It’s draft day in the NFL. The Saints have the 27th pick in the first round and have seven picks after that one. The Saints 2017 draft was one of the strongest in recent history. Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk, Marcus Williams and Alvin Kamara were impact players on a playoff team. General Mickey Loomis says it will be difficult to be as successful this season….
Cut 18 (11) “is different”
Former LSU running back Derius Guice is in Dallas, the site of this year’s NFL draft. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says the running back from Baton Rouge should be a late first round selection….
Cut 19 (18) “interesting”

Quarterback Jordan Davis announced on Twitter he’s leaving the U-L Lafayette football program. Davis was in a three-way battle for starting Q-B. The Spring, Texas, native began last season as the starter, but lost his job when he went down with a knee injury in late September.

Will two-time MVP Stephen Curry be healthy enough to play in Game 1 of the playoff series between the Pelicans and Warriors? Golden State general manager Bob Myers says it’s conceievable Curry could play on Saturday night. New Orleans Head Coach Alvin Gentry doesn’t expect Curry to be rusty, even though he hasn’t played in a month because of a knee injury.

LSU begins a three-game series tonight in Oxford against the Ole Miss Rebels. Ole Miss and Arkansas lead the SEC West with a 10-8 conference record. The Tigers are one game back at 9-9. LSU is 2-10 in road games this year, while the Rebels are 22-and-3 at home. First pitch is at seven PM.

Former LSU running back Derius Guice says he’ll be dressing casual tonight for the NFL draft. The Baton Rouge native is expected to be a first round pick, but stories have been written that say NFL teams have character issues with Guice. Draft analyst Mike Detillier believes these reports are agent driven….
cut 20 (20) “….for everyone”
Detillier says Pittsburgh has the 28th pick and they are interested in Guice, but he could go sooner.

Detillier has the Saints using their 27th pick to select Harold Landry, a defensive end and outiside linebacker from Boston College. NFL-dot-com’s Ian Rapoport reports the Saints are looking to make a major jump from 27.

One more practice today at their training facility in Metairie and then the Pelicans are on their way to Oakland as Game 1 of their series with Golden State begins Saturday night at 9:30. It’s unknown if two-time MVP Steph Curry will be avaiable to play in Game 1 or any point during the series. He’s been sidelined by a Grade 2 MCL strain for the last month.

The LSU basketball program has received a verbal commitment from junior college forward Marlon Taylor. He’s six-foot-six and averaged 17 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game at Panola College. Taylor also shot 44-percent from three point territory.

LSU baseball begins a series tonight against Ole Miss. The Tigers are hoping the return of Josh Smith in the line-up can help jump start an offense that’s struggled to score runs at times. Smith hit a home run in a win over Lamar on Tuesday. It was his first game back since injuring his back in the opening weekend.

Flowers are in bloom, crawfish are boilin, the weather is just right, and Louisianans know, that means festival season. Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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An invasive species of tree frogs has hopped the Gulf and is gaining a foothold in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Houma Representative’s bill which would require public schools provide 30 minutes of recess passed committee. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Festival season is kicking off in Louisiana, with a busy schedule that’s bound to keep the Bayou State buzzing for months to come. This weekend may be the busiest, with huge celebrations in New Orleans and Lafayette. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is calling on folks to “staycation” in Louisiana with a trip to New Orleans this weekend.

Cut 4  (06) “golf tournament” 

The golf tournament is the Zurich Classic, in Avondale just south of New Orleans.

But New Orleans isn’t the only town throwing down this weekend. Lafayette is hosting the Festival International, and Nungesser says visitors will be treated to a multicultural cornucopia of talent

Cut 5  (08)  “in Lafayette”

Jazz Fest is expected to bring in roughly 300-million dollars. Nungesser says thousands of tourists will be in the state and he hopes their visit will lead to more tourism…

Cut 6 (12) “in Louisiana”

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Cuban tree frogs have moved into New Orleans, and are now threatening to muscle out the locals according to the US Geological Survey. The frogs are invasive, and are suspected to have hopped a ride to the Crescent City on palm trees imported from Florida. Ecologist Brad Glorioso says it’s a threat to the state amphibian, the green tree frog.

Cut 7 (08)  “other frogs”

It’s not just the local wildlife that’s at risk, Glorioso says they have a history of terrorizing homeowners.

Cut 8 (07)  “power outages”

He also warned that the frog’s skin causes a burning sensation in people and animals that touch it.

Glorioso has some advice for New Orleanians brave enough to fight back against the foreign threat.

Cut 9 (10)  “in anything”

Cuban Tree Frogs are known to grow as large as a human palm.

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The House Education Committee passed a proposal that would require schools provide a 30 minute recess break to students. Currently schools must have 30 minutes of physical activity, which is covered in many districts by PE class. Houma Representative and sponsor Beryl Amedee says recess is crucial to a child’s educational development.

Cut 10 (06) “unstructured play”

But the legislation received opposition from the Louisiana Association of Principles, who raised concerns that it would cut back on classroom time. Executive Director Debra Schum says schools would struggle to accomplish this under current class time requirements.

Cut 11 (10) “a cost”

Schum says schools have other ways to get students active besides relying on recess

Cut 12 (12) “the classroom”

But Amedee says despite the difficulties that would come with requiring recess, it’s still a worthwhile endeavor.

Cut 13 (06)  “worth it”

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A Senate Committee approved a bill that would allow families to put video cameras in the nursing home rooms of loved ones. The legislation was inspired by a Louisiana family who suspected a nursing home staff member was beating a family member in their room. Houma Senator Norby Chabert says the legislation is designed to keep the elderly safe.

What a return to the line-up for LSU infielder Josh Smith, who hit a home run in an 8-0 win over Lamar last night. Smith had been sidelined since the opening weekend with a bad back. The Tigers also got a great pitching performance from AJ Labas, who tossed a complete game shutout. LSU leaves today for Oxford, where they’ll begin a series versus Ole Miss tomorrow.

The Ragin Cajuns ended Louisiana Tech’s five game winning streak with a nine to four victory win over the Bulldogs last night. Junior Daniel Lahare equaled a career-high four hits, while freshman left-hander Austin Perrin threw a career-high eight innings for the victory.

McNeese rallied from a late 3-1 deficit and defeated ULM seven to three in eleven innings. Tha’s seven wins for the Cowboys in their last eight games.

It will be the Pelicans versus Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors finished off the Spurs in five games last night. And Game one will be Saturday night in Oakland at 8:30 on TNT. New Orleans has struggled against Golden State in recent seasons as the defending NBA champs have won 20 of the last 22 games. No word on when All-star guard Stephen Curry will return. He’s been out since March 23rd with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

LSU point guard Tremont Waters has put his name down for the NBA Early entry draft list, but if he doesn’t hire an agent, Waters can return to LSU for his sophomore season. Waters has until May 30th to withdraw his name. The Connecticut native made the All-SEC Freshman team after averaging 16 points, six assists and two steals last season.

There’s a report that the NBA and its players association are in talks to eliminate the one and done rule after the 2020 season.

The LSU baseball team snapped a four-game losing streak with a resounding eight to nothing win over Lamar last night. AJ Labas (Lay-biss) went the distance for the complete game shutout as he scattered six hits and struck out nine. Josh Smith returned to the line-up for the first time since injuring his back in the opening weekend and homered. Jake Slaughter, Antoine Duplantis and Daniel Cabrera each drove in two runs.

Louisiana Tech’s five game winning streak ended with a 9-4 loss to UL Lafayette. Daniel LaHare had four hits and scored three times, while Hunter Kasuls (Castles) drove in three runs for the victorious Cajuns.

ULM lost to McNeese seven to three in extra innings. The Cowboys have won six of their last seven.

Northwestern State clobbered Mississippi Valley State 21 to 0 in seven innings. The first time the Demons scored 20 runs since 2012. Nicholls thumped Southern 12-3.

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The Pelicans have voided orders for 2,500 playoff tickets purchased for the second round, because of a password problem. The team announced that a presale password given out Monday to season ticket holders was shared with many non-season ticket holders. The Pelicans say they want to give their most loyal fans the first crack at postseason tickets, so they need to get this right. The team has notified those whose tickets have been voided.

New Orleans Pelican’s will be facing the Golden State Warriors in round two of the playoff’s. Golden State offed the San Antonio Spurs 99-91 to win the series four games to one.

Philadelphia moved on to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 104-91 win over a Miami Heat. Former LSU Tiger Ben Simmons had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

There are 51 finalists to be a Saintsation next season and for the first time there’s a male finalist. Twenty-five-year-old Jesse Hernandez from the Lafayette area will compete in today’s final round which will be streamed on the Saints website.

LSU looks to snap a four-game losing streak tonight when they host Lamar. In two of those losses, the bullpen gave up big leads. Devin Fontenot and Matt Beck have both struggled. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Beck’s mechanics are out of whack…
cut 17 (18) “….instructional ball”
LSU is no longer ranked in any of the major Top 25 polls for the first time since 2012.

La Tech has won five straight games and they’ll host the Ragin Cajuns tonight. Last week, it was the Bulldogs who ended the Cajuns five-game winning streak. McNeese has won five of its last six and the Cowboys are at ULM tonight. Nicholls travels to Southern, while Grambling visits Alcorn.

Some Pelicans fans who purchased tickets for Round Two of the playoffs will have their orders cancelled because of a password problem. The team announced that a presale password given out Monday to season ticket holders was shared with many non-season ticket holders. The Pelicans say they want to give their most loyal fans the first crack at postseason tickets, so they need to get this right.

Golden State is expected to be the Pelicans opponent in round two. The Warriors can close out their series with San Antonio tonight, if they are able to pull out a victory.

There are 51 finalists to be a Saintsation next season and the first time there’s a male finalist. Twenty-five-year-old Jesse Hernandez from the Lafayette area will compete in to tomorrow’s final round which will be streamed online on the Saints website.

Despite getting swept at South Carolina, LSU remains a game back of the division lead in the SEC West. The Tigers are 9-9 in league play, while the Rebels and Razorbacks are 10-8. LSU is at Ole Miss this weekend and Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says winning the division is still possibility for LSU despite this recent four-game losing streak
Cut 16 (13) “for long”
The Tigers host Lamar tonight. The Cardinals are 13 and 27 on the season.

In other action, Louisiana Tech tries to make six straight wins when they host UL Lafayette tonight. The Bulldogs ended the Ragin Cajuns five-game winning streak a week ago. Northwestern State hosts Mississippi Valley State this afternoon. McNeese has been playing well and they are at ULM, Southern hosts Nicholls in a matchup of two struggling programs and Grambling is at Alcorn State.

The Pelicans have picked up the option on coach Alvin Gentry’s contract, which means he’ll back next season. The decision was made before the Pels swept Portland from the playoffs. New Orleans is still waiting on an opponent for the next round. It could be the defending champs. Golden State can end its series with San Antonio tonight.

Wide receiver Willie Snead is not returning to the Saints as New Orleans did not match an offer given by the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore offered a two-year deal that could be worth as much as 10-million dollars. The Black and Gold have recently signed restricted free agent wide receiver Cameron Meredith and they are also are bringing back Brandon Coleman.

Soon to be sophomore running Clyde Edwards Helaire from Catholic High in Baton Rouge made his case to be the Tigers top running back with his performance in the Spring Game. Edwards-Helaire rushed for 74 yards on 14 carries. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Clyde was solid throughout the spring…
cut 18 (17) “…he’s in the game”
And tigers safety Grant Delpit is undergoing surgery today after breaking his collarbone in the Spring game.

The LSU baseball team’s losing streak is up to four games after getting swept by South Carolina. It’s the first time the Tigers have been swept in a three-game SEC series since Florida in March of 2014. LSU is also 2-and-11 in games away from Alex Box Stadium. Yesterday, the bullpen failed to hold down a 6-0 lead and the Tigers lost eight to six to the surging Gamecocks.

Louisiana Tech is on a five-game winning streak after sweeping Marshall. The Bulldogs have scored in double figures in all five games of the winning streak. Its Tech’s first road sweep of a conference opponent since 2009. They will host U-L Lafayette tomorrow night.

The Ragin Cajuns lost to Little Rock nine to seven in 11 innings yesterday. UL Lafayette is just a half game back of Little Rock for first place in the Sun Belt West Division standings. ULM is 7-and-11 in the Sun Belt after losing two of three to Appalachian State.

It was a tough weekend for the LSU baseball team in South Carolina as they were swept by the Gamecocks. Yesterday, South Carolina rallied back from a six to nothing deficit to beat the Tigers 8-6. LSU now has a four-game losing streak, in two of those losses, the bullpen failed to secure a lead. They are 9-9 in the SEC.

Since San Antonio staved off elimination by beating Golden State yesterday, the Pelicans are still waiting to find out who they’ll play in the next round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Warriors lead that series three games to one. After sweeping Portland, New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry has gone from a coach on the hot seat to a leader who is pushing all the right buttons. He says this is the kind of basketball he envisioned when hired three years ago….

Cut 20 (12) “….since then”

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After the Spring Game, it remains unclear who will be the Tigers starting quarterback when LSU faces Miami in the season opener.  Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Justin McMillan had the best performance out of the three candidates on Saturday, but Myles Brennan and Lowell Narcisse had good days during the spring too. Orgeron says the offense as a whole has to execute better…

Cut 17 (19)  “big plays”

IN Lafayette, Ragin Cajuns sophomore quarterback Levi Lews threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns. In Monroe, ULM junior quarterback Caleb Evans directed the first team offense to a pair of touchdowns, while the firs-team defense forced three turnovers. In Natchitoches, Northwestern State used four different quarterbacks, Shelton Eppler threw two touchdown passes and 143 yards.

The Pelicans are on the verge of a series sweep after crushing the Trailblazers in last night’s Game Three 119-102. Super Star Center Anthony Davis, who’s averaging nearly 28 points a game in the series, says the key to moving on is to continue to play suffocating defense.
Cut 12 (06) “whole playoffs”
The Pelicans forced 24 turnovers last night and can close out the series tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the LSU spring game. First chance for Tiger fans to see some of the new wide receivers. LSU Sports Radio Network’s Gordy Rush says the leader of the group is Texas Tech transfer Jonathan Giles…
cut 17 (15) “…looked good”
The Spring game begins at 5 PM.

LSU is at South Carolina tonight for the start of a three-game series versus the Gamecocks. Zack Hess is on the hill for the Tigers and he’s 4-1 with a 2.32 ERA in five SEC starts….
cut 19 (17) “…strikeout pitch”
The Gamecocks rank 12th in the SEC in batting average, but they are fourth in home runs. First pitch tonight is at 6 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns host Little Rock for a three-game series. The Trojans lead the Sun Belt West with a 9-5 record, while UL Lafayette is 8-7.

In NFL news, the Ravens have reportedly have signed Saints wide receiver Willie Snead to a two-year-off sheet worth seven million dollars. New Orleans has five days to match the offer.

Former Saints backup Luke McCown has announced his retirement.