Brian Kelly’s first National Signing Day at LSU is in the books, and the Tigers produced some mixed results. Kelly lost out on a number of high-profile in-state recruits, including Louisiana’s number one player in safety Jacoby Mathews out of Ponchatoula, along with Westgate tight end Danny Lewis, and Lake Charles running back TreVonte’ Citizen. But the Tigers did land their top target in linebacker Harold Perkins. Perkins is ranked as one of the top 20 players in the country and his high school coach, Greg Rogers, says LSU is getting a great one.

Cut 17 (12) “…that’s for sure.”

The Tigers finished with the 12^th-ranked recruiting class in the nation according to 247 sports. LSU finished fourth in the SEC, behind Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia, who grabbed the top 3 spots.

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New Grambling State head coach Hue Jackson has made his impression felt as he announced the signing of 36 players Wednesday, the most in Grambling football history.

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The NBA trade deadline is just a week away, and speculation continues as to whether the New Orleans Pelicans will be buyers or sellers. Indications are that the Pels will be looking to bolster their roster for a push to make the play-in tournament and reach the postseason for the first time since the 2017-18 season. New Orleans trails Portland by 1.5 games for the tenth spot in the Western Conference. Next up for the Pels, the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

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After dropping five of its last six games on the hardwood, projections for LSU’s postseason destiny are all over the place. The Tigers could land anywhere from as high as a three seed, according to CBS Sports, or as low as a sixth seed as forecasted by ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi. LSU is back in action Saturday when they visit Vanderbilt.

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In other college basketball news…sixth-ranked Houston defeated Tulane 73-62 last night. La Tech is at F-A-U, ULM visits Arkansas State, the Cajuns are at Little Rock. McNeese hosts Southeastern Louisiana.

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Interviews continue for the Saints head coaching job, with current special teams coach Darren Rizzi expected to meet with team officials today

On national signing day, the LSU football program signed five-star linebacker Harold Perkins from Texas. The New Orleans native chose the Tigers after he originally committed to Texas A-and-M last month. LSU also signed a three-star cornerback from Texas, Jaelyn Davis-Robinson.

But LSU lost out on three in-state prospects. Lake Charles Collegiate prep Running back Trevonte Citizen signed with Miami, Westgate tight end Danny Lewis signed with Alabama, and Ponchatoula safety Jacoby Matthews signed with Texas A-and-M. The Aggies finished with the top recruiting class.

ESPN Baton Rouge sports talk show host Matt Mascona says the Texas A-and-M business community’s ability to put together attractive NIL deals helped the Aggies and it’s something the LSU community could not match ..
cut 18 (12) “…producing milk”
According to 24-7 sports, when you factor in the transfer portal, LSU finished with the sixth-best recruiting class.

The Saints have interviewed Doug Pederson, Brian Flores, and Aaron Glenn for their vacant head coaching job. Today, the team is expected to interview defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. General Manager Mickey Loomis talked about Allen’s credentials with reporters who are covering the Senior Bowl in Mobile…
cut 28 (20) “….as well”
Saints special teams coach Darren Rizzi is also expected to interview for the head coaching job today.

Also, it’s being reported the Saints will play a game in London in 2022. The date and opponent have not been finalized.

In college basketball…sixth-ranked Houston defeated Tulane 73-62 last night. La Tech is at F-A-U, ULM visits Arkansas State, the Cajuns are at Little Rock. McNeese hosts Southeastern Louisiana.

Brian Kelly’s first National Signing Day has not gone according to plan, thus far. After scoring an early win with the commitment of cornerback Jaelyn Davis-Robinson, the Tigers have missed out on running back TreVonte Citizen, who signed with Miami, and Westgate tight end Danny Lewis, who joins the Alabama Crimson Tide. LSU is still awaiting word on prospects Jacoby Mathews, Harold Perkins, and Caleb Douglas.

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After the most successful season in program history, the Ragin’ Cajuns have had a solid day on the recruiting trail, securing four in-state commitments. UL has announced the signing of Zachary receiver Charles Robertson, Franklin running back Zylan Perry, and offensive linemen Kaden Moreau of Pineville and Trent Murphy out of Opelousas as part of Mike Desormeaux’s first class as head coach.

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Tuesday night, the LSU men’s basketball team lost for the fifth time in six games, falling to Ole Miss, 72-76. The Tigers made a furious second half rally after trailing by as many as 24, but Will Wade says they could not overcome their slow start.

Cut 21 (8) “…to get better.”

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Tiger Rag Magazine has obtained a letter from the attorneys that represent Sharon Lewis, who was recently fired from her position as LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations, which requests the opportunity for Lewis to testify before the state, in the school’s ongoing Title IX investigation.

Now that Lewis is no longer with the University, she’s ready to talk. Tiger Rag editor Adam Hunsucker spoke with Committee chairperson, State Senator Regina Barrow, who is working to get another committee meeting on the docket as soon as possible.

Cut 10 (12) “…to do this.”

Lewis filed a $50 million lawsuit in Apr. 2021, claiming LSU officials violated the RICO Act to cover up Title IX complaints. The suit also claims Lewis was a victim of retaliation for reporting allegations former LSU football coach Les Miles sexually harassed student workers.

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Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has confirmed that Doug Pederson, Brian Flores, and Aaron Glenn have interviewed for the team’s head coaching position. The Saints have yet to meet with in-house candidates Dennis Allen and Darren Rizzi.

The LSU men’s basketball team is really struggling as the 25th ranked Tigers were upset at home by Ole Miss as the Rebels defeated the Bayou Bengals 76-72 last night. LSU trailed by as many as 24 points as Ole Miss hit nine three-pointers on its way to just their third SEC win of the year. LSU has lost five of its last six and they are now 4-and-6 in the SEC.

Brandon Ingram returned to the Pelicans after missing the last three games with an ankle injury to lead New Orleans to a 111 to 101 win over the Pistons in Detroit. Ingram had 26 points as New Orleans ended a four-game losing streak. New Orleans is now 19 and 32 and will visit Denver on Friday.

It’s national signing day, so who is LSU targeting as they complete their 2022 recruiting class? Glen West, editor of LSU Country for Sports Illustrated gives us a run down…
cut 17 (14) “…..another offensive lineman
Three Louisiana prep stars could sign with LSU today. Ponchatoula four-star safety Jacoby Matthews, Lake Charles Prep four-star running back Trevonte Citizen and Westgate three-star tight end Danny Lewis.

The Saints reportedly interviewed former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores yesterday. The interview took place on the same day Flores sued the NFL and three teams alleging racist hiring practices for aspiring coaches. He also accuses the Dolphins of offering him 100-thousand dollars to lose games in order to get a top draft pick. Miami fired Flores last month.

After 22 NFL seasons, Tom Brady has officially announced his retirement. A sixth-round pick out of Michigan, Brady retires as a seven-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time league MVP, and the holder of every major passing record, including: wins by a quarterback, and the lead in career passing touchdowns, yards, and completions.

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Practices for the Reese’s Senior Bowl began today in Mobile, Alabama, with some of the top pro prospects in the country getting another opportunity to impress NFL coaches and scouts. LSU is represented by defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr., linebacker Damone Clark, and offensive lineman Ed Ingram. Offensive lineman Max Mitchell of the U-L Ragin Cajuns, joins the LSU trio on the American Team roster. The Senior Bowl is this Saturday, February 5^th at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

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National Signing Day is Tuesday, the first for Brian Kelly as the head man at LSU. Glen West, editor of LSU Country for Sports Illustrated says even with the outstanding job that Kelly has done already, the Tigers can never have too much talent.

Cut 21 (7) “…on the roster.”

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LSU men’s hoops has fallen all the way to 25th in the AP rankings after dropping four of their last five games. The Tigers are back home in the P-MAC tonight as they host Ole Miss. The Rebels are just 2-6 in SEC play but are allowing opponents to score only 66 points per game. It wasn’t that long ago that the Tigers were challenging for a top-4 seed in the NCAA tournament, but Coach Will Wade is far more concerned with the games remaining on the SEC schedule, which has not been kind so far.

Cut 18 (8) “…get to work

Game time is 8:00 pm.

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The New Orleans Pelicans lost their fourth game in a row, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 90-93 on the road to finish off a very rough January where they went just 5-10. Devonte Graham led four players in double-figures with 20 points. The Pels are right back at it tonight as they visit the Detroit Pistons. They remain two and half games out of 10^th in the West. Brandon Ingram is once again listed as questionable to play. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

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Interviews continue for the Saints head coaching job, with former Dolphins coach Brian Flores reportedly meeting with the team today. Aaron Glenn, Dennis Allen, and Saints special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi are on deck for later in the week.

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After 22 seasons, the man whom many consider the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady has officially announced his retirement. Brady’s announcement came via an Instagram post Tuesday morning. A sixth-round pick out of Michigan, Brady retires as a seven-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time league MVP, and the holder of every major passing record, including: wins by a quarterback, and the lead in career passing touchdowns, yards, and completions. Fun fact: the Saints are the only division team to sweep Brady during his career, and they did it twice. Enjoy the retirement, TB12.

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It appears online sports wagering got off to a big start over the weekend. And while he doesn’t have exact figures yet, State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says when you compare activity for the inaugural weekend to other states Louisiana is not an underdog.

Cut 7 (11) “…weeks ago.”

Six sports betting platforms were online for opening weekend and Johns says to expect even more in the coming weeks.

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The LSU Tigers have tumbled all the way to 25th in the AP rankings after dropping four of their last five games. LSU is back home in the P-MAC tonight as they host Ole Miss. Injuries have been a major factor for the Tigers, dating back to the loss of Adam Miller before the season began. Only center Efton Reid has been able to start all 21 games, and several players are still fighting injuries. Coach Will Wade says he’s hopeful the team’s health will improve, but is preparing for if it doesn’t.

Cut 17 (18) “…back healthy again.”

Game time is 8:00 pm.

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The Pelicans lost their fourth game in a row, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 90-93 on the road to finish off a very rough January where they went just 5-10. Devonte Graham led four players in double-figures with 20 points. The Pels are right back at it tonight as they visit the Detroit Pistons. They remain two and half games out of 10^th in the West. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

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The LSU Tigers have tumbled all the way to 25th in the AP rankings after dropping four of their last five games. LSU is back home in the P-MAC tonight as they host Ole Miss. The Rebels are just 2-6 in SEC play but only allow 66 points per game and use multiple defenses, something coach Will Wade says the Tigers will have to adjust to.
Cut 16 (22) “…do a great job.”

Last night, both Southern and Grambling won as the Jaguars defeated Jackson State 75-64, and Tigers topped Alcorn State 80-73. In the NBA, the Pelicans stumbled down the stretch and lost to the Cavaliers 93-90;

The Saints will reportedly interview former Dolphins coach Brian Flores for their head coaching vacancy today. The 40-year-old went 24-and-25 in three seasons in Miami. The NFL Network also reports the Saints will interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn tomorrow and current defensive coordinator Dennis Allen either tomorrow or Thursday. Former Eagles Coach Doug Pederson has already interviewed for the job.

It was a big sports weekend for online sports betting to debut in Louisiana with several former high profile LSU players playing in the AFC and NFC Championship games, which provided an added incentive to place a wager. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says everything went off without a hitch.
Cut 8 (12) “….rolled out.”
Johns says there are currently six different online betting platforms avaiable in Louisiana and expects the state will authorize a few more.

The search for the next head coach of the Saints is picking up steam. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport says the team has already spoken with former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson and plans this week to meet with former Dolphins coach Brian Flores Tuesday, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on Wednesday, and current Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen on Thursday. Pederson, Flores, and Allen all have prior head coaching experience, with Pederson leading the Eagles to a win in Super Bowl 52.

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Former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr is one of five Tigers who will be playing in Super Bowl 56. After a rocky few seasons that put his career in question, Beckham is back on top. Beckham had nine catches for 113 yards for the Rams in their NFC Championship win over the 49ers.  Advancing to the Super Bowl was a surreal experience for the player once considered a superstar, who had been traded, injured, and released before finding a home in LA.

Cut 7 (10) “…an amazing moment.”

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And the Pelicans visit the Cavs tonight, looking to complete a season sweep of their 2-game series.

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25^th-ranked LSU men’s basketball has received another major commitment, as Coach Will Wade has added a second five-star prospect to the 2022 class. 6-10 forward/center Yohan Traore is rated as one of the top 20 players in the country and joins five-star forward Julian Phillips and four-star wing Devin Ree to give the Tigers the 11^th-ranked recruiting class for next season.

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On the diamond, four Tigers have been named Preseason All-Americans by Baseball America. Dylan Crews and Jacob Berry were selected for the first team, with Tre Morgan and Cade Doughty earning second-team honors. Berry may be the headliner after batting .352 with 17 home runs and 70 RBI as a freshman at Arizona. Coach Jay Johnson says the switch-hitting Berry has a simple approach.

Cut 18 (18) “…both sides.”

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And Tulane guard Jalen Cook has earned American Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors for the second time this season.

The search for the next head coach of the Saints is picking up steam. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport says the team has already spoken with former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, and plans this week to meet with former Dolphins coach Brian Flores Tuesday, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on Wednesday, and current Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen on Thursday.

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There will be a distinct LSU flavor to Super Bowl 46. Wideout Odell Beckham Jr. and lineman Andrew Whitworth will represent the Los Angeles Rams, but all eyes will be on Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the upstart Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow threw for 250 yards and two TDs as the Bengals came back from 18 down to shock the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Burrow said as the season went on, he felt Cincy had the talent to get to the big game.

Cut 20 (20) “…personally as well.”

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Preseason practice is underway for college baseball teams, including the LSU Tigers, who are ranked in the top 10 in the polls. Pitching is one of the biggest concerns for the Tigers opening the season. Devin Fontenot is trying to go from closer to starter and first year coach Jay Johnson says Fontenot has the ability to do it…Now in his fifth season in Baton Rouge, Fontenot has yet to reach the College World Series. Fontenot says the goal is to play postseason games in The Box this year and get back to Omaha.

Cut 17 (15) “…our fans.”

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In basketball…Kim Mulkey won her 650th game of her hall of fame career as the Lady Tigers defeated Kentucky 78-69 in front of 87-hundred fans at the PMAC.

The LSU men’s basketball team hosts Ole Miss tomorrow night after losing to TCU on Saturday 77-68.

UNO defeated McNeese 84-78 to improve to 5-0 in the Southland.

And the Pelicans are on the road tonight in Cleveland to face the Cavs. Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, and Jonas Valanciunas are all listed as questionable.

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In 2019, when Joe Burrow led the LSU Tigers to a national championship game the Bengals won only two games. Now Burrow is leading the Cincinnati Bengals to their third Super Bowl appearance as Joe Cool led Cincinnati back from a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat the Chiefs 27-24 in overtime. Burrow says as the season went along, he felt the team had enough talent to get there…
cut 20 (20) “….want to do well”
Burrow and the Bengals will face the Los Angeles Rams, who also had a come-from-behind win in the NFC Championship as L-A fought past the 49ers 20-17.

Preseason practice is underway for college baseball teams, including the LSU Tigers, who are ranked in the top 10 in the polls. The biggest question mark for the Tigers is starting pitching as it’s hard to predict who will be the weekend starters. Devin Fontenot is trying to go from closer to starter and first year coach Jay Johnson says Fontenot has the ability to do it…
Cut 16 (16) “..see that.”
Fontenot is entering his fifth season at LSU and has not pitched in the College World Series.

In basketball…Kim Mulkey won her 650th game of her hall of fame career as the Lady Tigers defeated Kentucky 78-69 in front of 87-hundred fans at the PMAC.

The LSU men’s basketball team hosts Ole Miss tomorrow night after losing to TCU on Saturday 77-68.

UNO defeated McNeese 84-78 to improve to 5-0 in the Southland.