Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 19

49ers kicking it across the pond as well as in the NFL

This year, 49ers Enterprises will be in charge of not one, but two European soccer teams playing in their country’s top flight.

Having acquired managing control over Leeds United in 2023, the 49ers ownership group recently steered the club out of the Championship, England’s second-tier professional league, and back into the English Premier League.

Now competing against some of the best clubs in the world, Leeds is planning a massive, $200-million expansion to its 128-year-old stadium at Elland Road that will increase seating capacity from 37,645 to at least 53,000.

“We did it at the 49ers over the last 15 years with Levi’s Stadium and building back the football side,” Paraag Marathe told Sportico in May. “Now it’s an opportunity to run it back with Leeds.”

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 31: Paraag Marathe, Vice Chairman of Rangers looks on prior to the Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Related Articles Kurtenbach: You thought the 49ers’ chaos was limited to last season? Think again 49ers’ Brock Purdy ‘long shot’ to play in Sunday’s game at Saints 49ers of the 21st century: The best Niners of the last 25 years 49ers place George Kittle on injured reserve, replace kicker Jake Moody with Eddy Piñeiro The 49ers defense is leaning on rookies. Here's how they did in Week 1

Marathe is an important 49ers figure these days. He currently has four titles: vice president of football operations for the 49ers, president of 49ers Enterprises, chairman of Leeds United and vice chairman of Rangers FC.

He could fly to England and visit Leeds, then take the 250-mile trip north to Glasgow, where the 49ers owners are entering their first season in charge of Rangers FC.

One of the most storied franchises in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers has won the league a record 55 times. The club finished second last season, but in May it was announced that 49ers Enterprises were acquiring a majority stake (51 percent) of the club. Changes have been made, including the hiring of a new manager and the acquisition of several young players to replace some club veterans.

Let’s pause there, because surely, casual 49ers fans are now wondering why they should care about a soccer team in Glasgow.

Here’s why: As the dynamics of sport have quickly shifted to incorporate a global audience, it’s becoming increasingly common for NFL owners to have their hands in other professional sports leagues.

Last year, the NFL made it easier than ever by announcing a change to ownership rules: Private equity firms are now allowed to purchase minority stakes in NFL teams.

Players of Leeds United pose for a photo with the Sky Bet Championship trophy, after the teams 2-1 victory, which confirmed that the team has won the Sky Bet Championship and promotion to the Premier League following the Sky Bet Championship match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Leeds United FC at Home Park on May 03, 2025 in Plymouth, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

That means that an NFL owner can sell parts of the team to these firms without losing managing control, “essentially giving the majority partner liquidity to invest in other sports franchises around the world,” said Marty Greenberg, a former sports agent and the founder of the National Sports Law Institute at Marquette University. “That’s an important change.”

Soon, the term “multi-club ownership,” or “MCO,” will be part of the mainstream language in sports.

As of this summer, there were already seven NFL owners who own EPL teams.

Stan Kroenke, who owns the Los Angeles Rams, owns Arsenal; Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan also owns Fulham FC; the Glazer family owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as Manchester United; Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris has an ownership stake in Crystal Palace, though New York Jets owner Woody Johnson just recently acquired managing control of the EPL club; and 49ers Enterprises owns Leeds.

Owners of MLB, NBA and NHL teams also own teams in the EPL, where nearly half of the teams are owned by Americans.

Wes Edens, owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, also owns Aston Villa. Bill Foley owns the Las Vegas Golden Knights and AFC Bournemouth. Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC.

FILE – Liverpool’s Diogo Jota reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Sunday, May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

It doesn’t end there: Several of these owners also own additional soccer clubs throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and even the United States.

Think of it as a tree, where the trunk of the tree is the ownership group, and the biggest branches are their American professional sports franchises or top-tier European soccer clubs, with smaller branches that include second- and third-tier soccer clubs stationed all over the world.

The result: distinct competitive advantages.

At least, that’s what the owners are hoping for.

They can save money on back-office staff. They can share intellectual property. They can discuss marketing and sales strategies. Successful business partnerships can cross over. Player development techniques can be utilized.

And in world football, “it enables owners and football groups to have greater control over the player market,” said Mark Ogden, a senior writer at ESPN who covers soccer in the United Kingdom. “Clubs and owners now add additional clubs in different regions in order to have greater access and control of the local market.”

For example, scouting and developing a teenage soccer player in West Africa is a lot easier to do if you own a team in West Africa, which is exactly what the owners of Los Angeles FC realized. They now own soccer teams all over the world, often trading players within their own club network.

“Through the club network, you’re achieving two things,” Tim Bezbatchenko, a longtime MLS executive who now oversees AFC Bournemouth in the EPL, said on The Athletic FC podcast. “One, you’re controlling your (player) supply. Two, there’s cost and risk mitigation.”

Perhaps it sounds a bit like owners are cheating the system. How is this allowed?

Well, it’s all still fairly new, and sports leagues are trying to figure out the best way to regulate it while still supporting the enormous financial investments that come with having billionaire owners funnelling cash into their leagues.

There is one particular rule that is causing some owners trouble: An owner cannot have influence over two clubs involved in the same competition.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) runs down the field with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

This makes sense of course; an NFL owner couldn’t own two NFL teams

But the difference in world football is that top-finishers in domestic leagues will move on to face teams from other leagues in more lucrative tournaments, most notably the Champions League.

This has come back to bite a few ownership groups. In this summer’s Club World Cup, Liga MX’s Club León was banned from the competition due to an ownership conflict with another Mexican club, Pachuca.

So what will happen to the 49ers ownership group if Rangers FC and Leeds United qualify for the same competition?

Marathe told reporters in Europe that a “plan is in place” to solve that problem, should it arise.

But this is only the beginning of the centralization of ownership in world sports.

In 2012, the Union of European Football Associations estimated there were 40 clubs that were part of a multi-ownership structure. By 2023, there were 180.

Today, there’s an estimated 350, with that number growing by the day.

Some fans are protesting. Fans of Dutch club NAC Breda successfully fought against Manchester City taking control of their club in 2022 “because they did not want their club to lose their identity or become a factory for loan players,” The Guardian wrote at the time.

“As for Leeds, Rangers and the 49ers, right now, both fan groups appear to welcome the investment and ownership due to each team having a recent turbulent past,” Ogden said. “But if they both return to former levels and potentially face each other in European football, then there will come a crunch because one club will ultimately be prioritized.”

One thing is for sure: Mutli-club ownership, when done right, is providing an opportunity to multiply the value of some franchises.

Red Sox owners Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool FC in 2010 for a reported price of £300 million ($450 at the time); today, the club is valued at £4 billion, or $5.4 million.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Paraag Marathe, Chairman of Leeds United, (L), interacts with a fan prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United FC and Bristol City FC at Elland Road on April 28, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“We view it as three uncut diamonds,” Marathe told Sportico in May. “We’ve polished up the 49ers, and now on the path to doing it with Leeds, and there’s another opportunity there with Rangers.

“We’re just starting to scratch the surface of what we can do. It’s not just about making money for making money’s sake. It’s about making money to spend it on players and get better. This will never be a dividend game.”

49ers’ Super Bowl history: Started with a bang, now mired in a drought

A funny thing happened after the Super Bowl window appeared to slam shut on the 49ers in 2024.

It opened back up again.

After the team plummeted to last place in the NFC West last season amid injuries, tragedy and distractions, coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have put Humpty Dumpty back together again to the point where sports books have actually made the 49ers division favorites.

That makes the 49ers at least a possibility to be at home on Feb. 8, when Levi’s Stadium plays host to Super Bowl LX.

Maybe that will be the key to the 49ers snapping what fans feel has been an eternal title drought.

After winning their first five Super Bowl appearances (over the course of just 14 years), it’s been a championship drought since the 1994 season and a blowout win over the San Diego Chargers. That’s a span of 30 seasons during which 14 other teams have won Super Bowls.

The 49ers have had their chances, three of them, but lost each time.

Here’s a review of the 49ers’ Super Bowl legacy:

San Francisco 49ers players Craig Puki (54) and Ronnie Lott (42) react after the 49ers stopped a Cincinnati Bengals drive on Jan. 24, 1982, in Pontiac, Mich., within the one-yard-line on a fourth down in the third quarter of Super Bowl XVI. Bengals players visible are center Blair Bush (58) and tackle Mike Wilson (77). (AP Photo)Super Bowl XVI

Jan. 24, 1982, Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

49ers 26, Cincinnati 21

How they got there: They won the NFC West with a 13-3 record, then beat the New York Giants 38-24 in division playoff and Dallas 28-27 in conference championship, with both games at Candlestick Park

What happened: The 49ers jumped out to a 20-0 halftime lead in their Super Bowl debut and then held on for dear life. They forced four turnovers, including a squib kick fumble by Archie Griffin just before halftime that led to the second of four Ray Wersching field goals.

By the numbers: Super Bowl MVP Joe Montana completed 14 of 22 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions; Ricky Patton rushed for 55 yards on 17 carries, and Freddie Solomon had four receptions for 52 yards. The Bengals’ Ken Anderson completed 25 of 44 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice.

The big play: On fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line, with the 49ers leading 20-7 and 1:45 left in the third quarter, Bengals fullback Pete Johnson was stopped for no gain by Jack Reynolds and Archie Reece. The 49ers also stopped a first-and-goal at the 3 (Johnson at the 1 by John Choma), second-and-goal at the 1 (Reynolds again) and third-and-goal at the 1 (Charles Alexander stuffed on a swing pass by Dan Bunz).

Quotable: “We’re a team of character. You could see it in our goal-line stand, in the way we played all day. I’m sure a lot of people still aren’t convinced. The scouts don’t see great talent here. Most of them picked the Bengals to win.” – 49ers coach Bill Walsh

STANFORD, CA – JANUARY 20: Wendell Tyler #26 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the SuperBowl XVIV against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium on January 20, 1985 in Stanford, California. The 49ers defeated the Dolphins 38-16. (Photo by Tony Duffy/Getty Images)Super Bowl XIX

Jan. 20, 1985, Stanford Stadium

49ers 38, Miami 16

How they got there: They won the NFC West with a 15-1 record, then beat the New York Giants 21-10 in division playoff and Chicago 23-0 in conference championship, with both games at Candlestick Park

What happened: Even with the 49ers having lost just one game in the regular season and dominating both of their playoff games, the buzz was all about Miami and second-year quarterback Dan Marino. But the 49ers were at “home” in Palo Alto and practiced for the game at their own facility. They dominated on both sides of the ball, running up 537 yards of offense behind Super Bowl MVP Montana.

By the numbers: Marino was 29-for-50 passing for 318 yards and a touchdown but threw two interceptions as well as being sacked four times. His top target was running back Tony Nathan, who had 10 receptions for 83 yards. Montana completed  24 of his 35 attempts for 331 yards and three touchdowns. Wendell Tyler rushed 13 times for 65 yards and caught four passes for another 70 yards. Roger Craig had seven receptions.

The big play: Montana took apart the Dolphins by throwing to his running backs Tyler and Craig, but the connection that got the 49ers rolling was a surprise. Carl Monroe, a little-used second-year back, caught a swing pass for a 33-yard touchdown for the 49ers’ first touchdown, and the rout was on.

Quotable: “Deep down, we all felt it. All we heard was ‘Miami, Miami, how are you going to stop Miami?’ Yeah, yeah, we were overlooked a little.” – Montana

22 Jan 1989: Quarterback Joe Montana of the San Francisco 49ers throws the ball during Super Bowl XXIII against the Cincinnati Bengals at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida. The 49ers won the game, 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /AllsportSuper Bowl XXIII

Jan. 22, 1989, Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami

49ers 20, Cincinnati 16

How they got there: They won the NFC West with a 10-6 record; then beat Minnesota 41-13 in a division playoff game at Candlestick Park and beat Chicago 28-3 in the conference championship at Soldier Field.

What happened: Trailing 16-13 with 3:04 to play, Montana drove the 49ers 92 yards in 10 plays, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor with 34 seconds to play. It was the final NFL game coached by Walsh, who broke down when asked about it post-game by announcer Brent Musburger.

By the numbers: Ickey Woods rushed 20 carries for 77 yards, but the Bengals star never got a chance to do his “Ickey Shuffle” touchdown dance. Stafford Jennings did return a kick 93 yards for a touchdown that gave the Bengals a 13-6 lead late in the third quarter. Montana completed 23 of 36 attempts for 357 yards and two TDs. Jerry Rice, who was named the MVP, caught 11 passes for 215 yards and a TD in the fourth quarter that tied the score at 13-13.

The big play: There were numerous big plays on the last drive, but a first-quarter hit by Ronnie Lott heavily influenced the outcome. Woods had gained 27 yards on his first four rushes when he was met head-on by Lott with two minutes left in the first quarter. Woods was a non-factor for the remainder of the game.

Quotable: “Isn’t that John Candy?” – Montana to 49ers offensive lineman Harris Barton in the huddle, diffusing the tension during the game-winning drive by pointing out the actor/comedian near the field.

Tackle Harris Barton #79 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after the 49ers 55-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV at Louisiana Superdome on Jan. 28, 1990 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)Super Bowl XXIV

Jan. 28, 1990, Superdome, New Orleans

49ers 55, Broncos 10

How they got there: They won the NFC West with a 14-2 record, then beat Minnesota 41-13 in a division playoff game and the Los Angeles Rams 30-3 in the conference championship, both at Candlestick Park.

What happened: The 49ers annihilated the Broncos in conquering the postseason under first-year head coach George Seifert, outscoring three opponents 126-26. The 49ers defense harassed a shaky John Elway (19.4 passer rating) into his worst Super Bowl performance.

By the numbers: Montana earned his second Super Bowl MVP award, completing 22 of 29 attempts for 297 yards and five touchdowns. Craig had 20 carries for 69 yards and Rice had seven catches for 148 yards and 3 TDs.  Elway completed just 10 of his 26 pass attempts for 108, was intercepted twice and sacked four times.

The big play: Denver safety and future Hall of Famer Steve Atwater came in with a reputation as a big hitter. On the 49ers’ first series, he attempted to level Rice, who simply bounced off the tackle attempt and scored on a 20-yard touchdown. The 49ers were off and running.

Quotable: “If they’d left our first offense in for four quarters, we might have scored 200.” – 49ers linebacker Matt Millen

 

A.P. PhotoSan Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young runs a victory lap after his team beat the San Diego Chargers 49-26 on Jan. 29, 1995 in Super Bowl XXIX at Miami’s Joe Robbie Stadium. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Jan. 29, 1995, Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami

49ers 49, San Diego 26

How they got there: They won the NFC West with a 13-3 record, then beat Chicago 44-15 in a divisional playoff game and Dallas 38-28 in the conference championship, both at Candlestick Park.

What happened: Super Bowl MVP Steve Young threw a record-setting six touchdown passes against the overmatched Chargers. The game had an anti-climactic feel following an emotional win over the Cowboys to win the NFC title after playoff losses to Dallas the previous two seasons.

By the numbers: The Chargers’ Stan Humphries passed for 275 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted twice. Young completed 24 of his 36 pass attempts for 325 yards and rushed for 49 more yards. Rice caught half of Young’s TD passes (three) and had 10 catches for 149 yards.

The big play: On the third snap of the game, Young hit Rice for a 44-yard touchdown and the rout was on. The 49ers led by as much as 42-10 with eight minutes left in the third quarter.

Quotable: “Someone take the monkey off my back!” – Young on the sideline in the game’s final moments, a shot at critics who said he was an unworthy successor to Montana because he hadn’t won a Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens’ Jacoby Jones (12) takes off on a 108-yard run as San Francisco 49ers’ Tramaine Brock (26) pursues during Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, at the Superdome in New Orleans. The Ravens beat the 49ers 34-31. (Jim Gensheimer/Bay Area News Group)Super Bowl XLVII

Feb. 3, 2013, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, New Orleans

Baltimore 34, 49ers 31

How they got there: They won the NFC West with an 11-4-1 record, then beat Green Bay 45-31 in a divisional playoff at Candlestick Park and beat Atlanta 28-24 for the conference championship at the Georgia Dome.

What happened: Back in the Super Bowl for the first time in 18 years, the 49ers rallied from a 28-6 deficit following a 34-minute delay due to a power outage to make it 34-29 with 2:39 to play. On first-and-goal at the 7, the 49ers didn’t turn to Frank Gore, whose 33-yard run put the 49ers in position to score, and instead, LeMichael James ran for 2 yards. Then Colin Kaepernick failed to connect with Michael Crabtree in the end zone three straight times, and the 49ers turned the ball over on downs. The Ravens took a safety for the final margin of victory.

By the numbers: The Ravens’ Joe Flacco was the MVP, passing for 287 yards and three TDs. Future 49er Anquan Boldin had six catches for 104 yards and a score, but the day belonged to Jacoby Jones, who had a 56-yard TD reception and a 108-yard kickoff return for a TD. Kaepernick passed for 302 yards and rushed for 62 more yards. Gore rushed for 110 yards, and Crabtree caught five passes for 109 yards and a touchdown.

The big play: After getting within 34-29, Crabtree was jostled in the end zone on the 49ers’ final offensive snap. No penalty flag was thrown, and Baltimore had withstood the 49ers’ rally with a final goalline stand.

Quotable: “Everybody had their hand on this game. We point the fingers at nobody. We win together, and we lose together, and today we lost it.” – 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis

San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa (97) heads to the sidelines after the Kansas City Chiefs scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Super Bowl LIV

Feb. 2, 2020, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Kansas City 31, 49ers 20

How they got there: They won the NFC West with a 13-3 record, beat Minnesota 27-10 in a division playoff game and then beat Green Bay 37-20 in the conference championship game, both at Levi’s Stadium.

What happened: The 49ers gave up three touchdowns in the final 6:13, as the Chiefs wiped out a 20-10 deficit. The touchdowns came on 1- and 5-yard passes from Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and a 38-yard run by Damian Williams to put the game away.

By the numbers: Mahomes was intercepted twice but passed for 286 yards and the two late touchdown passes. 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo was 20-for-31 for 219 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted twice.

The big play: On third-and-10, with the 49ers trailing 24-20 and 1:40 to play at Kansas City’s49-yard line, Garoppolo bypassed an open Kendrick Bourne in the middle of the field and threw deep to double-covered Emmanuel Sanders. Sanders was open, but the ball was overthrown. Garoppolo was sacked on the next play.

Quotable: “We’ll lick our wounds and get over this.” – 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs’ George Karlaftis III (56) and Chris Jones (95) throws a pass to Jauan Jennings (15) for an 8-yard loss in the 3rd quarter of the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)Super Bowl LVIII

Feb. 11, 2024, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

Kansas City 25, 49ers 22, overtime

How they got there: They won the NFC West with a 12-5 record; beat Green Bay 24-21 in a division playoff game and the Detroit Lions 34-31 in the conference championship game, both at Levi’s Stadium.

What happened: The 49ers had the lead twice in the fourth quarter (16-13 and 19-16) and once in overtime (22-19 but fell victim once again to Mahomes. He won the game with a 3-yard pass to Mecole Hardman with three seconds left in OT.

By the numbers: Mahomes was named MVP after passing for 333 yards and two touchdowns as well as rushing nine times for 66 yards. Travis Kelce had nine catches for 93 yards. 49ers QB Brock Purdy passed for 255 yards, and Christian McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 80 yards and caught eight passes for 80 yards, including Purdy’s lone TD pass.

The big play: On fourth-and-1 from the Kansas City 34, with the 49ers leading 22-19 and 6:05 left in overtime, Mahomes kept the game going with an eight-yard keeper. Six minutes – and 58 yards – later, the Chiefs scored the winning touchdown.

Quotable: “That game will always stay with me. It was devastating.” – 49ers linebacker Fred Warner

Horoscopes Sept. 11, 2025: Taraji Henson, slow down and consider your options

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Taraji P. Henson, 55; Harry Connick Jr., 58; Virginia Madsen, 64; Scott Patterson, 67.

Happy Birthday: It’s best to nip emotions and hasty decisions in the bud before they get you in trouble. This is the year to slow down, consider your options, and refuse to let others pressure you into something that makes you feel uneasy. You can and will do much better if you trust your instincts and do your own thing. Simplify your life, and you’ll discover what works best for you, deterring anyone who tries to lead you astray. Your numbers are 8, 10, 22, 28, 31, 39, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You won’t have to go far to find an opportunity for personal growth. Explore and expand the possibilities that exist in your home and community. Getting out and socializing, mixing business with pleasure, and sharing your enthusiasm and skills with others will help you reach your objective. Love and personal growth are in the stars. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Rethink your path forward. Acquire additional skills and network with those who can help you connect with the right people and organizations. Your journey to move forward will require you to let go of the past and whatever is holding you back. Emotional interference is apparent if you aren’t persistent and meticulous with your plans. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take a timeout and do something that you find mentally stimulating. Engage in activities that add knowledge and spark ideas that lead to a healthy lifestyle and personal happiness. Take responsibility for your life and prospects. Change begins with you, so stop waiting for someone else to make the first move. Self-improvement is favored. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Be careful when processing information that can affect your position, reputation or future advancement. Only promise what you can deliver. Sound and simple ideas are the answer and will help you navigate your way forward. Put your energy to good use. Participating in physical fitness activities is in your best interest. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Let go of what you cannot change. Focus on home and domestic adjustments that simplify your life and help alleviate stress. Expressing love and kindness toward those you cherish will encourage better relationships and promote positive lifestyle habits. Love, romance and physical improvements are favored. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Learn from experience. Consider hidden costs when spending on such things as travel, educational pursuits, self-improvement and entertainment. Your budget must be airtight if you want to avoid stress and setbacks. Trust yourself to investigate what’s involved in preventing misinformation and making informed decisions. Be cautious when dealing with past connections. 5 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Observation alone won’t offer a true adaptation of what’s unfolding. Research, ask questions and get your facts straight before you make a decision that can influence your health or wealth. Be cautious about sharing your plans or feelings prematurely. A positive change is apparent, but it’s up to you to initiate the process. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Bend the rules a little when dealing with emotional situations to avoid confrontations or interference. Have a backup plan ready and be prepared to offer a compromise. Staying one step ahead will give you the edge necessary to accomplish tasks to your specifications. Protect your position, be proactive and prepare to walk away if required. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put your physical ability to the test. Activities that challenge you to push your limits and strive for physical strength and well-being will also encourage you to align yourself with people who share a similar mindset. Don’t buy into the mentality that you have to pay to play. Look for healthy alternatives that are free. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Investments look promising. Buying and selling, upgrades, and wheeling and dealing are all within reach. Home improvements or personal changes that encourage better relationships with friends, family or your partner can lead to relaxation and reduced stress. Let go of the past, and invest your energy in activities that make you feel good about yourself. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep the momentum flowing, and you’ll find a source of revenue that bridges the gap to cover costs for something you want to achieve. Reach out to people who can offer insight into your plans, and it will help you fine-tune your approach to emotional issues that are standing in your way. 2 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Hold off on initiating a change until you have the facts, the energy to follow through and the means to ensure you reach your goal. Preparation is everything, so don’t rush into something prematurely. Use your intelligence and imagination, and you’ll discover a way forward. Keep your plans under wraps until you are ready to launch. 4 stars

Birthday Baby: You are compromising, thoughtful and detailed. You are original and fashionable.

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.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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High School cross country: Salinas City Meet

Salinas City Meet cross country championships

At Natividad Park (3.1 miles)

Boys team results

1. Alisal 26; 2. Salinas 39; 3. Alvarez 77.

Individual results

1. Fernando Herrera (Alisal) 15:41; 2. Tomas Rey-Avila (Salinas) 16:05; 3. Noah Rodriguez (Alisal) 16:19; 4. Davis Pisoni (Palma) 16:23; 5. Raul Martinez (Alisal) 16:27; 6. Javier Luna (North Salinas) 16:32; 7. Ezekiel Sanchez (Salinas) 16:40; 8. Nicklas Weidemann (Salinas) 16:41; 9. Alexander Chavez (Alisal) 17:00; 10. Elvin Hernandez (Alisal) 17:20.

Girls team results

1. Alisal 18; 2.  Alvarez 54; 3. Rancho San Juan 63.

Individual results

1. Yaretzi Cornelio (Alisal) 19:43; 2. Angelica Murillo (Alisal) 21:03; 3. Alondra Rios (Alisal) 21:13; 4. Lizbeth Maravillo (Alvarez) 21:15; 5. Erika Castro (Alisal) 21:38; 6. Lizette Vera (Rancho San Juan) 21:42; 7. Betty Camargo (Alisal) 21:50; 8. Alexa Martinez (Alisal) 22:48; 9. Amber Duff (Rancho San Juan) 22:48; 10. Adelaida Cortez (Alisal) 22:57.

Reagan Foundation cancels Ben Shapiro speaking event, after fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley has canceled an event with conservative political commentator and activist Ben Shapiro — which was scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 10 — after learning that fellow conservative activist Charlie Kirk had been fatally shot earlier in the day.

Shapiro was set to appear at the library to discuss his new book, “Lions and Scavengers: The True Story of America (and Her Critics),” on Wednesday night.

The Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, however, announced the event’s cancelation after Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during a speaking engagement in Utah.

“The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is saddened to hear of events that took place today at Utah Valley University. Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family,” the foundation wrote on social media. “As a mark of respect, we are cancelling our program and book signing with Ben Shapiro this evening.”

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with a month’s worth of activities, including an exhibition of rarely seen historical artifacts associated with President and Mrs. Reagan, photos and mementos from the Library’s opening, as well as highlights and events from the last 30 years. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, rose to prominence for confronting liberals in academia, eventually winning over an influential set of conservative financiers. He was an early backer of President Donald Trump, going on to serve as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr. during the elder Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. He often espoused far-right political talking points, including racist, homophobic, and transphobic beliefs.

He was also a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, notably saying during a 2023 TPUSA faith event: “I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.”

Shapiro and Kirk, meanwhile, operated within the same political sphere. Shapiro said on social media Wednesday that he was “utterly stunned and heartbroken” about Kirk’s death.

“Charlie was a good man who believed in right and wrong, who stood by his Biblical values,” Shapiro said. “All of us will miss him, and I can’t imagine the pain of his beautiful young family, and we all must pray for them. And we must pick up the baton where Charlie left it, fighting for the things he believed in so passionately.”

The Reagan Foundation said a new date for Shapiro’s library event would be announced in the future.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Letters to the Editor: Sept. 12, 2025

Prop 50

The Herald’s Sunday editorial , a reprint of an L.A. Daily News editorial, which urges a no vote on Proposition 50, fails to address the elephant in the room.

Proposition 50 has been placed on California’s November ballot to provide voters with a choice to temporarily suspend California’s independent redistricting commission and approve new, temporary congressional district lines.  Why did Governor Newsom and the California Legislature approve placing this ballot choice before voters?  While the L.A. Daily News makes brief reference to President Trump’s appeal to the Texas legislature to “give him five more Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives,” it does little to explain the long- term implications of this unprecedented presidential interference with a state’s sovereign authority to redistrict.

In fact, the redrawing of congressional district lines has occurred every 10 years after each national census provides revised population figures. Texas has moved forward to satisfy President Trump’s request to upset this precedent and empower his political objective of keeping the U.S. House of Representatives under Republican control in the 2026 elections.

Remember, it is was on Jan. 2, 2021, during an hour-long conference call that then-U.S. President Donald Trump pressured Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger to “find 11,780 votes” to overturn the state’s election results from the 2020 presidential election.

The question for California voters is whether we will allow the incumbent president to interfere with states’ redistricting procedures to achieve his explicit partisan political goals?

By providing California voters with a choice to counter this crass power grab,  Governor Newsom and the legislature are looking at the big picture.  We will all be impacted adversely if the composition of the U.S. House of Representatives is allowed to be dictated by the Republican president.

While we can all appreciate the power of an independent citizens redistricting commission, we must not lose sight of our state’s future with respect to critical federal programs that are under attack and which may not survive continued Republican/MAGA control of U.S. Congress. The real elephant in the room, then, is the prospect of the further degradation or elimination of programs such as MediCare and Medicaid, Social Security, public health, education, social safety net programs, climate and environmental protections, civil rights, voting rights, international security, and the due process rights of all U.S. residents.

It is also important to note that Monterey County will not be expected to pay for the special election, its costs will be covered by the state.

If you care about the future of our state, its future is directly connected to the future of our nation. Please join me by voting YES on PROPOSITION 50 on Nov. 4.  Your ballots will arrive by mail in early October.  Please vote early and return your ballots in the postage paid envelopes provided with your ballot.

— Bill Monning, former state senator, Carmel

War department

With Trump’s order to rename the Defense Department the War Department, it looks like he’s gotten more senile than Biden was. The last time it had that name, Trump was only one year old. He might be regressing to his infancy. Next thing we know, he might need diapers and a feeding bottle at his desk.

Conveniently, it’s happened now to help us forget the worsening economy, the Epstein case, and other broken promises. I guess he’ll be at least 12 in his mind before the wars in Israel or Ukraine ever end.

— Bill Graham, Salinas

Alternative history

It was bad enough that the Trump administration awarded $5 million to the woman insurrectionist who was killed while storming the Capitol, but now she’s going to receive a military funeral with honors?  Won’t be long before the new Republican commission appointed to do another investigation of the attempted coup erases everything we all saw with our own eyes.  Next thing you know Trump will have the remains of Benedict Arnold dug up so we can honor him for his treason.

— Glenn Nolte, Carmel Valley

 

Trump’s plan for a drug advertising crackdown faces many hurdles

By MATTHEW PERRONE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other administration officials are vowing a crackdown on deceptive drug ads, but the effort is likely to face multiple headwinds, including pushback from industry and layoffs among regulators tasked with leading the effort.

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President Donald Trump signed a memo Tuesday that directs the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies to step up enforcement against ubiquitous prescription drug ads on TV, websites and social media.

The industry’s multibillion-dollar marketing efforts have long been a target for Kennedy, who previously suggested banning all pharmaceutical ads from TV. That step would have almost certainly been struck down by federal judges, who have long accepted advertising as a First Amendment-protected form of speech.

Instead, Trump’s directive tells the FDA to use current laws to ensure “transparency and accuracy” in all ads.

But the FDA has long struggled to defend its actions against drug promotions in court. And reworking some of its key regulations — including those governing TV advertising — could take years.

Here’s a look at the administration’s plans and some of the hurdles that may lie ahead.

A promise for more FDA warnings after years of legal setbacks

The FDA kicked off its effort Tuesday evening saying it was issuing “thousands” of warnings to drugmakers over inaccurate or misleading ads.

But rather than individual notices citing specific violations, the FDA shared a generic letter that it sent to drugmakers, instructing them to bring “all promotional communications into compliance.”

The form letter is different from typical FDA warning letters, which usually cite specific issues with company advertisements that run afoul of FDA rules and lay the groundwork for future legal action.

The FDA’s press release noted that such warnings have fallen dramatically in recent years, with only one issued in 2023 and none in 2024.

Former FDA officials say that reflects two trends. First, the drug industry has abandoned many of the most egregious tactics deployed in the early 2000s, including the use of distracting sounds and visuals that often drew attention away from drug warnings and side effect information.

Additionally, the FDA has repeatedly settled legal cases challenging its authority to police drug promotions. The agency often declines to pursue such cases due to the risks of losing in court, which could create legal precedent eroding its power.

Looking ahead, recent Trump administration job cuts have slashed staffing in the FDA’s drug advertising division, which handles warning letters.

A plan to curb TV ads could take a very long time

One major proposal by the administration involves reversing a nearly 30-year-old FDA rule.

Until the late 1990s, TV drug advertisements were impractical and prohibitively expensive because FDA regulations required drugmakers to list each medication’s risks and side effects. A 1997 shift allowed companies to briefly summarize that information and point viewers to more complete information on websites, in print ads or elsewhere.

The FDA said this week it will begin the process to eliminate that practice, calling it a “loophole” used to “conceal critical safety risks.”

But the FDA rulemaking process usually takes years — sometimes more than a decade — with multiple opportunities for public comment and revision.

For example, new guidelines finalized last year that require clearer and simpler language in drug ads took more than 15 years to develop and implement.

If the FDA tried to skip steps or rush, drugmakers could challenge the process in court.

For its part, the industry maintains that TV ads are a way to educate and empower consumers.

“Truthful and nonmisleading DTC advertising is protected under the First Amendment and has documented evidence of advancing patient awareness and engagement,” PhRMA, the industry’s leading trade group, said in a statement Wednesday.

Influencers and other newer promoters may be beyond FDA’s reach

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary also suggested his agency will be more aggressive about policing ads on social media platforms like Instagram, where drugmakers often partner with patient influencers or doctors.

The agency has long struggled to oversee those promotions, because FDA advertising rules only apply to drug companies.

Social media influencers who are paid to endorse or promote products are supposed to clearly disclose that relationship. But that requirement is overseen by the Federal Trade Commission.

And in some cases, influencers aren’t being paid by anyone: They promote products in hopes of landing future endorsement deals.

The FDA has also been under pressure to crack down on advertisements from newer specialty pharmacies and telehealth companies. A Super Bowl ad from one company drew scrutiny earlier this year for promoting unofficial versions of weight loss drugs, touting their benefits without listing any of the risks or side effects. Disclosing that information is an FDA requirement.

Companies that connect patients to so-called compounded drugs say they are not subject to FDA rules because they are not traditional drug manufacturers.

A Senate bill introduced last year would bring influencers and telehealth companies clearly under FDA’s jurisdiction, requiring them to disclose risk and side effect information. But the legislation has not advanced or received a hearing.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

SF Giants can’t complete sweep of Diamondbacks as Seymour is chased early

SAN FRANCISCO — With a looming three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a clean sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks would’ve been a boon for the Giants as they chase down the New York Mets for the final NL wild-card spot.

They’ll have to settle for two of three.

Starter Carson Seymour recorded four outs and surrendered four runs while Arizona’s Eduardo Rodriguez allowed two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings as the Giants fell 5-3 to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday afternoon. They’re currently 2.5 games behind the Mets, who play the Philadelphia Phillies later tonight.

“I feel like as a starter you have to set the tone, and I didn’t do that to the best of my ability,” Seymour said. “It’s definitely a bummer, but move on from it and try to figure it out.”

Seymour’s outing against the Diamondbacks was a reversal from his last outing, one where he recorded his first career win by tossing five innings of one-run ball against the St. Louis Cardinals. Given the state of the rotation, Seymour is in line to continue pitching meaningful innings for the Giants down the stretch.

“I was joking with my pitching coach in Triple-A, every time I go out, I want to throw a perfect game,” Seymour said. “That’s the goal. Every time in catch play, it’s Game 7 of the World Series. So, just focusing on that in practice and then taking that out to the game and hopefully finding a way to win.”

Seymour’s early departure left manager Bob Melvin with 23 outs to cover, but San Francisco’s bullpen provided equanimity and kept the team in the game.

Right-hander Spencer Bivens assumed the bulk role, turning in his longest outing of the season by pitching 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Bivens, Keaton Winn, JT Brubaker and José Buttó combined to allow just one run over 7 2/3 innings, keeping San Francisco in the ballgame.

“It looked like a game that could get out of hand early,” Melvin said. “The bullpen came in and did a good job. They just put some pressure on (Seymour) early and he didn’t have anything to really answer with.”

Two of San Francisco’s three runs were the product of a 418-foot two-run double by Rafael Devers that bounced off the concrete lip of the right-center field brick wall. Per Baseball Savant, Devers’ two-bagger would’ve been a home run at any other ballpark.

“When he hit it, I thought it was going into the bay,” Melvin said. “That’s a pretty tough spot to hit it out, even during the daytime.”

The Giants immediately found themselves trailing 1-0 when Seymour allowed a leadoff homer to Geraldo Perdomo. Seymour finished the first having allowed no further damage, but a barrage of singles led to an early exit for the rookie right-hander.

Arizona began the top of the second with three straight singles from Blaze Alexander, Alek Thomas and ex-Stanford star Tim Tawa, the last of which scored a run and increased San Francisco’s deficit to 2-0. Following a sacrifice bunt, Perdomo drove in his second run of the afternoon with a single to right, knocking Seymour out of the game in the process.

“They just got on him early,” Melvin said. “Whether it was hard-hit balls or a couple weak-hit balls, just too many hits early on. We had to do something a little different earlier in the game than we wanted to.”

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Trailing by three runs going into the bottom of the ninth, the Giants brought the tying run to the plate when Matt Chapman drew a leadoff walk, then Casey Schmitt hit a one-out double that ricocheted off third base and into left field. Jung Hoo Lee cut San Francisco’s deficit to two on a groundout that scored Chapman, but San Francisco’s comeback efforts would fall short.

Ferrari Challenge returns to Laguna Seca

LAGUNA SECA — Seven months after it began, the Ferrari Challenge North America this weekend will return to where it started.

The finale of the six-event series began with a test event in February at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and will have its full circle moment over three days beginning Friday.

The series is divided into Ferrari classes: Trofeo Pirelli (professional) Trofeo Pirelli Am (amateurs), Coppa Shell (less competitive amateurs) and Coppa Shell Am (less competitive race).

Following early weekend “free” practices, qualifying occurs Saturday followed by two races in each category Sunday.

This weekend’s event is the seventh of the eight-race series at WeatherTech Raceway. The season began May 2-4 with the SpeedTour and ends Sept. 26-28 at GridLife Laguna.

“The Ferrari Challenge event is truly one of the highlights of the year at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca,” said Mel Harder, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca president and general manager.
“It’s incredible to see our facility transformed with Ferrari red and the paddock filled with beautiful machines. It’s an exciting opportunity to see so many amazing Ferraris on and off the track, and I encourage everyone to come out to enjoy a fun weekend.”

Morning practice sessions begin at 8:30 a.m., with the three-day schedule continuing through the scheduled 2:55 p.m. Ferrari Challenge Race #2 on Sunday.

If the season trend follows, American Massimo Perrina of Seattle will be the overwhelming favorite.

Racing on Go-karts since age 11, Perrina began competing in his current series in 2022. He dominated the diverse series in 2024. Two races each were held in Pirelli Coppa Shell and 488 Challenge EVO classes.

He has repeated his success this season. While winning five straight races, he’s likely to win the Trofeo Pirelli championship. Last year, Perrina won both races in the 488 Challenge Evo classes and he also claimed the season’s championship.

With the series final pending, Perrina has a nearly 50-point lead over Dylan Medler.

Brad Fauyre (Ferrari San Francisco) holds a 25-point lead over Sebastian Mascaro in the Trofeo Pirelli Am class. David Musial (Ferrari Lake Forest) is third, trailing by 44 points.

Yahn Bernier (Ferrari of Seattle) and Mitchell Green (Ferrari Westlake) have competed at the front of the Coppa Shell division.  Bernier leads his rival by 11 points, with Gary Ott (Ferrari Philadelphia) a distant third.

In the Coppa Shell Am division, Gabe Hrib (Ferrari of Atlanta) leads Michael Owens (Ferrari of Alberta) by 16 points. Louis Flory (Ferrari of Houston) has either won or podiumed in the last five Ferrari Challenge races and is in third place. Two testing days precede official on-track activity at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The Ferrari Challenge Series began on the Monterey Peninsula in 1994. The circuit’s history also includes Laguna Seca stops from 2017 through 2020 and visits in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Various ticket packages are available at www.weathertechraceway.com.

All Ferrari Challenge races will stream live on the Ferrari YouTube channel and FerrariRaces.com.

Trump administration cuts grants for minority-serving colleges, declaring them unconstitutional

By COLLIN BINKLEY, AP Education Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is ending several grant programs reserved for colleges that have large numbers of minority students, saying they amount to illegal discrimination by tying federal money to racial quotas.

In a shift upending decades of precedent, the Education Department said Wednesday it now believes it’s unconstitutional to award federal grants using eligibility requirements based on racial or ethnic enrollment levels. The agency said it’s holding back a total of $350 million in grants budgeted for this year and called on Congress to “reenvision” the programs for future years.

More than $250 million of that figure was budgeted for the government’s Hispanic-Serving Institution program, which offers grants to colleges and universities where at least a quarter of undergraduates are Hispanic. Congress created the program in 1998 after finding that Latino students were going to college and graduating at far lower rates than white students.

Several smaller programs are also being cut, including $22 million for schools where at least 40% of students are Black, along with programs reserved for schools with certain enrollment levels of Asian American, Pacific Islander or Native American students. The programs have traditionally received bipartisan support in Congress and were created to address longstanding racial disparities in education.

Not included in the cuts is federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which are open to all students regardless of race.

“Diversity is not merely the presence of a skin color,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement Wednesday. “Stereotyping an individual based on immutable characteristics diminishes the full picture of that person’s life and contributions, including their character, resiliency, and merit.”

McMahon added that she aims to work with Congress to repurpose the funding for institutions that serve “underprepared or under-resourced” students without using quotas. She did not elaborate on plans to repurpose the $350 million.

The government’s grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions are being challenged in a federal lawsuit brought by the state of Tennessee and the anti-affirmative action group Students for Fair Admissions. Tennessee argues that all of its public universities serve Hispanic students, but none meet the “arbitrary ethnic threshold” to be eligible for the grants.

The Justice Department declined to defend the grants in the lawsuit, saying in a July memo that the 25% enrollment requirement violates the Constitution.

In court filings, a national association of Hispanic-Serving Institutions said the grants are legal and help put its members on an even playing field.

More than 500 colleges and universities are designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions, making them eligible for the grants. It includes flagship campuses like the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Arizona, along with many community colleges and smaller institutions.

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The new cuts drew backlash from Democrats in Congress.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Trump is “putting politics ahead of students simply looking to get ahead.” She drew attention to the government’s current funding bill, a stopgap measure passed in March that gives the administration more flexibility to redirect federal funding.

“This is another important reminder of why Congress needs to pass funding bills, like the one the Senate marked up this summer, that ensure Congress — not Donald Trump or Linda McMahon — decides how limited taxpayer dollars are spent,” Murray said in a statement.

The Education Department said it will still release about $132 million for similar grant programs that are considered mandatory, meaning their levels are dictated by existing laws. Even so, the department said it “continues to consider the underlying legal issues associated with the mandatory funding mechanism in these programs.”

Former President Joe Biden made Hispanic universities a priority, signing an executive action last year that promised a new presidential advisory board and increased funding. President Donald Trump revoked the order on his first day back in office earlier this year.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.