AM Newscall 03.08.19

Yahoo Sports reports there’s an FBI wiretap with LSU basketball coach Will Wade discussing a recruiting offer to a middleman recently convicted for his role in a college basketball recruiting scandal. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff palermo.”

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A nasty artic blast may have delayed peak crawfish season, but the Gulf Seafood Institute says there’s plenty of other water raised options for the first day of Lent…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Investigators say it was a hammer that served as the weapon that ended the lives of three in a gruesome scene in a Terrytown home.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

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Yahoo Sports reports the FBI intercepted a phone conversation between LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade and recruiting middleman Christian Dawkins, in which Wade is recorded discussing a “deal” about “this Smart thing,” which could be a reference to LSU freshman guard Javonte Smart. LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network, Glen Guilbeau, says LSU officials should be concerned…

Cut 4 (12) “…lot more”

The Yahoo sports report also quotes Wade saying a strong offer has been made in the alleged conversation between the Tigers coach and Dawkins. LSU hoops is enjoying its best season in a decade, but Guilbeau says this FBI investigation could get worse for the Tigers basketball program

Cut 5 (10) “…worst of it.”

Two Adidas officials and Dawkins have been sentenced to prison as part of the investigation into college basketball recruiting. Wade has reportedly been subpoenaed for the second college basketball corruption trial next month.  Guilbeau says as LSU hoops prepare for the Big Dance, this FBI probe is concerning

Cut 6 (08) “…the NCAA”

Wade said on Thursday he has not read the FBI wiretap report, but the program will move forward as they need to. Last year, Wade denied ever doing business with Dawkins.

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It’s the first Friday of Lent for the million plus Catholics who call Louisiana home, and for many that means ditching red meat for seafood. Gulf Seafood Institute Chairman Harlon Pearce says we’re on track for a good season, but soft shell crab lovers in particular are in for a real treat this year after closures in recent years.

Cut 7 (12) “…this year.”

The outlook for regular crab isn’t so hot at the moment, with the recent cold spell delaying the crustacean’s maturation.

For observant Catholics, that means tonight’s dinner is probably going to consist of some kind of fried fish on a plate, and Pearce says the late winter months are certainly the best time to indulge.

Cut 8 (07) “…right now”

For many Louisianans of all religious denominations, the star attraction is crawfish, that recent arctic blast has led to some up and down prices and supply. But Pearce says give it a few weeks and you’ll have all the mudbugs you can eat.

Cut 9 (11) “…you want.″

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Congressman Mike Johnson and a delegation of Republican House members met with President Trump yesterday for an hour and a half meeting to discuss passing additional conservative legislation in the coming session. During the meeting Johnson says the President inquired about the upcoming elections in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “…the idea.”

Governor John Bel Edwards, the only Democratic governor in an SEC state, is up for re-election, along with Republican Senior Senator Bill Cassidy who announced he was running to keep his seat.

Johnson says Trump was interested to know how his policies were being viewed back in the Bayou State. The Congressman told the President Louisianans were happy with his administration, but unhappy with local leaders.

Cut 11 (07) “…level.”

According to Morning Consult, Louisiana has the fourth highest net approval rating for the President of any state, at 16 points.

Johnson says they talked about a path forward for further reforms like the GOP tax overhaul, despite a major roadblock in the form of a Democratic controlled House.

Cut 12 (09) “…job done”

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The details of the Jefferson Parish triple homicide that left two children and a mother dead, along with two other severely injured have come to light.  Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the suspect 33-year-old Terrance Leonard admitted to killing the two children and injuring the others with a hammer.

Cut 13 (09) “…presumably for death.”

The suspect led the investigators to the hammer that had been hidden in a garbage can.  Lopinto says the suspect was the boyfriend of the adult victim, 32-year-old Kristina Riley.

Cut 14 (10) “…kill her also.”

Lopinto says Leonard is being held in the Jefferson Parish jail on three first degree murder charges, two attempted murder charges, and obstruction of justice for his attempt to hide the weapon and hastily clean up the scene.  Lopinto says although it is not his call, he is in favor of the death penalty following the gruesome nature of the crime.

Cut 15 (06) “…okay with that”

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10th ranked LSU baseball begins a weekend series tonight against California. Zack Hess will start on the mound tonight and freshman Cole Henry will start Saturday in the place of Landon Marceaux, who struggled last weekend in Texas. Mainieri believes Henry can handle a weekend start…

Cut 16  (16) “talent” 

Sophomore Eric Walker is scheduled to start Sunday.

After missing Wednesday’s win over Holy Cross with a slight strain to his hamstring, Mainieri says starting shortstop Josh Smith is 100-percent and ready to play against the Bears. Smith missed most of last season with a back injury, but Mainieri says this latest injury is not a big deal…

 cut 17 (17)   “the season”