Optimism is growing the NBA will be back soon. That sense of optimism comes after NBA commissioner Adam Silver held a virtual meeting with owners and executives. Sources say there have also been positive conversations with the players association about a desire to restart the season. The Athletic is reporting Silver told the Board of Governors that he plans to make a decision within the next month.

NCAA President Mark Emmert says it will be up to state officials and university presidents on when college sports can begin. Emmert told ESPN that local and state health officials will make the decision whether football can be played and whether you play football with fans.

Alabama and USC are set to face each other in the college football opener. But the Crimson Tide are reportedly looking to replace the Trojans with T-C-U because the stay at home order in Los Angeles County could be extended for another three months.

Tonight the SEC Network airs a documentary covering LSU’s 2019 national championship season. Entitled “One for the Ages,” the 60-minute program showcases footage captured from August camp through the National Championship victory over Clemson. Documentary producer Jim Jorden…
Cut 17 (16) “…of the season.”
The 60-minute recap of LSU’s season features game-by-game highlights, post-game interviews and will bring fans onto the sidelines and into the locker room for rarely seen video of the Tigers.

Also today, the Tiger Athletic Foundation will host a virtual coaches caravan that will feature athletics director Scott Woodward, head coach Ed Orgeron and offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. It will be streamed on T-A-F’s Facebook page at 6:30.

Also tonight, Fox Sports New Orleans will re-air Pete Maravich’s legendary 68-point performance against the New York Knicks. Maravich was a member of the New Orleans Jazz and the game took place in front of a sold-out Superdome in 1977.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s executive committee will meet via a conference call tomorrow to discuss what it means for high school sports that the stay at home order will be lifted on Friday. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says he also plans to talk with state education officials tomorrow. The association does not govern summer activities, but they can give schools a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to offseason training and other issues.

ESPN reports the NBA Players Association has started polling players to find out where they stand on whether the league should return to play this season. The question being asked only requires a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Commissioner Adam Silver says a decision on resuming this season can wait until June and if games are played, they could behold in Orlando or Las Vegas. The Pelicans will reportedly begin individuals workouts on Monday at the training facility in Metairie. Only four players involved at a time.

The University of Louisiana System says they are planning to have students on campus this fall. Nine schools make up the U-L system and President Jim Henderson talked about what it might look like on campuses during the week and Saturday afternoons…
cut 3 (10) “…and responsibly get”
Henderson says there will be temperature checks, increased testing and a heightened focus on sanitation on their campus.

In recruiting news, LSU has landed a commitment from four-star running back Corey Kiner of Cincinnati. He’s the first running back to give his verbal pledge for the class of 2021, which is currently ranked as the 12th best by 24-7 sports.

And Louisiana Tech has received a verbal pledge from Ruston High running back Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove. Hargrove also had scholarship offers from Boston College, Michigan State, Houston, and S-M-U.

LSU has received a verbal commitment from a four-star running back out of Ohio. Corey Kiner is considered one of the top running backs in the class of 2021 and becomes the Tigers 10th commitment for next year. He’s entering his senior season at Roger Bacon High in Cincinnati and he’s already the school’s all-time leading rusher and scorer, with 52-hundred yards rushing and 81 touchdowns. He’s the first running back to commit to LSU since Kevin Faulk was hired as running backs coach.

The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Doctor Anthony Fauci tells Peter King of NBC Sports that he thinks it’s feasible that the N-F-L can play games in empty stadiums this fall. Fauci also says if the virus is low in the general community that it’s also possible that a third or half the stadium could be filled with people, but maintaining six feet apart. He says all of this will happen on the level of infection.

Major League Baseball owners have agreed on a proposal for an 82-game regular season that would start right around the fourth of July. A second spring training would begin in mid-June. But the owners need to get the players on board with this plan. They will present the proposal to players today who are eager to hear about health protections. Plus, teams are proposing a revenue split of 50-50, but the players association president told the Athletic a system that restricts player pay based on revenues is a salary cap and that’s a non-starter for them.

Now that the governor has lifted the stay at home order starting Friday, what does it mean for the L-H-S-A-A? Executive Director Eddie Bonine says he will speak with state education officials tomorrow to find out what schools can and can not do as they look to re-start summer workouts.

LSU fans will want to set their DVR for 6:30 on the SEC Network tomorrow night. That’s when a documentary on the 2019 national champion Tigers will debut. The one-hour program called “One for Ages” promises to show behind-the-scenes footage of LSU’s historic national championship season.

LSU has received a verbal commitment from a four-star running back out of Ohio by the name of Corey Kiner. Kiner is entering his senior season at Roger Bacon High in Cincinnati. He’s already rushed a school-record 52-hundred yards and 81 touchdowns. Former LSU Tiger and current running backs coach Kevin Faulk gets the credit for landing a verbal pledge from the five-foot-ten, 208 pounder.

Major League Baseball owners have agreed on a proposal for an 82-game regular season that would start the regular season around July fourth. 14 teams would make the playoffs, instead of ten and the designated hitter would be expanded to the National League. Games will be played without fans and the goal is for the games to be played at the team’s home ballpark. The trick now is to get the players to agree on a proposal to split revenues 50-50 between the players and the owners. The players will receive the proposal tomorrow.

Now that the governor has lifted the stay at home order starting, the Pelicans will reportedly re-open their practice facility a week from today. No more than four players will be allowed inside the practice facility at one time. Former LSU great Shaquille O’ Neal has said the NBA should just scrap this season.

Former LSU football standout Booger McFarland and play-by-play man Joe Tessitore will reportedly not return to the Monday Night Football booth this season. ESPN has yet to announce their replacements.

LSU fans will want to Set their DVR for 6:30 on the SEC Network Wednesday night. That’s when the documentary “One for the Ages” will debut. The one-hour documentary promises to give behind-the-scenes and a cinematic glimpse of the just concluded Fighting Tigers national championship football season.

NCAA President Mark Emmert says fall sports, including football can not be played this fall if there are no students on campus. Meanwhile Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby disagrees.

Zion Williamson’s former marketing agency is attempting to get the Pelicans rookie to admit his family received compensation during his one season at Duke. Gina Ford, who is the president of Prime Sports is also trying to get Williamson to acknowledge he knew his mother and stepfather accepted gifts from Nike and Adidas. The legal maneuver is all part of a legal battle between Williamson and Prime Sports.

The Pelicans will reportedly re-open their practice facility a week from today. No more than four players will be allowed inside the practice facility at one time.

The Saints have cut veteran right guard Larry Warford. He had one year left on his contract and the move reportedly saves the Black and Gold seven million dollars against the cap. Last year’s starting center Erik McCoy could move to right guard while 2020 first-round draft pick Cesar Ruiz could start at center.

Former LSU football standout Booger McFarland and play-by-play man Joe Tessitore will reportedly not return to the Monday Night Football boot this season. ESPN has yet to announce their replacements.

LSU fans will want to Set their DVR for 6:30 on the SEC Network Wednesday night. That’s when the documentary “One for the Ages” will debut. The one-hour documentary promises to give behind-the-scenes and a cinematic glimpse of the just concluded Fighting Tigers national championship football season.

NCAA President Mark Emmert says fall sports, including football can not be played this fall if there are no students on campus. Meanwhile Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby says students on campus are not needed for football to be played, but he is concerned they will be able to play a full season without a disruption.

ULM is lowering football season-ticket prices, because of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Louisiana Downs in Bossier City is set to resume thoroughbred racing on June 6th, but the track will host a Super Derby, and fans will not be permitted.

The Saints 2020 schedule is out and it features a doozy of a season opener as New Orleans hosts Tom Brady and the Buccaneers if the season is able to start on September 13th. Kick-off in the Dome for that game will be at 3:25. New Orleans will also have five prime-time games, week two is a Monday night matchup versus the Raiders at their new stadium in Las Vegas. And the Black and Gold will host Minnesota on Christmas Day, which is a Friday.

The toughest stretch of the season will take place during weeks 14 through 16 when New Orleans travels to Philadelphia and then hosts the Chiefs and Vikings.

Former LSU quaterback Joe Burrow will begin his NFL career by facing the Chargers in Cincinnati. The next week, the Bengals will face Cleveland. The Browns have several former LSU players including Grant Delpit, Greedy Williams, Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry.

And ESPN reports if the season can’t start on time, they will be able to push the Super Bowl back. It’s currently set for February seventh in Tampa.

The Saints have re-signed veteran wideout Austin Carr. Carr has caught ten passes in three seasons in New Orleans. He only appeared in six games last season because of an ankle injury. Carr told reporters today he’s doing okay, even though his wife tested positive for COVID-19 prior to giving birth last month. His newborn son tested negative and he’s doing fine.

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine told Robin Fambrough with the Advocate that it’s important to have high school sports return in August, but games may have to be played without fans. Bonine sent a memo to schools earlier this month that their plans on resuming prep sports will depend on where the state is at when it comes to re-opening businesses and the decisions made by local school superintendents.

ULM is lowering football season-ticket prices, because of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Athletics director Scott McDonald says season-ticket prices have been discounted from 20 to 30-dollars per seat. The Warhawks home opener is September fifth versus Cal Poly.

As long as the coronavirus doesn’t get in the way, the Saints will open the season at home against Tampa Bay and Tom Brady’s Buccaneers on September 13th. In week two, New Orleans will visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night for the first game at the Raiders’ new stadium.

New Orleans will appear in four primetime games. They’ll host Green Bay in a Sunday night game on September 27th. Host the Los Angeles Chargers October 12th for a Monday night game and then visit Tampa Bay for a Sunday night matchup on November eighth.

The Saints will also play on Christmas Day, which is a Friday. New Orleans will host Minnesota in what could be Drew Brees’ final home game. The Black and Gold will close out the season by visiting Carolina.

The Saints have also announced they’ve re-signed veteran wide receiver Austin Carr. In his first three previous seasons in New Orleans, Carr has caught 10 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. He only appeared in six games last season because of an ankle injury.

LSU basketball announced today they will play South Florida in Atlanta on December 12th. The Holiday Hoopsgiving event will hold four other games that day. The other games are Clemson versus Alabama, Mississippi State against Dayton, and Auburn versus Memphis. Three of those teams finished in the Top 25 last season.

Turner Sports announces the golf match involving Tiger Woods-Phil Mickelson, along with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will result in a ten-million-dollar donation to coronavirus relief efforts. The round of golf will take place on May 24th at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida.

ESPN reports that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Players Association executive director Michele Roberts will host a call for all players today. . Sources say the call will allow players to address any concerns or ask questions. Some teams can reopen practice facilities today, but only a handful of players are allowed at one time to work out as long as they socially distance.

The Saints 2020 schedule will be released at 6:30 tonight, but there have already been some leaks. If everything goes right, New Orleans will open the 16-game regular-season schedule in Tampa against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers for a late afternoon Sunday kick-off. The following week, the Saints will travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders in the first-ever game inside the new Allegiant Stadium. The Black and Gold have faced the Falcons the last two years on Thanksgiving Day. This year New Orleans will reportedly host Minnesota on Christmas Day, which falls on a Friday this year. The official schedule comes out at 6:30.

LSU basketball announced today they will face South Florida in Atlanta on December 12th. The neutral-site game will be part of a quadruple-header that will also include Clemson versus Alabama, Mississippi State against Dayton, and Auburn versus Memphis. Organizers are calling it a Holiday Hoopsgiving and it will also include a high school showcase and charitable events.

Turner Sports announced today that the golf match involving Tiger Woods-Phil Mickelson, along with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will result in a ten-million-dollar donation to coronavirus relief efforts. The round of golf will take place on May 24th at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. Woods’ will be Manning’s golf partner and face a team featuring Mickelson and Brady.

ESPN reports that Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Players Association executive director Michele Roberts will host a call for all players tomorrow. That’s the same day some teams will be allowed to reopen practice facilities, where a handful of players at a time are allowed to work out as long as they socially distance from each other. Sources say the call will allow players to address any concerns or ask questions.

And Major League Baseball is expected to offer its players’ association a return to play proposal within a week. A second spring training will reportedly start in mid-June and an 80 to 100-game season could start in early July.

The N-F-L schedule will be released tonight. Contingencies have been built in, in case the coronavirus pandemic forces a delay in the season or if the season has to be shortened. There are reports that the first four games for every team will be non-conference. That means the Saints would play their first four games against the A-F-C South. That way if the season is shortened to 12 games, they would not play those games, since out of conference games do not factor in playoff tiebreakers.

And the NFL has set guidelines for how teams can re-open their training facilities. The league is urging teams to have these protocols in place by May 15th. The first phase would only allow a limited number of non-player personnel inside the building. No players are allowed in the facility except for those that are continuing therapy and rehabilitation for injuries.

In a memo to high schools, LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine said that graduating seniors can not receive an extra year of eligibility, because of COVID-19. Bonine added that if Louisiana enters Phase one of the reopening of the economy, summer workouts could possibly begin on May 17th, but final decisions will have to be made on the local level. Bonine says since there was no spring football, schools will get an extra week of preseason practice. The LHSAA’s executive committee will meet on June 24th to talk more about the 2020-21 athletic year.

In a memo to high schools, LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine said that graduating seniors can not receive an extra year of eligibility, because of COVID-19. Bonine added that if Louisiana enters Phase one of the reopening of the economy, summer workouts could possibly begin on May 17th, but final decisions will have to be made on the local level. Bonine says since there was no spring football, schools will get an extra week of preseason practice. The LHSAA’s executive committee will meet on June 24th to talk more about the 2020-21 athletic year.

During LSU’s national championship run in football, fans loved watching the hype videos released during the dream season. But the man behind the videos is leaving LSU. Will Stout announced on Twitter that he will be the new assistant director of football video production at U-S-C. Stout says it’s always been a dream of his to work in Los Angeles.

A Senate Bill that would ask voters on the November ballot if sports wagering should be legal is heading to the Senate floor. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says each parish will get a chance to decide if they want legalized sports betting in their parish …
Cut 29 (08) “…vote it down”
If the measure is approved, the legislature will come back next year to decide where sportsbooks will be located and also determine how sports betting will be taxed and regulated.

Basketball Hall of Famer and Louisiana Tech legend Karl Malone and his family along with dozens of volunteers have helped deliver 80-thousand pounds of food to families in Union Parish. The Summerfield native says it fills his heart to help out families who are struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.