Governor John Bel Edwards made an appearance at Saints training camp on Monday and says the state is moving forward with plans to complete 450-million dollars in renovations to the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Edwards says it’s vital to upgrade the 44-year-old building so that it can remain competitive when attracting major sporting events…
cut 9 (10) “…and we upgrade”
The Saints, the Louisiana Stadium Exposition District through a motel tax and the state will fund the renovations, which Edwards says will begin after the football season.

The Saints are off today. Tomorrow, they fly out to Los Angeles for a couple of joint practices with the Chargers and then they’ll play the Chargers in a preseason game on Sunday.

Running back Alvin Kamara missed his second straight practice yesterday with an unknown injury.

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was back at practice yesterday after missing Saturday’s scrimmage with a camp injury. Cornerback Kristian Fulton also returned to practice after missing 10 days. Safety Grant Delpit and linebacker K’ Lavon Chaisson remain out with what Coach Ed Orgeron calls minor camp injuries.

Orgeron has said he wants to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks as he’s asking his team to be more aggressive along the line of scrimmage. Defensive end Breiden Fehoko on what that means…
cut 18 (17) “…at the point”

The Pelicans 2019-20 schedule is out and the Zion Williamson era will officially begin when the Pels visit the defending champion Raptors on Tuesday October 22nd. The home opener is Friday October 25th against Dallas. Anthony Davis returns to the Smoothie King Center in a Lakers uniform on November 27th and he’ll be back on March 1st.

The Pelicans will tip off the 2019-2020 regular season in Toronto where they’ll face the defending NBA champion Raptors on October 22nd. The home opener will be on Friday October 25th against the Dallas Mavericks. T-N-T will televise the season opener, while E-S-P-N will broadcast the home opener nationally. The Pels will appear on T-N-T, ESPN and A-B-C a record 20 times. Anthony Davis makes his return to the Smoothie King Center on November 27th.

Governor John Bel Edwards visited Saints training camp today in Metairie and discussed the 450-million dollar plan to renovate the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Edwards says the massive renovation would also result in a new long-term lease agreement between the state and the NFL franchise.
Cut 17 (10) “…doing for Louisiana.”
Edwards says artist renderings could be made public later this week and the renovations would start after the football season.

LSU looks to be loaded again in the defensive secondary. It’s led by All-American safety Grant Delpit. The Tigers also feature returning starter Kristian Fulton at cornerback and at the other corner, its freshman phenom Derek Stingley Junior. After Saturday’s scrimmage, Coach Ed Orgeron gave an update on the other members of D-B-U…
cut 30 (25) “…coming along”

At the Ragin Cajuns scrimmage on Saturday, quarterback Levi Lewis threw for 229 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Lorenzo McCaskill had eight tackles and a sack.

The Saints hit the practice field in Metairie this morning on this hot summer day. Right tackle Ryan Ramcyzk left the practice field midway through the workout with trainers. No word on a potential injury. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore is in a no-contact jersey for the second day in a row.

The Saints will travel to Los Angeles on Wednesday for two joint practices with the Chargers on Thursday and Friday. New Orleans will face the Chargers in a preseason game on Sunday.

The Saints lost their preseason opener to the Vikings on Friday. Back-up quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was 14 of 19 for 134 yards and one touchdown in the 34-25 loss…
cut 17 (07) “…doing that”

The LSU men’s basketball team leaves today for a 10-day tour of Spain. During that time the Tigers will compete in four exhibition games.

The NBA schedule is set to be released today. Look for it at 2 Pm.

Replacing one of college football’s best field goal kickers is a storyline to watch at preseason camp at LSU. Cole Tracy was 29 of 33 on his field goals last season. But Coach Ed Orgeron likes what he’s seen so far from true freshman Cade York…
cut 30 (22) “…the crowd”
York was 8-of-10 on field goals in Saturday’s scrimmage.

The LSU baseball program has added another left-handed pitcher to its 2020 roster. Brandon Kaminer from Wallace Community College in Alabama has been added to the staff. The Coral Springs, Florida native was 8-and-2 last season with 64 strikeouts in 60 innings.

LSU returns to practice today and we’ll see if starting quarterback Joe Burrow is back on the practice field. He missed Saturday’s scrimmage with what Coach Ed Orgeron calls a minor injury. Burrow’s absence gave back-ups Myles Brennan and Peter Parrish more snaps and Orgeron says that’s a good thing…
cut 30 (19) “…not the same”
Brennan was 8-of-13 for 158 yards and a touchdown in Saturday’s scrimmage. Junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helairie was the leading rusher with 47 yards on 13 carries.

At Louisiana Tech’s first scrimmage, freshman running back Elijah Hines had a 30-yard touchdown run.

Friday night was the time to shine for Saints backup QB Teddy Bridgewater. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Undrafted rookie receiver Emmanuel Butler is back at practice for the Black and Gold. Butler suffered an injury on July 30th and didn’t return to the field until this weekend. He’s expected to get his first game action on Sunday when New Orleans visits the Los Angeles Chargers.

And former University High golfer Patrick Reed won the Northern Trust Tournament in Jersey City, New Jersey. It’s his first victory since the 2018 Masters.

Baton Rouge has been selected to host the College Baseball Hall of Fame’s Induction Ceremony and it’s possible the college baseball hall of fame could re-locate to the Capitol City. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Voicer 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

There were some notable absences at LSU practice yesterday. For the second straight day, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, cornerback Kristian Fulton and offense lineman Kardell Thomas were missing. All-American safety Grant Delpit was also not at practice. Coach Ed Orgeron is scheduled to address the media tonight.

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Saints quarterback Drew Brees didn’t practice yesterday. Just a day off for the veteran after the team practiced Sunday night at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium. That meant more reps for Teddy Bridgewater with the first team. Bridegewater connected with new tight end Jared Cook on a long touchdown pass. The Saints as a team are off today. They’ll return to practice on Wednesday and then Friday it’s the first preseason game against the Vikings in the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

Former LSU pitcher Kevin Gausman has a new team after he was waived by the Braves. The Cincinnati Red claimed the right-hander off waivers on Monday. Gausman has had a tough season, he’s 3-and-7 with a 6.19 ERA. Gausman also spent time on the injured list with an injured foot.

In major league baseball last night, Texas blanked Cleveland 1-0 as Mike Minor threw seven shutout innings. The Rangers have won five in a row. The Yankees won their sixth straight, beating Baltimore 9-6 by scoring three in the 8th. The Houston Astros begin a two game series tonight against Colorado in Minute Maid Park.

LSU is expecting a big season from outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, after missing all but one game last season because of a torn ACL. Chaisson has expectations for himself, like breaking LSU’s single-season sack record…
Cut 16 (19) “…get it done”
Chaisson spoke with the media on Saturday, but on Sunday, Chaisson and cornerback Kristian Fulton were not on the practice field during the portion open to the media.

STATS published its FCS preseason Top 25 today and North Dakota State is ranked number one. Nicholls, the favorites in the Southland this season, are ranked 12th. Sam Houston State is 23rd.

Three men with strong connections to Louisiana were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past weekend. Former Leesville and LSU star Kevin Mawae was enshrined after a 16-year career in the NFL, in which he made eight Pro Bowls. During his acceptance speech, Mawae thanked numerous former teammates and coaches, including his first offensive line coach at LSU, Kenny Ferro…
Cut 14 (10) “…love you coach”
The other two inductees from Louisiana were former LSU running back Johnny Robinson and former Destrehan Star Ed Reed. Both were great safeties, Robinson with the Chiefs and Reed with the Ravens.

Rookie safety Saquan Hampton has been making plays at Saints training camp. Hampton intercepted Drew Brees during last night’s practice at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium. Coach Sean Payton calls the sixth-round pick a smart player, who has good hands.

While its wait and see on whether LSU’s offense will turn the corner this season, the Tigers defense is expected to be one of the tops in the SEC again this season. Safety Grant Delpit is expected to lead the way. Linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson on what makes Delpit a great teammate…
cut 17 (29) “….like that”
Chaisson spoke with the media on Saturday, but on Sunday, Chaisson and cornerback Kristian Fulton were not on the practice field during the portion open to the media. Also missing, true freshman offensive lineman Kardell Thomas.

Louisiana was in the spotlight on Saturday in Canton, Ohio for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductions. Three men with strong ties to Louisiana were enshrined. Former Destrehan star Ed Reed’s bust really shows off his iconic facial hair and long hair on his head. Reed was born in Charity Hospital in New Orleans and later moved to St. Rose. He says that’s where it really began for him…
Cut 15 (14) “…interceptions.”
Former LSU stars Johnny Robinson and Kevin Mawae were also inducted.

An estimated 12-thousand fans watched the Saints practice last night at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium. Quarterback Drew Brees was intercepted a couple of times, once by rookie Saquan Hampton and cornerback Eli Apple had the other pick.

In Bossier City, the U-S Women’s volleyball team qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a straight-sets win over Argentina.

Preseason camp is underway for LSU. Coach Ed Orgeron says he will be heavily involved in coaching the defensive line, especially with D-Line coach Dennis Johnson in a wheelchair after severely injuring both of his knees while playing basketball. Orgeron wants an aggressive defensive line
Cut 28 (10) “…that staff ”
LSU’s first game is August 31st against Georgia Southern. The Eagles suspended their quarterback today. Shai (Shy) Werts has been arrested on a charge of cocaine possession.

ESPN is reporting that the Pelicans will play on Christmas Day. New Orleans will travel to Denver as the league looks to feature Zion Williamson on what is a big day for the Association. It’s also been reported that Anthony Davis will make his first return trip to the Big Easy on November 27. A-D will be wearing a Lakers jersey.

Induction ceremonies are Saturday night for the 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame class and three of the inductees have strong connections to Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

ESPN is reporting that the Pelicans will play on Christmas Day. New Orleans will travel to Denver as the league looks to feature Zion Williamson on what is a big day for the Association. It’s also been reported that Anthony Davis will make his first return trip to the Big Easy on November 27. A-D will be wearing a Lakers jersey.

LSU’s first practice of preseason camp is this afternoon. Coach Ed Orgeron says for LSU to accomplish its goals, they have to play better on the offensive and defensive lines. Orgeron says a big battle at camp will be at nose tackle between Tyler Shelvin and Apu Ika
Cut 14 (11) “…going to be a battle.”
Orgeron says it’s wide open on who will be the starting left guard and it remains to be seen who will be the Tigers top tailback and field goal kicker. LSU opens the season August 31st against Georgia Southern.

Eagles Coach Chad Lunsford announced this morning that starting quarterback Shai (Shy) Werts has been suspended after he was charged with cocaine possession during a traffic stop on Wednesday. Werts was named to the All-Sun Belt Second team last season as he helped Georgia Southern compile a 10-3 record.

Eight individuals will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend and three of them have strong ties to Louisiana. Former Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed went to Destrehan High School. His defensive coordinator at Destrehan and current Wildcats head coach Stephen Robicheaux says it’s a well-deserved honor…
cut 6 (9) “..another level”
Also going into the Hall, former LSU standouts Kevin Mawae and Johnny Robinson.

Saints receiver Michael Thomas is back with his teammates after a brief hold out that ended when he signed a five-year, 100-million dollar contract. Thomas says he sure got antsy being restricted to just studying film on his Ipad…
cut 16 (13) “….championship”

Can’t Guard Mike is back in Black and Gold after a short training camp holdout led to him becoming the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. The 26-year-old grabbed a five year, 100-million-dollar contract to set the new record. After breaking the record for most receptions through a player’s first three years, he’s confident he’s worth every penny.
Cut 15 (11) “…competing.”
Thomas caught 321 passes during his first three years in the league.

The Atlanta Falcons lost in the Hall of Fame game last night falling to the Denver Broncos 14-10. The new rule that allows challenges of pass interference calls was used. Broncos cornerback Linden Stephen was called for a 43-yard defensive penalty and after a review, the call was upheld.

Hall of Fame Ceremonies are Saturday. Louisiana natives Ed Reed, Kevin Mawae and Johnny Robinson will be inducted.

Junior center Lloyd Cushenberry and sophomore linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson have been awarded the number 18 jersey at LSU. Since Cushenberry is an offensive lineman, the rules do not allow him to wear a jersey number in the teens, so he’ll have a number 18 patch instead on his number 79 jersey.

LSU’s first practice of preseason camp is this afternoon. Coach Ed Orgeron says for LSU to accomplish its goals, they have to play better on the offensive and defensive lines. Orgeron says a big battle at camp will be at nose tackle between Tyler Shelvin and Apu Ika
Cut 14 (11) “…going to be a battle.”
Orgeron says it’s wide open on who will be the starting left guard and it remains to be seen who will be the Tigers top tailback and field goal kicker.

And in the coaches poll, LSU is ranked sixth. Clemson is number one, followed by Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Ohio State.