 season.
Since the 2016 season, dozens of players have protested the National Anthem due to racial inequality and police brutality around the United States.
Teams will have the option to fine any team personnel, including players if they protest the anthem.
“We want people to be respectful of the national anthem,” commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We want people to stand — that’s all personnel — and make sure they treat this moment in a respectful fashion. That’s something we think we owe. [But] we were also very sensitive to give players choices.”
All 32 teams approved the policy, that will become part of the NFL’s operations manual and will not be subject to collective bargaining. The National Football League Players Association will review the policy and will “challenge any aspect” that looks to be inconsistent with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling for the National Anthem during the 2016 preseason, and continued it during the entire season. The league did not have a rule for players to kneel for the National Anthem, and the league was not able to stop him.
President Donald Trump criticized Kaepernick and other players for kneeling during the National Anthem, as did fans and owners of other teams, who thought that it was disrespectful to the United States.
Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, New York Jets owner Christopher Johnson and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wished to avoid having players protest against the anthem.
Ten-game roadie through three of the toughest venues the American League has to offer, seven wins, at least one home run hit in every game, a signature moment in Chad Pinder’s eighth inning, grand slam on Saturday, an aggressive approach to every at-bat that brought definition to the Oakland A’s offense, and one, significant injury that will be of concern going forward.
With all that happening and more, starter Daniel Mengden could have struggled to carve out his own niche of notoriety, but his pitching performance Sunday afternoon at the Rogers Centre was too good for that.
Mengden went seven innings, allowing two hits as the A’s romped, capping a rare, four-game road sweep with a 9-2 spanking of the Blue Jays.
“We went right after it the first couple times through and then started pitching backwards,” Mengden explained. “We just tried to pitch unpredictable as much as we could, and the defense was extraordinary behind us.”
Sunday’s stellar performance marked yet another breakthrough for the former Texas A&M starter who needed 13 starts to win at the Coliseum in Oakland for the first time. Now, Mengden can say he’s the prince of daytime baseball, having won a day start for the first time in 2018 after coming up short on four occasions.
As for the A’s, they came into their own on the completed 7-3 road trip: the starting pitching continued its steady, incremental improvement after a rough start over the first 15 games of the season. Meanwhile, the bullpen was needed early and often over the duration of the trip, and delivered consistently. The offense was carried by the long ball, with Marcus Semien’s fifth inning blast on Sunday the 19th of the trip through New York, Boston and Toronto. And as Mengden mentioned, on Sunday, while he dealt, the A’s defense ran circles in support.
The Supreme Court of the United States just blew the lid off the sports world on Monday when it ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is unconstitutional. The PASPA law was passed in 1992 and limited sporting betting to Nevada and on a limited basis to Montana, Deleware, and Oregon who already had some sports gambling set up through their lotteries.
“The Supremes” ruled 6-3 saying it is up to the states to decide if they want to allow their residents to be able to wager on sporting events. What they really said, is it is up to the states to decide if they want to put an end to the flood of cash that goes to Nevada and get a piece of the action back in the form of taxes. Legalized sports gambling at the state level could also “take a bite out of crime” hurting the illegal underground gambling operations.
The potential influx of tax income from sports betting could eclipse the present revenue received from the lottery, marijuana, Indian casinos, and horse racing combined. It really could be the tax windfall many states have trying to create for many years.
Could there be abuses?
Photo: NewYork_HR
Of course, there will be abuses. There will be people who gamble wager too much. There will be people who will go bankrupt and lose their homes. Families will fall apart. But, this is happening now except the money is flowing into the state of Nevada or into the hands of criminals.
The majority of people will participate with no problem and will enjoy the opportunity to test their skill. A few people will become “super rich”. Even if you do not like sports and will not bet on a game, you will benefit as newfound tax revenue that flows in the state.
Pro sports teams are not happy
Photo: @GJTIII
The major professional sports organizations are not happy. Why? Because there is about to be a “boatload of cash” enter the sports market and at the moment, they are completely out of the loop when it comes to getting their hands on what could potentially be billions of dollars.
Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association have proposed the concept of an integrity fee where one-percent of bets would go to the leagues to help combat point-shaving and other illegal gambling corruption. A little of that one-percent might also wind up in the team’s coffers.
According to an expert quoted in USA Today, that one-percent take would really represent a 20-percent income grab by the pro teams. The gaming expert stated most sports book operations keep only five-percent of the revenue they take in from gamblers.
The bottom line is that for now all of the teams – pro, college, and amateur – are going to find themselves out in the cold when it comes to sports gambling revenue. The only way they are going to be able to wedge their way in is to find a legal loophole or to get Congress to sponsor legislation mandating states to cut them in on the profits.
If you live in California, don’t get too excited
Photo: @TheGorny
The current estimate is that it will take up to five years for the Golden State to put a sports betting plan into place. Why will it take so long? Politics – plain and simple is what will delay the start of wagering in California. How should the money be used? What should the age limits be? Where should betting be allowed to take place? Should state income tax be collected on the winnings?
As you can see, it will be a real political donnybrook.
We will be sharpening our skills
Photo: @IdahWiringa
In the meantime, we at SportsRadioService.com will be sharpening our skills in preparation for giving you the best information available to assist you in making your wagering decisions when you can finally lay your money down on your favorite team.
yelp.com photo: Hana Zen at Pier 39 San Francisco by night fall and home of some of San Francisco’s best Japanese Cuisine
Cast: Michael Duca (host), Morris Phillips, Amaury Pi Gonzalez, Jeremy Kahn, and Lee Leonard (producer). Our thanks to Alvin and Angie Louie, the owners of Hana Zen Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar on Pier 39 at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, for hosting Sportstalk Radio. Tonight, we were treated to Hana Zen’s famous California Sushi Rolls, Ahi Tuna, Chicken Teriyaki, Calamari, and their wonderful miso soup.
Also, you can enjoy their sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites. Hana Zen also offers filet mignon, New York steak, and try their famous Lava Rock cooking right at your own table. In addition, you can enjoy some green tea ice cream at the end of your meal.
On the podcast, Sportstalk covered the Golden State Warriors and their second round playoff opponent, the New Orleans Pelicans. The San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s both who lost in huge laughers on Monday night 11-0 for the Giants in Philadelphia and the A’s crushed in Oakland 16-1 by the World Champion Houston Astros. The cast explores what to expect from either team for May 2018.
Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese suffered a broken jaw and concussion on a hit to the head from Washington’s Tom Wilson.(Photo: Gene J. Puskar, AP)
On the Headlines Sports podcast with Tony the Tiger Hayes:
#1 Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson was suspended three games in the playoffs for a hit to the head on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Zach Aston-Reese during Game 3, which says the NHL has zero tolerance of deliberate head injuries.
#2 The Golden State Warriors in the first two games of their playoffs with the New Orleans Pelicans have dominated particularly in Game 2 when Stephen Curry made his return on Tuesday night.
#3 Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, who is signed up for $100 million, 10 years might also start earning more than his money’s worth according to Bleacher Report. Gruden could tabbed the team’s general manager and team CEO as well as head coach, which might send current GM Reggie McKenzie packing. It might be more than Gruden can bite off or can he handle it and make the Raiders a team of excellence again?
#4 During the NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen got a little braggadocious after he was selected 10th in the draft, saying, “I was pretty pissed off as I saw teams passing on me there were nine mistakes ahead of me.” The Cardinals’ coaching staff is expected to put Rosen’s draft thought process into prospective, but soon.
#5 San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto goes on the 10-day DL for an elbow injury as San Francisco’s injury list is swelling with Joe Panik out on the 10-day DL with a thumb injury, Madison Bumgarner has taken to the mound and is rehabbing, the Giants’ Mark Melancon out for the rest of the season and Jeff Samardjiza who came back from a pectoral injury is 1-1 with an ERA of 5.27.
The 2018 NFL Draft came to an end Saturday night at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The location of the 2019 NFL Draft has yet to be announced.
Here are the selections the 49ers made from Rounds 4 to 7 Saturday.
Round 4 The 49ers selected defensive end Kentavius Street with the 128th overall pick in the fourth round. The 6-foot-2, 280 lb DE posted 120 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and eight sacks during his four-year career at North Carolina State. He has experience in both defensive tackle and defensive end, but he tore his ACL at a private workout during the pre-draft process, so let’s hope that he’ll have a fast and speedy recovery.
Round 5 The 49ers were back on the clock and selected defensive back D.J. Reed with the 142nd overall pick in the fifth round. The 5-foot-9, 188 lb DB initially chose to play college football at nearby Fresno State, where he reshirted as a true freshman in 2014, and transferred to Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif., where he recorded 42 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions in 11 games played. He then transferred once again to Kansas State, where he played for two seasons and tallied 125 total tackles and seven interceptions. He led the Big 12 in 2016 with 19 passes defended and was subsequently named the conference’s newcomer of the year as a transfer. He was a First-Team All-Big-12 selection in 2017.
Round 6 The 49ers continued to build their defense when they selected safety Marcell Harris with the 184th overall pick in the sixth round. The 6-foot-1, 216 lb S spent three seasons at Florida, where he totaled a 102 tackles and two interceptions. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2017 season due to a torn Achilles tendon. That being said, it was pretty obvious that San Francisco targeted him for his size.
Round 7 The 49ers added another defensive piece to the puzzle as they selected defensive tackle Jullian Taylor with the 223rd overall pick in the seventh round . The 6-foot-5, 280 lb DT went to Temple, where he had just one season as a starter for the Owls. He put up 41 tackles with 11 tackles for loss in 2017. Moreover, he displayed an impressive 4.83 40-yard dash and 31 bench press reps at his Pro Day.
The 49ers capped off their draft selections by using their 240th overall pick in the seventh round on wide receiver Richie James. The 5-foot-10, 183 lb WR spent three seasons at Middle Tennessee State, where he redshirted as a true freshman in 2014. He played in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman in 2015 and caught 108 passes for 1,346 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed for 146 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts. He once again played in all 13 games in 2016, where he caught 105 passes for 1,625 yards, tallied 12 touchdowns and rushed for 339 yards and four touchdowns on 38 attempts. He was named to the 2016 C-USA All-Conference First Team. He became the school’s career leader in receiving yards (3,261) and receiving touchdowns (23) in 2017, despite his limited playing time of five games.
The final addition to the 2018 #49ersDraft class is WR Richie James.
Notes Trades
The 49ers acquired a 2018 third-round pick (95th overall) from the New England Patriots in exchange for tackle Trent Brown and a 2018 fifth-round pick (143rd overall).
The 49ers acquired a 2018 second-round pick (44th overall) and a 2018 fifth-round pick (142nd overall) in exchange for a 2018 second-round pick (59th overall) and a 2018 third-round pick (74th overall).
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