Sports
49ers fall to Giants on Monday Night
Photo by 49ers/Twitter
Santa Clara, CA – They almost had it in the bag but Eli Manning did something we haven’t seen in years. Manning led a game-winning touchdown drive late in the fourth on Monday night. It couldn’t have been a bigger stage to prove he still has it.
The Giants 27-23 win over the 49ers gave them hope that their season isn’t over yet. But for San Francisco winning game two of the season is just that, two games won with much more work to go and they’re not satisfied.
New York needed this win to salvage their losing season while the 49ers keep fighting through a copious amount of injuries using third string quarterback, Nick Mullens to lead the team. If you didn’t look at either teams record, it was a pretty competitive game.
Odell Beckham addresses if this win tonight will salvage the Giants season:
Manning looked more like the quarterback of years past when he found Sterling Shephard in the end zone for the 3-yard touchdown with .53 seconds left on the clock. A gutsy move by Manning and a great play by Shephard who made the leaping catch over his defenders.
That put the Giants back in the lead with little time left for San Francisco. But don’t count out the 49ers. A field goal wouldn’t be enough for the win, so Mullens drove his offense down field as time expires. With a .01 left in the game, Mullens spiked the ball to stop the clock.
There was only one option, go deep. San Francisco was at New York’s 21 yard line and Mullens threw it up hoping Kendrick Bourne would come down with it but instead the ball landed out of bounds in the hands of a Giants defender. The 49ers lost another tough one at home as they head into the Bye week.
Kyle Shanahan on the final drive and the loss tonight:
Matt Breida recorded a career-high 17 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown, marking his second career-high 100-yard game. Breida became the first 49ers player to record at least one rushing and one receiving touchdown in the same game since WR Bruce Ellington on 12/29/14 vs the San Diego Chargers.
Mullens completed 27 of 39 attempts for 250 yards and one touchdown. In two starts, Mullens has thrown 512 yards, marking the most by a 49ers quarterback in his first two starts with the teams since the merger in 1970.
“We just have to finish on both sides of the ball,” said Breida on late game drives. “As an offense, I feel like we have to score and as a defense, I feel like we have to stop them. So, it’s no one person’s fault, it’s the whole teams. We just have to come back, grind and put everything together.”
Brieda’s 3-yard touchdown put San Francisco up 10-7 before Aldrick Rosas kicked a 20-yard field goal to tie the game 10-10 late in the second quarter. Robbie Gould gave the 49ers a 13-7 lead to end the first half with a 36-yard field goal. San Francisco kept the momentum going when Mullens found Breida for an 11-yard touchdown extending their lead 20-10 to start the third quarter.
But Manning went deep in the end zone where Beckham attempted to make a circus leaping one-handed catch but could not control the ball. The Giants ran the same play with Manning going back to Beckham for the 20-yard touchdown pass. Rosas’ 31-yard field goal tied the game again 20-20.
“That’s been the story of the season,” DL DeForest Buckner said on stopping Manning. “We have to finish. I know we had some calls in the last drive against the defense, but we still need to find a way to make a play. Anybody. I personally need to make a play and try to get pressure on Eli. That’s everybody around on all levels. The DB’s, the linebackers, the defense. Everybody has to be held accountable. The defense could’ve won that game for us.”
“We are 2-8. Obviously, we could be better,” said George Kittle. “This loss stings. It is not fun losing at home on Monday Night and going into a bye. Adversity is what brings a team together. I know how cliché that sounds, but it is true. We are going to bounce back and ball out next game.”
Black History
Ashleigh Johnson: Pioneering the Way in Water Polo
Ashleigh Johnson attended Princeton University, where she played for the Tigers and dominated collegiate water polo. During her time at Princeton, she became the program’s all-time leader in saves and was recognized for her extraordinary ability to anticipate plays and block shots. She was a three-time All-American and was pivotal in leading her team to multiple victories. Balancing rigorous academics and athletics, she graduated with a degree in Psychology, showcasing her determination both in and out of the pool.
By Tamara Shiloh
Ashleigh Johnson has become a household name in the world of water polo, not only for her incredible athleticism and skill but also for breaking barriers as the first Black woman to represent the United States in the sport at the Olympic level. Her journey begins as a determined young athlete to a record-breaking goalkeeper.
Born on September 12, 1994, in Miami, Florida, Ashleigh grew up in a family that valued sports and academics. She attended Ransom Everglades School, where she was introduced to water polo. Despite water polo being a niche sport in her community, she quickly stood out for her remarkable agility, intelligence, and reflexes. Her unique skill set made her a natural fit for the demanding role of a goalkeeper.
Ashleigh attended Princeton University, where she played for the Tigers and dominated collegiate water polo. During her time at Princeton, she became the program’s all-time leader in saves and was recognized for her extraordinary ability to anticipate plays and block shots. She was a three-time All-American and was pivotal in leading her team to multiple victories. Balancing rigorous academics and athletics, she graduated with a degree in Psychology, showcasing her determination both in and out of the pool.
In 2016, Ashleigh made history as the first Black woman to be selected for the U.S. Olympic Water Polo Team. Representing her country at the Rio Olympics, she played a crucial role in helping Team USA secure the gold medal. Her stellar performances earned her the distinction of being named the tournament’s top goalkeeper, further cementing her status as one of the best players in the sport’s history.
Ashleigh didn’t just stop at one Olympic appearance. She continued her dominance in water polo, playing a key role in Team USA’s gold medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver outstanding saves in crucial moments made her an irreplaceable member of the team.
At the age of 29, Johnson appeared in her third Olympiad in Paris at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Their first match was against Greece and the US team won easily and Johnson only gave up 4 points. U.S. Olympic head coach Adam Krikorian shared, “She’s an incredible athlete. She’s got great hand-eye coordination, great reflexes and reactions. And then she’s fiercely competitive – fiercely. And you would never know it by her demeanor or by the huge smile on her face. But to us, on the inside, we know how driven she is to be one of the best ever to do it.”
Team USA Women’s Water Polo ended their Olympic season in fourth place after a 10 – 11 loss to the Netherlands. Johnson only allowed 37 percent of the shots from the Netherlands.
Beyond her achievements in the pool, Ashleigh has used her platform to advocate for diversity in water polo and sports in general. As a trailblazer, she recognizes the importance of representation and works to encourage young athletes, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their dreams.
Ashleigh has spoken about the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white sport and how she turned those obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Business
Sacramento Kings and Black-Owned Digital License Plate Firm Enter History-Making Partnership
Reviver founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston attended the Sacramento Kings’ season opener at Golden 1 Center, witnessing players debut the company’s patch. Reviver proudly supports the Sacramento Kings’ community and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media (CBM).
By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
Reviver, the world’s first digital license plate and connected vehicle platform, has entered into a history-making jersey patch partnership with the Sacramento Kings, team officials announced right before the team’s season opener on Oct. 24.
The collaboration establishes Reviver as the first Black-founded technology jersey patch partner in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The Reviver logo now appears on the left front strap of Kings’ uniforms.
Reviver founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston was in attendance to see the company’s patch worn by the Kings, during a game with the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.
“It was an absolutely amazing night. More than I ever expected,” Boston told California Black Media (CBM). “The Sacramento Kings have been incredible. On a national, and maybe a worldwide level, this partnership raises the profile of Reviver with the assistance of (Kings chairman and CEO) Vivek Ranadivé and the Kings.”
According to the Kings’ brass, Reviver, supported by the Black Star Fund, a Black-led venture capital firm based in Sacramento, is now an official “innovation partner” of the Kings and Golden 1 Center; a presenting partner of “Capitalize Technology,” a King’s corporate social investment initiative; and the exclusive digital license plate of the Sacramento Kings.
Headquartered in Granite Bay, a suburb of Sacramento, Reviver was born from a vision to modernize and streamline the vehicle registration renewal process. On Jan. 1, 2023, the state of California joined Georgia, Colorado, Michigan, and Arizona as states that have approved digital license plates for use statewide, after Reviver completed a four-year pilot program that evaluated a replacement for metal plates.
About 10,000 California drivers bought digital plates during the pilot program. Vehicles registered with the state are eligible to adopt the new high-tech tags. Reviver existence was made possible when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 984 in September 2022.
Under that law, California vehicle owners can update their titles, registrations, and other records remotely. In addition, the digital license “RPlate” includes a flashing message if a vehicle is reported stolen or if there is an Amber Alert.
Ranadivé is spreading the news that Reviver has international potential.
“This jersey patch partnership with Reviver continues the Kings long tradition of using our global platform to promote innovation and technology,” Ranadivé stated. “It’s particularly exciting to showcase a homegrown company that was part of our Kings Capitalize program. This is just the beginning of our work together, and we look forward to helping Reviver in its mission to modernize the driving experience.”
The commercial use of patches in professional basketball all began in 2009 when the Women’s Basketball Association (WNBA) Phoenix Mercury removed its name to replace it with sponsor, LifeLock, an identity-theft protection company. The landmark deal netted a contract worth about $1 million annually.
Kindra Montgomery-Block, vice president of diversity, equity, and social impact for the Sacramento Kings, was the integral facilitator who assisted Boston and his team in connecting with the sports franchise that is boasting 40 years in the Capital City.
“This partnership between the Kings and Reviver, backed by the Black Star Fund, will invest in the Sacramento community to promote technology and innovation in the region,” Montgomery-Block stated. “Reviver will support the Sacramento Kings community and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.”
Editor’s Note: Neville Boston is a California Black Media board member.
Black History
Martial Artist Victor Moore: An American Karate and Kickboxing Pioneer
Throughout his career, Moore defeated many national champions, including Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. Moore placed in every tournament he competed in from 1965 until his retirement in 1975, defeating renowned national champions such as Mike Foster, Chuck Norris, Fred Wren, Glenn Keeney, James Hawkes, and Jim Kelly. Moore emphasizes that winning or losing does not diminish a champion’s credibility — they are all champions in his eyes.
By Tamara Shiloh
Victor Moore, born on Aug. 23, 1943, holds a 10th-degree Black Belt in Karate and is a four-time world karate champion.
As one of the chief instructors under Robert Trias in the Shuri-ryu Karate system, Moore was also among the first ten members of the Trias International Society. Over his 50-year martial arts career, he trained in various styles, including Chito-ryu with William J. Dometrich, Judo, Kempo, and Bondo karate.
Moore began his martial arts journey at the age of 7 in Cincinnati, lifting weights and reading Charles Atlas books to guide his training. By age 9, he had learned the basics of jujitsu and judo, and at 12, he began training in Kempo karate under Ronald Williams, who awarded him his first black belt after five years of instruction.
In 1961, Moore expanded his training by joining a judo school led by Ray Hughes and later trained in Gyu Ryu-karate under Harvey Eubanks. He studied Kempo with Bill Dometrich and continued exploring different karate styles. Instructors at the time, required students to start as white belts in each new style, even if they held black belts elsewhere, which shaped Moore’s adaptability.
Chung Ling, an exchange student from China, introduced Moore and others to Chuan Fa, enhancing Moore’s understanding of martial arts. He also took up judo at a school in Cincinnati, where he earned his brown belt, and trained in karate with Jim Wax, who had studied under the Shimabuku brothers. Moore’s toughness was further honed by his boxing experience at the 9th Street YMCA, where he became a sparring partner for Tiger Joe Harris.
At Central State University, Professor Barry Yasuto trained Moore in Shotokan karate, but Moore was denied entry to the Japanese Karate Association, possibly due to his race. After returning to Cincinnati, Moore opened his first karate school and began competing in national tournaments. He traveled across the U.S., eventually meeting Robert Trias, who became his mentor and helped him rise to the second-degree black belt level. Under Trias, Moore continued training in Kempo and Goju-Ryu styles.
Moore also trained under Dr. Maung Gyi, learning Bondo karate, stick fighting, and kickboxing. In 1973, Moore and Joe Lewis introduced kickboxing to America on the Merv Griffin TV show. Moore competed in the first kickboxing tournament in the U.S., facing Jim Harrison in a historic fight.
Throughout his career, Moore defeated many national champions, including Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. Moore placed in every tournament he competed in from 1965 until his retirement in 1975, defeating renowned national champions such as Mike Foster, Chuck Norris, Fred Wren, Glenn Keeney, James Hawkes, and Jim Kelly. Moore emphasizes that winning or losing does not diminish a champion’s credibility — they are all champions in his eyes.
Moore continues to teach martial arts, working with instructors and students nationwide. His daughters, Vickie and Vonnie, and his son, Vanceston, also train under his guidance.
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