11:40 LRN Sportscast January 28

Louisiana has officially joined 18 other states in allowing mobile sports betting. In November 2020, 55 parishes voted to legalize sports betting and today the digital dollars begin to flow. First-year gross revenue projections exceed $200 million, with roughly 10 percent of that coming back to the state. While it isn’t a jackpot just yet, Eric Ramsey of the PlayUSA.com network says it’s a nice early payout.

Cut 6 (10) “…a tax standpoint.”

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association annual convention has already produced some big news. Unification of sports between so-called select and non-select schools continues to be a divisive issue. All proposals to rejoin class 5A failed during a vote Friday morning. Executive director Eddie Bonine did announce that the Division IV football playoffs will expand to 24 teams, with the championship game to be played at the Superdome.

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is the latest name to be added to the Saints list of candidates to replace Sean Payton. Flores is considered a long-shot, since he is a finalist for the top job with the New York Giants, and could take that position in the coming days. Flores is the fourth coach, joining Dennis Allen, Aaron Glenn, and Byron Leftwich, the Saints will interview. In three seasons with Miami, he led the team to a 24-25 record and consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2002-03.

Joe Burrow will lead the Cincinnati Bengals into Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

Burrow has earned the nickname “Joe Cool” for his unflappable demeanor. He says that’s the way it has to be for success in the NFL, and this game is just another on the schedule.

Cut 18 (19) “…the entire year.”

The AFC Championship game starts at 2 p.m. this Sunday.