4:45 LRN Sportscast June 23

The New Orleans Pelicans hold the eighth overall pick in tonight’s NBA Draft. Jake Madison, host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says it appears the Pels have plenty of interest in one player in particular…

Cut 17 (20) “…..versatility on defense.”

New Orleans is also rumored to be interested in guard Shaedon Sharpe and forward Ousmane Dieng. LSU’s Tari Eason and Darius Days will be looking to hear their names called as well. Eason is expected to be taken near the middle of the first round, while Days is projected to go in round two. Louisiana Tech big man Kenneth Lofton Jr. is also slated to go in the second round.

And the Pelicans announced that they have extended their broadcast agreement with Bally Sports New Orleans as the team’s exclusive local media partner.

The number one high school player in the nation, Newman quarterback Arch Manning, announced his commitment to the University of Texas on Thursday. Arch, the grandson of Saints legend Archie Manning and nephew to Peyton and Eli, seemed to be headed to Austin once his teammate and close friend, tight end Will Randle committed to UT earlier this week.

With Manning joining the Longhorns, all of the top three high school quarterbacks in the state are leaving the state. Zachary’s Eli Holstein is committed to Alabama, and Woodlawn signal-caller Rickie Collins is going to Purdue.

Today marks 50 years since the signing of Title IX, which expanded athletic opportunities for females. Prior to the passage of Title IX, only one percent of college athletic budgets went towards women’s sports. Though there has been tremendous progress, the overall playing field is still far from level. Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, the commissioner of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, says political and educational leaders have to maintain a commitment to equality.

Cut 7 (12) “…in general, deserve.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast June 23

The Pelicans have the eighth overall pick in tonight’s NBA Draft. Jake Madison, host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says the Pels have plenty of interest in guard Dyson Daniels…a highly-skilled and versatile two-way player with room to improve offensively.

Cut 18 (19) “…in Fred Vinson.”

Madison says no matter what, the Pelicans are in a great position to improve their roster as they try to make it back to the playoffs this season.

Cut 20 (13) “…them to make.”

LSU left-handed pitcher Jacob Hasty has reportedly entered the transfer portal. According to The Advocate, Hasty is looking at his options while the Tigers search for a new pitching coach. Arkansas held on to beat Ole Miss 3-2 last night in Omaha. The two teams play again today at 3 PM, with the winner moving on to face Oklahoma in the finals of the College World Series.

It’s finally happening…a statue of LSU basketball legend Pete Maravich, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, will join those of Bob Pettit and Shaquille O’Neal on the LSU Campus. The university announced it will unveil the statue of “Pistol” Pete on July 25th. Maravich played three seasons for the Tigers, averaging 44.2 points per game for his career.

Tari Eason and Darius Days will be looking to follow in Maravich’s footsteps to the NBA. Eason is expected to be taken near the middle of the first round in tonight’s NBA Draft, while Days is projected to go in round two.

LSU’s Kim Mulkey and Loyola’s Stacy Hollowell were named Coaches of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, as announced on Wednesday. Tigers’ women’s hoops point guard Khayla Pointer and men’s forward Tari Eason were selected as Players of the Year.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Tonight is the NBA draft. The Pelicans have the eighth pick in the first round thanks to Anthony Davis trade. Jake Madison, host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says it appears the Pels have plenty of interest in one player in particular…
cut 17 (20) “…..versatility on defense”
Former LSU Tiger Tari Eason is expected to be a mid first round selection.

LSU announces it will unveil a statue of Pete Maravich, the all-time leading scorer in Division one college basketball history on July 25th. The statue will stand alongside the existing likenesses of Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal and Bob Pettit on the LSU campus.

Former Louisiana Tech and West Feliciana football star Jaylon Ferguson died unexpectedly yesterday. David Grubb has more on the Baltimore Ravens linebacker…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

LSU left-handed pitcher Jacob Hasty has reportedly entered the transfer portal. According to the Advocate, Hasty is looking at his options while the Tigers look for a new pitching coach. Arkansas held on to beat Ole Miss three to two last night. The two teams play again today at 3 PM, the winner gets Oklahoma in the championship series of the College World Series.

4:45 LRN Sportscast June 22

Nevada has made it official naming LSU’s Executive Deputy Director of Athletics, Stephanie Rempe as the Wolfpack’s new athletic director. Rempe had been with the Tigers since 2019.

McNeese outfielder Payton Harden, the 2022 Southland Conference Player of the Year has been named the 2022 SLC Student-Athlete of the Year, the league announced earlier today. Harden is the first Cowboy to win the award since 1994.

The NFL was rocked this morning by the news of the death of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson at the age of 26. Ferguson, who was born in Zachary, played his high school ball at West Feliciana before attending Louisiana Tech and setting the FBS record for sacks in a career. Ferguson is survived by his son and two daughters and his fiancée Doni Smith. His coach at West Feliciana, Robb Odom, says in a short time Ferguson left a strong legacy as both a competitor and as a man.

Cut 11 (10) “…a better person.”

At the College World Series, there are just three teams still standing. The Oklahoma Sooners sent Texas A-and-M home after beating the Aggies 5-1 this afternoon. Jimmy Crooks blasted a three-run home run in the bottom of the first and David Sandlin allowed just one run in seven innings while striking out 12 to lead OU into the Finals. Tonight, Ole Miss takes on Arkansas for the fifth time this season. They split the first four games between them, but a win by the Rebels put them in the Finals as well.

The NBA Draft is tomorrow and a couple of Louisiana players could have their names called…LSU’s Tari Eason should go in the first round. Louisiana Tech big man Kenneth Lofton Jr and LSU forward Darius Days are projected as second-rounders.

The Pelicans have the eighth pick and Jake Madison, host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, says New Orleans is in an enviable position.

Cut 20 (13) “…them to make.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast June 22

Nevada has made it official naming LSU’s Executive Deputy Director of Athletics, Stephanie Rempe as the Wolfpack’s new athletic director. Rempe oversees all aspects of LSU athletics and has done that since arriving with A-D Scott Woodward in 2019. She was heavily involved in securing coaches Brian Kelly, Kim Mulkey, and Matt McMahon and instrumental in the development of Louisiana’s new Name, Image, and Likeness legislation among other accomplishments. Scott Rabalais of The Advocate says we may not have seen the last of her.

Cut 21 (14) “…Woodward retires.”

ESPN has the LSU women’s basketball team ranked 14th in its “way too early Top 25” for the upcoming season. The Tigers sustained some big losses in talent, but are about to add a top 20 recruiting class as well as Third Team All-American Angel Reese from Maryland to the mix.

At the College World Series, the field is down to its Final Four, with three of those coming from the SEC…Texas A-and-M eliminated Notre Dame 10-2 and Arkansas ended Auburn’s season with an 11-1 rout. The Aggies face Oklahoma this afternoon; a win by the Sooners sends them to the Finals. Tonight, Ole Miss takes on Arkansas for the fifth time this season. They split the first four games between them, but a win by the Rebels put them in the Finals as well.

LSU baseball has 10 players getting some extra work in playing summer ball, with seven competing in the Cape Cod League, considered the top summer college baseball league in the country. Jordan Thompson, Bryce Collins, Grant Taylor, Garrett Edwards, Hayden Travinski, Paul Gervase, and Josh Pearson are all heading to the Northeast. Grant Fontenot will compete in the Texas League, while Luke Leto and Josh Stevenson make their way to Wisconsin to play in the Northwoods League.

The NBA Draft is tomorrow and a couple of Louisiana players could have their names called…LSU’s Tari Eason should go in the first round. Louisiana Tech big man Kenneth Lofton Jr and LSU forward Darius Days are projected as second-rounders.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Nevada has made it official naming LSU’s Executive Deputy Director of Athletics- Stephanie Rempe as the Wolfpack’s new athletic director. Rempe oversees all aspects of LSU athletics and has done that since arriving with A-D Scott Woodward in 2019. Rempe led and negotiated the contracts of new football coach Brian Kelly and basketball coaches Kim Mulkey and Matt McMahon.

At the College World Series…..Notre Dame and Auburn were eliminated yesterday. Texas A-and-M sent the Fighting Irish home with a five to one win, while the Razorbacks advanced in Bracket two with an an eleven to one win over Auburn.

So today….Oklahoma faces Texas A-and-M today, while Ole Miss takes on Auburn tonight. If the Sooners and Rebels win, they will play each other in the championship series, which begins Saturday.

LSU baseball has five players competing in the Cape Cod League, which is considered the top summer college baseball league in the country. The five players are shortstop Jordan Thompson, out fielder Josh Pearson, right-handed pitcher Garrett Edwards, catcher Hayden Travinski and right-hander Grant Taylor.

The NBA draft is Thursday and LSU forward Tari Eason is expected to be selected in the middle of the first round. The Houston Rockets, who have the 17th pick, have been rumored to be interested in Eason.

ESPN ranks the LSU women’s basketball program 14th in its way too-early top 25 ranking. The Lady Tigers lose a lot from last year’s team, but they are adding Maryland transfer Angel Reese, who averaged nearly 18 points and 11 rebounds a game last year.

4:45 LRN Sportscast June 21

LSU executive deputy athletic director and COO Stephanie Rempe is reportedly set to become the new athletic director at Nevada. Rempe plays a critical role in LSU’s athletic department and is considered to be one of the nation’s most respected deputy ADs. She came to LSU with Scott Woodward when he was hired as LSU’s athletic director in 2019 and has steadily risen through the ranks over a nearly 25-year career in athletics administration.

LSU baseball has added some strength to its middle infield with the announcement that Baylor shortstop Jack Pineda will be joining the Tigers. Pineda batted .300 with seven home runs as a junior for the Bears this past season, committing eight errors in 54 games, and earning All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition.

The SEC West continues to reign supreme at the College World Series as Texas A-and-M beat Notre Dame to eliminate the Fighting Irish this afternoon. However, someone is going home tonight when Auburn faces Arkansas at 6 pm. The winner advances to meet Ole Miss Wednesday night. The Aggies take on Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon.

A major development in the Deshaun Watson saga, as 20 of the 24 women who have accused the quarterback of sexual assault have settled their lawsuits. The news was announced by the lawyer for the plaintiffs, Tony Buzbee, earlier today. Four other suits are still moving forward and the terms of the settlements were not disclosed.

Tampa Bay Bucs tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL via social media today. Gronk, considered by many to be the greatest tight end of all time played 11 seasons, winning four Super Bowls and earning four First-Team All-Pro selections. If he’s serious this time, and speculation is that he may return later in the season, Gronkowski retires with 621 catches for more than 92 hundred yards and 92 TDs.

The New Orleans Pelicans released their NBA Summer League schedule, which takes place from July 7-17 in Las Vegas. The Pels open against the Trail Blazers on July 9, followed by the Hawks, Wizards, and Lakers with a final opponent to be determined.

This morning the Pelicans announced that they will hold one of their preseason games in Birmingham, Alabama. The Pels will play the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 14 at Legacy Arena, the home of New Orleans’ G-League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron.

11:40 LRN Sportscast June 21

LSU executive deputy athletic director and COO Stephanie Rempe is reportedly set to become the new athletic director at Nevada. Rempe plays a critical role in LSU’s athletic department and is considered to be one of the nation’s most respected deputy ADs. She came to LSU with Scott Woodward when he was hired as LSU’s athletic director in 2019 and has steadily risen through the ranks over a nearly 25-year career in athletics administration.

LSU baseball has added some strength to its middle infield with the announcement that Baylor shortstop Jack Pineda will be joining the Tigers. Pineda batted .300 with seven home runs as a junior for the Bears this past season, committing eight errors in 54 games, and earning All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition.

At the College World Series, all four SEC schools are still alive as Auburn beat Stanford 6-2 to avoid elimination. Ole Miss continued its roll with a 13-5 beating of Arkansas. A pair of elimination games today as Texas A-and-M faces Notre Dame this afternoon and Auburn takes on Arkansas in the nightcap.

The 2025 New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee is already hard at work. They have released a Request for Qualifications, or RFQ, for local graphic designers and firms to help create its logo and visual brand identity as it moves down the road to Super Bowl 59. While the RFQ does not require a design, Jay Cicero of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says there’s a distinct flavor that the committee and the NFL will be looking for during the submission process once the field of applicants is narrowed.

Cut 15 (12) “…we can be proud of.”

For the second year in a row, LSU basketball will participate in the Holiday Hoopsgiving event in Atlanta, Georgia. The Tigers will take on Wake Forest on Dec. 10 in State Farm Arena.

The New Orleans Pelicans released their NBA Summer League schedule, which takes place from July 7-17 in Las Vegas. The Pels open against the Trail Blazers on July 9, followed by the Hawks, Wizards, and Lakers with a final opponent to be determined.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU deputy athletic director Stephanie Rempe is reportedly set to become the new athletic director at Nevada. Rempe plays a critical role in LSU’s athletic department. According to her bio she oversees every facet of the daily operations. She came to LSU when Scott Woodward was hired as LSU’s athletic director in 2019.

LSU baseball has added Baylor’s starting shortstop and leadoff hitter Jack Pineda from the transfer portal. Pineda hit .300 with seven home runs for the Bears as a junior this past season. He committed eight errors in 54 games and was selected All Big-12 honorable mention.

At the College World Series…Auburn avoided elimination with a six to two win over Stanford, while Ole Miss advanced in the winner’s bracket with a 13-5 thumping of Arkansas. Today Texas A-and-M takes on Notre Dame at 1 PM and Auburn faces Arkansas in elimination games.

Though the Super Bowl won’t be back in New Orleans for another two-plus years, the 2025 New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee is already hard at work. Now, the committee has released a Request for Qualifications, or RFQ, for local graphic designers and firms to help create the logo and visual brand identity as it moves down the road to Super Bowl 59. Here’s Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero…
Cut 13 (12) “…for this RFQ.”
All firms wishing to submit must do so before July 1st as the RFQ is just the first step of a multi-stage process which will end with one group or individual chosen to help brand the organization preparing for a record-tying 11th Super Bowl to be played in The Big Easy.

LSU men’s basketball will play in the Holiday Hoops giving event in Atlanta again next season. The Tigers will play Wake Forest on December 10th after playing Georgia Tech last season.

The Pelicans have released their summer league schedule. The Pels first game in Las Vegas is on July 9th against the Trail Blazers. The NBA draft is Thursday, New Orleans has the eighth overall pick.

4:45 LRN Sportscast June 20

In Omaha, Auburn managed to stay alive at the College World Series by beating number two seed Stanford, eliminating the Cardinal. Tonight, Arkansas faces Ole Miss. Sunday, Oklahoma beat Notre Dame, putting the Sooners one victory away from the final and Texas A-and-M sent arch-rival Texas packing. The Irish and Aggies play Tuesday in another elimination game.

LSU coach Jay Johnson says he began preparing for next season almost immediately following the Tigers’ loss to Southern Miss in the NCAA regionals. He says he’ll be consistent with the plan he’s laid out for the program while staying flexible enough to navigate the ever-changing world of college sports.

Cut 19 (17) “…adapt and go.”

An eighth baseball player from LSU has entered the transfer portal, with Will Safford adding his name to the list. The sophomore infielder from Baton Rouge appeared in 32 games over two seasons. So far just one player, infielder Brennan Holt, has found a new home…Holt is headed to Oklahoma State.

For the second year in a row, LSU basketball will participate in the Holiday Hoopsgiving event in Atlanta, Georgia. The Tigers will take on Wake Forest on Dec. 10 in State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Hawks. LSU defeated the Demon Deacons 75-61 last season in the championship of the Emerald Coast Classic. As of now, the Tigers have 11 of their 13 non-conference games scheduled.

The New Orleans Pelicans released their schedule for the NBA Summer League, which takes place from July 7-17 in Las Vegas. The Pels open against the Trail Blazers on July 9, followed by the Hawks, Wizards, and Lakers. Their final opponent is still to be determined. The teams with the best two records after four games will meet in the Summer League Championship Game on July 17.