11:40 Sportscast January 12

Have we seen the last of New Orleans native and future hall of fame quarterback Peyton Manning? The Isidore Newman grad didn’t play well in the Broncos 24-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Manning threw for 211 yards on 46 pass attempts and he goes one and done in the playoffs for the ninth time in his career. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Manning played with a torn right quad, but the Broncos dispute that report.

Meanwhile, the Colts are headed to the A-F-C Championship game, where they’ll face the Patriots. Former LSU Tiger Brandon LaFell caught the winning touchdown pass as New England rallied to beat Baltimore 35-31 on Saturday night.

Former Dutchtown star Eddie Lacy rushed for 101 yards in the Packers 26-21 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Green Bay will visit Seattle this Sunday at 2 P-M in the N-F-C Championship game.

Tonight in Dallas, it’s the college football playoff national championship game as Oregon faces Ohio State.

The Pelicans finalized a three-team trade today that results in New Orleans receiving forward Quincy Pondexter and a future second round pick. In exchange, the Pels send Austin Rivers to Boston and Russ Smith to memphis. The six-foot-six Pondexter has played in 30 games for Memphis, averaging 4.5 points and two rebounds a game. He also spent his rookie season in New Orleans during the 2010-11 season, averaging almost three points a game.

In college basketball…LSU is 1-and-1 in the SEC after winning in a double overtime against Georgia on Saturday night. This week the Tigers visit Ole Miss on Wednesday and host Texas A-and-M on Saturday.

Louisiana Tech is one of three teams undefeated in the Conference USA standings. The Bulldogs host UAB on Thursday and Middle Tennessee on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns are all alone in first place in the Sun Belt at 4-0 and they are at Georgia Southern on Thursday.

16:45 Updated LRN sportscast January 9

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has been added to the 2015 Pro Bowl roster. Brees will replace Steelers Q-B Ben Roethlisberger. For Brees, this is his ninth pro bowl selection. Brees threw for 4,952 yards and 33 touchdowns this past season.

In LSU news…there was a report former Saints defensive coordinator and Illinois and Florida head coach Ron Zook is a candidate to be LSU’s next defensive coordinator. But the Baton Rouge Advocate reports that’s not going to happen.

Former Warhawks Quarterback Cody Wells is back at ULM as he’s been named the’s school’s inside wide receivers coach. Head Coach Todd Berry has also announced that Mario Price will coach the running backs and also assume the role of recruiting coordinator.

Former Auburn and Mississippi State assistant Melvin Smith has been named co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the Ragin Cajuns.

The Pelicans host the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans will look to snap a two-game losing streak, while the Grizzlies have lost six of their last ten, but their leading scorer Zach Randolph may return tonight after missing the last nine games with a knee injury.

A highly ranked and recruited prep basketball star, Craig Victor, will transfer to LSU from Airzona. He’s six-foot-nine and he’ll be eligible to play in a game after the fall semester of 2015. Victor averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds at St Aug in New Orleans.

The LSU men’s basketball team will host Georgia on Saturday night in its SEC home opener. The Tigers lost in overtime to Missouri on Thursday. Also on Saturday, Louisiana Tech takes a three-game winning streak to Texas San Antonio. U-L-M goes after its thrid straight victory when it visits Texas State.

And in the SWAC….Grambling hosts Southern, the Tigers will look to snap a five-game losing streak. Tip-off is at 6 PM.

11:40 Sportscast January 9

Former Saints kicker Morten Anderson is one of 15 finalist up for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It’s the third time the NFL’s leading scorer has been a finalist.

New Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel spoke with the media today about transferring in from Florida. Driskel says he talked with former Bulldogs Quarterback Cody Sokul, who transferred in from Iowa and had a big year for Tech in 2014…
cut 30 (13) “…for me”

In recruiting news….Cornerback Ugo Amadi of Nashville has de-committed from LSU and will now go to Oregon, while 2016 recruit, Ponchatoula offensive lineman Donavaughn Campbell commits to LSU.

Disappointing loss for the LSU men’s basketball team last night as they dropped their SEC opener to Missouri, 74-67 in overtime. LSU shot 36-percent from the field and 57-percent from the free throw line.

Louisiana Tech played great defense to earn a win on the road over UTEP last night, 58-45. The Miners made just five field goals in the seond half, while Raheem Appleby was 9-of-12 from the field and had a game-high 22 points.

The Ragin Cajuns are 4-and-0 in the Sun Belt after rallying from a 17-point first half defict to beat Georgia State 84-80. All five Cajun starters were in double figures, led by senior Brian Williams’ who had 20 points.

And ULM beat Texas-Arlington 76-73 in overtime. Senior Marvin Williams tied career highs with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

And U-L-M football…Warhawks Coach Todd Berry announced that inside wide receivers coach Mario Price will take over coaching running backs and he’ll assume the role of recruiting coordinator.

 

LRN Newscast 17:30 January 8

Louisiana public schools receive an overall grade of D-plus from Education Week’s annual report card. Scott Carwile has the story…
cut 3 (31) “…reporting”

The National Weather Service says there’s a slight chance we’ll see a light mix of wintry precipitation tomorrow morning for a portion of southeast Louisiana from Baton Rouge heading west along I-12 into St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. But any impacts on the roads should be minimal.

The freezing temperatures we saw this morning has strawberry farmers working to minimize the damage the weather could have on their crops. Eric Gill reports…:
cut 1 (30) “…reporting”

Governor Bobby Jindal, Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret will lead a Louisiana delegation to Europe for a ten-day economic development trip. Moret says says it’s an opportunity to meet with European companies who are considering investing in Louisiana…
CUT 8 (10) “in Europe”
The group leaves Sunday and will be back January 20th.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 January 8

Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop reportedly interviewed with Les Miles, but decided to remain with the Nittany Lions. Glen Guilbeau says Shoop was the best candidate out there named so far….

cut 13 (08) “…Coach Chavis”

A top candidate for the vacant LSU Defensive Coordinator position is no longer under consideration. Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop reportedly interviewed, but decided to remain with the Nittany Lions. LSU beat writer for Gannett newspapers Guilbeau says Shoop was the best candidate Miles has spoken to so far…
CUT 13 (08) Q: ‘coach Chavis’

In college basketball…U-L Lafayette hosts Georgia State in a Big Sun Belt match-up. Both teams are 9-and-5 overall and Georgia State is led by Ryan Harrow, who is averaging 20 points a game. Cajuns Coach Coach Bob Marlin…
cut 19 (22) “…some success”
Tip-off is at 7:15.

Ryan Pace has left as the Saints director of player personnel to become the new general manager of the Chicago Bears. Pace has spent the last 14 seasons in the front office of the Black and Gold. Saints G-M Mickey Loomis said earlier this week that Pace is a talented person, who he expected to lose at some point.

LSU announced today that it will kick-off the 2017 season against B-Y-U in the Advocare Texas Kickoff at N-R-G Stadium in Houston. It will be the first meeting between the Tigers and B-Y-U on the gridiron.

Louisiana Tech has announced its 2015 non-conference schedule. The Bulldogs kick-off the season September fifth in the newly expanded Joe Aillet Stadium against Southern. Tech travels to Kansas State on September 19th, host U-L Lafayette October 3rd and visit Mississippi State on October 17th.

And the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl had its highest TV rating since 2006.

PM LRN Newscall January 8

The freezing temperatures that have descended on the state has strawberry farmers working to minimize the damage the weather could have on their crops. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

==================

Governor Bobby Jindal announces he’s planned a trip to Europe seeking new foreign trade and investment. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

===================

The freezing temperatures that have descended on the state has strawberry farmers working to minimize the damage the weather could have on their crops. Regina Bracy, with the LSU AgCenter, says sub freezing temps can have disasterous effects on the strawberry harvest. But Bracy adds that strawberry plants can take the cold…

CUT 3 (09)  “a few berries”

Bracy says when temperatures drop into the teens, it’s very difficult to protect the blooms and fruit on strawberry plants. She says if those are lost, it’s not all bad news. She says strawberries will continue to produce more flowers and more fruit. Bracy says consumers may have to adjust their calendar a bit…

CUT 4 (11)  “juicy, ripe berries”

Bracy says the spring harvest may be a little delayed due to damage to the crop from the winter weather. William Fletcher, a strawberry farmer in Ponchatoula, says his crop did sustain some damage from the freezing temperatures but does not think it’s catastrophic…

CUT 5 (09)  “last night”

===================

On his continued quest to bring more business to Louisiana, Governor Bobby Jindal announces he’s planned a trip to Europe seeking new foreign trade and investment. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret says they want to go global in efforts to attract new jobs to Louisiana…:

CUT 6 (10)  “in our state”

Jindal says he has meetings in Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland with corporate executives of manufacturing and services industries. He leaves Sunday and will be back January 20th. Moret says all of the companies they’ll be meeting with are considering major projects in Louisiana…:

CUT 7 (08)  “services firms”

Jindal visited Asia last year in January and Moret says the relationships they were able to build there will result in expected additional economic development announcements for Louisiana within the next couple of months. He says more jobs for citizens here has always been a major priority for the Governor’s Administration…:

CUT 8 (10) “in Europe”

===================

It was a cold morning across Louisiana. Phil Grigsby, with the National Weather Service in New Orleans, says the low temperature in Baton Rouge and Slidell tied a record of 20-degrees…

CUT 9 (09)  “interesting thing”

Grigsby says it will be a cold afternoon and night, with wind chill readings in the low 30s…

cut 10 (08)  “mid 20s”

_________________________________________________________

The search for a new LSU defensive coordinator doesn’t appear to be going so well. Coach Les Miles has reportedly interviewed or spoke with several candidates, but a front-runner has yet to emerge. LSU beat reporter for Gannett Newspapers, Glen Guilbeau, says Miles may have to promote defensive line coach Brick Haley to replace the departed John Chavis

cut 11 (07)  “look good”

Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele and Oregon defensive coordinator Don Pellum are other names that have been mentioned as possible candidates. Guilbeau says it’s concerning a high-profile candidate hasn’t emerged

cut 12 (09)  “at the moment”

Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop reportedly interviewed, but decided to remain with the Nittany Lions. Guilbeau says Shoop was the best candidate out there named so far

cut 13 (08)  “Coach Chavis”

======================

The Thibodaux Police Department says a man is under arrest after cops say he stole a vehicle then told officers his phone made him do it. Spokesman David Melancon says shortly after they got the report of a stolen vehicle, they were able to locate it with 46-year-old Lionel Adams Jr of Thibodaux behind the wheel…:

cut 14 (11)  “that was his vehicle”

Melancon says after further questioning, Adams ended up admitting that he knew the car was not his…:(Adams was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Cenfor for theft of a motor vehicle, DWI and remaining after being forbidden.)

cut 15 (09) “no one was injured”

 

11:40 LRN Sportcast January 8

The search for a new LSU defensive coordinator doesn’t appear to be going so well. Coach Les Miles has reportedly interviewed or spoke with several candidates, but so far a front-runner has yet to emerge. LSU beat reporter for Gannett Newspapers, Glen Guilbeau, says Miles may have to promote defensive line coach Brick Haley to replace the departed John Chavis…
cut 11 (07) “…look good”
Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop reportedly interviewed, but has decided to remain with the Nittany Lions. Guilbeau xays Shoop was the best candidate out there named so far.

Louisiana Tech has finalized its non-conference football schedule for next year. The Bulldogs will kick-off the season by hosting Southern on September 5th, Tech will visit Kansas State on September 19th, host U-L Lafayette October 3rd and travel to Mississippi State on October 17th.

And the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl had its highest TV rating since 2006 with a 2.5 rating.

Tough loss for the Pelicans last night as they fell to the Charlotte Hornets 98-94. That spoiled another great outing from Anthony Davis, who had 32 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots.

In college basketball tonight…LSU and Louisiana Tech face tough challenges on the road. The Fighting Tigers are at Missouri. LSU Coach Johnny Jones likes how sophomore guard Tim Quarterman is playing…
cut 17 (11) “….fun part”

And Louisiana Tech is at UTEP. Bulldogs Coach Michael White is hoping for a big game out of Raheem Appleby, who is averaging 17 points a game…
cut 20 (20) “…our league”
Tip-off in El Paso is at 8 PM.

LRN Newscast 17:30 Jeff Palermo

Artic air is moving into Louisiana. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning urges residents not to use their stove or stove top as a way to heat your home…
cut 5 (10) “….for that”
And Browning says if you’re using a space heater, make sure it’s at least several feet away from anything that could catch on fire.

Republican Doctor Bill Cassidy is getting used to his new surroundings as a US Senator on Capitol Hill. Scott Carwile has more…
voicer 4 (29) “….reporting”

The State Department of Transportation announces a plan to widen a portion of I-10 between Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes. DOTD spokesperson Diedra Druilhet says construction will take place where I-10 meets I-49 all the way to Breaux Bridge. She says the estimated cost of this project will be in the neighborhood of $125 million…:
CUT 6 (07) “the project done”
She says this is the first of three projects that will widen or improve I-10 from Lafayette to the Atchafalaya Basin.

An Abbeville High School teacher is in trouble over allegations he had sex with one of his female students. Cops say 36-year-old Nicholas Willis is the accused and Kaplan Police Chief Boyd Adams says they learned from Abbeville Police that the alleged incident occurred Willis’ home in Kaplan…
CUT 13 (09) “arrested Mr.s Willis”
Willis was charged with Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 January 7

Several media reports are out that say Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will return for a third season. New Orleans finished next to last in yards allowed in 2014, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says that’s not all Rob Ryan’s fault…
cut 11 (07) “…defensive coordiantors”
Detillier expects Saints to try to overhaul the defensive players they have on their roster.

The Saints are also not making a change with their training camp site. Some fans thought that holding training camp in Greenbrier, West Virginia, led to their seven and nine record, General Manager Mickey Loomis disputes that opinion…
cut 30 (17) “…part of the solution”

Former LSU Tiger Odell Beckham Junior has been added to the Pro Bowl roster. An injury to Detroit’s Calvin Johnson opened up a spot for Beckham, who had a huge rookie season for the New York Giants. The former Isidore Neman star caught 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games.

Louisiana Tech made it official today as they added former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel to the Bulldogs roster. Driskel threw for 34-hundred yards, 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions during his time in Gainesville.

And Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz has reportedly hired an offensive line coach. His name is Robert McFarland, who is a former head coach at Stehen F Austin. He most recently was the offensive coordinator at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mississippi.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are at the Charlotte Hornets. New Orleans is 17-and-17, while the Hornets are 12-and-24, but they have won two in a row. Tip-off is at 6 P-M.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Several media outlets are reporting Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will return next season. Ryan was placed on the hot seat by media and fans after the Saints finished the 2014 season 31st in the NFL in yards allowed. But even though it was a trying season, the players had expressed support for Ryan.

So the Saints will now look at trying to improve the personnel on the defensive side of the ball. But will they be able to, because of salary cap constraints. In a 30-minute meeting with reporters yesterday, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis downplayed those concerns…
cut 17 (16) “….salary cap”
Loomis says they’ll wait to make decision on the recently arrested Junior Galette until a legal and NFL investigation is completed.

LSU offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins and defensive back Jalen Mills will reportedly return next season. Hawkins is a draft-eligible sophomore, while Mills was seventh on the team in tackles last season.

Former Southeastern Louisiana head coach Mike Lucas will be a defensive assistant for head coach Mark Hudspeth at U-L Lafayette. Lucas was the defensive coordinator for Northwestern State last season. Demons head coach Jay Thomas says he’ll take his time in finding a replacement for Lucas.

Bastrop Head Coach Thomas Bachman has announced he’s stepping down. The Rams were 7-and-4 last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are at the Charlotte Hornets tonight. It’s a good opportunity for New Orleans to come up with a win on the road as the Hornets are 12-and-24 on the season.

In college hooops…Tulane hosts Temple in their first ever American Conference home game. The Green Wave are off to a 2-0 start in league play after beating Memphis on Saturday.