Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was on the field as the Black and Gold held a mandatory minicamp yesterday. Thomas watched from the sidelines as he continues to rehab from ankle surgery. Running back Alvin Kamara who has had a tumultuous offseason, was suited up and practicing with his teammates. Kamara has an August first court date on a battery charge for an incident that occurred in Las Vegas. Coach Dennis Allen says everyone, healthy or not, was in attendance and ready for work…
cut 17 (15) “….training camp”
Saints kicker Will Lutz has been medically cleared to return after missing all of last season. Lutz had core muscle surgery before training camp last year and then complications developed. Allen says Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport continues to work back from shoulder and finger injuries.

With the stroke of a pen, Louisiana makes a move to remain competitive in the world of major college athletics. David Grubb has the story…
Cut 1 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A report emerged yesterday that Louisiana Tech’s Lane Burroughs had emerged as Baylor’s top option as its next baseball coach. But Burroughs tweeted last night that this train ain’t stopping. Get on board or get off the track…..hash-tag JYD23, which stands for Junk Yard Dogs 23.

LSU sophomore infielder Collier Cranford has entered the transfer portal. Cranford was a career .158 hitter at LSU and started nine games at third base this past season.

The Saints began a mandatory three-day minicamp today with first-year head coach Dennis Allen at the helm. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson says that from rookie camp to OTAs, Allen’s approach has been well-received…

Cut 16 (13) “…..for the season”

With the first two practices open to the public, Jackson says fans can get a peek at first-round picks, wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning…

Cut 17 (20) “…..Chris Olave”

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Louisiana’s new Name, Image, and Likeness legislation has been signed into law. The legislation loosens restrictions as to who can help facilitate deals for student-athletes, correcting some of the mistakes Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says the legislature made when it created its initial NIL law. States got little guidance from the N-C-A-A in what would and would not be allowed. A year later, with more info at hand, it was time for tweaking.

Cut 21 (10) “…create deals.

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The final eight is set for the College World Series. First-round play begins Friday with Oklahoma taking on Texas A-and-M, followed by Notre Dame and Texas. Then on Saturday, it’s Arkansas versus Stanford with Ole Miss and Auburn closing out the night. The SEC leads the way with four teams in Omaha, all from the Western Division.

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The Golden State Warriors are one win away from claiming their fourth NBA title in the last eight seasons after beating the Boston Celtics 104-94 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

The Saints open their first minicamp under Dennis Allen today and that means position battles are underway. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints podcast says there are a couple to keep an eye on…

Cut 18 (17) “…question mark there.”

There’s no disputing that Jameis Winston is the starting QB this season. Jackson says that both Winston and the Saints’ offense should benefit…

Cut 19 (19) “…to get better.”

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The final eight is set for the College World Series. First-round play begins Friday with Oklahoma taking on Texas A-and-M, followed by Notre Dame and Texas. Then on Saturday, it’s Arkansas versus Stanford with Ole Miss and Auburn closing out the night. The SEC leads the way with four teams in Omaha, six if you count future members Oklahoma and Texas.

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The Golden State Warriors are one win away from claiming their fourth NBA title in the last eight seasons after beating the Boston Celtics 104-94 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Andrew Wiggins collected his second straight double-double with 26 points and 13 rebounds and Golden State won despite Steph Curry playing his first career playoff game without making a three-pointer, ending a streak of 132 postseason games with at least one three and 223 straight games overall. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 27 points and 10 boards in the loss. Game 6 is Wednesday night in Boston.

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And Tulane catcher Bennett Lee, who batted a school-record .440 as a freshman, announced he will transfer to Wake Forest.

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The Saints begin a mandatory three-day minicamp today with first-year head coach Dennis Allen at the helm. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson says rookie camp to OTAs, Allen’s approach has been well-received…
cut 16 (13) “…..for the season”
Today and tomorrow’s practice is open to the public. Jackson says fans will get their first looks at first-round picks, wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning…
cut 17 (20) “…..Chris Olave”

The eight-team College World Series field is set and half of the teams are from the SEC West. Auburn was the last the team to punch its ticket to the C-W-S as the 14th-seeded Tigers took down third-seeded Oregon State four to three last night. Auburn will play SEC rival Ole Miss on Saturday. Also on Saturday, Arkansas will face Standford. The Cardinal defeated UCONN 10 to 5 yesterday to lock up a trip to Omaha. The C-W-S gets underway Friday with Texas A-and-M taking on Oklahoma and Norte Dame facing Texas.

Golden State took three games to two lead in the NBA Finals. Steph Curry only scored 16 points and didn’t make a three-pointer, but Andrew Wiggins stepped up for the Warriors with 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Game six is in Boston on Thursday.

Barbe’s Gavin Guidry has been named the Class 5A Baseball Player of the Year. Guidry was 8-0 on the mound with a 0.16 ERA. West Monroe’s Wade Simoneaux was named Coach of the Year as he guided the Rebels to their first baseball title since 1999.

The New Orleans Saints have wrapped up OTAs with minicamp ready to begin on Tuesday. Jameis Winston is the unquestioned starter under center this year, and he will be backed up by veteran Andy Dalton. Dalton says he’s enjoying his role and believes Winston is primed for a big year.

Cut 18 (19) “…watch him work.”

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New Orleans-dot-football’s Nick Underhill reports that the Saints are hosting veteran running back David Johnson today. The 30-year-old Johnson appeared in 13 games last season for the Houston Texans, rushing for 228 yards on 67 attempts

And kicker Wil Lutz has been cleared to resume kicking duties after 11 months, he announced on Instagram today.

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The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the Dolphins were prepared to offer former Saints coach Sean Payton a five-year/$100-million contract but were denied the opportunity to interview the coach by the franchise in January. Any team attempting to hire Payton prior to the conclusion of the 2023 season will have to provide compensation to the Saints via trade.

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Three SEC teams are heading to the College World Series, but not top-seeded Tennessee. Notre Dame upset the Volunteers seven to three in the deciding third game of their super-regional. The Fighting Irish are headed to the College World Series for the first time since 2002 when Paul Mainieri was their head coach.

Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Texas A-and-M will make the trip to Omaha as two other Super Regionals are being settled today. With Oregon State and Auburn finishing up one series and Stanford taking on UConn in the other.

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The LSU pitching staff adds another member to its ranks. Creighton right-hander Dylan Tebrake, a 2-time Big East Pitcher of the Year, has announced that he will be transferring to Baton Rouge. Tebrake went 8-2 with a 2.71 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 93 innings for the Blue Jays last season.

Three SEC teams are heading to the College World Series, but not top-seeded Tennessee. Notre Dame pulled off the big upset on Rocky Top defeating the Volunteers seven to three in the deciding third game of the super-regional. The Fighting Irish are headed to the College World Series for the first time since 2002 when Paul Mainieri was their head coach.

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Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Texas A-and-M are making the trip to Omaha. The Rebels swept Southern Miss without allowing a run in two games in Hattiesburg. The Razorbacks defeated the Tar Heels in North Carolina and the Aggies beat Louisville.

Two other Super Regionals will be settled today. With Oregon State and Auburn finishing up one series and Stanford taking on UConn in a decisive game three in the other.

The LSU pitching staff adds another member to its ranks. Creighton right-hander Dylan Tebrake, a 2-time Big East Pitcher of the Year, has announced that he will be transferring to Baton Rouge. Tebrake went 8-2 with a 2.71 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 93 innings for the Blue Jays last season. He has a career record of 21-5 and a 2.80 ERA, including 16-2 over the past two seasons.

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The New Orleans Saints have wrapped up OTAs with minicamp ready to begin on Tuesday. Rookie tackle Trevor Penning is expected to be an impact player this season after being taken with the 19th overall pick. He says right now his focus is on learning the subtle differences between the college and pro games.

Cut 16 (14) “…good technique.”

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New Orleans does have a team in the playoffs, the USFL playoffs. The Breakers forced four turnovers in a 17-6 win over the Tampa Bay Bandits to improve to 6-3 and clinch second place in the South Division. They will face the Birmingham Stallions in the semifinals on Saturday, June 25, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

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After taking the weekend off, the NBA Finals resume tonight with Game 5 in San Francisco. The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are tied at two games apiece. Tip-off is at 8 pm.

Three SEC teams are heading to the College World Series, but not top-seeded Tennessee. Notre Dame pulled off the big upset on Rocky Top defeating the Volunteers seven to three in the deciding third game of the super regional. The Fighting Irish are headed to the College World Series for the first time since 2002 when Pual Mainieri was their head coach.

Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Texas A-and-M are headed to the College World Series. The Rebels swept Southern Miss and didn’t give up a run in two games in Hattiesburg. The Razorbacks defeated the Tar Heels in North Carolina and the Aggies beat Louisville.

Two super regional series have yet to be completed. Oregon State beat Auburn last night four to three to force a game three and Stanford and Connecticut also headed to a deciding game three as the Cardinal clobbered the Huskies eight to two last night.

The Big East Pitcher of the year has announced he’s transferring to LSU. Creighton right-hander Dylan Tebrake went 8-and-2 with a 2.81 ERA last season and had 115 strikeouts in 93 innings pitched.

The Saints begin a three-day mandatory minicamp tomorrow at the team’s training facility in Metairie. Offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk has high hopes New Orleans will return to having one of the best offenses in the league…
cut 17 (13) “…..this year”

The New Orleans Breakers are in the USFL playoffs after beating Tampa Bay 17 to six yesterday. New Orleans was outgained 352 to 215 yards, but the Breakers forced four turnovers to improve to six and three on the season. New Orleans will face Birmingham in a semifinal game on June 25th in Canton, Ohio.

NBA, Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has surgery on a finger on his right hand and will need six to eight weeks to recover. Zion Williamson says he wants to be in New Orleans and he hopes to sign a contract extension if it’s offered by the Pelicans.

The opening day of the NCAA Super Regionals brought plenty of excitement, as underdogs won two of the first four games on Friday. Oklahoma beat fourth-seeded Virginia Tech 5-4, and in a shocker, Notre Dame topped number one Tennessee 8-6. In other games, East Carolina took down Texas 13-7, and Texas A&M downed Louisville 5-4.

Those series continue today, while four more get started. North Carolina and Arkansas, Southern Miss and Ole Miss, Auburn and Oregon State, and UConn and Stanford open their best-of-three sets Saturday as we get closer to the College World Series.

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The NBA Finals are all squared at two games apiece. Steph Curry scored 43 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 107-97 win over the Boston Celtics. Boston led 94-90 with 5 minutes to play but was outscored 17-3 down the stretch. Curry had 10 of those 17 points. Game 5 is back in San Francisco on Monday night.

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It’s a great weekend to “go fish,” and I’m not talking about the card game.  Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is out for the next 6-8 weeks following surgery on his right pinky finger. He averaged just under 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists this past season for the Pels.

Opelousas native and former LSU standout Devery Henderson will be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame this year. Henderson played eight seasons in New Orleans, leading the NFL in yards per reception in 2006 and 2008. He caught a career-high 51 passes during the 2009 Super Bowl season….
Cut 16 (18) “…it all worked out.”
Also heading into the Saints Hall of Fame is former running back and special teamer Fred McAfee who had two different stints with the Black and Gold, 1991 to 1993 and then again from 2000 to 2006. He made the Pro Bowl in 2002 and had 210 career tackles on special teams, while also rushed for 12-hundred yards in his career.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, it’s a perfect opportunity to go fish. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

After four seasons at LSU, outfielder Giovanni DiGiacomo has announced he’s entered the NCAA Transfer portal. DiGiacomo hit .275 in 133 games for the Tigers but only hit .206 this past season in 68 at-bats.

The NCAA Super Regionals begin today with four best-of-three series. Notre Dame visits number one Tennessee, Texas faces East Carolina, Louisville battles Texas A&M, and Oklahoma visits Virginia Tech. The SEC leads all conferences with 5 teams remaining in the 16-team field, with the ACC right behind with 4.

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The Sun Belt has announced Lamson Park in Lafayette will host next year’s conference softball tournament while Louisiana Tech will host the 2023 Conference USA softball championship.

Nicholls State and head men’s basketball coach Austin Claunch have reached agreement on a two-year extension pending board approval. In four seasons with the Colonels, Claunch is 74-46 and led the team to Southland Conference titles in 2021 and 2022.

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The NBA Finals resume tonight with a critical Game 4. The Boston Celtics lead the Golden State Warriors two games to one after their 116-100 victory on Tuesday. The Warriors are 5-0 in the playoffs following a loss, a streak they extended by winning game two of the series. Tip-off is at 8 pm.

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Devery Henderson and Fred McAfee are the latest players to be inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. Henderson, an Opelousas native, played 8 seasons with the Saints and was a member of the 2009 Super Bowl Champs.

Cut 16 (18) “…it all worked out.”

Drafted in 1991, McAfee spent 10 seasons wearing the Black and Gold, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2002. Today, he serves as the team’s VP of Player Engagement.

Cut 17 (19) “…I thank you.”

The induction ceremony will take place this October.

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