New Jersey Devils Luke Glendening (left) and the San Jose Sharks Alexander Wennberg (right) battle for the puck in the first period at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ on Fri Oct 24, 2025 (AP News photo)
By Jessica Kwong
NEWARK, NJ. — Coming off their first victory of the season at Madison Square Garden, the San Jose Sharks were unable to get a winning streak going and fell 3-1 to the New Jersey Devils (7-1-0) at Prudential Center on Friday night.
The Sharks had two penalties in the first period and three penalties in the second period.
“Too many penalties, is the name of the game,” said Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky.
Sharks left wing Jeff Skinner, who had a penalty 7:21 into the second period for hooking Devils right wing Dawson Mercer, said “we just didn’t gain the momentum back”.
San Jose scored the first goal of the game, as they did in their last couple of matches against New York-area teams. Left wing William Eklund made a power play goal assisted by Macklin Celebrini at 2:25 into the first period.
New Jersey attacked in the second period, with defenseman Fougie Hamilton making a power play goal assisted by Mercer and center Nico Hischier 40 seconds in to tie the game. Then Hamilton made a power play goal of his own assisted by defenseman Luke Hughes and Hischier at 9:08 to put the Devils up 2-1.
The Sharks held without a shot in the second but were down only 2-1 thanks to goalie Yaroslav Askarov.
In the third period, right wing Connor Brown made an empty-net goal assisted by Hamilton at 19:13 to beat the Sharks 3-1.
Eklund echoed the remarks of Warsofsky and Skinner on what went wrong in the game.
“That’s what happens in PK you know, they get more chances than we had in the power play and we fell out of the momentum a little bit,” said Eklund.
Askarov said: “A tough second, but overall it was a good game for us.”
The Sharks (1-5-2) are 1-3 in their road trip so far, taking a 4-3 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday and earning a 6-5 overtime win against the New York Rangers on Thursday.
They continue their road trip on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild (3-4-1) at Xcel Energy Center. The puck drops at 3 p.m. PT.
New Jersey Devils Jack Hughes (86) and the San Jose Sharks Collin Graf (51) battle for the puck in the second period at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ on Fri Oct 24, 2025 (AP News photo)
San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:
#1 The New Jersey Devils Dougie Hamilton got two goals against the San Jose Sharks and they were key goals enough to get by the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Friday night at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
#2 New Jersey came in hot with the win they pick up their seventh win in a row going into this one the Sharks knew they would have their hands full against the Devils?
#3 New Jersey’s Connor Brown added a goal and Nico Hischier picked up two assists and the Devils have not lost a game since opening night when the bowed to the Carolina Hurricanes.
#4 Tough luck for San Jose who have now lost their seventh game out of their last eight dropping their record to 1-5-2.
#5 The Sharks conclude this five game road trip against the Minnesota Wild Sun Oct 26th. The Wild have been struggling losing four of their last five games. The Wild lost their last game to New Jersey 4-1 last Wed Oct 22nd at the Prudential Center.
This combo of images shows charged NBA personnel, from left, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers’ Damon Jones. (AP Photo/File)
NBA Gambling Scandal, Operation Royal Flush and Greed
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi Gonzalez
Prosecutors say the suspects in Thursday’s NBA-Mafia-linked gambling bust used a wide range of sophisticated technology to cheat victims out of millions of dollars. At Thursday’s news conference, it was revealed that Operation Royal Flush began as early as 2019, with rigged games played in major markets like New York City.
In essence, this FBI investigation has been ongoing for five years. But now, everything is starting to come to the surface, with every day that goes by, more and more information is disclosed. This drip-drip story creates a nightmare scenario for a very lucrative sports league with a worldwide audience.
The NBA is both extremely popular and lucrative in China, where it is the country’s most popular sport with an estimated half a billion fans and a business value of around $5 billion. This story has worldwide repercussions.
Federal indictments filed in October 2025 allege that at least two NBA players faked injuries as part of an illegal gambling and game-manipulation scheme, and there is more. Some made bets based on information about a certain player who would not be available, thus encouraging someone “on the outside ” to bet against a particular team without their star player.
It is ugly, folks. From X-ray tables to hidden cameras and even per-marketed cards, prosecutors say the suspects in this NBA-Mafia-linked gambling bust used a wide range of very sophisticated technology in order to cheat victims out of millions of dollars.
At Thursday’s news conference, officials said the poker scheme, dubbed ‘Operation Royal Flush, started with an ” Expect domino effect ” after gambling allegations involving NBA” Said famous attorney Mark Geragos.
US Congress sent a letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver requesting a briefing and expressing concern over “allegations of illegal gambling and sports rigging”. Looks like this NBA Gambling scandal has opened a can of worms.
The NCAA said Thursday it is investigating 13 Division I men’s basketball players at six schools — including Temple and Arizona State — for alleged violations of gambling rules and failing to cooperate with investigators.
The NBA has the highest average player earnings per year. In the 2024-25 season, the average NBA player salary was about $11.91 million, surpassing other major leagues like the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball Politicians talk all the time about the “privilege class” in the United States, usually they do not go into sports, it becomes a talking point among political people, but the fact remains that professional sports in the United States is a very lucrative business for all involved, including players.
While the average salary of an American is around $63.000 per year, the average salary of an NBA player is around $11 million per year. $11 million per year would be more than enough for you and me and the majority of people, but there is one word that plays a big role here that nobody has mentioned.
Greed, one of the seven deadly sins, is a desire for more and more and more, like wealth, power, or possessions. We cannot forget that Greed is also part of this, even among those who are already millionaires.
Notes: Numerous regulated sports gambling websites are available in the U.S., but they are only accessible in states where sports betting is legal . Draft Kings and Fan Duel lead the market, with Bet MGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, and bet365 also being popular choices.
Quote: “Eat your betting money but don’t bet your eating money.”—Horse Racing Proverb.
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
Sacramento Kings guard Zach Lavine (8) throws one down against the Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (left) in the first half at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Fri Oct 24, 2025 (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:
#1 What was the largest lead the Kings held during the first half of the game, and how did the Suns respond in the second half?
#2 Which Kings player led the team in points, and what was his shooting performance?
#3 How many points did veteran guard Russell Westbrook score for the Kings in his debut with the team in this game?
#4 Which key Kings starters were unavailable for this game due to injury, and how might their absence how was their absence impacted this game.
#5 Kings host the Utah Jazz talk about how you see this match at Golden One Center tonight
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.
Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups was one of 32 arrested on Illegal gambling charges in Portland on Wed Oct 23, 2025 (AP News photo)
That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Illegal gambling bust rocks NBA World
Illegal Gambling Bust Rocks NBA World
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
An FBI probe into mafia-linked gambling and sports rigging schemes led to the arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, as well as former NBA player Damon Jones.
According to the NBA, the current players have been placed on leave. An arrest and investigation like this takes months to put together; stuff like this doesn’t happen and come out in a few days.
It would be interesting to see what further revelations from all parties, including players, attorneys, and NBA representatives, emerge in the near future.
Among the many sources reporting early on this story, originally reported by the FBI, which is conducting the investigation, is NBC Sports, which reported that the betting scandal could involve NBA megastar LeBron James. The FBI secured more than 30 indictments tied to alleged illegal gambling scandals, including three former and current prominent NBA figures.
This is not good for the NBA, which just began its 2025-26 season on October 21, as NBC and Peacock televised a doubleheader broadcast featuring the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma Thunder, followed by the Golden State Warriors at the Los Angeles Lakers.
More news on this should be coming soon.
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
The New York Rangers Will Cullye (left) and the San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini (right) jockey for position in first period action at Madison Square Garden in New York on Thu Oct 23, 2025 (AP News photo)
By Jessica Kwong
NEW YORK, NY. — The San Jose Sharks (1-4-2) captured their first victory of the season, 6-5 in overtime, against the New York Rangers (3-4-2) on a thrilling Thursday night at “The World’s Most Famous Arena”.
It was an especially special night at Madison Square Garden for Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, who got a hat trick.
“MSG, it’s a pretty cool rink, we only get to come here once a year and it was great to get the first one,” he said.
The Sharks entered the famed arena with great expectations and pressure to earn their first win, and it was a relief for the team to get the job done.
“Obviously it’s nice to get the result and that’s the biggest thing,” said Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky.
“Again we’re playing some pretty good hockey, you know, we were going toe-to-toe with one of the better teams in the league and cred to the group. You know, we just kept playing an d even the last week here with the losses, the guys show up with great attitudes, they’re coachable, they’re working hard to get better individually and collectively.”
Sharks right wing Adam Gaudette made a snap shot assisted by right wing Collin Graf and center Michael Misa at 1:58 into the first period, putting San Jose up 1-0. Then Celebrini made a power play goal at 6:17 assisted by left wing William Eklund and defenseman Dmitry Orlov to boost the lead to 2-0.
The Rangers fought back and right wing Taylor Raddysh made a wrist shot at 14:19 assisted by right wing Sam Carrick and defenseman Carson Soucy to cut the Sharks’ lead to 2-1.
But Celebrini struck again with nine seconds left in the period, making a wrist shot assisted by center Will Smith and Eklund to expand San Jose’s lead to 3-1.
In the second period, center Mika Zibanejad made a power play goal assisted by left wing Alexis Lafrenière and center J.T. Miller at 4:04 to put the Rangers within one. Center Juuso Parssinen made a wrist shot assisted by left wing Conor Sheary at 6:47 to tie the game at 3-3. Then Raddysh made an unassisted shorthanded goal at 12:10 to give the Rangers their first lead of the game.
The Sharks avoided a scoreless period as Celebrini made a wrist shot assisted by Smith and Orlov with six seconds left to tie it at 4-4, and earned his third goal of the game.
Celebrini said of the pass from Smith: “I mean, I think that’s what he does best, he’s a pretty special player and I think you’ve seen him before the kind of plays he’s able to make. I was just on the receiving end on a couple of those.”
In the third period, Smith made a wrist shot assisted by Eklund and Celebrini at 6:31 to allow the Sharks to retake a 5-4 lead.
Raddysh answered back with a slap shot assisted by Miller and defenseman Adam Fox at 11:50 to tie it at 5-5.
The game went into overtime – and crunch time for the Sharks. Smith made a slap shot assisted by Celebrini and goalie Alex Nedeljkovic at 1:38 to lead San Jose to their much-needed first win.
Smith said of the goal: “Yeah it was all back I think, made a great play there around the corner and stripped again and found the slot.”
He added that it “feels good”.
“It has been a tough six games where we could have had a couple of W’s,” he said, “But everything happens for a reason.”
The Sharks (1-4-2) continue their road trip against the New Jersey Devils who are on a six-game winning streak (6-1-0) at Prudential Center on Friday. The puck drops at 4 p.m. PT.
Cal Bears running back Kendrick Raphael takes the ball over the goal line for a touchdown against the UNC Tar Heels on Fri Oct 17, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley (East Bay Times photo)
Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:
#1 How will Cal’s (5-2) offense — led by Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele — fare against Virginia Tech’s (2-6) defense, especially given his freshman status and the expectation on him?
#2 Will Kendrick Raphael’s rushing attack be able to make a difference and relieve pressure from the passing game?
#3 How significant will the role of Jacob De Jesus, Mason Mini and Trond Grizzell be in Cal’s passing/receiving game plan?
#4 Can Cal’s defense hold up against Virginia Tech’s offense — especially in key situations like third downs or the red zone?
#5 What impact might turnovers or special teams play have on the outcome of the game (for example, Cal’s return game via De Jesus, or Cal’s ability to force/exploit turnovers)?
Stanford Cardinal safety Scotty Edwards (21) shares congratulations with teammate inside linebacker Jahsiah Galvan (0) against Florida State at Stanford Stadium on Sat Oct 18, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)
Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:
#1 How will Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson and wide receivers CJ Williams and Bryce Farrell try to breakthrough Miami’s tough defense that’s one of the FBS’ best?
#2 Stanford running back Micah Ford is their best running back this season will Ford’s ability and the Cardinal ground will be able to keep up with Miami’s high-powered defense?
#3 Miami’s defense is holding their opponents to 15.3 points per game and has been able to defend the run—Can Stanford counter the Miami defense and find any weaknesses against them?
#4 Offensively the Cardinal are averaging 326.3 yards per game 115 in the FBS. The Hurricanes defense had given up an average of 291.5 yards per game 15th in the FBS. Can you see any changes that Stanford needs to make to stay competitive.
#5 The Cardinal have had troubles trying to convert third downs to first downs with a low 33.7% and Miami has been able to get red zone and third down defensive success will head coach Frank Reich be able to counter that?
Phoenix Suns Devin Booker was hit in the face but scored 31 points to help lead the Suns to a opening night win over the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Wed Oct 22, 2025 (AP News photo)
By Barbara Mason
After an amazing first half for the Sacramento Kings in their first game of the season, they just could not sustain that effort falling apart in the second half losing to the Phoenix Suns 120-116. Despite the loss the Kings showed a mountain of promise in this game.
Zach LaVine had the high for the Kings with 30 points. DeMar DeRozan was right behind him with 29 points. Malik Monk had 19 off the bench. Shooting 57% from the line was the difference in this game.
The 2025-26 NBA season got underway for the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night. They traveled to Phoenix for a date with the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. The Kings will get a look at their newest acquisition Russell Westbrook and his amazing quickness and speed which defies his age and welcome Monk and DeRozan back on the court. Domantas Sabonis is projected to return to play on October 26th.
The strong start in this game that the Kings were looking for came to be when the Kings came from behind in the first quarter going on a 7-0 run to take a 25-18 lead with 1:20 left in the opening quarter.
The quarter came to an end with the Kings leading 29-19 and Sacramento had some great momentum on their side.DeRozan and Zach LaVine were doing much of the heaving lifting in the opening quarter and Monk already had seven points off the bench.
The Kings took the energy they had in the first quarter into the second quarter with shots from DeRozan and a three from Keon Ellis pushing the Kings lead to 37-21 a couple of minutes into the quarter.
The perfect start was amazing but there was still a lot of game still left in this season opener. So far in the game the Kings were shooting at over 58% to the Suns 32%. The Suns were 0 for 9 so far in the game from beyond the arc.
Sacramento already had seven turnovers in the game one of the areas they continue to struggle in. As the quarter wore on the Suns threatened, erasing the Kings 18 point lead pulling to within eleven points 51-40.
The Kings refused to cave pushing their lead back out to 59-40. As the first half came to an end, the Kings had a 71-54 lead outscoring the Sun 42-35 in the second quarter.
Sacramento’s Zach LaVine was on fire in the first half finishing with 22 points in an explosive display. DeRozan had 14 points and Monk had 13 off the bench. The Sun’s Devin Booker had 14 points and Dillon Brooks with 11 points.
Sacramento had to keep the pressure on in the second half knowing that the Sun’s would come out in the second half with a new purpose. Phoenix would be looking to turn their long game on only hitting three in the first half, and not a single three in the first quarter.
The Sun’s made a move in the third quarter cutting the Kings lead to 12 points 82-70 with 6:51 left in the quarter. The Kings could not afford to take their foot off the gas and let the Sun into this game. With five minutes left on the clock in the quarter, the Suns had pulled to within seven points 84-77 prompting a Sacramento time-out.
With the Suns coming back, the crowd got crazy loud and the Kings were finding themselves in some real trouble. The Suns were taking this game to the next level making some adjustments over their first half play.
Phoenix was outplaying the Kings in the quarter crushing them 36-21. The 20 point lead that the Kings had taken had dwindled to two points 92-90 going into the fourth quarter. It was a new ball game and it was the Phoenix Suns with all the momentum.
At 10:27 in the fourth quarter the Suns took the lead 96-94 and they never looked back. The Kings offense was coming apart at the seams as the Suns continued to push their lead 101-94. Phoenix was ice cold in the first half but they turned it completely around in the second.
The Kings were struggling to make baskets in the second half in a total collapse. With three minutes left in this game it was a one possession game with the Sun leading 108-106. WIth 1:03 left on the clock this game was tied at 110. The final was 120-116.
The promising start in this game for the Kings ended in a brutal loss due to a real let-down in the second half. They let the Suns back in the game and along with it the fans who had Footprint Center rocking.
The Kings had proven their capability in this game but they needed consistency to go along with it. It was a disappointing loss but at the same time the Kings showed a lot of promise and with the return of Sabonis on the horizon this team will be ok going forward.
The Kings only shot 57 % from the line and that was the difference in this game along with the rebounding. This was a huge disappointment for Sacramento unable to sustain their first half effort.
Friday night the Kings will take on the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
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.
Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani hits one of his three home runs in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game 4 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Fri Oct 17, 2025 (AP News photo)
2025 World Series podcast Jessica Kwong:
#1 In the post season pitcher Shohei Ohtani showed why he’s a repeat MVP in the game. In game five of the NLCS with Ohtani’s Dodgers leading in the series 3-0 against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four Ohtani was a one man wrecking crew with three home runs and striking out ten batters catapulting the Dodgers into the 2025 World Series.
#2 The last time the Toronto Blue Jays were in the World Series was going back to 1993 and they won that one when Joe Carter hit a walk off home run in the game 7 of the series against the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mitch Williams. This time it’s another big one for the Jays and Canada as they hope to upset the Dodgers for all the marbles.
#3 The Dodgers have a shot at winning back to back World Series having done it last season. Talk about the pressures of trying to repeat as defending MLB champions?
#4 How balanced to do you see this series with the Jays having home field advantage in games one and two and if necessary games six and seven despite the Dodgers being heavy favorites?
#5 It’s been decades since the Jays have been in the World Series and the Dodgers have been in recent years. Does being in the World Series recently outweigh the Jays not being there in decades or the Jays having home field throughout the series give them an upperhand?
Sports Radio Service 