For the second straight practice, Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has sat out. Coach Sean Payton says Brees suffered a strained left oblique. The QB was on the practice field at the Greenbrier report in West Virginia but was not wearing pads this afternoon when the Black and Gold returned for another day of work after a day off Sunday. Payton says Brees’ injury was “day to day” and that it would be monitored.

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney has reportedly reduced the charges against LSU junior safety Jalen Mills from felony second degree battery to misdemeanor simple battery. The charges stem from a May incident where Mills allegedly punched a woman near his apartment. DA Hillar Moore says the second degree battery charge was the arrest charge and his office believes the misdemeanor charge is appropriate after reviewing evidence and reports and witness statements.

Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush, who started his NFL career with the New Orleans SAints in 2006, said today that at the age of 29 he’s not sure how much longer he’ll be able to play but if he gets to 15 more that would be a blessing. It’s a slight echo to what his former starting quarterback Drew Brees said last week that he’s “serious” about playing until he’s 45. Bush will be 44 in 15 years.

Today many of our state college football teams began practice including the University of Louisiana at Lafayette who are heading into the 2014 season with extremely high hopes as they return 14 starters including quarterback Terrance Broadway. The Cajuns are big favorites to win a second straight Sun Belt Conference title and head coach Mark Hudspeth said at media day today he’s very excited…:
CUT 2 (16) “most positions”
The Ragin Cajuns play Southern on August 30th.

LSU Head Coach Les Miles spoke with the media Sunday and said 103 players reported as fall training camp gets underway today. The Mad Hatter started off by saying he always loves this first meeting…:
CUT 16 (16) “if you will”
The LSU roster will kick things off today with the veterans, and some freshman, going in the morning and the other freshman will take the afternoon session. Miles says two players will not be practicing…:
CUT 17 (12) “go forward”
He says Valentine is awaiting clearance from the NCAA eligibility center. Mills is still suspended for his battery arrest in May and Miles says he’s not sure how that’s playing out but he’s not pressing the issue.

The New Orleans Saints held their Black and Gold scrimmage on Saturday and coach Sean Payton held Quarterback Drew Brees out…:
CUT 1 (16) “he didn’t go”
The Saints will practice three days this week before they take on the Rams in the first preseason game on Friday in St. Louis.

Three weeks of fall camp kick off today for the UL-Lafayette football team. Head Coach Mark Hudspeth said in a news release that summer was great and the players are in great physical condition. Practice kicks off this morning.

Louisiana Tech players also reported for camp Sunday afternoon. Head Coach Skip Holtz says all 99 players that were anticipated to show up…did all report. He said it’s always good when you can start with 100% attendance. He say he doesn’t anticipate there will be any surprises with upperclassmen or their signing class.

The annual Black and Gold Scrimmage will be held Saturday and Saints running back Mark Ingram says he’s ready…:
CUT 1 (15) “I think is important”
On an interesting note from training camp at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, veteran defensive back Champ Bailey missed Thursday’s walk through and Friday’s padded practice. When asked about the absences coach Sean Payton says he doesn’t talk about injuries during training camp. After the scrimmage the Saints have a break on Sunday then preparations continue on to the preseason game happening next Friday on the road against the Rams.

Former U-High defensive end Tim Williams was one of three Alabama players suspended by coach Nick Saban according to an al.com report Friday. Neither he norm linemen Brandon Ivory or Jarren Reed were at the last practice. Williams chose Alabama after being recruited by LSU. The suspension is apparently for a violation of team rules and Saban said they can work themselves back onto the team.

LSU has released its August Football practice schedule. The team reports to campus on Sunday then it’s down to business with Varsity practice on Monday morning.

According to Klout, a San Francisco based company that measures online social influence, LSU coach Les Miles is the most influential coach on social media.

And also speaking of The Tigers, Sports Information Director Michael Bonnet says LSU has sold out of season football tickets for the 11th straight year. It’s a school record 74,350 tickets.

Former Saints Safety Steve Gleason is being inducted into his Alma mater’s athletic Hall of Fame. Washington State University announced Thursday that Gleason will be the lone member of the halls 2014 class and will be honored in an in-game ceremony during a home football game in the fall.

The Sun Belt basketball schedules are out. UL-Lafayette opens league play with a road game against Arkansas-Little Rock on December 30th.

New Orleans wide receiver Marques Colston says he’s ready for the upcoming season and he’ll continue to play at a high level. Colston, who has been in the NFL now for 8 season, is getting a lighter load at camp but the team says it’s not because he can’t do the work. The 31-year-old says he’s had to make some adjustments, but it doesn’t even feel like he’s entering year nine…:
CUT 1 (18) “getting it done”
Colston spent last season recovering from a foot injury but says camp so far this year has been a completely different experience now that he’s been able to rest and enter camp feeling healthy. Camp at the Greenbrier in West Virginia continues this morning and tomorrow before the black and gold get the day off Sunday.

The 2014 USA Today preseason college football coaches poll was released Thursday and LSU will begin the season ranked No. 13. Florida State tops the poll and Alabama is at the No. 2 spot. In all seven SEC teams are ranked. Five of the Tigers regular season opponents made the rankings including Wisconsin at No. 14. The Badgers and The Bayou Bangles meet in Houston for the August 30th season opener. LSU players report Sunday and fall camp begins Monday.

Louisiana Lafayette got 12 votes in the coaches poll, the 15th most among those receiving votes.

Speaking of the Ragin’ Cajuns, the Sun Belt basketball schedules were released Thursday. UL-Lafayette opens league play with a road game against Arkansas-Little Rock on December 30th then return to play Troy in the SBC opener on January 3rd.

In the MLB, former LSU star right-hander Anthony Ranaudo of the Red Sox is scheduled to make his major league debut in Boston against the New York Yankees today. In 21 starts at Triple-A Pawtucket, Ranaudo was 12-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 119.1 innings.

Former Saints Safety Steve Gleason is being inducted into his Alma mater’s athletic Hall of Fame. Washington State University announced Thursday that Gleason will be the lone member of the halls 2014 class and will be honored in an in-game ceremony during a home football game in the fall.

The Saints first training camp practice of the 2014 season took place this morning in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. All-pro tight end Jimmy Graham was on the practice field for the first time since agreeing to a four-year, 40-million dollar contract. Graham missed all of the off-season workouts as he stayed away from the team during negotiations for a long-term contract. Coach Sean Payton has no problems with how the sitatuion was handled.
cut 17 (21) “…this training camp”
Newly acquired safety Jarius Byrd did not participate in team drills today. He  was at practice, but he’s still recovering from back surgery. Payton says they expect Byrd to return sooner than later.

Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks have reached an agreement to carry the SEC Network when it launches on August 14th. With the addition of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, the SEC Network will be available to about 60-million households nationwide. But there’s still no agreement with either Direct TV or Charter Cable.

The Pelicans have officially announced the signing of guard Jimmer Fredette. The BYU product holds a career average of seven points a game and he’s shot 40-percent from three-point territory. New Orleans has also finalized a deal with former Florida Gator Patric Young. The six-foot-nine, undrafated free agent, averaged seven points and eight rebounds a game for the Pelicans Summer League team.

The Pels also have announced they’ve re-signed free agent forward Darius Miller. New Orleans selected the former Kentucky standout in the second round of the 2012 NBA draft. Last season he averaged four points a game.

The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected to descend on the coastal town to enjoy the festivities. Scott Carwile has more…
cut 1 (35) :…reporting”

The 2014 NFL season gets underway today for the Black and Gold as they hold their first training camp practice at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The New Orleans defense made great strides last year, but Coach Sean Payton says there’s still room for improvement, especially when it comes to turnovers…:
CUT 16 (13) “to form”
Tight end Jimmy Graham will be on the field with his teammates for the first time since the playoff loss to Seattle.

The New Orleans Pelicans announce they’ve signed guard Jimmer Fredette and center Patric Young. Fredette has a career average 6.9 points and 1.9 assists in 14.6 minutes per game over three seasons with the Sacramento and Chicago. Young averaged 8.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 24.3 minutes per game with the University of Florida.

The Saints are settling into their temporary West Virginia home for the start of  training camp. Matthew Doyle has the story…:
CUT 2 (33) “reporting”

The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected descend on coastal town to enjoy the festivities. Anglers from across the area will compete to see who can catch the biggest fish in a number of categories. Property tax clerk for the town of Grand Isle, Bonnie Pizani (piz-annie), says there’s a lot more going on than just fishing…:
CUT 4 (12) “this year”
Grand Isle bills the rodeo, which runs through Saturday, as “the oldest fishing tournament in the United States”.

In the MLB today former LSU star right-hander Kevin Gausman will start on the mound for the Baltimore Orioles when they take on the Seattle Mariners today.

It’s reporting day for the Saints as players were expected to report to the team’s training camp facility in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The team will prepare for the upcoming season at the Greenbrier resort. They’ll spend three weeks there. They have three brand new football fields to work on and there’s plenty of meeting rooms. The first practice is tomorrow morning.

Elsewhere in the NFL….the Falcons have signed wide receiver Roddy White to a three-year contract extension, which will keep White with the Falcons for the next four seasons. White is 32-years-old and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, but last year he was limited by a high-ankle sprain and hamstring injury.

And former John Ehret Star Reggie Wayne showed up to Colts training camp driving a two-seat Indy Car. Wayne says he did it, because he wants Indianapolis to get off to a fast start this season. Wayne will have to prove himself this season as he’s 35-years-old and coming off an ACL injury.

Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks have reached an agreement to carry the SEC Network when it launches on August 14th. With the addition of Time Warne Cable and Bright House Networks, the SEC Network will be available to about 60-million households nationwide. But there’s still no agreement with either Direct TV or Charter.

In a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors, Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland Conference. The Lions won the Southland last season and Head Coach Ron Roberts believes the Lions can do it again…
CUT 18 (19) “basis”
McNeese State is picked to finish second, Northwestern State fifth and Nicholls State is projected to come in ninth place.

The Colonels are coming off a four and eight season. Head Coach Charlie Stubbs says Nicholls goes into the season with Tuskani Figaro as its starting quarterback, but Breaux Hebert and Kalen Henderson will also compete for the job.

In Lake Charles, Cowboys Coach Matt Viator has to find a replacement for Cody Stroud, who threw for nearly 3-thousand yards and 28 touchdowns last season. Former Kansas State QB Daniel Sams goes into camp as the favorite to win the starting QB job.

Today’s reporting day for the Saints as training camp will get underway tomorrow. The team will spend the first three weeks of training camp in West Virginia at the Greenbrier Resort. The 55-thousand square foot training facility has three practice fields. Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis will speak with reporters later today.

Former LSU Tiger Tyrann Mathieu will watch the start of training camp from the sidelines as the Cardinals put the dynamic defensive back on the physically unable to perform list. Mathieu is still recovering from a major knee injury last December. There’s no timetable on when he’ll return.

In news out of the NFC South…the Falcons announced they’ve signed wide receiver Roddy White to a three-year contract extension, which will keep White with the Falcons for the next four seasons. White is 32-years-old and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, but last year he was limited by a high-ankle sprain and hamstring injury.

Second year Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz told reporters at Conference USA Media Day that he expects a better season this year after going four and eight in 2013. Holtz says they have more speed at the wide receiver position and some new additions on defense, like defensive end Houston Bates, who is a transfer from Illinois….
cut 17 (15) “….football team”
Louisiana Tech opens the season against Oklahoma on August 30th.

Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland. That’s according to polls of the league’s coaches and sports information directors. Lions Head Coach Ron Roberts likes the idea that his team will have a bulls eye on their chest this season….
cut 19 (20) “…2014″
McNeese State has been picked to finish second in the Southland race. Northwestern State fifth place and Nicholls State ninth place.

LSU freshman defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao (Lay-ah-lah-ee-mahta-fow) has been released from the hospital after being treated for a cut in his arm he got from punching in a window at the school’s weight room on Monday according to multiple sources. Officials say he will remain on the team.

In a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors, Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland Conference. The Lions won the Southland last season as they were a perfect 7-and-0 in the league. S-L-U Head Coach Ron Roberts is a strong believer that his team can re-peat as Southland champs…:
CUT 18 (19) “basis”
McNeese State is picked to finish second, Northwestern State fifth and Nicholls State is projected to come in ninth place.

LSU freshman defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao (Lay-ah-lah-ee-mahta-fow) has been released from the hospital after being treated for a cut in his arm he got from punching in a window at the school’s weight room on Monday according to multiple sources. Officials say he will remain on the team.

Former St. Augustine star and LSU-bound running back Leonard Fournette has become the first person on the basis of his high school accomplishments, to receive the Corbett Award — designating him Louisiana’s outstanding male amateur athlete for the past year. Louisiana-Lafayette pitcher Chrsitina Hamilton is the female honoree.

At Conference USA Media Day, Louisiana Tech Head Skip Holtz told reporters the Bulldogs will be better season this year, after going four and eight last season. Tech’s offense struggled last year, averaging just 19 points a game. But Holtz says they have more speed at the wide receiver position with the addition of former West Monroe star Paul Turner…:
CUT 16 (18) “as well”

The New Orleans Saints report to football camp in West Virginia today and the Black and Gold nation is already stocking up on their gear for the mega-hyped 2014 season. Lauren “FleurtyGirl” LeBlanc is the owner of a popular Saints fan shop in New Orleans…:
CUT 4 (08) “what they’re coming in for”
LeBlanc says even though the Saints aren’t practicing in Metairie this year, it’s not stopping the merchandise from flying off the shelves.

NFL training camps are opening across the country. Saints players are scheduled to report to the team’s new training camp facility in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia by tomorrow Most of the players were seen rolling into town today. Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis are scheduled to address the media tomorrow afternoon.

In Arizona, the Cardinals have announced former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu will start camp on the physically unable to perform list. Mathieu is still rehabbing a serious knee injury that took place last December. There is some concern that the Honey Badger will not be when the regular season starts.

Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland Conference. That’s accoring to a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors. McNeese State is picked to finish second, Northwestern State fifth and Nicholls State is projected to come in ninth place.

Expectations are not overly high in Monroe for the Warhawks football team. ULM is picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt, but head coach Todd Berry says they can surprise some people if they stay healthy…
cut 19 (17) “…be sidelined”
The Warhawks begin the season on Thursday August 28th at home against Wake Forest.

The Pelicans Anthony Davis says he’s excited about the acquisition of Omer Asik. Davis says Asik will help his game a lot, because he likes playing power forward instead of center.

College basketball….Ragin Cajuns shooting Kevin Brown told his followers on twitter that he’s transferring to UNO. Brown started 13 games for the Cajuns last season and averaged 5.5 poitns a game. He’ll be able to play right away for the Privateers as a graduate student.