The Saints have concluded organized offseason training activities as mini-camp wrapped up yesterday. Quarterback Drew Brees says he has moved past the pain of the highly controversial end to last season’s NFC Championship game, but it wasn’t easy at first…
cut 11 (10) “…a plan”
The 40-year-old Brees is entering the last year of his contract.

New Orleans has signed veteran receiver Rishard Matthews. He’s played for the Dolphins, Jets and Titans. In 2016, he caught 65 passes for the Titans, had 53 catches in 2017, but only caught five passes last year with the Jets and Titans. To make room for Matthews on the roster, the Black and Gold released former LSU Tiger Travin Dural.

Eight baseball teams will compete in the College World Series this weekend, but LSU Coach Paul Mainieri and his staff are getting ready for 2020. Mainieri says he wants to have more roster balance next season. He says the 2019 roster had 20 pitchers on it, he’ll like to carry 17 or 18 pitchers next season
Cut 16 (25) “…enough”
Mainieri also doesn’t plan to make any changes with his coaching staff. The coach has also confirmed that catcher Brock Mathis and pitchers Riggs Threadgill and Will Ripoll plan to transfer.

The Saints have completed their minicamp and will not be back until training camp opens in late July. Quarterback Drew Brees returned to the team for the final two days of minicamp. He missed over a week because he had to testify in a courtroom in San Diego against a California jeweler who allegedly defrauded his family of six-point-seven-million dollars…
cut 10 (11) “….it comes”
Brees testified that Vahid Moradi was a friend who lied to him about the value of diamonds he purchased. Moradi’s lawyer says they were not close, and Brees had an “obsession” for jewelry and was “drawn in like an addict.”

The Saints have signed veteran receiver Rishard Matthews after he was invited to a try out for the team during minicamp. To make room for Matthews on the roster the team released former Breaux Bridge and LSU star Travin Dural.

The NBA season ended last night with the Raptors beating Golden State 114 to 110 to win their first championship. Now all eyes are on the Pelicans as NBA observers and fans wait to see if New Orleans will trade Anthony Davis before the NBA draft, which is Thursday.

LSU Coach Paul Mainieri will have to replace several position players from the 2019 team, Antoine Duplantis, Josh Smith, Chris Reid, Zach Watson, and Brandt Broussard. It’s hard to say who will start in the infield next season and Coach Paul Mainieri says the guys who served as back-ups this season are not guaranteed starting spots next year
cut 17 (24) “.two days”
Mainieri does not expect to make any changes with his coaching staff.

A high ranking NCAA official tells CBS Sports that at least six schools will be informed this summer about allegations of Level One violations. The accusations are based on the recently completed federal investigation into college basketball corruption. There were two trials and LSU’s Will Wade’s name surfaced in both of them. Tiger Rag Magazine Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says it remains to be seen if LSU will receive a notice, but…..
Cut 10 (08) “…just massive”
LSU can fire Wade on cause if the NCAA alleges the men’s basketball program committed Level One violations and that also means athletics director Scott Woodward would get an automatic two-year contract extension.

LSU baseball Coach Paul Mainieri met with the media today and said there will be no changes to the coaching staff and Mainieri says he’ll analyze why the team struck out as much as it did.

The NFL announced today that it will be up to the replay official initiate reviews of potential pass interference calls in the final two minutes of each half and overtime. There was talk of shifting that responsibility to the coaches, but the coaches balked at that idea saying it could impact their timeout strategy.

The Saints concluded their three-day mandatory camp today. Quarterback Drew Brees returned for the final two days after missing some time, because he and his wife are involved in a trial against a San Diego jeweler who allegedly defrauded them of millions of dollars. Brees says it was stressful to be away, because he knows the responsibility he has to the team.

No new news regarding a possible Anthony Davis trade. But there are reports the Pelicans are hiring the voice of the Tulane Green Wave, Todd Graffagnini, as their new radio play-by-play man. Sean Kelley is moving on to a national gig.

A CBS Sports report says at least six college basketball programs will be notified of major NCAA violations this summer. It’s tied to the federal government’s investigation into corruption in major college basketball.

If LSU receives a notice of violations, new AD Scott Woodward can fire Coach Will Wade with cause and also receive an automatic two-year contract extension because the NCAA violations occurred before he took over. But Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says such a move would draw the ire of LSU fans who want Wade as their basketball coach…
cut 11 (10) “…look at him”
The FBI reportedly has a wiretap conversation between Wade and a convicted middleman, where Wade discusses a strong offer made to a recruit’s family.

We are one week away from the NBA draft and its seems possible that the Pelicans will trade Anthony Davis before next Thursday. The Lakers and Celtics have reportedly made offers to the Pels, but L-A is apparently not willing to trade Kyle Kuzman and if A-D goes to Boston, there’s a good chance he will not re-sign there as Davis’ camp has expressed a desire to sign a long-term contract with either the Knicks or Lakers.

The Saints and defensive end Cam Jordan have agreed on a three-year, 53-million dollar contract extension. Jordan spoke with reporters after Tuesday’s minicamp practice and said he wants to finish his career with the Black and Gold.
Cut 16 (12) “…me out”
The new deal will keep Jordan under contract in New Orleans through the 2023 season. The four-time Pro Bowler has recorded 71.5 career sacks and has appeared in 128 games, making 127 starts, never missing a game.

After missing yesterday’s minicamp practice Saints Quarterback Drew Brees was back on the practice field today. Brees has been in San Diego as he and his wife are involved in a lawsuit against a California jeweler claiming they were sold 15-million dollars worth of diamonds, but an appraiser says they paid roughly seven million dollars more than what the collection is worth.

The Anthony Davis trade talks are reportedly heating up as ESPN reports the Lakers and Celtics are talking with the Pelicans. L-A is apparently willing to give up the fourth overall pick as part of their package. Anthony Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, told Sports Illustrated that if the Celtics traded for the six-time All-Star, there’s a strong possibility he’ll only play one season in Boston A-D is reportedly only interested in signing a long term deal with the Knicks or Lakers.

ULM has decided to remove the interim tag from Scott McDonald’s title and the former baseball player at the school will become the Warhawks permanent athletics director. McDonald has served as the interim A-D for the last nine months. In a statement, McDonald says they are fully committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience at ULM and they’ll continue to achieve great things in the classroom and community, while also pursuing championships.

In college baseball news, LSU Catcher Brock Mathis and relief pitcher Will Ripoll are looking to transfer.

The Saints have finalized a three-year contract extension for defensive end Cam Jordan that keeps the four-time Pro Bowler under contract in New Orleans through the 2023 season. The 29-year-old has recorded 25 sacks over the last two seasons and he wants to win a championship…
cut 18 (08) “…eventually”
The contract extension is worth a reported 53-million dollars. Coach Sean Payton says it’s well deserved and believes Michael Thomas will be the next Saint to get a new long term deal.

Anthony Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, told Sports Illustrated that if the Celtics traded for the six-time All-Star, there’s a strong possibility he’ll only play one season in Boston. Paul says the plan is for Davis to become a free agent in 2020 after he plays out the final year of his contract. A-D is reportedly only interested in signing a long term deal with the Knicks or Lakers.

The US Women’s soccer team began defense of its World Cup title by crushing Thailand 13-0. Alex Morgan led the way with five goals. There are some who say the U-S should have let up and not won in such a rout. The United States will now prepare for Chile in a match on Sunday in Paris.

LSU freshman pitcher Cole Henry reportedly had a nerve issue on Saturday which ended his start after just two innings against Florida State. Henry underwent laser treatment to fix a buildup of scar tissue around the median nerve and according to Henry’s father his son can throw again without any issues.

LSU Catcher Brock Mathis and relief pitcher Will Ripoll are looking to transfer.

Louisiana Tech’s leading hitter this past season, Mason Mallard, has signed a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Former Tulane third baseman Kody Hoese has signed a two-point-seven million dollar bonus with the Dodgers, who selected him in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft last week.

It was a disappointing end to the 2019 LSU baseball season as the Tigers failed to live up to their number one preseason ranking. But Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the 2020 LSU baseball team will be a contender for the College World Series again next year
Cut 16 (21) “…be the key”
LSU could have a starting rotation of Cole Henry, Landon Marceaux, Jaden Hill and Eric Walker next season, plus Matthew Beck and Devin Fontenot return as key relievers.

Four SEC teams will be in the College World Series. Arkansas and Auburn punched their tickets yesterday beating Ole Miss and North Carolina respectively.

Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis reportedly wants to be traded to the Lakers or the Knicks and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says the Pels have laid out a framework for what it will take to get A-D and it could take multiple teams involved in the trade for the deal to get done. The NBA Draft is a week from Thursday.

How does the Achilles injury to Kevin Durant impact what might happen have with Davis? There was speculation Durant would go to the New York Knicks, but he possibly tore his Achilles tendon last night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Warriors won the game to force game six on Thursday night, but Durant could be out a year.

Former LSU pitcher Ryan Eades has made it to the big leagues. The former second round pick in 2013 worked two scoreless innings of relief on Saturday in Detroit for the Minnesota Twins. Eades appeared in 52 games at LSU from 2011 to 2013 and had a career record of 17-and-5.

Former LSU pitcher Kevin Gausman gave up another four runs last night and his ERA is up to 6.21 for the Atlanta Braves. Gasuman might not stay in the roatation when lefty Dallas Keuchel joins the team later this month.

The LSU baseball team finished two wins shy of reaching the College World Series, so what are their chances of getting to Omaha next year. LSU could have a starting rotation of Cole Henry, Landon Marceaux, Jaden Hill and Eric Walker next season, plus Matt Beck and Devin Fontenot return as key relievers. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says that has the makings of a strong pitching staff…
cut 17 (19) “…all year”
Moran says a key to next year’s team success is the development of Gavin Dugas and Drew Bianco, as they will likely be starting infielders next season. Both of them hit under .200 this season.

Anthony Davis trade talk is heating up. The Athletic is reporting the Pelicans disgruntled superstar is looking to end up with the Los Angeles Lakers or the New York Knicks, because it’s likely he’ll sign a long-term contract with those two organizations. And ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says the Lakers have the leverage to land A-D. Wojnarowski says a three-team deal might be needed in order for the Pelicans to get the return they are looking for when it comes to trading the all-star.

LSU pole vaulting superstar, Mondo Duplantis, announced he’s turning pro so he can focus on the 2020 Olympics where he’s expected to compete for Sweden in Japan next summer.

The Saints have reportedly signed cornerback Kayvon Webster. The former third round pick in 2013 has played for the Broncos, Rams and Texans, but injuries have prevented him from playing more than 11 games in a season.

Minicamp begins today for the Saints and all three practices are open to the public, starting at noon.

Tears were shed last night when LSU’s season came to an end in a five to four, 12-inning loss to Florida State. LSU relief pitcher Devin Fontenot pitched the game of his life, striking out 11 in 6.1 innings, but yet suffered the loss when Drew Mendoza singled home the winning run. Fontenot broke down on the mound and Coach Paul Mainieri ran out of the dugout to console him…
cut 15 (13) “…go forward”
The loss ended Antoine Duplantis career at LSU. The school’s all-time hits leader had four more last night to finish with 359 career hits.

Duplantis’ brother and LSU pole vaulting superstar, Mondo Duplantis, announced he’s turning pro so he can focus on the 2020 Olympics where he’s expected to compete for Sweden in Japan next summer.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, David Griffin, is open to a multi-team trade in order to get the biggest return possible for trading All-Star Anthony Davis. Woj says the Lakers, Clippers, Nets and Knicks have all asked about A-D who is entering the final year of his contract.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans continue to add to their front office by hiring former UCONN and WNBA star Swin Cash. The 39-year-old Cash won three WNBA titles and two national championships with UCONN. According to ESPN, Cash will scout, help with player development and perform other roles.

The Saints have reportedly signed cornerback Kayvon Webster. The former third round pick in 2013 has played for the Broncos, Rams and Texans, but injuries have prevented him from playing more than 11 games in a season.

Minicamp begins tomorrow for the Saints and all three practices are open to the public, weather permitting. The practices are from noon until 1:20 in the afternoon.

LSU started the season as the number one ranked team in the country and they finish the year without a trip to the College World Series. Florida State ended the Tigers season last night with a five to four victory in 12 innings. The loss also ends the LSU career of the school’s all-hits leader Antoine Duplantis…
cut 20 (14) “…little short”
Duplantis had four more hits last night, including a home run, to finish his career with 359.

Vanderbilt and Mississippi State are moving on to the College World Series. The Commodores downed Duke 13-2, while the Bulldogs beat Stanford 8-1. Two more Super Regional series finales today. Auburn versus North Carolina and Ole Miss is at Arkansas.

The Saints have reportedly signed free agent cornerback Kayvon Webster, who has played for the Texans, Broncos and Rams. The former South Florida star has battled injuries throughout his career and last season only played in two games, because of a thigh injury. Webster won a Super Bowl ring with Denver.

24-7 sports reports that Baltimore’s Jordon Toles has committed to LSU. He’s a four-star safety, rated as the ninth-best safety in the country. He also plans to play basketball at LSU.

ESPN reports the Pelicans are hiring former UConn and WNBA star Swin Cash to a senior front office position. Cash will be the team’s vice president of basketball operations and team development. She will scout, help with player development and take on other roles with the organization.

LSU freshman Sha’Carri Richardson won the women’s 100 meters championship with an NCAA women’s record time of 10.78.