Not everyone is elated with the 28-million dollars in renovations done to LSU’s football operations building. The money from private donations has resulted in a new locker room that includes pods so a player can take a nap in their locker space, a first-class nutrition center, players lounge and much more. On social media, several people including one LSU professor pointed out that the library on campus is in need of repairs, but a building that opened in 2005 has already received an extensive renovation.

The Saints report for training camp on Thursday. Will Pro Bowl wide receiver Michael Thomas have a deal done by then. Yahoo Sports reports the Saints are offering a contract that will pay Thomas 18 to 19 million dollars a year, while Thomas is reportedly looking for 20-million a year.

And former LSU star Odell Beckham Junior told G-Q magazine that he felt disrespected when the Giants traded the star wide receiver to the Browns.

It’s year two of the Billy Napier era at U-L Lafayette. Napier led his team to a Sun Belt Western Division championship last year and at Sun Belt Media Day in New Orleans he discussed what needs to happen for the program to take the next step…
cut 30 (22) “…specialists”
ULM coach Matt Viator discussed finishing strong after ending last season with back to back losses…
cut 19 (19) “…care of itself”

The unveiling of LSU’s renovated football operations and performance nutrition center has created a feisty debate on social media, with several current and former players defending the 28-million dollar private investment. The players new lockers feature pods that can fold out, so an athlete can get a little shut eye. But many are questioning the need for an improved facility while the school’s library continues to fall apart.

Yahoo’s Charles Robinson reports the Saints have offered Michael Thomas a new deal that would pay him 18 to 19-million dollars a year. But Thomas wants to be the first receiver in the NFL to earn an average of 20-million dollars per year. The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract that will pay him just one-point-two million dollars.

Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson will not attend the USA Basketball training camp in Las Vegas next month. Williamson was expected to part of a 10-member team to compete with others who are looking to make the USA Team that will compete in the FIBA World Cup.

At Sun Belt Media Days, U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says Levi Lewis begins the season at the top of the depth chart at quarterback…
cut 28 (22) “…on people”
As a passer last season, Lewis was 37 of 59 for 585 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

In Monroe, the Warhawks finished 6-and-6 last season, but did not receive a bowl bid. ULM Coach Matt Viator says the two losses at the end of the season are providing motivation…
cut 29 (21) “…enough plays”

LSU believes it has set the standard with its renovated football operations building that includes a new training room, players lounge, cafeteria and locker room. Equipment manager Greg Stringfellow says each player’s locker features a pod as a chair that folds out into a bed, allowing a player to take a nap
Cut 3 (11) “…resting.”
Stringfellow says no other college football program in the country has a locker room where you can actually lay down and get some rest. He says to have that and a first-class nutrition center should help maximize a player’s efficiency
Cut 5 (11) “…perform.”
The renovations cost 23-million dollars and were paid for by private donations through the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

LSU announces it will retire the jersey of men’s basketball all-American Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. The jersey will be retired during a game in the upcoming season. The Gulfport, Mississippi, native was named a first-team All-American in 1989 and 1990 and he’s the only freshman in college basketball history to average over 30 points per game.

Former major leaguer Lee Smith is now in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. The Bienville Parish native came from the small town of Castor, which has about four-hundred people in it. He finished with 478 saves. Two of his best seasons were in the early 1990s with the Cardinals, where he saved 47 and 43 games in back-to-back seasons.

At Sun Belt Media Day in New Orleans, Ragin Cajuns coach Billy Napier announced that starting center Cole Prudhomme underwent surgery after tearing his A-C-L late in spring practice. Napier says they’ll make a determination in September on whether Prudhomme will play this season or red shirt. Third-year sophomore Shane Vallot is a top candidate to replace Prudhomme.

The LSU football team had a chance to see their new home last night as 23-million dollars in renovations to the football operations building has been completed. Based on social media posts, the players could not get over their new lockers. Each one has a pod that folds out, so players can take a nap in between classes or before and r practices and workouts. Equipment manager Greg Stringfellow says the facility also contains a nutrition center and the Tyrann Mathieu players lounge…
cut 4 (12) “…and recline”
LSU will allow the media to take a tour of the new facility tomorrow.

And LSU announces that former LSU basketball star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf will have jersey number 35 retired at a game during the upcoming season. Known as Chris Jackson during his playing days at LSU, the Gulfport, Mississippi, native was named as an All-American in 1989 and 1990 and he’s the only freshman to average 30-points a game.

Former Northwestern State basketball player Lee Smith was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday. Smith pitched for 18 seasons in the majors after he found out his right arm was better than his jump shot. Smith had 478 saves, which ranks third all-time. Smith thanked his family from Castor, Louisiana for leading him into the hall.

In the majors last night, former LSU pitcher Kevin Gausman pitched very well in his first start in over a month as the Braves defeated the National seven to one. Gausman was on the Injured List with plantar fascitis and allowed five hits and one run in seven-plus innings with eight strikeouts.

The Pelicans have announced they re-signed forward Darius Miller, who averaged eight points a game last season.

Former McNeese golfer Robert MacIntyre finished in a tie for sixth place at the British Open. MacIntyre sunk a 25-foot birdie putt on 18 to finish five-under-par for the tournament. The Scotland native was on the McNeese golf team in 2014 and 2015.

LSU coaches and players had a chance to see the renovated football operations building last night and the biggest takeaway, pods at each player’s locker and the pod can be extended so a player can take a nap. Members of the media will get a chance to view the improved facility on Wednesday.

Former LSU Tiger Devin White has signed his first professional contract as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inked the first-round pick. White is expected to be a starter as an inside linebacker in Tampa Bay’s new 3-4 scheme.

But White is mourning the loss of his horse Daisy Mae, who died from dehydration. White kept Daisy Mae at a stable near LSU’s campus and on the day he took his final final exam in December, he rode the horse to class and later in Tiger Stadium.

Sun Belt Media Day is in New Orleans. The Ragin Cajuns have been picked to repeat as West Champs, while ULM is picked to finish in third place. The Warhawks were 6-and-6 last season and return 15 starters, including quarterback Caleb Evans.

Former Northwestern State basketball player Lee Smith was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday. Smith pitched for 18 seasons in the majors after he found out his right arm was better than his jump shot. Smith had 478 saves, which ranks third all-time. Smith thanked his family from Castor, Louisiana for leading him into the hall.

In the majors last night, former LSU pitcher Kevin Gausman pitched very well in his first start in over a month as the Braves defeated the National seven to one. Gausman was on the Injured List with plantar fascitis and allowed five hits and one run in seven-plus innings with eight strikeouts.

Houston won its fifth straight as the Astros completed the sweep of the Rangers with a five to three win over Texas.

The Pelicans have announced they re-signed forward Darius Miller, who averaged eight points a game last season.

And former McNeese golfer Robert MacIntyre finished in a tie for sixth place at the British Open. Shane Lowry was the unexpected runaway winner.

An Orleans Parish judge is allowing a Saints fan’s lawsuit over the ending of the NFC championship game to move forward. Judge Nicole Sheppard denied the NFL’s motion to dismiss the suit. Attorney Tony LeMon says the purpose of his lawsuit is to hold the league accountable and just because the NFL is big, does not mean they are untouchable.
Cut 9 (10) “…for civil liability.”
The judge also ruled that LeMon could get the chance to question NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and three game officials in depositions. The league is expected to appeal the ruling.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has released its speech order for the Class of 2019 Enshrinement Ceremony on August 3rd. Former LSU Tigers Johnny Robinson and Kevin Mawae will go back-to-back as they will be the second and third speakers. Former Destrehan star Ed Reed will be the sixth speaker on that night.

Media at SEC Media Days has picked the LSU Tigers to finish second in the SEC West, behind Alabama. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says LSU landed eight players on the preseason All-Southeastern Conference teams, which is why LSU is picked to finish near the top of the division standings…
cut 13 (12) “…second team”
After Alabama and LSU in the SEC West, the media projects Texas A-and-M to finish third followed by Auburn, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Arkansas. Georgia is the favorite to win the East, followed by Florida, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

The Saints first training camp practice is Friday July 26th. The Saints have announced that the practice dates on July 27th, 28th, August 3rd and August 10th have sold out. Free tickets are still available for eight practice dates.

Media that cover the Southeastern Conference pick LSU to finish second in the Western Division behind Alabama. LSU was picked to finish fifth last year, but the Tigers outperformed the low expectations. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says LSU is once again thought of as the Crimson Tide’s biggest challenger in the West…
cut 12 (08) “…last year”
The Crimson Tide received 253 first-place votes, while LSU garnered 5. The Tigers are set to report on August 1st and the first practice is August 2nd.

A New Orleans judge is allowing a lawsuit over the controversial no-call in the NFC title game to move forward. And State Civil District Court Judge Nicole Sheppard also ruled that the plaintiff Tony LeMon can request documents and even question NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a deposition. The NFL is expected to appeal the ruling.

Matt Deggs has the task of trying to follow in the late Tony Robichaux’s footsteps as he takes over as the new head baseball coach of the Cajuns. Deggs spent three years as an assistant to former head coach Tony Robichaux, who died earlier this month. Deggs left Lafayette to become the head coach at Sam Houston State in 2014. Deggs says he and his family prayed on whether it was the right decision to return to Lafayette
Cut 30 (11) “…Crowley, Louisiana.”
Deggs guided Sam Houston State to its first appearance in a Super Regional Series and back-to-back Southland conference championships.

The Saints hold their first training camp practice a week from today. The team says the practices scheduled for July 27th, 28th, August 3rd and August 10th are sold out.

Former LSU star Naz Reid has signed a four-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

A Saints fans lawsuit over the controversial no-call in the NFC Championship game is still alive after an Orleans Parish Civil District Judge denied a motion to have the suit dismissed. Judge Nicole Sheppard also ruled that plaintiff, Tony LeMon, can compel discovery, which could result in NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to answer questions under oath during a deposition. The NFL did not respond to requests for comment.

Nicholls has been picked to repeat as Southland Champions as the Colonels got the most first-place votes possible. Colonels Coach Tim Rebowe says it’s important his team does not focus on the early season projections…
cut 30 (13) “…numbers”
The Colonels were 9-4 last season but must replace four of the five starters on last year’s offensive line.

Matt Deggs is the new head baseball coach of the Cajuns. Deggs spent three years as an assistant to former head coach Tony Robichaux, who died earlier this month. With Coach Robe’s family in attendance at the introductory press conference, Deggs says it’s an honor to be asked to follow in his footsteps
Cut 29 (11) “around him.”
Deggs was an assistant coach at U-L Lafayette from 2012-to-2014. He left Lafayette to become the head coach at Sam Houston State in 2014. Since that time he’s led the Bearcats to their first Super Regional Series appearance and back-to-back Southland titles.

Matt Deggs was introduced today as the new head baseball coach of the Ragin Cajuns. Deggs was the head coach at Sam Houston State and led the Bearkats to their first-ever Super Regional Series appearance and back-to-back Southland titles. Before his time in Huntsville, Texas. Deggs was an assistant coach at U-L Lafayette from 2012-to-2014 under the late Cajuns head coach Tony Robichaux. Deggs says Coach Robe would want him to take this challenge…
cut 10 (10) “…Ragin Cajun baseball”

In college football, Sun Belt coaches pick the Ragin Cajuns to repeat as West Champions ahead of Arkansas State. ULM is picked to finish in third place. Appalachian State is the preseason favorite in the East.

Southland Coaches and S-I-Ds pick Nicholls to repeat as league champs. McNeese is picked to finish sixth, S-L-U eighth and Northwestern 10th place.

LSU receiver Justin Jefferson is on the Biletnikoff Award watch list after leading the Tigers with 54 catches last season. Louisiana Tech’s Adrian Hardy is also on the Biletnikoff Watch List. The award goes to the best receiver in college football. Hardy caught 75 passes for 1,145 yards and six touchdowns.

In NBA news…former LSU star Naz Reid has signed a four-year contract with Minnesota. Reid went undrafted and was expected to sign a two-way deal with the Timberwolves, but he performed so well in the Summer League that Reid earned himself a full-time spot on the roster.

Former Pelican Cheick Diallo has reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Suns. Diallo averaged six points and five rebounds in 64 games in New Orleans last season.

And there’s a report that former Hornet, Chris Paul, will start the season in Oklahoma City as there doesn’t seem to be much interest in the 34-year-old who has three years left on his contract that pays him 125-million dollars.

The UL-Lafayette Baseball program introduced former assistant Matt Deggs as its new head coach today. Deggs replaces the late Tony Robichaux, who died from a heart attack earlier this month. Deggs spent three seasons as an assistant to Robichaux from 2012 to 2014. Sam Houston State hired Deggs as its head coach in 2014 and he led the Bearkats to a Super Regional Series appearance and back-to-back Southland Conference championships.

Southland Conference head coaches and sports information directors have picked Nicholls to repeat as league champions. The Colonels have eleven players on the preseason all-conference teams. McNeese is picked to finish sixth, Southeastern Louisiana eighth and Northwestern in 10th place.

Sun Belt football coaches pick the Ragin Cajuns to repeat as West Champions ahead of Arkansas State. ULM is picked to finish in third place. Appalachian State is picked to finish first in the East and the Mountaineers are the preseason favorites to win the Sun Belt.

Alabama Coach Nick Saban says he’s 100-percent after undergoing hip replacement surgery last April. His bigger concern is getting the Crimson Tide back in the national championship game after losing to Clemson in the title game last year. When Bama shutout LSU in Tiger Stadium last November it looked like they were going to roll to another national title, but Clemson won in a rout last January. Saban on what happened
cut 30 (33) “…organization”
The national championship this season is in New Orleans.