Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 146

April 28, 2025

Warriors win Game 4 over Rockets as Butler comes up big late in return

HOUSTON – Through the fouls and scraps between bitter basketball enemies, the Warriors had an opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets in a contentious opening-round Western Conference playoff series on Monday night at Chase Center.

The Warriors did just that.

And even nursing a sore lower back, Jimmy Butler came up clutch when it counted in Golden State’s 109-106 victory. He made a number of big shots, and even grabbed a huge rebound over Steven Adams with under 10 seconds left.

“I thought it was winning time,” Butler said. “Doing certain things that the team needed me to do to go out there and help win finally. I started moving a little bit better.”

The Warriors can close out the series in Game 5 in Houston on Wednesday (4:30 p.m., TNT).

Butler scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter after missing Game 3 with a pelvic contusion. The Warriors needed every point they could get in an incredibly physical matchup that saw Draymond Green pick up his fifth foul early in the third quarter but avoid fouling out of the game.

Brandin Podziemski scored 26 points and Curry had 17. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 31.

“There’s no pressure,” Podziemski said. “Everything I do, I’m never going to have a regretful decision. I’m just going to go out there and know and tell myself I belong, because I do.”

Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski (2) hugs Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield (7) after their 109-106 win over the Houston Rockets for Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Buddy Hield gave the Warriors a 102-101 lead on a sidestep 3-pointer with 3:18 left in the fourth quarter, the hosts’ first lead in six minutes. Butler pushed it to a three-point advantage with a tough layup over two defenders a minute later.

Fred VanVleet tied it 30 seconds after with a long 3-pointer, one of eight he hit on Monday en route to a 25-point night.

But once again, Butler came through late by drawing a shooting foul on a 3-point attempt, holding his injured back after the shot went up. Butler made all three foul shots to give the Warriors a 107-104 lead with 58 seconds remaining, but Sengun answered with a layup.

Curry and Butler missed tough shots inside 40 seconds to give the Rockets possession with 13 seconds on the clock. With the game on the line, Green came up with the stop on Sengun, and Butler grabbed the biggest rebound of the night over Adams.

“I think my favorite play was the last rebound,” Draymond Green said. “I looked up, I thought it was Kuminga out there flying. It was Jimmy.”

Butler knocked down the two free throws, and VanVleet missed the desperation three as time expired.

In a series that had been chippy from the start, tempers flared with seven minutes in the second quarter.

Green set a hard screen on Amen Thompson, throwing an elbow. Curry, the ballhandler, was then knocked to the floor by Dillon Brooks, and Brooks proceeded to try to grab the ball from Curry as Green tried to help his teammate up.

A scrum ensued and Curry was deemed to have taunted Brooks. Curry, Green and Brooks were assessed technical fouls for their part.

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) and Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks (9) scuffle in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

That was just the start.

With 2:44 left in the second quarter and the Rockets leading 47-46, Draymond Green fell on Tari Eason, putting his legs on Eason’s upper back.

Eason took offense, standing over Green after getting up. The Warriors forward then grabbed Eason as he tried to get up. Another scrum followed, which earned Green a flagrant — not an ejection — and Eason a technical foul with the Rockets leading 47-46.

That frantic series of events appeared to throw the Warriors off. After not having a turnover in the first 14 minutes, Golden State had four giveaways in its final five possessions of the half to help the Rockets take a 57-50 lead into halftime.

In between the stoppages, fouls and near-fights, the teams also played a basketball game.

“They were trying to muddy the game up. But it’s fine. We kept it pushing,” Draymond Green said.

Houston took a 57-50 lead into halftime, but the Warriors stormed back and took a 10-point lead in five minutes with a vintage 18-1 run that featured nine points by Hield.

The Rockets responded with a 7-0 run, capped by a VanVleet pull-up 3-pointer after no defender picked him up in transition.

It was a game from there, with the Rockets eventually tying the game at 74 apiece before Podziemski answered with a wide-open 3-pointer.

Neither side could create separation until Butler took over to rip the game away from Houston and set up an elimination game in Texas.

“We know they’re going to come out and try to punch us in the mouth,” Green said. “Any team facing elimination is going to do that. You find a physical, proud team like they are, they’re definitely going to do that. Just got to go in there and take the punch, then deliver your own back.”

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) points at Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks (9) after Brooks fouled Curry in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield (7) celebrates his 3-point basket with Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) against the Houston Rockets in the third quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski (2) and Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) celebrate a foul against Butler III by the Houston Rockets in the final seconds of the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) takes a shot against Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (28) in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) fights for the ball against Houston Rockets’ Fred VanVleet (5) and Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks (9) in the second half of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield (7) celebrates after making a 3-point basket against the Houston Rockets in the third quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) takes a shot against the Houston Rockets late in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. He did not make this basket. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) holds his back after being fouled against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) fights for the ball against Houston Rockets’ Tari Eason (17) in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Quinten Post (21) is fouled by Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green (4) in the first quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski (2) forces a turnover against Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (28) in the first quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after their 109-106 win over the Houston Rockets for Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 14Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) points at Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks (9) after Brooks fouled Curry in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Expand Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) points at Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks (9) after Brooks fouled Curry in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) points at Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks (9) after Brooks fouled Curry in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

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Published on April 28, 2025 22:02

Warriors-Rockets scuffle: Draymond, Brooks, Curry T’d up during Game 4

SAN FRANCISCO – After two highly physical and chippy games, the Warriors’ tension with the Rockets bubbled over in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series.

With seven minutes left in the second quarter, Draymond Green set a hard screen on Amen Thompson, throwing an elbow.

Steph Curry, the ballhandler, was then knocked to the floor by Brooks, and Brooks proceeded to try to grab the ball from Curry as Green tried to help his teammate up.

A scrum ensued.

Curry, Green and Brooks were all assessed technical fouls.

The fireworks were far from over.

With 2:44 left in the second quarter and the Rockets leading 47-46, Draymond Green fell on Tari Eason, putting his legs on Eason’s head/back area.

Eason took offense, standing over Green. The Warriors forward then grabbed onto Eason as he tried to get up. Another scrum followed, which earned Green a flagrant – not an ejection – and Eason a technical foul.

The animosity had been building on both sides for quite some time.

During the final regular-season game between the teams, Green was called for technical and flagrant fouls for striking Alperen Sengun twice, and Rockets coach Ime Udoka was seen screaming at Curry as the teams walked off the court at halftime.

After a relatively low-key 95-85 Game 1 Golden State victory in Houston, the second game was far more contentious.

There were three technical fouls given to each team, plus one flagrant foul on Jalen Green when he struck Draymond Green in the face, during Game 2. There was also a scuffle at midcourt during the fourth quarter, which saw Rockets forward Tari Eason throw a towel at Warriors reserve Pat Spencer.

Warriors star Jimmy Butler was knocked out of the game with a pelvic contusion after he was undercut in midair by Rockets defender Amen Thompson while grabbing a rebound.

Thompson stumbled into the fray after squeezing between Draymond Green and Rockets center Steven Adams under the rim, and after the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he did not believe there was any malicious intent behind the play.

That did not stop Brooks from weighing in on online discourse that Thompson’s play was dirty, countering by calling Green a dirty player on Friday.

Green was showered with obscene three-word chants during Game 2.

Both Green and Brooks have reasons to be disliked by the other team. As a member of the Grizzlies, Brooks fractured Gary Payton II’s elbow during the 2022 playoffs. And Green kicked Adams in the groin during the 2016 Western Conference finals, just one of several postseason incidents that have earned Green suspensions and fines.

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) holds onto the ball after a play against Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks (9) which led to a scuffle in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) and Houston Rockets’ Dillon...

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) heads to the bunch after receiving a technical foul against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) and Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks (9) scuffle in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 5Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) points at Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks (9) after Brooks fouled Curry in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Expand

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Published on April 28, 2025 20:10

Best spikeball set

Which spikeball set is best?

Are you looking for a new sport? Spikeball could be the answer. This fun, creative take on volleyball is easy to play and has become increasingly popular.

To play the sport, you only need a few pieces of equipment, which usually come as a set. Spikeball Pro Kit, for example, comes with everything you need to get started. This higher-end option also offers features that give users more control over gameplay.

What to know before you buy a spikeball setSpikeball

While many people call the sport Spikeball, that is the name of an equipment manufacturer. The name of the sport is actually called roundnet. Roundnet is a game that requires two teams, each consisting of two players. Teams take turns volleying a small inflatable ball off a net, trying to get the other team to miss. The sport is a loose mix of volleyball, tennis and handball that can be played nearly anywhere, including the beach, park or gym.

Equipment

There are only two pieces of roundnet equipment: a net and a ball.

Net: The net is round, like a trampoline. While sizes may vary from set to set, an official net is 3 feet in diameter and sits 8 inches above the ground. The net is supported by a rim that consists of five segments that are supported by five legs. The tension of the net should be consistent and allow the ball to bounce 20 inches high after being dropped from a height of 5 feet.Ball: Roundnet uses an inflatable ball. For an official tournament, the ball must be inflated to 12 inches in circumference. To make the game easier for beginners, overinflate the ball so it has more bounce.How to play

Spikeball rules are easy to learn and closely mimic the rules of volleyball. Here are the basic rules for playing roundnet.

Two teams of two players are positioned opposite each other for the serve.The server tosses the ball in the air and hits it down on the net to start gameplay. If the ball misses the net or hits a pocket, it is a fault. Two faults equal a point for the opposing team.After the serve, the opposing team must return the ball by bouncing it on the net. The team can take up to three hits before returning the ball (catching is not allowed).Whenever a team misses the net, doesn’t return the ball within three hits or lets the ball hit the ground, the opposing team gets a point.Once the ball is in play, there are no sides or boundaries; players can move anywhere on the field.The first team to reach 21 points wins. A team must win by at least two points.What to look for in a quality spikeball setDurability

In the midst of gameplay, a player may accidentally kick or fall on the net of a spikeball set. Models should be durable enough to withstand this contact. Some roundnet sets even feature collapsible legs to help protect the equipment in the event of an accident. The balls should hold up under vigorous play as well.

Ball

A textured spikeball is much easier to control. Additionally, advanced players can use the texture to put a spin on the ball, making it harder for the other team to return.

Travel bag

The best roundnet sets include a travel bag for convenience.

Air pump

Some of the higher-end spikeball sets include a mini hand pump so you can inflate the balls to your desired pressure.

How much you can expect to spend on a spikeball set

A set of replacement balls typically costs around $10. A full set, which includes balls, a net, a travel bag and sometimes an air pump, can cost anywhere from $35 for a backyard set to $100 for a tournament set.

Spikeball set FAQHow much space do I need to play spikeball?

In a tournament, the players require a minimum of a 30-by-30-foot playing field. However, in backyard or indoor play, the court may be smaller if needed – just make sure there are no obstacles nearby and players are well aware of the space limitations to avoid injuries.

What is a pocket?

The area on the net that is right next to the rim is called a pocket. When the ball hits this zone, it won’t bounce as expected. If a player lands a serve in a pocket, it is called a fault, like in tennis. If a player’s serve lands in a pocket twice in a row, it is a double-fault and the other team gets a point. If the ball hits a pocket (not the rim) during gameplay, there is no penalty, and the game continues.

What’s the best spikeball set to buy?Top spikeball set

Spikeball Pro Kit

What you need to know: If you are a serious roundnet player, this is the set for you, since it is high-quality and comes with special features.

What you’ll love: The balls in this set have added texture to give players more control. The reinforced legs are less likely to break if a player accidentally falls on the net, and the set is sized for tournament play.

What you should consider: If you are trying out the game for the first time, it might be wise to wait before investing in this more expensive set.

Top spikeball set for the money

GoSports Slammo Game Set

What you need to know: GoSports makes an affordable option that is best for individuals who are new to the game.

What you’ll love: This roundnet set comes with everything you need: three balls (two competition and one training ball), a net and a travel bag. The legs are manufactured to work on any playing surface and the net is designed to reduce pockets.

What you should consider: This set may not be as durable and rugged as higher-priced options.

Worth checking out

Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit

What you need to know: This model is a step down from the company’s Pro Kit, making it a good starter set for the casual player.

What you’ll love: This is a solid, standard set that can be adapted to match the skill level of the players – more bounce for beginners and less bounce for advanced players. This model also has collapsible legs that make the set easier to store and less likely to break.

What you should consider: While it is a good roundnet set, it doesn’t have the same quality of the manufacturer’s premier version.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Published on April 28, 2025 19:57

Trump administration launches race-based discrimination investigations against Harvard Law Review

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI

The Trump administration on Monday announced federal officials are launching investigations into Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review, saying authorities have received reports of race-based discrimination “permeating the operations” of the journal.

The investigations come as Harvard fights a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal grants the Trump administration imposed after the university refused to comply with demands to limit activism on campus. A letter sent to the university earlier this month called for the institution to clarify its campus speech policies that limit the time, place and manner of protests and other activities. It also demanded academic departments at Harvard that “fuel antisemitic harassment” be reviewed and changed to address bias and improve viewpoint diversity.

Monday marked the first time that both sides met in court over the funding fight. The investigations by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services were announced separately on Monday, with authorities saying they were investigating policies and practices involving the journal’s membership and article selection that they argue may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

According to the federal government, the editor of the Harvard Law Review reportedly wrote that it was “concerning” that the majority of the people who had wanted to reply to an article about police reform “are white men.” A separate editor allegedly suggested “that a piece should be subject to expedited review because the author was a minority.”

“Harvard Law Review’s article selection process appears to pick winners and losers on the basis of race, employing a spoils system in which the race of the legal scholar is as, if not more, important than the merit of the submission,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor in a statement. “Title VI’s demands are clear: recipients of federal financial assistance may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. No institution — no matter its pedigree, prestige, or wealth — is above the law.”

An email seeking comment was sent Monday to a spokesperson for Harvard.

Harvard is among multiple universities across the country where pro-Palestinian protests erupted on campus amid the war in Gaza last year. Republican officials have since heavily scrutinized those universities, and several Ivy League presidents testified before Congress to discuss antisemitism allegations. The Cambridge, Massachusetts, institution was the fifth Ivy League school targeted in a pressure campaign by the administration, which also has paused federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, and Princeton universities to force compliance with its agenda.

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Published on April 28, 2025 16:53

Horoscopes April 28, 2025: Jessica Alba, maintain a positive attitude

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jessica Alba, 44; Penelope Cruz, 51; Jay Leno, 75; Ann-Margret, 84.

Happy Birthday: Worry less about time and more about completion. Promote what you offer and what you are willing to contribute this year, and you’ll find yourself on the fast track forward. Your confidence, enthusiasm and dedication will make you the go-to person in your group. Maintain a positive attitude and channel your energy toward progress and positive results, not rage and criticism, and rewards will be yours. Your numbers are 8, 14, 20, 26, 31, 35, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): An innovative approach to finding solutions will put you in a good position to barter and negotiate with others and sway them to see things your way. Sharing your vision will help you gain respect and give you the upper hand when dealing with professional, financial or domestic changes you want to pursue. Follow your heart. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Make domestic changes that help free up time to relax and enjoy loved ones. Keep your complaints to yourself and concentrate on maintaining an upbeat attitude. A creative outlet will help ease stress and give you time to consider unique ways to use your skills and bring in additional cash. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Live and learn. Keep your eyes open, observe and gather information to help you expand your goals to suit your financial and intellectual needs. Keep the momentum going by attending functions that disclose what’s cutting edge in your professional industry, helping you promote yourself and your personal growth. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Be careful sharing information. Keep your secrets, intentions and goals to yourself. Listen more and talk less, and you’ll be the recipient of valuable information that can help you carve your way forward. Map out a journey that turns your personal or professional dream into a reality. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put your mind at ease by checking facts before deciding to change or invest in someone or something. Information is your best friend in a debate, so listen carefully. Avoid trying to sell yourself to someone who doesn’t support you. An energetic demeanor will keep people from challenging you. Trust your intuition. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Pay attention to what’s unfolding to avoid unwanted surprises. Someone will offer you an exaggerated point of view, hoping you’ll trust their judgment. Don’t take the bait; ask bold questions and make choices that reflect how you feel, the facts you verify and which prospects suit you best. Do it for yourself. 5 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Opportunity is apparent. Explore the possibilities and consider what they will entail. Travel if it will help you get closer to your target or someone you want to get to know better. An intellectual discussion will impact how you feel and what you choose to do with your knowledge and skills. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Participate in something that pumps you up and stimulates you mentally, physically and emotionally. An open mind will help you discover interesting outlets for your expertise and desires. Social and work-related events will lead to a connection that can enhance your vision regarding the direction you want to pursue. Partnerships look promising. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take the high road regardless of what others do. Don’t expect everyone to be honest with you or to look out for your interests. Fend for yourself and rely on your intuition, and you won’t be disappointed. A change at home or with your lifestyle will make more of a difference than anticipated. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make changes that add to your comfort and prompt you to be kinder to yourself. It’s time to relax, rejuvenate and reevaluate what’s important to you. Aim for stability and a chance to pursue pastimes that bring you joy. Search for ways to incorporate a balance between work and pleasure. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention. Someone will be eager to bait you into a no-win discussion or situation that leaves you anxious. Step away from negativity and concentrate on creative endeavors that encourage you to expand your interests while finding new projects to boost your income. 2 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Avoid taking too much. You’ll find it difficult to meet demands if you overextend yourself financially or physically. Approach whatever you pursue with discipline, dedication and wherewithal to know when to say no to anyone trying to coerce you into more than you can handle. Avoid indulgent behavior and bad influences. 4 stars

Birthday Baby: You are unique, thoughtful and engaging. You are possessive and emotional.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

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Published on April 28, 2025 03:01

April 27, 2025

Former 49er Dre Greenlaw is hurt again, although severity is in dispute

Dre Greenlaw is hurt again, although it’s unclear how serious the injury is.

The former 49ers linebacker, who played just 34 snaps last season after coming off an Achilles tear in Super Bowl LVIII, sustained a torn quadriceps serious enough to miss considerable time, multiple sources told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan.

Greenlaw was hurt while training, according to the report. Greenlaw spurned a final attempt at recruitment by coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to sign a three-year contract worth a maximum of $35 million with the Denver Broncos.

The Denver Post reported that Greenlaw did have a quadriceps injury while working out, but a source familiar with the situation said it was a strain and should cost him a matter of weeks rather than months and that the regular season is not in jeopardy.

Greenlaw missed the better part of two full regular seasons during six seasons with the 49ers, playing in three games in 2021 before going out with a groin injury, and playing just a few snaps in one game last season before playing 30 electric snaps against the Rams before shutting it down.

The 49ers hope they drafted Greenlaw’s replacement alongside middle linebacker Fred Warner with the selection of Nick Martin of Oklahoma State, who has some of Greenlaw’s characteristics in terms of size, speed and hitting ability.

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Published on April 27, 2025 16:40

49ers add six undrafted free agents, still no offensive tackles

The 49ers added six undrafted free agents to the roster Sunday, giving them 18 rookies vying for roster spots.

None of them are offensive tackles.

Included in the signings were Corey Kiner, a productive running back coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Cincinnati, and Isaiah Neyor, a wide receiver who played his final season at Nebraska but once averaged 20.0 yards per catch at Wyoming.

While tackle is considered a position of need, the 49ers didn’t use any of their 11 picks in the NFL Draft on one. The lone offensive lineman was Connor Colby, a guard out of Iowa who went in the seventh round at No. 249 overall.

“There were a number of times we were interested in adding and it just didn’t come our way,” general manager John Lynch said Saturday evening. “You’ve got to stay true to where you have guys graded, not take guys just to take them but to take guys you’re interested in at that point. And it just never really aligned.”

A look at the six undrafted free agents announced by the club:

Corey Kiner, RB, Cincinnati, 5-9, 205: A transfer from LSU, Kiner rushed for 1,153 yards on 204 carries (5.7 yards per attempt) one year after gaining 1,047 yards and averaging 5.5. He joins fifth-round draft pick Jordan James of Oregon in hopes of becoming another J.P. Mason, the 49ers leading rusher last season who was traded to Minnesota.

Isaiah Neyor, WR, Nebraska, 6-4, 218: Intriguing jump-and-catch prospect who caught 87 passes for 1,595 yards and 17 touchdowns in 33 games. Played three years at Wyoming and one at Texas (sustaining a torn ACL) before transferring to Nebraska. Neyor’s best season was 2020 when he caught 44 passes for 878 yards (20.0 per catch) with 12 touchdowns.

Sebastian Valdez, defensive tackle, Washington, 6-4, 301: Valdez joins interior linemen Alfred Collins and C.J. West, who were selected by the 49ers in the second and fourth rounds. Played at Montana State from 2021 to 2023 before transferring to Washington. Had 15 sacks at Montana State, two at Washington.

Jakob Robinson, CB, Brigham Young, 5-10, 170: Undersized at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, but ran a 4.39 40-yard dash on Big 12 Pro Day and had put on some weight that led to speculation that he could be drafted. Played in 54 games, including four as a freshman at Utah State. Had 11 career interceptions.

Stone Blanton, Mississippi State, 6-2, 229: Finished career at Mississippi State after playing two seasons at Carolina. Has 36 games of experience and last season was in on 125 tackles. Considered to be disciplined but not particularly explosive.

Drew Moss, guard, Colorado State, 6-4, 300: Was a 13-game starter for the Rams as part of an offense that averaged 400 yards per game.

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Published on April 27, 2025 16:21

SF Giants beat Rangers on Ramos’ wild walk-off Little League home run

SAN FRANCISCO — Bob Melvin has never seen a ballgame end in this fashion. Neither has Heliot Ramos. Or LaMonte Wade Jr. Or Jordan Hicks.

Ramos and Melvin and Wade and Hicks — and the thousands of other souls in attendance at Oracle Park — may very well go the rest of their days without seeing another finish like the one that unfolded on Sunday at Oracle Park: a walk-off “Little League home run” on, appropriately enough, Little League Day at the yard.

Thanks to two throwing errors, Ramos scored on a grounder that didn’t roll past the mound. The Giants beat the Texas Rangers, 3-2, and logged their fifth walk-off of April in the process, capping off a stretch of 17 consecutive games with an exclamation point. San Francisco has won its share of thrillers this season, both in San Francisco and abroad, but Ramos’ mad dash will live on in this ballpark’s lore for decades to come.

“They’re probably going to put it in the hitter’s meeting just making fun of me,” Ramos said with a smile.

An afternoon removed from Patrick Bailey’s walk-off single, Ramos stepped to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning with the game tied at two apiece. The Rangers’ Luke Jackson started Ramos off with a first-pitch slider. Ramos chopped the breaking ball weakly to the third-base side and sprinted up the line to try to beat out a single.

Up to this point, Ramos hadn’t enjoyed his best all-around game. He generated offense in the fourth inning by singling, stealing second and scoring on Christian Koss’ first career RBI. But Ramos got a bad jump on Marcus Semien’s first-inning flare that scored two runs, then was doubled up on the bases in the sixth inning after Adolis García made a highlight catch.

Those miscues would be forgotten thanks to what happened over the next 20 seconds.

Ramos sprinted up the line to try to beat out a single. Jackson barehanded the ball and made an errant offbalance throw. First baseman Jake Burger dove to stop the ball but to no avail.

The ball rolled up the first-base warning track and Ramos cruised into second base, assuming the Rangers had already corralled the ball. As he decelerated, he realized the ball remained loose and Ramos restarted the burners and took off for third.

If Ramos never stopped, he likely would’ve made it to third base easily and Burger would’ve never made a throw. Ramos’ hesitation provided Burger with a window to record an out. So, he unfurled a throw to third baseman Josh Smith. It was around here that Ramos blacked out.

“I remember when I got to second,” Ramos said. “After that, I just blacked out and kept running.”

Smith, like Burger himself, dove for the ball but couldn’t glove it. The ball rolled up the third-base warning track. Jackson, the man who started this sequence, tracked it down, but Ramos was long gone. Ramos could’ve scored standing up; he dove across for style.

“He was unaware when he went to second that he could’ve been easily at third,” said manager Bob Melvin. “Once he was aware of that, then they had to make the play on him. So, for whatever reason, it all worked out as good as you could.”

Added Wade, the on-deck batter: “That was a first, and it was a good view. It was really funny.”

Hicks, who allowed two runs over five innings with three strikeouts, was in the Giants’ clubhouse receiving treatment as the madness unfolded. Before the play developed on the screen, he heard the roar of the sellout crowd.

“I just heard everybody yelling and figured that we did something cool,” Hicks said. “Watching it back, pretty wild ending.”

Ramos’ walk-off was, in a word, abnormal, but San Francisco hasn’t been unfamiliar with winning ballgames in the inning or later. The Giants’ five walk-off victories are the most in baseball, as are their 10 victories when trailing by at least two runs at some point. Entering play, the team’s .871 OPS in high-leverage situations was, appropriately enough, the best in all of baseball.

“Every game, we take it one pitch at a time, one at-bat at a time,” Ramos said. “Obviously, the pitcher always keep us in the game. We take good at-bats, we get on base, we steal — we do whatever we have to do to win the game.”

Ramos and the rest of the Giants will now have the luxury of enjoying a day off on Monday, their first reprieve from playing in two-and-a-half.

San Francisco clashed with some of baseball’s best teams over this 17-game stretch, a list that includes the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, but finished with a 10-7 record. As things stand, their 19-10 record is the second-best in all of baseball behind only the New York Mets (19-9).

“To be able to post up — day games, night games, travel, East Coast, West Coast — it was pretty significant,” Melvin said. “These guys just continue to go out there and fight. Our best work is usually done at the end. I think they handled 17 in a row really well.”

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Published on April 27, 2025 15:45

Son of former 49ers LB Ulbrich admits to prank call to Shedeur Sanders

By CHARLES ODUM | Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons said Sunday that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s son was responsible for a prank call made to Cleveland Browns draft pick Shedeur Sanders.

The Falcons released a statement saying 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich “unintentionally came across the draft contact phone number for Shedeur Sanders off an open iPad while visiting his parent’s home and wrote the number down to later conduct a prank call.”

The Falcons said Jeff Ulbrich, who played linebacker for the 49ers from 2000-2009, was unaware of the data exposure or the prank until after the fact.

Sanders, a standout quarterback from Colorado, is the son of Buffaloes coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who began his NFL career with the Falcons and also played for the 49ers.

Shedeur Sanders was perhaps the draft’s biggest story as he had to wait until the fifth round on Saturday before being drafted by the Browns. He received a prank call on Friday night, the second day of the draft, while waiting.

In the call, Jax Ulbrich identified himself as New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and told Sanders he had been drafted by the Saints before ending the call.

“It didn’t really have no impact on me because it was just like, OK. I don’t feed into negativity or I don’t feed into that stuff,” Sanders said Saturday after being drafted by Cleveland. “… This is what it is. I think, of course, it’s childish, of course I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody do childish things here and there.”

The Falcons apologized to Sanders and his family and said they were facilitating an apology directly from Jax Ulbrich to the family.

“We are thoroughly reviewing all protocols, and updating if necessary, to help prevent an incident like this from happening again,” the Falcons said.

The statement from the team said: “The Atlanta Falcons do not condone this behavior and send our sincere apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family.”

The Falcons said they have been in contact with the NFL “and will continue to cooperate fully with any inquiries we may receive from the NFL league office.”

Jeff Ulbrich celebrated the Falcons’ emphasis on defense in the NFL draft. The Falcons selected two edge rushers, Georgia’s Jalon Walker and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., in the first round. Their first four draft picks were defensive players.

Ulbrich was 3-9 as interim coach of the New York Jets last season before being hired to return to Atlanta, where he previously worked as an assistant.

___

AP Sports Writer Noah Trister in Washington contributed to this report.

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Published on April 27, 2025 15:36

Kerr: Jimmy Butler questionable for Monday after Warriors’ Game 3 win without him

The Warriors beat the Rockets without Jimmy Butler on Saturday night and they may have to do it again Monday.

Golden State coach Steve Kerr said Sunday afternoon that Butler’s status for Game 4 is up in the air.

“I haven’t seen him today but he’s been with (head trainer Rick Celebrini) and the training staff,” Kerr said on a conference call with reporters. “I would just say he’s still questionable.”

The Warriors won Game 3 at Chase Center on Saturday night, 104-93, as Butler looked on from the bench in street clothes with a pelvic injury and glute contusion.

Butler was injured in the first quarter of Game 2 when he landed hard on his backside after leaping for a rebound and being undercut by Houston’s Amen Thompson. He left the game shortly thereafter and was questionable for Game 3 before ultimately sitting out.

The Warriors’ season turned around upon Butler’s arrival as they went 23-8 the rest of the regular season after he played his first game for them Feb. 8 in Chicago. After Saturday’s game, they’re now 1-1 without him. Brandin Podziemski said the win reinforces the Warriors’ belief that they can win games even without stars, as they did without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green earlier in the season.

“I think last night helps, given the situation, the magnitude of the game,” Podziemski said about the team’s confidence without Butler. “But we won against the Rockets two times without Steph this year. We won once without him and Draymond, so we’re confident with any kind of group we have out there. Obviously it’s the playoffs, so it’s different but anybody that rolls out there, the five that’s out there or whoever plays, we got confidence that we can win.”

Kerr inserted Jonathan Kuminga into Butler’s spot in the starting lineup, but he did not play in the fourth quarter. Instead, Gary Payton II played a pivotal role down the stretch, including a 9-2 run all by himself that gave the Warriors a six-point lead.

With 101 postseason wins to his coaching resume, passing Larry Brown on Saturday night, Kerr knows well not to count too much one game’s solution to be as effective in the next game.

“I think we found some things in the fourth quarter but that doesn’t mean they will translate to tomorrow,” Kerr said of his lineup combinations. “But as you go in this series, during any series, it’s easier for your players to pick up tendencies and execute the things you’re trying to execute the deeper into the series you go.”

One such adjustment for Houston is to use guard Fred VanVleet on Green defensively, giving up size for speed. Green has not scored more than eight points in any of the three games in the series, and had five turnovers to four assists in Game 3.

“They’re doing a good job of trying to get him out of places where he can usually impact the game on the offensive end,” Kerr said. “So the big challenge for Dray is to embrace that, accept the fact that we’re going to generate offense elsewhere and he can still control the game defensively.”

Despite his lack of offensive impact, the Warriors won Green’s minutes by 12 points in Game 3.

Kerr said the Warriors didn’t practice Sunday to keep their veterans like Green and Curry fresh. After having two days off between each of the first three games of the series, Games 4-7 will all be played with one day separating each game from the next.

“It doesn’t change much strategically,” Kerr said of the schedule shift. “We have to do what we have to do to win tomorrow night’s game and you move on to the next one.”

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Published on April 27, 2025 15:05

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