Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.09.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Athletic’s Brody Miller reports new LSU football Coach Brian Kelly is not retaining running backs coach Kevin Faulk. Faulk has served as the Tigers running backs coach the last two seasons and before that, he was LSU’s director of player development for the last two years. The Carencro native is the school’s all-time leading rusher.

The Saints will try to snap a five-game losing streak this Sunday against the New York Jets. Coach Sean Payton says he wants to see better effort on defense…
Cut 18 (20) “.be improved”
Tonight’s NFL game is Pittsburgh at Minnesota. Vikings receiver and former LSU Tiger Justin Jefferson is second in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,209 yards.

Grambling State is reportedly close to naming Hue Jackson as its new head football coach. Jackson has been an NFL head coach in Cleveland and Oakland and this past season was the offensive coordinator at Tennessee State. Jackson would replace Broderick Fobbs.

Scott Power has been named the defensive coordinator for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Power has been the D-C at Stephen F Austin for the last three seasons. This past season S-F-A ranked number one in the WAC in scoring defense, total defense, takeaways, sacks, and opponent third-down conversion percentage.

The Pelicans dropped to 7-and-20 on the season with an overtime loss to Denver last night. Today they announced that guard Kira Lewis suffered a season-ending torn ACL and a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Lewis is averaging six points a game this season. New Orleans hosts the 4-and-20 Detroit Pistons tomorrow.

12.09.21
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LRN PM Newscall December 9

A Coushatta police officer appears to be in trouble with the law for a variety of reasons after state wildlife agents busted up a night deer hunting expedition.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m  Dave Brannen.”

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There are plenty of storylines to go around as the LHSAA prep classic kicks off tomorrow in the Ceasars Superdome. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes.

Cut 3 (09) “…and service.”

In addition to staying open after Ida, Nungesser says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders.

Cut 4 (08) “…so proud.”

Nungesser says it’s a joy to recognize such achievements in the state, especially this time of year.

Cut 5 (10) “…Louisiana special.”

Thibodaux Regional Health System is one of the largest employers in the state and was the only fully functioning hospital in the Bayou region after Hurricane Ida.

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Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries explains there’s a twist to these apprehensions.

 Cut 6 (12) “…Coushatta Police Department.” 

One of those arrested Sunday night, Javerrea Pouncy of Gloster, is an off-duty cop with the police department and presumably was using his patrol unit for the hunt.

Einck says Javerrea Pouncy could wind up facing charges or disciplinary action from other law enforcement agencies, including the Coushatta Police Department.

Cut 7 (08) “…to commit crimes.”  

LDWF cited Pouncy for night hunting and hunting without a license.

Einck says one of the three other people in the police vehicle during the hunt was 31-year-old Anthony Caldwell of Coushatta who was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and had harvested an eight-point buck.

Cut 8 (09) “…not have licenses.”

Caldwell could face up to 20 years in jail if convicted on the firearms charge.

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Louisiana residents are facing or have already received significant increases in their premiums to be protected by the National Flood Insurance Program. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, whose office has no control over the FEMA NFIP, says that the agency’s new Risk Rating 2.0 program proposes to alter premiums as to make them unaffordable to many.

Cut 9 (12) “…will become price prohibitive.”

He says in some instances it may be wise to shop around for private flood insurance, instead of that offered by FEMA.

Donelon says many of those who live in flood-prone areas in coastal areas of the state do so because of their various livelihoods in order to make a living.

Cut 10 (10)  “…to the coast.”

Donelon says one of the problems with Rating Risk 2.0 is that those who purchased properties that may have had fairly low NFIP premiums may be facing significant premium increases without so-called grandfathering of rates.

Cut  11 (08)  “…done away with.”  

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The 40th annual  LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tomorrow in the Ceasars Superdome. Ouachita Christian seeks its eighth state championship as they face Southern Lab in the Division Four-title game. Longtime Eagles Coach Steven Fitzhugh says the chemistry of his team is second to none…

Cut 12 (09) “…close-knit family.”  

Kick-off is at noon.

The Many Tigers are looking to repeat as Class 2A Champions when they face the Amite Warriors in the Caesars Superdome on Friday afternoon at 3:30. Many beat Amite in the quarterfinals 34-30 last season and Tigers Coach Jess Curtis expects a similar contest…

Cut 13 (09) “…on Friday”

Tomorrow night the Westgate Tigers from New Iberia will play in their first-ever football championship game when they face Warren Easton. Tigers Coach Ryan Antoine says his senior-laden team has all of Iberia Parish rooting for them…

Cut 14 (08) “…the community.” 

Kick off is at 7 PM tomorrow.

12.09.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast December 9

Corey Raymond spent 10 years as the defensive backs coach at LSU, but now he’s with Billy Napier at Florida. Raymond was an instrumental recruiter for the Tigers and helped the school become known as D-B-U.

LSU has announced that Brad Davis will remain the Tigers offensive line coach. He’s currently the interim head coach for the bowl game. Brian Polian has been named special teams coordinator, replacing Greg McMahon who announced his retirement yesterday. Polian comes to LSU from Notre Dame, where he spent the past five years on Brian Kelly’s staff.

Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie has named Scott Parr as the Bulldogs new co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Parr was the head coach at Navarro College the past three seasons.

And there are reports former Raiders and Browns head coach Hue Jackson will be named the new head football coach at Grambling. An official announcement is expected tomorrow.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara and quarterback Taysom Hill were full participants in practice yesterday. Kamara is set to return from a knee injury, while Hill intends to play despite an injury to his middle finger on his throwing hand. Hill threw four interceptions last Thursday when the injury occurred but is optimistic it will not affect his play…
Cut 16 (25) “..full capacity”
The Saints visit the New York Jets on Sunday.

Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow says his injured pinkie will not keep him from playing this Sunday against the 49ers. And former LSU Tiger and Seattle Seahawks starting safety Jamal Adams is done for the season after tearing his labrum in his left shoulder.

12.09.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Pfizer says initial tests show that the booster of its COVID-19 vaccine may offer important protection against the new omicron variant. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vancheire says the preliminary data is only for those who received Pfizer vaccine doses and a Pfizer booster. And for those who might have mixed and matched their vaccine and booster…
Cut 11 (12) “…about those.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether charges should be thrown out against Baton Rouge area pastor Tony Spell for defying the governor’s public health order and allowing hundreds of people to attend his services at the start of the pandemic. Legal analyst Franz Borghadt speculated on what might happen if Spell’s case winds up before the nation’s highest court…
cut 14 (08) “….might have success”

Louisiana will receive $7.25 for infrastructure projects and US Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh says we haven’t seen investments like this in decades. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A New Orleans TV station is reporting an 18-year-old Covington High School student who attacked a 64-year-old wheelchair-bound teacher as part of a Tiktok challenge has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Larrianna Jackson faces a felony count of battery of a school teacher. Jackson remains in the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

12.09.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Early reports indicate three doses of the Pfizer vaccine are effective against the Omicron variant. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Grambling State is proposing an 18-million dollar security barrier around its campus. Grambling has requested funding through the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. According to the News-Star, at least four people have been killed and 15 wounded in eight shootings on the university’s campus since 2017.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards that were in effect last year. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt:
cut 13 (12) “…first amendment challenge.”
Spell who is a pastor in the Baton Rouge area received national attention when he allowed hundreds to show up at his church in March 2020, despite public health orders that prohibited large gatherings.

Louisiana will receive $7.25 billion in guaranteed funding from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed by the President last month. U-S Secretary Martin Walsh says the funding allocated for states is unprecedented.
Cut 7 (09) “…in decades.”
$5.8 billion will go towards roads and bridges in Louisiana and $470 million for public transportation

12.09.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Despite an injured finger on his throwing hand, Taysom Hill expects to start at quarterback this Sunday for the Saints. Hill spoke with reporters yesterday with a splint on his injured finger. He feels no pain but admits it does impact how he throws the football…
cut 17 (24) “….to adjust”
Saints running back Alvin Kamara was a full participant at practice yesterday and is expected to play this Sunday against the Jets, after missing the last four games with a knee injury. But fellow running back Mark Ingram tested positive for COVID and he joins defensive end Cam Jordan on the reserve COVID-19 list.

Longtime LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond has told WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge he’s joining Billy Napier’s new staff at Florida. The New Iberia native just finished his tenth season as an assistant for the Fighting Tigers.

But LSU announces Brad Davis will remain the Tigers offensive line coach. Brian Polian has been named LSU’s Special Teams Coach as current special teams coach Greg McMahon is retiring. And New Associate Head Coach Frank Wilson has signed a three-year contract.

In college basketball…Redshirt freshman Kobe Julien scored 18 of his 20 points in the first half as the Ragin Cajuns dribbled past McNeese 83-68.

The Pelicans could not contain the reigning N-B-A M-V-P last night and Denver downed New Orleans 120-114 in overtime at the Smoothie King Center. Nikola Jokic had 39 points, eleven assists, and ten rebounds. The Pels are now 7-and-20 and in last place in the Western Conference.

12.09.21
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6:30 LRN Newscsat

As the state reports more probable cases of the Omicron variant, Pfizer says the third dose of its vaccine may offer more protection to the variant as opposed to only two doses. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere….
Cut 10 (12) “…Omicron variant.”
The state health department reported 16 more cases of the omicron variant yesterday.

U-S Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says the recently approved federal infrastructure bill will mean 380-million dollars for Louisiana that will go towards airports, electric vehicle charging stations, and broadband. The pandemic highlighted the digital divide in rural areas. Walsh says it’s important to close that gap.
Cut 8 (10) “…to information.”

For the 9th straight year, Louisiana is among places listed as the Ten Worst Judicial Hellholes in the USA. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

12.08.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints running back Alvin Kamara was a full participant at practice today and he’s expected to play this Sunday against the New York Jets after missing the last four games with a knee injury. But fellow running back Mark Ingram has been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list. Ingram joins defensive end Cam Jordan as two players who might miss Sunday’s game because of COVID protocols.

LSU quarterback Max Johnson has entered transfer portal after two seasons with the Tigers. Surprising, as he started 11 games this season, says Tiger Rag assistant editor William Weathers. The move leaves Garrett Nussmeier as the only scholarship quarterback on LSU’s roster. Weathers wonders if former starter Myles Brennan will decide not to transfer…:
CUT 05(10) “…philosophically.”
Brennan entered the transfer portal last month, but has not transferred to another school yet.

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New Ragin Cajuns coach Michael Desormeaux is busy recruiting and getting the Cajuns ready to play in the New Orleans Bowl against Marshall on December 18th. Desormeaux says finishing the season with a 13th straight win is the main focus…
cut 17 (12) “….for it”
Desormeaux’s contract is five years worth 3-point-eight million dollars.

According to the Action Network’s Brett McMurphy LSU was reportedly prepared to offer Texas A-and-M Coach Jimbo Fisher an eight-year, 125 million dollar contract to replace Ed Orgeron. But Fisher expressed strong desire to stay in College Station.

New Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie has hired Texas Tech assistant Jake Brown as the Bulldogs wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator for the Bulldogs. Brown was an offensive coordinator at West Texas A-and-M in Canyon in 2019.

12.08.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Max Johnson delivered some shocking news last night as he announced on Twitter he’s transferring from LSU. Johnson didn’t give any specific reasons on why he’s entering the transfer portal, but his decision leaves freshman Garrett Nussmeier as the likely starter in the bowl game, unless Myles Brennan decided to return to LSU.

Frank Wilson has left his job as head coach at McNeese to become the Associate Coach of the Fighting Tigers. The Cowboys are searching for their third head coach since 2019. Athletic Direcotr Heath Schroyer says he would like the next hire to bring stability…
Cut 19 (25) “..from A to Z.”

Eric Dooley was introduced as the 20th head football coach in Southern University history. The former assistant under legendary head coach Pete Richardson just led Prairie View A-and-M to a SWAC championship and Dooley says he plans to do the same at Southern…:
Cut 20 (20) “surrounding states”

New Iberia native Michael Desormeaux was introduced Tuesday afternoon as the new coach of the Ragin Cajuns football program. The former U-L Lafayette quarterback has been an assistant at U-L since 2016 and is looking forward to building on the team’s recent success…:
Cut 16 (16) “in the future”

 

12.07.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

A week ago, LSU named Brian Kelly as its new head football coach and Kelly is starting to put together a staff. Today, the school announced that Frank Wilson is returning to LSU, leaving his job as head coach at McNeese to become the Associate Head Coach of the Tigers. Wilson previously spent six years on LSU’s coaching staff and twice was named national recruiter of the year. LSU is also expected to hire Jacob Flint as the program’s strength and conditioning coach. Flint was the co-director of strength and conditioning at Notre Dame.

The Saints named Cam Jordan as its Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. Jordan is known for his charitable efforts in the New Orleans Community. Jordan also might not play this Sunday against the New York Jets. He’s been placed on the reserve COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus yesterday. Jordan is vaccinated, so he he could play this Sunday if he tests negative twice. The 11-year pro has played in 172 straight games.

The Saints will return to practice tomorrow, getting ready for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Starting quarterback Taysom Hill injured the middle finger on his throwing hand in the last game and Coach Sean Payton says they’ll get an idea this week on how that injury is impacting his throws…
cut 28 (28) “…limitations”
Despite all of the injury issues, the Saints are 5.5 point favorites to beat the 3-and-9 Jets.

Former LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame today.

Louisiana Tech commit Landry Lyddy has been named Gatorade Louisiana High School Football Player of the Year. Lyddy threw for 42-hundred yards and 53 touchdowns this past season for the Calvary Baptist Cavaliers.