New Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson says she’s committed to continuing her husband’s legacy going and that means keeping the professional franchises in New Orleans…

Cut 15 (10) “…big family”

Gayle Benson added that it’s upsetting to read or hear reports she may sell or move the teams. Benson made the comments at the NFL owners meetings. She’s been attending them since she married Tom Benson in 2004.

The Pelicans are back home tonight to host the Portland Trail Blazers. New Orleans is fighting for home court in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Pels are currently tied for 5^th place with San Antonio a half-a-game back of Oklahoma City who is in 4^th place. San Antonio is at Washington tonight. The Thunder are off. And tip-off in the Smoothie King Center is at 7 PM.

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The injury bug has bitten another LSU baseball player. Second baseman Brandt Broussard will miss the next three to five weeks with a broken thumb. He sustained the injury during an at-bat in the series in Vanderbilt. Broussard was hit by a pitch, but the ump ruled it was a foul ball.

The Tigers already without starting shortstop Josh Smith, who is trying to work his way back from a back injury. But Coach Paul Mainieri says Smith suffered a little bit of set back last week. Hal Hughes will continue to man shortstop, but Austin Bain or Jake Slaughter are options at second base.

Tonight, LSU will play the Ragin Cajuns in the annual Wally Pontiff Junior Classic at the Shrine on Airline in Metairie. Left-hander Hogan Harris will start for UL Lafayette. He hasn’t pitched since sustaining an oblique injury in the season opener against Texas.

In other action tonight, Nicholls hosts Mississippi State as the Colonels are coming off a series victory over McNeese. Louisiana Tech is at McNeese. The Bulldogs have won 14 of their last 17. And ULM hosts UNO, while Tulane faces Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond. Northwestern State is at Lamar.

New Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson spoke for the first time today since her husband’s death. Benson says she doesn’t plan on changing much and is ready for the challenge…
cut 30 (11) “…his legacy”
And Gayle Benson says she would never sell the teams and there are no plans to re-locate them.

A former Saints cheerleader has filed a discrimination complaint because she believes the team’s policies discriminate against the cheerleaders employed by the team. Bailey Davis’ complaint states the team has a set of rules for cheerleaders, but the same rules don’t apply for the football players. Davis was reportedly fired for posting a photo of herself on her private instagram account in Saints gear and the team says that violates their rules.

Could former LSU standout Odell Beckham get traded out of New York. The NFL Network reports the Giants wide receiver will not set foot on the football field this year, unless he receives a contract extension. He’s set to enter the final year of his rookie contract. Beckham has indicated he would like to be the highest paid player in the NFL.

The NFL owners have voted to simplify the definition of a catch. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic is covering the meetings in Orlando and he says there’s now three components officials will look at to determine a catch. Control, two feet in bounds and a football move, like when the player reaches with the ball or makes a third step. No more surviving the ground for a catch to take place.

Coming up at the owners meeting today, Saints Owner Gayle Benson will speak publicly for the first time, since her husband’s death.

A former Saintsation has filed a lawsuit against the Saints claiming discrimination, because players are not held accountable to the same rules for cheerleaders. For instance, cheerleaders must leave a restaurant if a Saints player walks in as part of the team’s anti-fraternization policy.

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport says former LSU standout and Giants receiver Odell Beckham Junior will not set foot on a football field without a new deal. Beckham has indictated he would like to be the highest paid player in the NFL.

Former LSU standout and major league baseball player Albert Belle has been charged in Arizona on two counts of indecent exposure and two counts of D-U-I. According to police records, Belle was arrested during a Diamondbacks spring training game in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The LSU baseball team lost its weekend series to Vanderbilt. The Tigers won the middle game of the three game set by the score of 6-2. The game was halted in the 8th inning on Saturday and completed on Sunday morning. That’s why the series finale was just seven innings and the Tigers lost 1-0, despite a brilliant pitching performance from Ma’khail Hillard who threw six standout innings. The only run scored on a pass ball in the first inning.

Louisiana Tech is in first place in Conference USA after yesterday’s 9-4 win over UAB in 12 innings.

After losing 31-7 on Saturday to Arkansas State, the Warhawks came back on Sunday to shut out the Red Wolves four to nothing. ULM won it with a walk-off grand slam by catcher Spencer Hemphill in the 9th inning.

The LSU baseball team is back from Nashville after losing a series to Vanderbilt. The Tigers won the middle game of the three game set by the final score 6-2. Antoine Duplantis had three hits in that game, while Beau Jordan and Daniel Cabrera each had two hits. The game was halted in the 8^th inning on Saturday and it was completed on Sunday morning. That’s why the series finale was just seven innings and the Tigers lost 1-0, despite a brilliant pitching performance from Ma’khail Hillard who threw six standout innings. The only run scored came on a pass ball in the first inning. The Tigers will face the Cajuns on Tuesday night in Metairie in the Wally Pontiff Classic.

The Ragin Cajuns celebrated a walk-off win over Troy yesterday as UL Lafayette beat the Trojans four to three. Zach Lafleur had the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9^th.

After losing 31-7 on Saturday to Arkansas State, the Warhawks came back on Sunday to shut out the Red Wolves four to nothing. ULM won it with a grand slam by catcher Spencer Hemphill in the 9^th inning.

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Louisiana Tech is in first place in Conference USA after yesterday’s 9-4 win over UAB in 12 innings. The Bulldogs improved to 5-1 in league play. Sophomore Kyle Griffen was the winning pitcher as he tossed 6.2 innings out of the bullpen. At one point he retired 18 consecutive batters. Mason Mallard had the go-ahead hit in the 12^th inning.

In the Southland, Sam Houston State is in first place with a 6-0 record, but Southeastern Louisiana is not far behind at 7-2. The Lions beat Houston Baptist 8-2 yesterday to win the series. Kyle Schimpf and Trenon Trosclair each drove in two runs.

McNeese snapped a three-game losing streak by scoring four runs in the 9^th inning to beat Nicholls 5-4. Shane Selman had the bit hit, a two-out two run double. The Cowboys are 6-3 in league play, while the Colonels are 4-5. Northwestern is 3-3 in the Southland after losing a series to A-and-M Corpus Christi.

The funeral service for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson concluded a short time ago in New Orleans. It was officiated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond…
cut 15 (12) “….go marching in”
Following the Mass, a second line went through the French Quarter leading Benson to his final resting place.

LSU baseball begins a three-game series tonight Vanderbilt. The Tigers took two of three from Missouri to open up SEC play, while Vandry swept Texas A-and-M. Coach Paul Mainieri says this weekend will be a good test for his team…
cut 18 (10) “…anybody’s attention”
First pitch is at 8 PM.

According to statistics provided by LSU, sophomore quarterback Myles Brennan completed 12 of 16 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns in a scrimmage last night. Justin McMillan was 7-of-15 for 169 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Lowell Narcisse threw for just 38 yards on six-of-14 attempts. Heading into the scrimmage, tight end Foster Moreau says the competition to be the starter at Q-B was dead even…
cut 20 (12) “…competition”
In last night’s scrimmage, sophomore Racey McMath led all receivers, six catches for 169 yards and a touchdown.

In NFL news, the Jets have reportedly emerged as a favorite to land free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The former Dolphin and Lion visited with the Saints, Rams and Titans over the last week.

Some of the biggest names in sports and key political figures have gathered at St. Louis Cathedral in the New Orleans French Quarter for the funeral of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson. Jay Romig has worked for the Saints for 42 years and he says today is a celebration of a man who was committeed to New Orleans and proud to be a New Orleanian….
cut 30 (08) “….we’re going”
Following the funeral service, there will be a second line leading out of the church.

LSU tight end Foster Moreau gives us his take on what LSU’s three quarterbacks bring to the table as they compete for the starting spot…
cut 19 (13) “….nine route”
In a scrimmage yesterday, Myles Brennan was 12 of 16 for 224 yards and two touchdowns. The Spring Game is April 21.

The Pelicans get a much needed day of rest today after winning three games in three consecutive days a feat that had not been done since 1979. New Orleans beat the Los Angeles Lakers 128 to 125 last night. Anthony Davis had 33 points and nine rebounds, while Rajon Rondo scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter. The Pels are at Houston tomorrow.

The 15th ranked LSU baseball team makes its first true road trip of the season when they begin a three-game series against fifth ranked Vanderbilt tonight. Senior Beau Jordan knows for the freshmen this will be a new experience…
Cut 16 (19) “baseball game”
First pitch is at 8 PM.

Funeral services will conclude tomorrow for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who died a week ago today at the age of 90 from a bout with the flu. Many are wondering what the future holds for the two professional sports franchises. Saints and Pels president Dennis Lauscha says it will be business as usual and that means Gayle Benson attending next week’s NFL owners meeting in Orlando….
cut 19 (11) “…will do”
Lauscha says he can’t imagine an attempt by Gayle to move the teams out of New Orleans.

The Pelicans will try to accomplish a rare feat in the NBA tonight and that is win three games in three consecutive nights. New Orleans beat Dallas on Tuesday and held on to beat Indiana 96-92 last night. Tonight, New Orleans hosts the 31-and-39 Lakers.

The 15th ranked LSU baseball team left for Nashville today where they visit 5th ranked Vanderbilt. Last night, the Tigers rallied back from an early 4-0 deficit to beat Tulane 10-4. It was the Bayou Bengals first win over the Green Wave since 2015. Freshman left fielder Daniel Cabrera produced his first career four-hit night on the college level and Zach Watson had three hits for a third consecutive night.

Louisiana Tech beat ULM 6-1 last night and the Bulldogs face UAB starting tomorrow night for a three-game series. Tech has won 12 of its last 14 games and they are 3-0 in Conference USA Play.

ULM begins a series against Arkansas State at Warhawk Field tomorrow. ULM has lost six of its last seven.

The Ragin Cajuns beat McNeese five to two yesterday. UL Lafayette now gets ready for its Sun Belt opener against Troy. The Cowboys will head to Thibodaux to face Nicholls.

Tomorrow is the funeral for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson. Some are concerned about the future of the professional sports teams. Kelley Ray has more from a team executive…
Cut 4 (26) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

The Pelicans are back at it again tonight as they host the Lakers at the Smoothie King Center. It’s the third game in three nights for New Orleans, who won on Tuesday and Wednesday. It will be the fifth game in six days for the Pelicans, who are tied for fifth place in the West with San Antonio.

LSU fell behind 4-0 to Tulane, but scored the next ten runs to beat the Green Wave 10-4. Sophomore center fielder Zach Watson was 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs as he continues to swing a hot bat. Watson has three straight three-hit games and it was his fifth straight multi-hit game. LSU’s bullpen was very good again as the last 15 Tulane batters went down in order.

Sophomore pitcher Tyler Follis threw seven hitless innings last night as Louisiana Tech took down ULM six to one at J-C Love Field. Tech improved to 17-6 on the season. Dalton Skelton’s hitting streak is up to 15 games as he singled up the middle in the first and homered for the third time this season in the seventh inning. Tech is at UAB this weekend.

The Ragin Cajuns continue to play well in midweek games as they defeated McNeese five to two yesterday. UL Lafayette hosts Troy this weekend.

And also last night….Southeastern Louisiana couldn’t hold on to a 3-nothing lead and lost to Jackson State four to three.

A team official says the Saints and Pelicans are committed to Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. With Tom Benson’s death, there are questions surrounding the fate of both teams in one of the smallest sports markets in the country. Saints and Pels President Dennis Lauscha says he and Benson’s widow, Gayle, are both committed to keeping the teams in New Orleans…

Cut 17 (14) “…New Orleans”

Today is the final day of the two-day public visitation for Tom Benson.

The Pelicans won their third straight last night as they defeated the Indiana Pacers 96-92. Anthony Davis had 28 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots. E’Twaun (E-twon) Moore added 23 points to help New Orleans overcome a night where they had 20 turnovers. The Pelicans host the Lakers tonight for a third game in three nights.

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Freshman Daniel Cabrera had a career-high four hits and Zach Watson had another big night with three more hits as the Tigers rallied back from an early deficit to beat Tulane 10-4. LSU fell behind 4-0 in the third inning, but took control of the game with a five-run 5^th inning. Watson drove in three runs, Brandt Broussard had two runs batted in and so did Antoine Duplantis.

Louisiana Tech pitching gave up two hits and the Bulldogs beat ULM 6-1. Tyler Follis gave up a run, but didn’t give up a hit in seven innings to get the win. Left fielder Mason Mallard hit his 4^th home run and drove in three runs.

The Ragin Cajuns jumped out to a 4-0 lead and beat McNeese 5-2. Gavin Bourgeois and Daniel Lahare each had two hits and drove in a run.

Jackson State edged Southeastern Louisiana 4-3 and Stephen F Austin defeated Grambling 14-3.

One NFL note, restricted free agent and Saints wide receiver Willie Snead visits with the Baltimore Ravens today. Snead caught just eight passes last season after serving a three-game suspension to begin the year.

A public visitation is underway for Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson at Notre Dame Seminary on South Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis and President Dennis Lauscha were among the first to arrive.

All-Star Anthony Davis had 37 points last night as the Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 115 to 105. It’s New Orleans second straight win and they were able to do it without Jrue Holiday, who was home with flu-like symptoms. The Pels host Indiana tonight in a game that was re-scheduled from February, because of a leaky roof.

LSU-Alexandria is N-A-I-A Division One National runner-ups after losing at the buzzer 83-80 in overtime to Graceland, Iowa. The Generals got a big game from Jordin Williams, who had 37 points. It was L-S-U-A’s first lost since February 8th and the team finishes with a record of 29-and-8.

A six-foot-six freshman from New York will make his college debut on the mound for the Tigers tonight against Tulane as Coach Paul Mainieri says Nick Storz is finally healthy enough to pitch…
cut 20 (09) “….from Brooklyn”
Storz had surgery on his shoulder in September and his return to the mound has been delayed by shoulder fatigue. First pitch tonight against the Green Wave is at 6:30.

Also tonight, the Ragin Cajuns are at McNeese State. UL-Lafayette has lost four of its last six, while the Cowboys have won six in a row. First pitch is at 6 Pm at Joe Miller Ballpark.

ULM is at Louisaina Tech. The Warhawks have lost six of their last eight. The Bulldogs beat Northwestern State six to three last night as the Bulldogs have won nine of their last 10.

And Southeastern Louisiana is at Jackson State. The Lions were beaten by South Alabama six to one last night.