The Saints have begin purging their roster as they released six-time pro bowl offensive lineman Jahri Evans, who has been a starter on the Black and Gold’s offensive line for the last decade. New Orleans has also released linebackers David Hawthorne and Ramon Humber and said good-bye to receiver Seantavius Jones. Cornerback Brandon Browner is also expected to be cut in the coming days.

The LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee unanimously approves a proposal for a statue honoring the late Pete Maravich to be installed on campus next to the building that’s named after him. Details on a design and construction will be released in the coming months. The LSU Board of Supervisors recently made changes to a policy that opened the door for a Maravich statue. The stumbling block has been that “Pistol Pete” passed away a few credit hours short of earning an LSU degree.

LSU basketball star Ben Simmons has been named SEC Freshman of the Week for a fourth time this season. The Tigers are at 20th ranked South Carolina tomorrow.

The Pelicans ended a four-game losing streak with a solid 116-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday led the way as each scored 27 points. Ryan Anderson added 26 points for the Pels, who are home on Wednesday night to host the Utah Jazz.

In college hoops…Nicholls State pulled off an upset last night as the Colonels upended Incarnate Word 71-60. TJ Carpenter had 19 points, including a three-pointer at the buzzer at halftime.

Despite 25 points from Zeek Woodley, Northwestern State fell to Stephen F Austin 83-72. A three-pointer with three seconds left ended Southern’s eight game winning streak as the Jaguars lost to Jackson State 81-80 and Grambling fell to Alcorn State 66-63.

For the second straight week, UL Lafayette’s Shawn Long is the Louisiana Sports Writers Association men’s basketball player of the week. Long averaged 24 points and 14 rebounds in two games last week. The Cajuns, who have won eight in a row, host Arkansas State on Thursday.