Visitation and funeral details for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson have been announced. A public visitation will take place Wednesday and Thursday at Notre Dame Seminary on Carrollton Avenue. A private funeral will be held Friday at St. Louis Cathedral.

Saints all-time leading rusher, Duece McAllister, remembers Benson as a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime…
cut 7 (09) as a person”
Mr. B’s widow, Gayle Benson, is the new owner of the Saints and Pelicans. She released a statement saying she’s heartbroken but thankful for the fans devotion to their teams and city. She also said she’s surrounded by wonderful leadership and they’ll move forward successfully together.

The Saints have signed pass rusher Alex Okafor to a two-year, 10-million dollar contract. He recorded 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, before injuring his achilles in week 11 and missing the rest of the season.

SEC play begins tonight weather permitting for the 16th ranked LSU Tigers who host Missouri. Zack Hess will start on the mound for the Bayou Bengals, while Missouri will counter with six-foot-seven right-hander Bryce Montes De Oca. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s one of the best pitchers in college baseball…
cut 17 (12) “….together”
First pitch is at 6:30.

Also today, ULM is at South Alabama. Grambling hosts Southern, Louisiana Tech faces Rice at 6 PM. And the Ragin Cajuns travel to Georgia Southern.

In the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Arkansas becomes the first SEC team to be eliminated. The seventh seeded Razorbacks lost to Butler 77-62. Seventh-seeded Texas a-and-M advanced with an 73-69 win over Providence. Former North Caddo star Robert Williams had 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Aggies.

Louisiana is mourning the death of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who passed away at the age of 90. Benson was admitted into a hospital three weeks ago, because of the flu. He bought the Saints in 1985 and former quarterback Bobby Hebert says if it wasn’t for Mr. B, he would have never played professionally in his home state…
cut 5 (13) “…New Orleans Saints”
The Saints and Pelicans say there will be a streamless transition in ownership from Mr. Benson to his widow, Gayle Benson.

The Saints have re-signed pass rusher Alex Okafor to a two-year deal worth 10-million dollars according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Okafor was having a good season with the Black and Gold when he injured his Achilles in Week 11. Okafor also reportedly visited with the Bucs.

The LSU baseball team begins SEC play tonight as they host the Missouri Tigers. The Bayou Bengals enter league play with a 12-6 record. Coach Paul Mainieri says he feels good about his pitching after a rough start…
cut 18 (20) “…really respectable”
The SEC is expanding replay for conference games. Coaches will now have the opportunity to challenge force or tag outs, hit by pitch, placement of runners on a boundary call and runner interference on double plays.

Louisiana Tech opens Conference USA play by hosting Rice. Game one is tonight at 6 PM and the two teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow starting at one o’ clock because the threat of inclement weather on Sunday.

The Pelicans tried to rally back from 15 points down but New Orleans lost to San Antonio 98-93.

breaking news Saints-Pelicans Owner Tom Benson has died at age of 90 after a bout with the flu.
Spicy comments were made during the postgame press conferences following LSU’s 84-76 win over UL Lafayette in the first round of the NIT. Tigers Coach Will Wade took exception to what Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin said before the game…
Cut 3 (10) “my mind”
Marlin says he stands by the comments he made on Monday when he said the Cajuns should have hosted the game, because they had the better season and more wins…
Cut 4 (10) “27.”
The Cajuns season is over, while the Tigers will play Utah on Monday night in the second round of the NIT.

In other college hoop news, Richie Riley has left Nicholls for South Alabama. And McNeese named BYU Associate Coach Heath Schroyer as its new head coach.

The man convicted in the road rage shooting death of former NFL player Joe McKnight was sentenced to 30 years in prison today. 56-year-old Ronald Gasser was facing 40 years for his manslaughter conviction. McKnight’s mother spoke to reporters following the sentencing…
Cut 9 (11) “no how”
Gasser’s attorneys are seeking a new trial.

In NFL free agency, the Saints are reportedly interested in former Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh will reportedly visit New Orleans tomorrow. The Black and Gold were also reportedly interested in former Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson, but he signed with the Raiders.

The Pelicans are at San Antonio tonight. With 15 games to go, the Pels are fifth place in the Western Conference. New Orleans is 2-0 against the Spurs this season.

ULM basketball faces Austin Peay in a CIT game.

LSU men’s basketball Coach Will Wade’s rant last night following an 84-76 win over the Ragin Cajuns has Tiger fans buzzing today. Before the game, UL Lafayette Coach Bob Marlin said the Cajundome was a better basketball venue and complained about not having a chance to play LSU more often. Wade says the SEC demands that its schools play a tough non-conference schedule…
cut 17 (17) “….see fit”
Marlin says he stands by the comments he made on Monday, especially when he said the Cajuns should have hosted the game, because they had the better season and had more wins…
Cut 4 (10) “27.”
The Tigers will play Utah on Monday night in the second round of the NIT.

The man convicted in the road rage shooting death of former NFL player Joe McKnight was sentenced to 30 years in prison today. 56-year-old Ronald Gasser was facing 40 years for his manslaughter conviction. A Jefferson Parish jury found Gasser guilty of manslaughter on a 10-2 vote. Legal analyst Time Meche believes it’s a fair sentence….
cut 8 (08) “…their life”
McKnight was one of the best high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. He starred at USC and played for three seasons in the NFL.

It’s the first day of free agency in the NFL and the Saints have been busy. The Black and Gold have reportedly signed free agent linebacker Demario Davis to a three-year contract. The six year vet had 97 solo tackles and five sacks with the Jets last season.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson is reportedly returning on a four-year deal. Robinson spent his first four years in the league with the Saints after he was drafted in 2010. He was up and down in New Orleans, but played for the Eagles last season as a nickel cornerback.

Tight end Jimmy Graham is not coming back to New Orleans as he’ll reporedtly sign with Green Bay. Quarterback Drew Brees was hoping for Graham to return, but it didn’t work out….
cut 11 (10) “…coming together”
And other NFL note, the Arizona Cardinals have released former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu after he reportedly refused to take a pay cut.

It should be a good battle inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center as LSU hosts the Ragin Cajuns in a first round NIT matchup. First meeting between the two in state foes since 2009.

Jonathan Giles is expected to be LSU’s top wide receiver next fall and he’s been handed the number seven jersey. Coach Ed Orgeron said LSU’s defensive backs had trouble keeping up with Giles as a member of the scout team offense. D-B-U took exception to that on social media. Giles admits he’s had some good battles with LSU’s safeties and corners…
cut 20 (12) “…those guys”

The 16th ranked LSU baseball team hosts South Alabama tonight in its final non-conference game before SEC play begins. The Tigers are 11-6 and Coach Paul Mainieri says he likes what he’s seen so far
cut 16 (11) “…go with”
First pitch is at 6:30.

Don’t worry Saints fans, Quarterback Drew Brees is not going anywhere. The future Hall of Famer and the Black and Gold have agreed to a two-year deal, worth 50-million dollars. Sources say Brees will receive 27-million dollars in guranteed money.

There’s a report that says Brees turned down a two-year, 60-million dollar contract from another team to stay in New Orleans. Saints radio color analyst Deuce McAllister says Brees knows he’s close to winning another Super Bowl in the Big Easy…
cut 10 (10) “….more guys”
But it doesn’t look like there will be a reunion between Brees and tight end Jimmy Graham. There are reports that Graham is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Packers.

Also W-W-L’s Kristian Garic reports the Saints are seeking to re-sign wide receiver Willie Snead, but they did not tender an offer to cornerback Delvin Breaux, who missed all of 2017 with a leg injury.

The Pelicans conclude a three-game homestand tonight as they host the Charlotte Hornets. New Orleans is looking to snap a two-game losing streak, after winning 10 in a row. The Pels are also looking for better results inside the Smoothie King Center. They are just 17-14 on their home floor this season. Tip-off is at 7 PM. On Thursday, New Orleans is at San Antonio. The Spurs say Kawhi Leonard will not play as they are still evaluating his quad injury.

Southeastern Louisiana makes its first appearance in the NIT tonight as the Lions visit St. Mary’s. The Gaels thought they would be playing in the NCAA Tournament, but they were snubbed, despite a 16-2 record in West Coast Conference play. Tip-off is at 9 PM.

In college baseball tonight, Louisiana Tech is at Little Rock, Grambling hosts Alcorn, McNeese takes on Houston in Lake Charles, Southeastern Louisiana battles Purdue in Hammond, ULM is at Northwestern State and the Ragin Cajuns visit Tulane.

Multiple reports say Quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a 50-million-dollar, two-year-deal, with the Saints. Saints radio color analyst Deuce McAllister says in actuality it’s a one year deal as there’s a team option after the first year…
Cut 8 (08) “been made.”
Brees’ contract calls for him to receive 27-million dollars in guaranteed money.

Saints right tackle Zach Streif has retired after a 12-year career. Strief said goodbye at the team’s headquarters with many in attendance including Sean Payton, McAllister, Cam Jordan and had this special thank you for Drew Brees….
cut 18 (12) “…you down”
Cameras caught Brees wiping tears from his eyes during this part of an emotional press conference.

LSU men’s basketball Coach Will Wade says his team didn’t have a watch party to see if they would make the N-I-T. Wade says it’s a good accomplishment for his first season, but he doesn’t want his team to only strive to make the N-I-T…
cut 20 (20) ‘…step for us”
The Tigers will face the Ragin Cajuns tomorrow night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Southeastern Louisiana will make its second postseason appearance tonight when they visit St. Mary’s on the west coast. Tip off is at 9 PM.

The Pelicans host the Charlotte Hornets tonight at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans has lost two straight at home and they are just 17-14 on their home court this season.

The Vikings have reportedly reached out to Drew Brees’ representatives about playing for Minnesota next season. Brees will have the opportunity to sign with any team in the league tomorrow, but league observers still anticipated the future the Hall of Fame quarterback will re-sign with the Black and Gold.

Brees was at the team’s headquarters in Metairie yesterday for offensive tackle Zach Strief’s retirement announcement. The 34-year-old is walking away from the NFL after 12 seasons. Strief says he can’t believe he lasted that long in professional football after he was drafted out of Northwestern in the seventh round in 2006…

Cut 17 (22) “…end of that”

Strief was a reserve on the 2009 Super Bowl team and became a fulltime starter in 2011.

___________________________________________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team is getting ready to take on an in-state foe to the west, the Ragin Cajuns from Lafayette. Coach Will Wade says his guys will need to elevate their level to play in order to advance in the NIT

Cut 19 (10) “….major transfers”

The game is Wednesday night in the PMAC.

Southeastern Louisiana will make its second postseason appearance tonight when they visit St. Mary’s on the west coast. The Gaels were 16-2 in the West Coast Conference, but were snubbed for the NCAA Tournament. Tip off is at 9 PM.

ULM is still playing basketball. The Warhawks will play in the C-I-T and they’ll visit Austin Peay on Thursday night.

Nicholls is in the NCAA Women’s basketball tournament for the first time. The Colonels will play undefeated Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon. LSU is heading to Columbus, Ohio as a six-seed and they’ll play Central Michigan on Saturday morning. Baylor is a 15-seed and they’ll visit second-seeded Baylor.

NFL teams are now allowed to talk with Saints Quarterback Drew Brees representatives as he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. NFL analyst Mike Detillier anticipates the Saints will pay up, because Hall of Fame quarterbacks don’t come around very often…
cut 11 (11) “…he wants”
The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero says the Vikings have made a call to Brees’ agent.

Saints right tackle Zach Strief announced his retirment after a 12-year career. Strief held an emotional press conference at the team’s headquarters in Metairie. He thanked a bunch of people, including the fans…
cut 30 (12) “…the outcome”

Spring practice is underway for the LSU Tigers and they are thin at cornerback, with only five scholarship cornerbacks on the roster. Greedy Williams will start at one cornerback spot and Coach Ed Orgeron says they have candidates to start at the other spot and they may add a graduate transfer….
cut 18 (18) “…other places”
Former Rummel standout and cornerback Kristian Fulton is practicing with the Tigers, but not eligible to play. Ross Dellenger with the Advocate reports he’s serving a two-year suspension from the NCAA because he allegedly attempted to use a fraudulent testing sample during a drug examination in the fall of 2016. Fulton has an attorney fighting the suspension.

Spring football is underway at LSU and so is the competition for starting quarterback. Coach Ed Orgeron says soon to be junior Justin McMillan looked good yesterday, the first Spring workout…

Cut 16 (18) “…good day”

A decision on who will be the starter, will likely come in August.

No schools from Louisiana in the NCAA Tournament, but LSU will play the Ragin Cajuns from Lafayette in the N-I-T on Wednesday night at 6 PM in the Maravich Center. The Tigers have not lost to the Cajuns since 1944. Southeastern Louisiana will play Tuesday night versus St. Mary’s at 9 PM.

And LSU baseball crushed Hawaii 14-1 as freshman hurler Ma’Khail Hilliard delivered another outstanding performance.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After winning 10 in a row, the Pelicans have now lost two straight. Utah came into the Smoothie King Center yesterday and beat the Pels 116 to 99. During the 10 game winning streak, New Orleans was averaging about 125 points a game, but in the last two, they’ve failed to score 100. Head Coach Alvin Gentry….

Cut 19 (18) “…that situation”

Anthony Davis had first triple-double on his 25^th birthday as he had 27 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 10 blocks.

Nicholls has made the NCAA Women’s basketball tournament for the first time ever as the fourth-seeded Colonels beat Stephen F Austin for the Southland Tournament Championship. LSU, Nicholls and Grambling find out tonight who and where they’ll play in the NCAA Tournament.