Saints Owner Tom Benson says former defensive end Will Smith was an inspiration to many. Smith was killed in what police are calling a road rage shooting that occurred Saturday night in New Orleans. The Big Easy is unfortunately familiar with this type of violence. Current Saints offensive tackle Zach Streif says this shooting gives the city a black eye…
cut 18 (16) “…it really does”
Saints Coach Sean Payton made some strong comments to USA Today about the violence in New Orleans. He says the city is broken and its madness people argue that everybody needs a gun.

In other Black and Gold news…the NFL Network reports that Cal quarterback Jared Goff is expected to visit the Saints this week. He’s expected to be a first round pick.

In the latest D-1 Baseball poll, LSU has moved up four spots to number eleven after taking two of three from fifth ranked Vanderbilt. Tulane has also moved into the Top 25. The Green Wave are ranked 22nd after taking two of three from East Carolina. In Baseball America’s rankings, LSU is up to number nine, while the Green Wave are ranked 24th.

UL Lafayette’s Evan Guillory has been named Sun Belt pitcher of the week. Guillory tossed a complete game one-hit shutout last week in a win over Northwestern.

Louisiana Tech second baseman Jordan Washam has been named Conference USA Hitter of the Week. Washam was 11-of-16 at the plate as Tech went 3-and-1 last week. The Bulldogs are 18-and-10 on the year.

Nicholls sophomore catcher Kyle Knauth has been named the Southland Hitter of the Week. Knauth had 13 hits last week and drove in six runs. He’s reached base in 18 consecutive games.

In the NBA, the Pelicans final home game of the season is tonight as they’ll host the Chicago Bulls.