LRN sportscast 16:45 August 7

LSU Football Coach Les Miles says he supports today’s vote by the NCAA Board of Directors that would give more autonomy to the five major conferences. This means schools in the SEC and other power conferences will have different rules than other Division One schools. Miles says he respects the smaller conferences like the MAC and Sun Belt, but they don’t generate the same level of revenues as SEC schools…
cut 30 (19) “…like rules”
One major change proposed by the power conferences is the ability to offer student athletes not only a scholarship but an allowance to cover expenses outside of college. Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth is on record against the autonomy for the power five.

Players on the defensive side of the football are learning a new defense at Louisiana Tech. Manny Diaz is the new defensive coordinator in Ruston. Diaz says learning the playbook is not the only responsiblity during fall camp. He says developing leaders is also crucial before the season opener…
cut 18 (11) “…going to strike”
Tech opens the season against third ranked Oklahoma.

The UL Lafayette athletic ticket office says they’ve sold 12,276 season tickets for the upcoming football season, which is a new record. The Cajuns home schedule begins August 30th against Southern.

The Saints preseason schedule begins tomorrow night in St. Louis against Rams. Coach Sean Payton hasn’t said if quarterback Drew Brees will play. He’s been out of pads for about a week because of an oblique injury.

11:40 Sportscast Aug 7

The Saints travel to St. Louis for their preseason opener against the Rams tomorrow night. New Orleans will see a familiar face on the Rams sideline as former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is now coordinating the Rams defense. Williams and Saints Head Coach Sean Payton were suspended for the 2013 season as a result of the bounty scandal. Knowing that Williams can be aggressive, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham says they worked on blitz pick-up packages in practice this week.

At LSU’s fall camp, reserve quarterback Jared Foster was seen at practice wearing a walking boot. No word on how serious the injury is, as Foster looks to make the team as a third-string Q-B.

Northwestern State had its football media day and there’s a lot of optimism this season among the Demon players. N-S-U was six-and-six last season.

They are learning a new defense in Ruston as Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is trying to get his players up to speed on their responsibilities. Diaz says his players have to learn quickly, because the season opener is against third ranked Oklahoma….
cut 30 (17) “…day one”
After the game against the Sooners, Tech will visit the Ragin Cajuns.

UL Lafayette Head Coach Mark Hudspeth says he likes what he sees from senior linebacker Jake Molbert. Molbert started several games his freshmen and sophomore seasons, but was a reserve player last year. Hudspeth says he’s Molbert fan and that the Rayne native embodies what a Ragin Cajuns player is. As a right now, Molbert is set to start in the season opener.

Former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola had a successful debut in Class Double-A of the Phillies Minor league system. Nola threw five innings and allowed one run as his team won nine to two over Harrisburg.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 for Aug 6

Today, the Saints go through their final practices before Friday’s preseason opener against St. Louis. Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan likes the progress he’s seen from the defense and hopes it continues…
cut 18 (11) “…ever been around”
Coach Sean Payton said today a decision hasn’t been made over whether Quarterback Drew Brees will play on Friday night. He was not in pads again today, because of an oblique injury, but Payton says Brees is feeling better.

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel says Owner Tom Benson will NOT be at Friday’s preseason game in St. Louis. But Bensel says Benson is back in New Orleans and working in the office after having troubles breathing while watching practice yesterday morning.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette worked with the veterans during the morning practice today. Fournette had been practicing with his fellow freshmen in the afternoon. The first full squad practice is tomorrow.

ULM is working out in full pads today as they get ready to conduct scrimmage on Saturday. Warhawks Head Coach Todd Berry says they are still in the evaluation period of fall camp….
cut 28 (07) “…things look like”

In Lafayette, James Willis says he’s seeing a higher comfort level with the players in his second season as the Ragin Cajuns defensive coordinator…
cut 29 (11) “….in the system”
On the other side of the football….sophomore Brooks Haack is taking snaps as the number two quarterback. Coach Mark Hudspeth says he has confidence in Haack, if Terrance Broadway went down with an injury.

11:40 sportscast August 6

The Saints are back at it today in West Virginia as they get closer to Friday’s preseason opener in St. Louis against the Rams. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been impressed with veteran cornerback Keenan Lewis. He thinks Lews is on the cusp of becoming an annual Pro-Bowl player. In fact, Ryan believes Lewis should have made the Pro Bowl last year…
cut 17 (13) “….knows that”

Quarterback Drew Brees was not in pads today as he continues to recover from an oblique injury. Coach Sean Payton says Brees is feeling better, but they’ve yet to decide if he’ll play Friday. And Saints spokesperson Greg Bensel says owner Tom Benson has returned to New Orleans after he was hospitalized yesterday for having trouble breathing. Bensel says Benson is feeling better.

The LSU Tigers hold their final day of split squad practices. Most of the freshmen class are working the afternoon and Coach Les Miles likes what he’s seen from the 2014 recruiting class…
cut 29 (12) “…than later’
Today, running back Leonard Fournette was working out with the veteran players. He highlights the 2014 recruiting class, which was ranked as high as second in the country on national signing day.

It’s in the early stages of preseason camp, but Louisiana Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz can already he has more talent than last year’s team. Holtz says he can see as the team goes through its passing drills…
cut 30 (12) “…accuracy”
Today’s practice will be the first in shells for the Bulldogs, while Friday the team will put the pads on.

LRN Sportscast 16:45

Saints owner Tom Benson was taken to a hospital in West Virginia during practice today. Michelle Southern has more…
cut 2 (27) “….reporting”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees was not in pads again today because of that oblique injury, but he was seen throwing a football during the afternoon walk-through. Coach Sean Payton is not ready to say if Brees will play in Friday’s preseason opener…
cut 30 (07) “…smart though”
===================================

LSU freshman quarterback Brandon Harris worked out with the first-team offense this morning. Anthony Jennings worked out in the afternoon with the newcomers. Yesterday the roles were reveresed, as Jennings practiced with the vets in the morning and Harris was with his freshmen classmates in the afternoon. Neither quarterback is available to reporters, until Sunday’s media day, and Head Coach Les Miles explains why….
cut 29 (11) “…play football”

In Ruston, Head Coach Skip Holtz says redshirt freshman Ryan Higgins has an advantage over the other quarterbacks, becuase he started six games last season. But Holtz also said Cody Sokol, a transfer from Iowa, has shown he’s picking up the offense and he’s throwing the ball well.

In scheduling news…the Ragin Cajuns football program announces they’ll play at Texas A-and-M during the 2017 season. The ULM men’s basketball schedule is out. The Warhawks will visit Florida on November 21st.

11:40 Sportscast August 5

It’s day two of fall camp for the LSU Tigers. At wide receiver, sophomore Travin Dural has the most experience on the college level, but he says some of the incoming freshmen are more ready to play then he was last year….
cut 30 (14) “….it showed”
Several other players have also said Malachi Dupre looks good and is ready to contribute right away.

At Saints training camp today, Quarterback Drew Brees was on the practice field this morning, but not in pads. Wide receivers Joe Morgan and Andy Tanner, along with cornerback Champ Bailey were held out today. Another wide receiver, Nick Toon, was seen leaving practice today after a play in the end zone.
Saints Owner Tom Benson left practice in an ambulance after he reportedly had trouble breathing because fo the high altitude. Team officials say it was a precautionary move and the 87-year-old is said to be fine.

Work on expanding the seating capacity at Cajun Field is ongoing. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says the team is practicing around the construction and that’s a good problem to have….
cut 16 (16) “….love hearing those things”
The Cajuns open the season at home on August 30th.

Louisiana Tech will hold an open practice and meet-n-greet at Independence Stadium on Friday august 15th. Practice is scheduled to run from 3:15 to 4:30 PM and following the workout, Bulldog coaches and players will be available for an autograph session.

And one college football note..Southeastern Lousiaina is third in the F-C-S coaches poll. McNeese State is at number nine. the Cowboys visits Strawberry Stadium on November 15th.

11:40 Sportscat July 25

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”

LRN Sportscast 16:45

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.

LRN Newscall July 24 PM

Over 60-thousand Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace set up by the Affordable Care Act are facing a rate increase in the double digits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The National Weather Service in Shreveport says a bad storm that blew through northwest Louisiana last night left thousands without power and claimed the life of one person. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (33) “reporting”

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State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 60-percent of the Louisiana residents who purchased insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act face a double-digit rate hike next year. Donelon says that’s based on paperwork filed with the state’s insurance department

CUT 3 (11) “for the subsidy”

Donelon says 101-thousand Louisiana residents have health care through the individual marketplace and they anticipate the average rate increase to be about 12 to 13 percent

CUT 4 (11) “10-percent”

Donelon says the double-digit rate hike is the result of a federal premium tax that’s been placed on the policies and the rates have been capped for the elderly and least healthy….

CUT 5 (15) “national average”

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The National Weather Service in Shreveport says a bad storm that blew through northwest Louisiana last night left thousands without power and claimed the life of one person. Senior Meteorologist Jason Hansford says they saw 60-70 mile per hour winds which downed numerous trees and power lines…:

CUT 6 (07) “without power”

Hansford says as of early this morning there were still over 50,000 people who did not have power. He says one woman even lost her life…:

CUT 7 (09) “yesterday evening”

Hansford says the victim was walking down a street during the height of the storms when the winds really started picking up…:

CUT 8 (12) “to her injuries”

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A commitment is in place to produce more workers for the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry. Higher education leaders, state officials and representatives from the oil industry have formed a long-term public-private partnership to come up with solutions to meet with workforce needs. Louisiana Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association President Chris John

CUT 9 (12) “that’s workforce”

John says about 40-percent of the workforce that’s experienced in the Gulf of Mexico will retire in the next ten years. He says that’s a concern, especially since deep water exploration and production is expected to increase.

CUT 10 (09) “out in the Gulf”

John says this Memorandum of Understanding between the various entities will come together to form a curriculum so prospective gulf of mexico oil workers could be certified in two years….

cut 11 (09) ” well paying job

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Louisiana State Police say two women died in a crash just after midnight in Rapides Parish and they weren’t buckled up. Trooper Scott Moreau says they responded to the crash in Alexandria on La Hwy 1205 around 12:15am and learned a Honda was being driven by 31-year-old Heather McComic of Boyce…:

CUT 12 (10) “collided with a tree”

Moreau says after McComic ran off the road and crashed into a tree, she was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead…:

CUT 13 (08) “under investigation”

Moreau says the only passenger in the vehicle, 29-year-old Ashley Gallien of Pineville, was pronounced dead at the scene. He says neither woman was restrained at the time of the crash. Moreau says properly wearing your seatbelt will dramatically reduce your chance of being killed in a crash…:

cut 14 (10) “any other factor”

1140 Sportscast July 24

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.