Nationwide Crime Rate Hits Close To Home – Wide Receiver Ricky Pearsall Shot In Attempted Robbery

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott (left), Mayor London Breed (center), and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins (right) address the news media regarding the shooting of San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick Ricky Pearsall at Union Square on Sat Aug 31, 2024 (San Francisco Chronicle photo)

By Barbara Mason

As all eyes are focused on the fast approaching 2024 NFL football season, and there are few of us who would have ever expected the tragedy that occurred today in downtown San Francisco. It all happened in Union Square and involved San Francisco 49er wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.

Pearsall had been sidelined for the entire pre-season with a shoulder injury as well as a hamstring issue. He had been out for the past 20 days with the injuries but had been able to at least practice.

He was looking forward to continued healing, getting back on the field and then today the unimaginable happened at 3:30 PM in the Union Square area. A 17-year-old male approached Pearsall and attempted to rob him.

Pearsall and the assailant got into an altercation and both men were shot with Pearsall sustaining an injury in the chest. Both men are being treated at San Francisco General.

The assailant observed Pearsall walking alone and saw opportunity. Ricky was reportedly shot on his way to an autograph signing in the Union Square neighborhood. It is not known what the suspect was attempting to steal from Pearsall.

Law enforcement has a good idea but at this time they are not ready to release that information. The 17-year-old from Tracy was arrested immediately by the police and charges are expected to be filed Tuesday or Wednesday in juvenile court.

This was a tragic event but thankfully Ricky Pearsall is going to be ok although he was listed in serious but stable condition after sustaining a bullet wound to the chest. We did hear from Deebo Samuel on X who stated that “He’s good, thank God.” 49ers GM John Lynch has been at San Francisco General visiting with Ricky.

While Major London Breed did address the public after the incident, she did cite that San Francisco has the lowest violent crime rate of major cities in the country. That is of course encouraging but it does nothing to downplay the severity of this terrible crime and the damage it has done to Ricky and how this will effect his life, his family, his team and his career.

Sportstalk podcast remote from Firefish Grill in Santa Cruz: 49ers, Warriors, Giants talk plus what’s on the menu

Sportstalk broadcast team at Firefish Grill in Santa Cruz: left bottom and up Firefish general manager Lance Haggard, Kelly Duca (SF Giants), Daisy Amaya (advertising), Lee Leonard (producer), right top and down, Tony the Tiger Hayes (He was a Giant feature writer), Michael Duca (mlb.com and host), Morris Phillips (Cal Bears beat writer) and Marko Ukalovic (San Jose Earthquakes beat writer) (photo by Firefish Grill)

Sportstalk podcast remote from Firefish Grill in Santa Cruz with Michael Duca (host), Marko Ukalovic (San Jose Earthquakes beat writer), Morris Phillips (Cal Bears beat writer) and Tony the Tiger Hayes (Is He A Giant? feature writer)

Our thanks to our hosts at Firefish Grill Owner and chef Mark Gilbert and general manager Lance Haggard. Firefish Grill with Fresh Seafood, Full Bar, and Exceptional Views located at 25 Municipal Pier at the Santa Cruz Wharf near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Call 831-423-5200 or visit http://www.firefishgrill.net

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders prepare for opener against Chargers on Sun Sep 8th

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (10) on a give to running back Daniel Laube (23) against the San Francisco 49ers in first half action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony when you take a look at the Raiders-49ers contest last Friday which resulted in a 24-24 tie what were some of the take aways for you in that last pre season game?

#2 Talk about wide receiver Tyriek McAllister’s 81 yard return in the second quarter. It’s been speculated that prior to the return McAllister may not have even been on head coach Antonio Pierce’s radar after a return like that no doubt Pierce has to sit up and take notice?

#3 Coach Pierce did say he did notice some flashes from McAllister in practice but in a game situation Pierce said McAllister moved the needles.

#4 Game’s tied with 16 seconds left in the game and the 49ers held a 24-21 lead and Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson boots a 43 yarder to tie it up for a 24-24 final score. Talk about how important Carlson will be going into the 2024 season?

#5 How surprised were you that coach Pierce chose to start Nathan Pederman over Carter Bradley?

#6 Pederman in the first half threw 12-19 for 108 yards and one touchdown. In the second half it was Bradley who led the Raiders for that final drive to get Carlson in field goal range. Bradley threw 9-21 for 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

#7 Raiders open up the 2024 season this Sunday Sep 8th at So Fi Stadium in the Southland against the Los Angeles Chargers with a 1:05pm PT kick off. It’s the opener and Gardner Minshew is the starter at quarterback. The Chargers are trying to get out of the gate with a good start how do you see this match up ?

Tony Renteria does the Raiders podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers game wrap: San Francisco Ties Raiders In Wild Finish 24-24

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) rolls out to make a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco 49ers played their final pre-season game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Friday night. San Francisco led for most of the game with the Raiders leading only once in this contest.

The Raiders had a great opportunity in the third quarter having a first and goal on the four yard line but failed to score. With under two minutes left in the game, the Raiders again had a great opportunity and drove downfield kicking the tying field goal by kicker Daniel Carlson with 16 ticks left on the clock. The game ended in a 24-24 tie.

Friday night’s game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders may only be a pre-season game but it does have huge implications for many of the players on the field Friday night.

Both of these teams will have to cut their roster to 53 by the end of next week and so it is imperative that every one of these players put forth their best efforts if they are to realize their dream of an NFL career.

For many of these players this is their super bowl. Front offices across the nation will be watching looking to bolster their final rosters with additional talent. This could be the last chance for many of these players to show-case their talent and just maybe earn a spot on an NFL team.

The 49ers will get to see starters in this game although a handful did not play tonight. Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel all took the field in this game. This will be the first time the 49ers have been back to Allegiant Stadium since the (SBB) Super Bowl Bummer earlier this year.

Last season, the San Francisco 49ers were dominant and they look to be even stronger this coming season. Last season they had two MVP frontrunners while most other teams barely had a single hopeful that’s just how good this team is.

The opening quarter was successful for San Francisco taking a 10-0 lead over the Raiders. Brock Purdy played some snaps in the first quarter and finished 9 of 12 for 96 yards and one interception.

Jake Moody had spear-headed the San Francisco scoring in the opening quarter with a 49 yard field goal at 12:59 giving San Francisco the early 3-0 lead. The Niners would extend their lead when Jordan Mason rushed for four yards with 3:33 left in the quarter giving the 49ers a 10-0 lead.

Las Vegas wide receiver Tyriek McAllister answered in the second quarter with a 81 yard punt return for the touchdown. The extra kick by Carlson was good and Las Vegas was back in this game trailing 10-7.

Less than a minute later, San Francisco scored their second touchdown of the game. Patrick Taylor Jr. rushed for three yards, the extra point was good and the 49ers had taken a 17-7 lead. With 13 ticks left on the clock until the half, the Raiders Kristian Wilkerson caught a three yard pass from quarterback Nathan Peterman and the score was 17-14 in favor of the 49ers at the half.

The third quarter was a wild affair with the two teams trading leads. The Raiders took the lead at 11:30 when quarterback Carter Bradley found McAllister for 35 yards giving Las Vegas their first lead of the game 21-17.

The Raider defense kept San Francisco out of the end zone for the next ten minutes of the quarter hanging onto the lead. With 1:55 left in the third quarter, the 49ers offense wore down the Las Vegas defense scoring a passing touchdown. Joshua Dobbs found Jacob Cowing for 10 yards and the touchdown. San Francisco had taken back the lead 24-21 going into the fourth quarter.

When it looked as if San Francisco would win this game, the Raiders got their hands on the ball with under two minutes left in the game and drove downfield to within Daniel Carlson’s range. Carlson tied up the game with a successful 43 Yd Field Goal and this game would end in a tie 24-24 in one crazy game. What a way to end a pre-season game for both teams.

The season will get underway for the 49ers on Monday Night Football September 9th when San Francisco will open at Levi’s Stadium taking on the New York Jets. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 5:20 PM and will air on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders McAllister scores big return; Carlson boots field goal for 24-24 draw with 49ers

The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyriek McAllister (32) returns a 81 yard punt in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Last week when the Raiders took a 27-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys their quarterbacking was suspect. Friday night against the San Francisco 49ers a closer game with Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley under center was this the best game you have seen for a Raider quarterback this pre season?

#2 Bradley was 9-21, 169 yards and threw for a touchdown and kept the Raiders in the game pretty much most of the way.

#3 Rich talk about some of the scoring in this game from the Raiders starting with the Raiders Tyreik McAllister returning a 81 yard punt in the second quarter that was a return that inspired this team tonight.

#4 Going into the fourth quarter the 49ers looked like they were going to finish this game a winner leading 24-21 but with 16 seconds left the Raiders kick Daniel Carlson booted a 43 yard field goal to tie it up 24-24 for the final score.

#5 The Raiders now open the season at So Fi Stadium Sun Sep 8th in the Southland. The Raiders taking on rival the Los Angeles Chargers. How important how big is this one for the Raiders to get the opener in the win column under their belts?

Rich Perez does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts after each home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers getting closer to a deal with Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers Brandon Aiyuck and the 49ers are reportedly getting closer to settling a deal on a contract extension (AP file photo)

SF 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, no doubt the 49ers want to get this deal done with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and from the sound of things on Tuesday the two sides might be closer to a deal. They put off the Pittsburgh Steelers trade that was on the table. The Niners and Aiyuk are trying to work the numbers but their getting closer.

#2 There is no doubt that the 49ers want to get this deal done and not let Aiyuk get away. The 49ers know that he’s had a great run with the team. The 49ers have made multiple offers to try to get him signed and he could have easily have taken other offers but it sound like he want to stay on a team that was in the Super Bowl last season.

#3 Dave, 49ers and Raiders match up for the last pre season game on Fri Sep 23 a 7:00pm kick off. 49ers at quarterback used Joshua Dobbs in their last game against the New Orleans Saints. Dobbs has started in the 49ers last two 49ers exhibition games and it’s most likely he’ll get the call on Friday night.

San Francisco 49ers podcasts with David Zizmor are heard weekly on Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Evaluating Pierce’s decision to go with Minshew as starter

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) was tabbed starting quarterback by head coach Antonio Pierce for the 2024 season. Minshew is seen here throwing against the Dallas Cowboys last Sat Aug 17, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce announced after last Saturday’s game that quarterback Gardner Minshew would be the starting quarterback for the Raiders. The competition was stiff between Minshew and Aidan O’Connell but Minshew won it out.

#2 Pierce said that some of what Minshew showed in pre season games showed in practices which counted towards the decision.

#3 Pierce said says while the quarterback situation is not a finished product and based off what Pierce has seen he feels Minshew gives the Raiders the best chance.

#4 Minshew is in his sixth year in the NFL and started last season with the Indianapolis Colts and led them to the post season. Minshew does come in with experience and credentials that could help the Raiders.

#5 The Raiders conclude the pre season with the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Fri Aug 23rd in Las Vegas. Since announcing Minshew as the starter do you see him sitting out that last pre season game and O’Connell taking most of the game’s snaps?

Join Tony Renteria for the Raiders podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

49ers Handle New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Second Pre-Season Game

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) is under pressure from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (middle) and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott in first half action at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Aug 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco 49ers (1-1) beat the New Orleans Saints (1-1) in their second pre-season game 16-10. Brock Purdy played three series but a larger number of starters did not take the field which included Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Nick Bosa. It is not known if they will be available to play in the final pre-season game due to numerous injuries that persist right now.

The new kickoff rule that has been put in place could have played a role but with all the injuries it is something that every team is dealing with so they had better get it straight.

New Orleans played their starters with Derek Carr at the helm and the 49ers dealt with a pretty good defense led by Cameron Jordan and Anfernee Orji. Wide receiver Chris Olave no doubt gave San Francisco a run for their money.

Game recap: There was no score at the end of the first quarter but the Saints had put together an impressive drive going into the second quarter. Carr and company had driven down inside the ten yard line for a first and goal.

Carr had completed seven of nine passes for 47 yards. New Orleans went for it on fourth down on the 1/2 yard line and scored the touchdown. Taysom Hill the Saints “swiss army” scored. The Saints can depend on this guy who can play any offensive position and he is a good one. They had finished off an extended drive that had started on their own five yard line for the early 7-0 lead.

San Francisco drove downfield in the second quarter coming up short and was forced to kick the field goal. Jake Moody took the field kicking a 47 Yd Field Goal giving the 49ers their first points of the day. San Francisco quarterback Joshua Dobbs was perfect going six of six for 48 yards putting San Francisco in field goal range. It was a nice drive for the 49ers.

Saints young quarterback Spencer Rattler got his chance under center coughing up the ball on the fourth snap and San Francisco gobbled it up taking possession. Rattler got sacked and couldn’t hang onto the ball and the 49ers were in business.

49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs drove inside the ten yard line for a San Francisco first and goal and a chance to take the lead in this game. A couple of penalties later, the Niners were looking at a third and goal and were eventually forced to kick another field goal. Jake Moody kicked his second field goal of the game for 24 yards.

The Saints were unable to make much of an impact on their next possession. San Francisco took over on downs and had a near perfect two minute drive to end the half. Dobbs drove the team inside the ten yard line for a first and goal. On fourth and goal, Dobbs took the ball into the end zone himself giving San Francisco a 13-7 lead at the half.

Despite four incomplete passes from the Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler in the third quarter the Saints were able to get within field goal range. Kicker Blake Grupe made a 52 yard field goal and the Saints were within three points of San Francisco trailing 13-10.

The score remained 13-10 going into the fourth quarter. San Francisco held the Saints throughout the final quarter and tacked on their third field goal for the final score of 16-10. Jake Moody kicked a 36 yard field goal mid-way through the quarter. Moody had been perfect the entire game.

Game notes: Sunday evening the 49ers hosted the Saints at Levi Stadium. This was the 49ers second pre-season game after dropping their first to the Titans last Saturday 17-13. There had been some practices scheduled this week but they were unfortunately called off due to injuries.

Fans will be able to see a few Brock Purdy series and Fred Warner and the defensive starters who remain healthy may also be seen since they were warming up pre-game but there are a slew of starters that are banged up and did not play. As it turned out Fred Warner would not play along with Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Nick Bosa to name a few. In all there were a dozen players who did not take the field.

The 49ers will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in their final pre-season game which will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas next Friday night with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Minshew and O’Connell just couldn’t convert as Cowboys defeat Raiders 27-12 at Allegiant

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell warms up on the sidelines before the game against the Dallas Cowboys in week 2 of the pre season at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 17, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 Rich, defense was the name of the game for the Dallas Cowboys holding the Las Vegas Raiders to just four field goals for the entire game in a 27-12 loss at Allegiant Stadium.

#2 Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell was 14-20 and could only execute 96 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He did struggle as the Cowboys defense were blitzing and forcing O’Connell to run with the ball most of the evening.

#3 The Raiders really needed some offense from their running backs and Zamir White also ran into roadblocks set up by the Cowboys defense. White ran for only 23 yards on four carries something that Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce will need to address in practice this week.

#4 The Raiders defense couldn’t stop Cowboys starter Trey Lance who helped the Cowboys to score ten points in the second quarter and another 14 in the fourth quarter. For Lance he threw 15-23, for 151 yards and one touchdown.

#5 The Raiders now 0-2 in pre season action take on the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant on Fri Aug 23 at 7:00pm PT for the third and final pre season game.

#6 The regular season starts on Sun Sep 8th when the Raiders open up the season in Los Angeles against the Rams and Rich you’ll be on hand for the opener in the Southland.

Rich Perez covers the Las Vegas Raiders and podcasts after every home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

49ers Drop Pre-Season Opener to Tennessee 17-13

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) is airborne taking a dive into the end zone leaping over the Tennessee Titans Eric Garror (25) and linebacker Chance Campbell (45) to score a touchdown in Tennessee. In pre season action on Sat Aug 10, 2024. (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The 49ers final drive of the game was a good one but the team just ran out of clock. They drove into Titan territory but with so little time left in the game were forced to take deep shots into the end zone one of which was intercepted by Tennessee as the clock expired. They came just short losing the first game of the pre-season 17-13.

As summer begins to wind down, there is that magic in the air, the approach of yet another NFL season. Saturday, games across the league got underway in a pre-season that now consists of three games with one game in particular that carried special interest for fans in Northern California. All eyes were no doubt focused on the San Francisco 49ers versus the Tennessee Titans and a look at the players who are hoping to make the final roster for the upcoming 2024 season. The players who make that final roster are the future of this franchise and this is an exciting opportunity for all of these athletes. The unfortunate side of it all is always the disappointment for those players who end up being cut when the final roster is finally determined.

Quarterback Brock Purdy despite only going into his third year is now considered a veteran which is really crazy to entertain. The future this guy has is insane and he will only continue to grow and become an even better player and leader. Fans are eager to see him out on the field but none of the starters were taking the field in this game.

San Francisco quarterback Brandon Allen got this game underway finishing the quarter going 7 of 13 connecting for 98 yard with an average 7.5 yards per play. Jordan Mason scored the first touchdown of the game for San Francisco, a rush up the middle for 4 yards giving the 49ers a 7-0 lead. The Jake Moody extra point attempt was good. The Titans tied up this game at 6:05 in the opening quarter when Will Levis scampered for one yard up the middle for the touchdown. The Nick Folk extra point attempt was good.

San Francisco would take the tie into the second quarter but it was the Titans who would take the lead to start the second quarter. At 14:56 Tennessee took a 14-7 lead when Tyjae Spears rushed for four yards into the end zone and Nick Folk kicked his second extra point of the game. Tennessee would take the 14-7 lead into the locker room at the half.

The 49ers continued to trail going into the late third quarter and the game score remained 14-7 as the game entered the fourth quarter. Tennessee would extend their lead to 17-7 at 12:09 in the final quarter when Braydon Narveson kicked a 34 yard field goal.

The Titans had outplayed San Francisco offensively so far in this game. The 49ers put together a solid drive culminating in a Josua Dobbs touchdown. The quarterback rushed for 6 yards at 8:26 with the 49ers continuing to trail 17-13. San Francisco went for the two-point conversion which failed.

With 1:56 left in the game, the 49ers had a nice drive going that went sideways when the Titans defense made a huge play. Tennessee came with a heavy blitz that resulted in a huge loss on fourth down and Tennessee took over on downs at midfield.

San Francisco got their hands back on the ball with 1:32 left in the game but no time outs. The 49ers drove down to the Titan 40 yard line with 36 ticks left on the clock. With one second on the clock, San Fracciso went for the Hail Mary which was intercepted by Tennessee. The final was 17-13.

The Titans outplayed the 49ers at every turn in this game. Time of possession for the Titans was 35:19 to San Francisco’s 24:41. The 49ers had a lot more penalties then the Titans with 8 for 48 yards while Tennessee only had 3 for 15 yards. Total yards were a bit closer. Tennessee had 336 yards and San Francisco had 286 yards.

Tennessee’s 3rd down efficiency was twice as good as the 49ers. All in all San Francisco did play a pretty good game in this first pre-season contest. They came up just short running out of clock.

Next up for the 49ers will be the New Orleans Saints at Levi Stadium on Sunday August 18th. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Rudolp came in to start the second quarter.