Pelicans forward Zion Williamson officially signed his multi-year contract extension on his 22nd birthday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but he was eligible to sign a five-year deal worth 181 million dollars. Williamson was the number one pick in the 2019 draft, but he’s only made 85 career starts and missed all of last season with a foot injury. While he was rehabbing his injury, speculation ran wild that he didn’t want to play in New Orleans, which he says was not true…:
Cut 17 (23) “very tough”
By keeping Williamson, the Pelicans now have three All-Star caliber players with Brandon Ingram and C-J McCollum also on the roster.

Changes made by the legislature this year to Louisiana’s name, image and likeness regulations have now been signed into law. This means schools, its employees and boosters can now directly or indirectly facilitate NIL deals for college athletes. Taylor Jacobs, the head of LSU’s NIL Department, says previously the university was not allowed to put players in touch with an interested business owner…:
CUT 19 (08) “through the process”
Jacobs says the broadening of the NIL program now puts LSU on a level playing field with its SEC rivals.

The New Orleans Saints will now get to face Baker Mayfield. The Cleveland Browns traded the 27-year-old quarterback to the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday in exchange for a 2024 conditional fifth-round pick, pending a physical, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Former LSU All American golfer B.R. “Mac” McLendon, a three-time Southeastern Conference champion, died Monday in Birmingham, Alabama. He was 76.

Three-star linebacker Xavier Atkins from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Jonesboro, Louisiana has committed to LSU. Atkins was a a Missouri commitment and he becomes the second member of LSU’s 2024 recruiting class. During his sophomore campaign, Atkins had 219 tackles and ten sacks.

Meanwhile, four-star wide reciver Omarion Millier from North Caddo High School says he’s committed to Nebraska. Former LSU assistant Mickey Joseph who is now at Nebraska helped convince Miller to give a verbal pledge to the Cornhuskers.

The SEC has announced home and away conference opponents for the LSU Lady Tigers. Kim Mulkey’s team will have a home-away series with Texas A-and-M, Arkansas and Vanderbilt. LSU will also have Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Tennessee in the PMAC. On the road, they’ll face Alabama, Florida Kentucky, Missouri and the defending national champs, South Carolina.

The recently hired Grambling State University Volleyball Coach who made national news by cutting the entire team has been fired and the student-athletes she let go have been reinstated.
Cut 2 (33) “Michelle Southern”

LDWF is trying to get an accurate count of the state’s turkey population. Wild Turkey Program manager Kyle Cedotal says go to LDWF’s website and search LA Turkey Survey if you want to help out and you can already see how may wild turkey sightings have been made in your parish…
cut 15 (05) “….highlight it.

The Grambling State University Volleyball Coach who famously cut the entire team when she was hired has been fired from her job and all student athletes have been reinstated. Chelsey Lucas was under heavy scrutiny from parents and alumni as the players held scholarships with the institution. Kyle Mosley is the Managing Editor for Sports Illustrated’s HBCU Legends…:
CUT 16 (12) “proper notice”
Grambling released a statement on the firing of Lucas saying the move was the result of an internal investigation. Lucas issued a statement saying she’s working with an attorney to get her side of the story out there.

LSU centerfielder Dylan Crews and first baseman Tre’ Morgan have been named to the final 26-man US Collegiate National Team Roster. LSU is one of five schools with two players on the team.

LSU Football got another big commitment this week. This time for the 2024 class by Xavier Atkins, an elite 3-star linebacker out of Jonesboro, Louisiana. He’s the number 6 player in the state and had previously committed to Missouri before flipping to LSU.

Hunters will soon be able to get a better idea of Louisiana’s turkey population as the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announces a survey with an online component for the public to help get a good count. Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal says whether you are sitting on your back porch in October, in your deer stand in December, turkey hunting in April or making a round through your property in August if you see wild turkeys, they’d like to know about it.
Cut 13 (10) “record that sighting”
The survey can be found on LDWF’s website just by searching for the LA Turkey Survey.

LSU outfielder Dylan Crews and first baseman Tre Morgan have been named to the 26-man US Collegiate National Team Roster, as announced by USA Baseball on Tuesday.

Team USA will be in the Netherlands from July 8-15 to compete in the Haarlem Baseball Week tournament at Pim Mulier Stadium. Typically held every other year since 1972, this will be the first tournament since 2018, as the 2020 contest was canceled due to the pandemic.

LSU is one of only five schools with two players on the team, along with Florida State, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. The team’s manager is Mike Bianco, who just led the rebels to the College World Series title. Former LSU utility man Drew Bianco will serve as the team’s bullpen coach.

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After securing three commitments on Monday for the 2023 class, LSU football has added one for the 2024 class, with the announcement of three-star Jonesboro linebacker Xavier Atkins. Atkins made his announcement one day after de-committing from Missouri. Atkins is joined by four-star safety Maurice Williams out of Texas in the Class of 2024.

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The WWE will be in Bossier City this weekend for the first time in four years as Saturday Night’s Main Event invades the Brookshire Grocery Arena. While the closest most fans will get to their favorite WWE superstars is by watching them on television, Wrestler and manager Montel Vontavious Porter, better known as MVP, says there is nothing like the experience of seeing an event live and in person.

Cut 17 (19) “…treat themselves to.”

Tickets are still on sale. The lineup features a US Championship match between AJ Styles and Theory as well stars like Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins.

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Grambling State announced that women’s volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas has been terminated after an internal review of the program. Lucas was hired in February and had yet to coach a single game, but had drawn intense criticism after releasing nearly the entire team shortly after her arrival.

LSU football had a big day on the recruiting trail, landing three players on Monday and bringing their 2023 class to 11 total members.

The Tigers secured commitments from 4-star defensive linemen Dashawn Womack and Darron Reed as well as three-star cornerback Ashton Stamps, giving them five commitments over the past week. Since July 1, LSU has also added highly-ranked edge rushers Jaxon Howard and Joshua Mickens, who both announced their intentions to play for the Purple and Gold this past weekend.

Coach Brian Kelly has faced some criticism in assembling the 15^th-ranked class in the nation so far, with just two of the 11 players committed to the Tigers from the state of Louisiana.

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The Pelicans open Summer League play on Saturday. Pels assistant Jarron Collins says first-rounder Dyson Daniels has been impressive in early workouts and looks forward to seeing what he can do in game action.

Cut 21 (16) “…going forward.”

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World Wrestling Entertainment returns to Bossier City for the first time in four years as Saturday Night’s Main Event invades the Brookshire Grocery Arena this weekend. After going through a long stretch where they couldn’t perform in front of fans during the pandemic, WWE star and manager Montel Porter says the wrestlers are glad for the opportunity to feed off of the energy of a crowd and put smiles on people’s faces…

Cut 18 (18) “…to entertain them.”

Tickets are still on sale.

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The Birmingham Stallions claimed the first USFL championship with a 33-30 win over the Philadelphia Stars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on Sunday. Birmingham finished the season 11-1.

And another champion was crowned on Coney Island, as Joey Chestnut won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest for the 15^th time; downing 63 franks and buns in 10 minutes.

The LSU football team added three verbal commitments on the 4th of July, changing the tone of the 2023 class. Two announcements were made early in the day by four-star defensive lineman Darron Reed, and three-star cornerback Ashton Stamps. Later, 4-star defensive lineman Dashawn Womack joined the group. This moves LSU’s 2023 commits to 11 so far this cycle, and with Monday’s announcements the class now ranks 15th nationally.

The New Orleans Pelicans continue practice ahead of the 2022 NBA Las Vegas Summer League, which begins Thursday. No. 8 overall draft pick Dyson Daniels joined the Pels in their first team practice session. New Orleans opens their summer slate against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 9th.

Former LSU star Wide Receiver  Odell Beckham Jr. has made a startling tweet when reflecting on the 2021 Super Bowl champion run, indicating he played the entire back half of the season for the Rams without an ACL. Beckham remains a free agent after undergoing knee surgery in the offseason.

World Wrestling Entertainment returns to Bossier City for the first time in four years as Saturday Night’s Main Event invades the Brookshire Grocery Arena this weekend. Wrestler and manager Montel Vontavious Porter, better known as MVP, says fans can expect a great night of action…:
Cut 16 (14) “…in a WWE ring.”
Tickets are still on sale for Saturday Night’s Main Event. The show starts at 7:30 pm and features a US Championship match between AJ Styles and Theory as well stars like Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins.

And Joey “Jaws” Chestnut gobbled his way to a 15th win Monday at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, after scarfing down 63 hot dogs and buns at the annual event in 10 minutes.

On July 4th,  one sporting event takes precedent over all others…the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. The contest returns to its familiar location at Nathan’s Famous Restaurant after being forced to switch the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joey Chestnut, generally considered the greatest hot dog eater of all time, will defend his crown after a record-breaking performance in 2020, with an incredible 76 hot dogs and buns “eaten” in 10 minutes. Defending women’s champion Michelle Lesco will try to win for the second consecutive year when the women’s championship starts at 10 am CT.

Chestnut says this year he’s looking to reach 80 hot dogs. The contest airs on ESPN.

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It is confirmed that Zion Williamson has signed his extension with the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson agreed to a deal that will keep him with the Pels for another five seasons. The deal has a base value of $193 million, but could be worth as much as $231 million should he make an All-NBA team, earn MVP, or Defensive Player of the Year next season.

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The Pelicans are also rumored to be engaged in discussions about potentially acquiring All-NBA forward Kevin Durant. Any trade for Durant would likely have to include Brandon Ingram; leaving Pelicans fans conflicted in their desires to see the team add an all-time great or stick with the team and player they have fallen in love with over the past three seasons.

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LSU football adds another commitment to its 2023 recruiting class. Joshua Mickens, a four-star edge rusher from Indianapolis, verbally committed Sunday morning to the Tigers. He is ranked as the No. 164 overall player and 18th-best pass rusher in the country according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. His announcement comes two days after four-star edge rusher Jaxon Howard committed to LSU. The Tigers have eight recruits lined up for next year and expect more commitments to come this week.

Four-star defensive lineman Dashawn Womack, four-star defensive end Darron Reed, and three-star cornerback Ashton Stamps reveal their decisions today.

Then three-star cornerback Jeremiah Hughes announces his choice July 7.

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension worth up to as much as $231 million. Zion has played in just 85 of a possible 226 games over his career so far. FOX Sports’ Rob Parker says that even with his injury history, the Pelicans’ potential reward is worth the risk.

Cut 7 (10) “…gotta sign him.”

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The Pelicans haven’t made much noise at the start of free agency. Head Coach Willie Green’s team already has plenty of players who will be looking for minutes, a problem he says he’s glad to have.

Cut 16 (20) “…just keep rolling.”

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Now that USC and UCLA have made the move to the Big Ten, NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the surging juggernauts in the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. One of the biggest could be on the national level as the notion of amateurism in collegiate athletics, which took a major hit from the emergence of NIL, will be tested by players who see billions of dollars changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09) “…entitled to.”

In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member, while the Sun Belt adds James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss.

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Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year-old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Pelicans and forward Zion Williamson are close to reaching agreement on a contract extension that would keep the star in New Orleans for the next six seasons. The five-year deal would be worth as much as $231 million according to the report, an average of $46.2 million per season, and includes protections for both sides. In 85 career games, Williams has posted 25.7 points per game while shooting over 60 percent and was named to the 2020 All-Star team.

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The Pels introduced rookies Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell to the media on Thursday. Daniels, a 6-7 guard, brings a lot of versatility to the lineup and feels like he can contribute in a number of ways.

Cut 17 (20) “…here right now.”

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A seismic shift in college sports as USC and UCLA are leaving the PAC-12 for the Big Ten starting with the 2024 season. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust, says this probably spells the end of the so-called “Power 5.”

Cut 13 (11) “…to my schools.”

Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the SEC and Big Ten superpowers.

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In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member today, while the Sun Belt has added James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss, expanding its membership to 14.

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Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.

Hold on to your hats as we are looking at another round of realignment in college athletics. In a move that caught nearly everyone by surprise, U-S-C and U-C-L-A are heading from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 and will begin playing in the Big 10 in 2024. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Deterimental podcast, Dan Lust, says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter move….
cut 14 (12) “…keep pace”
Lust says he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts.

LSU is scheduled to kick-off the 2024 season against USC in Las Vegas. That will be the Trojans first game as a member of the Big 10. In other football scheduling news, the Tigers are set to host Louisiana Tech again in 2025.

The Pelicans introduced two of their draft picks to the media yesterday. New Orleans was surprised when E-J Liddell was still available when they took him with the 41st pick. Liddell says his competitiveness is his greatest asset and New Orleans is the perfect fit…
cut 18 (13) “….do that here”
Liddell played three seasons at Ohio State and shot 37-percent from three point territory this past season.

In transfer portal news, LSU’s Drew Bianco has entered the transfer portal. Bianco has been with the Tigers for four seasons, but only had five hits this past season. Meanwhile the Ragin Cajuns are adding to their pitching staff as Charleston Southern’s Jerry Couch plans to play his senior season at U-L Lafayette. Couch was 3-and-3 with a 6.55 ERA this past season.