LSU announced today star outside linebacker and defensive end Arden Key is taking a leave from football for personal reasons. In a statement, Head Coach Ed Orgeron says he fully supports Key in his decision and they look forward to welcoming him back at the appropriate time. No further comments were made. Key had 12 sacks last season and could be a first round pick next year.

The New Orleans Advocate says there’s mutual interest for defensive tackle Nick Fairley to return to the Saints. Fairley signed a one-year deal with New Orleans last year and played well in 2016 and recorded 6.5 sacks. Fairley would likely seek a multi-year contract that could pay him around 10-million dollars a year.

The Pelicans play their final game before the All-Star break tonight as they visit Memphis. With a win, New Orleans can finish this road trip with a 3-1 record. Tip-off is at seven o’ clock.

The LSU men’s basketball team lost its 12th straight game last night as the Tigers were outscored 39-10 in the final ten minutes and were defeated by the Ole Miss Rebels 96-76. Antonio Blakeny led LSU with 29 points, but did not take a single shot in the final 7:03 of the game.

For the second straight week and the sixth time this season, Louisiana Tech’s Erik McCree has been named as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. Tomorrow night the Bulldogs host Florida Atlantic. Tech is seeking its fifth straight win and they are in second place in the CUSA standings, two games back of first place.

We’re two days away from opening day and there’s more bad injury news for the LSU baseball team. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s not expecting senior catcher Jordan Romero to be available for this weekend, because of a sprained ankle. And a Monroe TV station is reporting that senior Warhawk outfielder Cade Stone will miss the 2017 season because of an ACL injury. Stone hit .230 last year with two home runs and 21 RBI.