Community Service Event with SDSU Basketball
When the San Diego State basketball team learned about their upcoming community service activity—a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with the university’s fraternities—one player eagerly asked if they could compete against them. However, instead of playing, they’ll be officiating the games.
Raising Awareness About Fentanyl
The MESA Foundation, SDSU basketball’s NIL collective, is collaborating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and fraternity members to promote awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, particularly for college students and young adults. This addictive opioid is 50 times stronger than morphine and can cause a fatal overdose with as little as 2 milligrams, roughly the size of a few grains of salt.
Tournament and Education
Two years ago, players initiated a social media campaign to raise awareness. Now, they’re hosting a 3-on-3 tournament at the Aztec Recreation Center on Sunday, featuring teams from 10 fraternities, with players such as Miles Byrd donning striped shirts and whistles to officiate the games.
Event Details
The “Beyond the ARC” event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will include informational booths discussing fentanyl’s dangers. Attendees will also learn how to access free naloxone, also known as Narcan, which can reverse opioid overdoses.
Players’ Commitment to Community Service
To receive monthly NIL payments, players are required by the MESA Foundation to engage in several community service projects each season. Activities include the annual ALS Walk, youth basketball clinics, food drives, and now, officiating games. Byrd humorously claimed, “I’ve got the best whistle by far,” and added that he’s ready to handle any on-court disputes.
Upcoming Game Against UCLA
SDSU’s exhibition game against UCLA on October 17 will not be included in the season-ticket package; tickets will be sold separately with profits supporting the team’s recruitment and retention fund. Prices range from $30 to $50, and season seat holders will have early access to purchase tickets.
Injury Updates and NCAA Scandal
The team is currently practicing with limited hours but will shift to full preseason practices in two weeks. Ten of the 13 scholarship players are healthy, while Magoon Gwath, Latrell Davis, and Tae Simmons are recovering from injuries. Meanwhile, the NCAA has banned three Fresno State players for placing illegal bets on their performance, an issue that raised concerns but did not directly affect SDSU.
