Latest news with #Pepperdine
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sahith Theegala WDs for third time in last five starts, the latest at RBC Canadian Open
Sahith Theegala WDs for third time in last five starts, the latest at RBC Canadian Open The pain in Sahith Theegala's neck just won't go away. The 27-year-old Pepperdine grad withdrew from the RBC Canadian Open on Wednesday. He was replaced in the field by Cameron Champ. 'I've been battling the last few weeks, so this one stings,' Theegala wrote in a social media post on Instagram. It marks the third time that Theegala has had to withdraw due to injury in his last five starts. He pulled out of the Truist Championship in May after shooting 78 in the third round. A few days later, he withdrew from the PGA Championship before the tournament began. He returned last week to Muirfield Village for the Memorial but posted 74-77 to miss the 36-hole cut. Theegala is a RBC ambassador so he said it was with a 'heavy heart' that he was withdrawing to get treatment and rest his injury. Theegala didn't specifically mention if he'd be able to compete next week at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, but he hinted that he might be sidelined for a stretch. Theegala finished third in the FedEx Cup last year and was selected by U.S. Captain Jim Furyk for the Presidents Cup last October in Montreal. This season has been a disappointment to date with only two top-25s in 15 starts. He ranks No. 119 in the FedEx Cup and his world ranking has dipped to No. 39. "The RBC Canadian Open always treats players so well, and I was really excited to play the new venue at TPC Toronto this year. The place looks beautiful and I've heard so many great things about the golf course and the facility overall," Theegala wrote. "Doctors have advised me to put the clubs away for a little while as I get treatment and rest for an injury I've been battling the last few weeks, so this one stings."
Wall Street Journal
6 days ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
How Cheating Spreads at Law Schools
When Noah Werksman began his first final exam in law school, the classroom was half-empty. 'There were 60, maybe 70 people in our cohort,' he says in an interview. 'At least 30 students were missing.' Mr. Werksman, 27, came to Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in Malibu, Calif., in the summer of 2023. 'It was what we call a racehorse exam,' he says of the final. 'It's pretty guaranteed you're not going to finish, but you have to move as fast as possible and rack up as many points as you can.'
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Johnny Carson asked sheriff to drive him home after drinking: book excerpt
While the world knew famed late-night host Johnny Carson as the funny man who America welcomed into their homes for 30 seasons, Howard Smith knew him as a kind, down to earth neighbor in Malibu. The pals first met when talent agent Jerry Weintraub and his wife, singer Jane Morgan, invited Smith and his wife Jane over for a star-studded dinner party. Morgan, now 101, asked the tech mogul if he could sit next to Carson — since despite him being an extrovert on air, he was more of an introvert at these functions. Advertisement 16 Johnny Carson, host of 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.' Jonathan Sotzing 'We talked,' Smith recounted in an exclusive interview with The Post. 'He had just moved four houses down and I have a tennis court and the reason Jane put us together was because he was shy.' '[Carson's wife], Alex [Maas], was with him that night,' explained the Malibu resident. 'I had never met John before but he was my hero. And at that dinner, we started talking about different things and he had just sold his beach house to John McEnroe and he said to me that one of the things he got John McEnroe to do in the sale was play tennis at Pepperdine.' Advertisement But Smith knew that despite hitting balls with a pro, playing on the college campus wasn't necessary. 16 Johnny Carson poses with his longtime friend and neighbor Howard Smith. 16 A tabloid captured a picture of Johnny Carson and Howard Smith after a tennis patch in Malibu. 'I said, well, I've got a tennis court anytime you want to,' the author recalled. 'I gave him my number and the next morning John called. I thought it was a prank. I couldn't believe he called me and he said, 'Can I come over and play tennis with you today?'' Advertisement From there, a friendship quickly formed and they went on to play the sport together weekly. 'We only played maybe three weeks when he said to me one day after a game, 'You know, next week I'm going to be 60 years old. I'm going to have dinner at Spago in Beverly Hills. I would love to have you and Jane come.'' 16 Howard and Jane Smith with Johnny Carson and Alex Maas. 16 Johnny Carson and Howard Smith. Advertisement Despite Smith thinking he was walking into a star-studded birthday bash, Carson invited the couple to an intimate dinner with only two other guests — proving how deep their bond became. 'I was anticipating this is a big party because I only knew him three or four weeks,' Smith said. 'So I get to the restaurant and it's Henry Bushkin, Joyce Dewitt, John, Alex, myself and Jane. I pinch myself going, 'Holy cow.' We played tennis and talked a little bit, but I didn't know him very well. I was so moved by being invited to his 60th birthday and being part of that little group.' That night one thing was clear: Smith became an intricate part of Carson's inner circle. While this year marks the 20-year anniversary of Carson's death at age 79 from emphysema, the retired businessman is now publishing his book — 'My Friend Johnny.' 16 Jane Smith, Johnny Carson and Alex Maas in Aspen. 'Knowing John for 25 years, when I used to go over to his house and we'd sit around and talk about different things and life, the wonderful thing that I've found while writing this book to me is I've reminisced and gone back to these memories,' Smith told The Post. The publication explores the 'neighbor turned close companion' and highlights many behind the scenes moments with Carson. In an excerpt from the book, exclusively obtained by The Post, Smith detailed a one-of-a-kind encounter that involved some booze and the Malibu sheriff. Advertisement 16 John and Alex on a toboggan ride. One night when Smith and Carson were out to dinner at La Scala, another table asked if they could buy the comic a drink. Well, one drink turned into another and another. The two realized they weren't in any shape to drive. 'The sheriff arrived and entered the restaurant,' Smith penned in his memoir. 'He seemed startled to see Johnny Carson and another gentleman waiting for him. 'Mr. Sheriff,' I said, as clearly as possible without slurring, 'We've both had too much to drink, and it would be a terrible tragedy if one of us tried to drive home. Would you do us the favor of driving us home?'' 'The sheriff looked at us, mainly at me, and said, 'This is highly irregular. I'm not supposed to do that.' He glanced at John and then back at me. 'For anyone.'' Advertisement 16 Alex Maas and Johnny Carson on their boat. With Carson's casual charm, he persuaded the sheriff to give them both a lift — a story that ended in flashing red and blue lights, lots of laughter and one confused wife. Smith also reflected on the bittersweet moment he and Carson had to put down the rackets for good. Carson was an avid smoker, but had quit shortly after tying the knot with Maas in 1987. Still, in his later years, his smoking had caused irrevocable damage. Advertisement 16 John and Alex at home in Malibu. 16 Johnny Carson and his high school teacher at her 90th birthday party. 'During an otherwise normal conversation at John's house after our regular match, he paused. With a wistful look in his eye, he said, 'Howard, we sure have had a lot of fun on many tennis courts, haven't we?'' 'Too much fun to count,' he replied. Advertisement ''Well, I'm so sad to say this, but … I'm afraid our tennis-playing days are over,'' Smith wrote. 'I wanted to push back. I wanted to tell him that we could play slower or set up rules so we wouldn't have to run as much. In reality, my (unfounded) fear was that no tennis would mean no friendship. Thankfully, our friendship blossomed into something much more than two guys playing tennis.' 16 Alex Maas and Johnny Carson in Aspen. Over the course of their 25-year friendship, many of Smith and Carson's memories included their spouses, Jane and Alex. Carson and Alex were wildly private — despite the tabloids trying to create explosive stories about the duo. 'With John being such a big star, the gossipers had to write something, so they wrote that their marriage was unusual and often troublesome. I think their marriage upset some of the media because Alex never played their game,' Smith recalled in his book. 'On the night of what would be his last birthday, John and Alex discussed that very topic. They knew the cost associated with being a Hollywood celebrity—mainly the invasion of their personal life—so they weren't angry with a particular writer or magazine. I'd seen him rant about so-called journalists before, but he didn't that night.' 'Rather, John said, 'We never cared what people said about our marriage. They get it wrong all the time. One day, they report on two people who are madly in love, and the next week, those same people file for divorce. As long as we'—he motioned to Alex, whose hand he held—'are happy, that's all that matters.'' 16 Johnny Carson holds Howard Smith's son Scott. 16 Johnny, Alex and Howard's son Scott. And that they were, up until Carson's passing on January 23, 2005. In the book, Smith recounted what he called 'the last supper' — an outing with the star just weeks before his heartbreaking death. 'Of the many dinners we had with him over 20 years, that was the longest time we ever sat at a dinner table together,' he shared. 'His memory was pin-sharp. It was as if he didn't want us to leave without telling us stories he had probably never told anyone. Jane and I had a blast. We were the last to leave the restaurant that night!' He wrote elsewhere, 'It made sense for John to behave that way. He knew he was dying, and he wanted to make sure he gave us the best of himself before he went.' 16 Johnny Carson, Doc Severinsen and Ed McMahon during the last episode of 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' on Friday, May 22, 1992. AP Photo May 22 marks the 33-year anniversary of Carson's final show, where 60 million people tuned in to watch 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.' Smith, of course, was in the audience. 'Jane and I were honored that he invited us to his final show, along with his wife, sons, and close family members,' Smith penned about the show, which aired from 1962 to 1992. 'He'd even ensured reserved private parking for us to make it easier. He'd decided not to bring in any guests that day. Rather, he shed the spotlight on Ed McMahon, his longtime sidekick, and his bandleader, Doc Severinsen.' 16 The finale episode of 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' on Friday, May 22, 1992. AP Photo Afterwards, the group celebrated when Carson 'threw an exclusive party at his home for his staff of many years.' The episode included a five-minute standing ovation, but Smith noted that Carson wasn't looking for an applause. 'In the end, John didn't want recognition,' his dear friend wrote. 'He wanted to recognize those who had helped him achieve so much. In fact, he even thanked the audience with a surprise gift from Tiffany's, a perpetual calendar inside a sterling silver frame made especially for those who attended his final show. John signed off for his last time by saying, 'And so it has come to this. I am one of the lucky people in the world. I've found something I've always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it.'' 16 Johnny Carson. AP Decades later, audiences are still as enamored by Carson and his late-night show. But now, Smith aims to pull back the curtain on the host's life without the cameras. 'I would say that John, looking down, would say, 'Howard, thank you buddy. I appreciate you doing this,'' Howard smiled, reflecting on how Carson may react to his book. After all, Smith simply wants the world to know his friend Johnny.
Indianapolis Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
What Thad Matta said about Butler basketball's additions via transfer portal, recruiting
There's been plenty of player movement since the end of Butler basketball's season in the inaugural Crown tournament. Thad Matta and staff have been active in the transfer portal as rosters continue to turn over year-over-year. Butler has signed five players out of the portal so far, and its five incoming high school recruits represent the Bulldogs' highest-ranked recruiting class. Here's what Matta said about Butler's roster additions: "These past two seasons have showcased Michael's all-around game and potential. Michael led the WCC in scoring during his season at Pepperdine, and contributed to a high level of winning with a physical, defensive presence last season at Gonzaga. His impact on both ends of the court is a major addition to our roster for the upcoming season. Michael is a high-character individual who is going to be a great fit at Butler." "Yame brings both experience and physicality to our program. He has the ability and willingness to guard multiple positions and rebound. Offensively, he is aggressive in getting downhill to both score at the rim and get to the free throw line. Yame will be impactful for us both on the court and in the locker room, and we're excited to get him on campus." Get to know: Sister's death was 'super difficult.' How Butler transfer Yame Butler found 'a lot of joy' "Jalen is a great addition to our program. He cares about winning and has the reputation as a player who works hard to improve his game. Jalen has the ability to score the ball in a variety of ways and also makes the players around him better. He's been incredibly consistent in the Horizon League and has posted big numbers against power conference teams." "Drayton is a great addition to our program; he's a high-character young man who is excited about the opportunities Butler has to offer. Drayton is able to utilize his athleticism to protect the rim at a high level defensively and finish plays in the paint emphatically offensively. His best basketball is ahead of him and we're glad that basketball will be played at Butler.' "Yohan is another significant addition to our roster and he's a great fit for the culture we continue to build here at Butler. He has experience playing in power conferences, and earned All-Big West honors as a sophomore. He attacks the glass, especially on the offensive end, and has the ability to score at the rim, facing up, and from three-point range. He has an imposing frame that will help our team defensively. It will be great to get him on campus soon." 'We're excited to add Bryson to our program. He's a talented player who has a high basketball IQ and a relentless motor on the court. Bryson is embracing the opportunity to develop his game and his body early on within our program. He's going to push us in practice from his first day on campus and he's a solid addition to both our program and our university.' "Jackson is a very athletic wing who takes great pride in his defense. He can get to the rim and score the ball. His athleticism, physicality and defensive grit are going to translate well to college basketball beginning with day one." "Jack knows how to play the game, just as you would expect from a coach's son. He's a big wing and multi-dimensional in how he can pass, shoot and make great decisions with the ball in his hands." 'Efeosa has represented Canada in international competition, won an Overtime Elite championship, and was one of the best players on the Under Armour circuit during the summer of 2023. He's a very mature young man who has great character. Efeosa arrives with a Big East body and a strong work ethic, and we're excited to see his game and skillset develop.'
Los Angeles Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
For Kamala Harris, it's not just whether to run for California governor. It's why
For some folks, this summer will be a time of relaxation: picnics, barbecues, vacation. For others, a mad scramble between work and swim meets, baseball tournaments or shopping before shelves go bare and the Trump tariffs price everything beyond reach. For Kamala Harris, it's a time for deciding. The former vice president is expected to spend a chunk of her summer weighing various options — whether to retire from politics after more than 20 years seeking elected office, whether to mount a 2026 bid for California governor or whether to make a third attempt at the White House in 2028. According to several who've spoken with Harris, she is genuinely undecided, torn between concern and affection for her home state and an undimmed desire to be president. Of the three options, the most pressing is whether to enter the race to replace her fellow Democrat, the term-limited Gavin Newsom, as governor. The contest is already well underway — 10 serious (broadly speaking) candidates have so far announced their candidacies. While Harris' near-universal name recognition and nationwide fundraising base allow her to wait longer than others, a serious gubernatorial bid will take more than a few months to mount. That forces a decision and a public announcement sooner rather than later. If she does run, one thing Harris must avoid at all costs is anything that bespeaks arrogance, entitlement or anything less than a 100% commitment to serving as governor. It's not hard to imagine one of her first utterances as a candidate would be pledging to serve a full four-year term and vowing not to use the office as an interim step toward another presidential bid. Failing that, voters have every reason to send Harris packing. California doesn't need another governor with a wandering political eye. Another imperative Harris faces is offering a compelling reason why she wants to be governor. Seeking the office for the same reason climbers tackle Mt. Everest — because it's there — won't do. History offers a lesson. In November 1979, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy was preparing to launch an upstart bid for president against the unpopular incumbent, Jimmy Carter. He gave a television interview that was so legendarily awful it's become an object lesson in how not to start a campaign. Asked why he wanted to be president, Kennedy paused at length, appearing stricken. He then unspooled a long-winded, curlicued, two-minute response that mentioned natural resources, technology, innovation, productivity, inflation, energy, joblessness and the economy, among other things. His answer was lucid as a fog bank and inspiring as a stalk of celery. 'Kennedy was on a rocket ship,' said Dan Schnur, a veteran communications strategist and political science professor, who uses the Kennedy interview as part of his curriculum at USC, Pepperdine and UC Berkeley. Carter was in dreadful shape, Kennedy was political royalty and the enthusiasm for his candidacy at the Democratic grassroots 'looked like it was going to sweep him to the nomination. 'And then he did that one interview,' Schnur recollected, 'and he couldn't answer the most basic question.' Though Kennedy ended up giving Carter a stiff challenge, he never fully recovered from leaving that terrible impression. Harris should take heed. A recent poll by the L.A. Times and UC Berkeley gave her a 50% approval rating among California voters, which is not exactly a number to beat the band. Still, she would enter the governor's race as a heavy favorite to at least make the runoff under the state's top-two election system. If a Republican nabbed the second spot, Harris would be strongly positioned to win in November, given California's strong Democratic leaning. But, again, neither is a reason for Harris to be governor. Some of those close to the former vice president wonder how much she really wants, or would enjoy, the job. In 2015, when the governorship and a U.S. Senate seat both came open, Harris — the state's attorney general at the time — opted to seek the latter. Her reasons were both personal, involving family considerations, and professional, given the platform and opportunities afforded a member of the Senate. In short, Harris has never burned with a passion to be California governor. That makes it all the more important for her to explain — clearly and convincingly — why she'd want to be elected. 'She's got to give some affirmative reason why she's running and why it would be good for the voters of California,' Schnur said. 'And it's not just a matter of constructing several words into a sentence. 'It's not hard for someone as smart as Kamala Harris and her team to concoct a lab-tested phrase that tests well,' he went on. 'The challenge isn't typing out a sentence. It's developing a core purpose that can then be explained in a sentence.' Harris has all summer to look inward and figure that out. If she can't, California voters should choose someone else for their next governor.
