LSU says they plan to have a new live tiger mascot before the start of football season. Ginger Guttner with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine says they are searching rescue facilities and sanctuaries for a young, male tiger to become Mike VII…:
Cut 25 (05) “in August”
But Guttner says LSU is officially ending the tradition of putting Mike into a mobile cage; and he won’t be going to games any longer.

Six former LSU football players will be vying for a spot in the Super Bowl on Sunday when the NFC and AFC Championship Games take place in Atlanta and Foxborough. Leading the way for the Tigers are three starters on the Atlanta Falcons, a group that includes rookie linebacker Deion Jones, defensive lineman Tyson Jackson and cornerback Jalen Collins. In the NFC, The Falcons host Green Bay at 2 on Sunday. The AFC Championship game has former Tiger Barkevious Mingo and the New England Patriots hosting Zach Mettenberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday.

LSU men’s basketball coach Johnny Jones says he’s not focusing on the speculation that his job could be in jeopardy. The Tigers are 9-8 overall and 1-5 in the SEC; and have lost 4 in a row and six in the last 7. LSU prepares to take on Arkansas tomorrow night on the road.

The Nicholls State University men’s basketball team used a wild crowd on home turf last night to defeat Abilene Christian, 62-59. Nicholls will look to improve to 8-0 at home this season as they host Lamar Saturday.

Louisiana Tech dominated from wire-to-wire, defeating Rice 74-64 on Thursday night in Ruston. The Bulldogs host North Texas tomorrow.

UNO hammered Houston Baptist, 72-64.

In the NBA, the pelicans return home to face the Brooklyn Nets in the Smoothie King Center tonight at 7. The Nets have the NBA’s worst record going into the game and are on an 11 contest losing streak. Today’s matchup is the final installment of the Pelicans’ 9 game stretch against Eastern Conference opponents.

Northwestern State released its 2017 schedule and the Demons will begin the year visiting Louisiana Tech and Grambling.

LSU announces a timeline for finding a new live mascot and the plan is to have a new tiger before the start of the football season. Ginger Guttner with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine says they are searching rescue facilities and sanctuaries for a young, male tiger to become Mike VII….
cut 5 (05) “…in August”
But Guttner says LSU is officially ending the decades old tradition of having Mike attend football games.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette says his beat up ankle that forced him to miss five games this past season is feeling better and he’s getting into the best shape possible for the NFL combine…
cut 18 (10) “…full potential”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper released a mock draft today and it had the Panthers selecting Fournette with the 8th pick. With the 11th pick, Kiper has the Saints taking Alabama linebacker Rueben Foster.

The Baton Rouge Advocate reports LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s annual salary will be 1.5 million dollars, making him one of the highest-paid assistants in college football.

And other piece of LSU football news, defensive tackle Travonte Valentine has been kicked off the team. He only played in five games last season.

Alabama running back Derrick Gore says he will transfer to ULM. The redshirt sophomore had 18 carries for 93 yards and one touchdown last season. The Syracuse, New York, native will sit out the 2017 season, but he’ll have two years of eligibility after that.

Northwestern State released its 2017 schedule and the Demons will begin the year visiting Louisiana Tech and Grambling. Northwestern will have five Southland home games.

There are three men’s college basketball games in the state tonight. Louisiana Tech takes on Rice, UNO battles Houston Baptist and Nicholls faces Abilene Christian.

LSU announced today that nose guard Travonte Valentine is no longer a member of the football team. Valentine played in the first five games of last season and recorded 10 tackles, but didn’t play in the final seven.

Former LSU Running back Leonard Fournette has been getting ready for the NFL draft in Florida. He could be a top five pick. Fournette says he’ll go to any team that wants him and he will not lobby to be the top overall pick…
cut 17 (12) “…will fall”
The Baton Rouge Advocate reports new LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada will make one-point-five million dollars a year, while former West Georgia Head Coach Will Hall is the Ragin Cajuns new offensive coordinator. The third one they’ve had in as many years.

The LSU men’s basketball team fell to 1-5 in the SEC with a 78-74 loss to Auburn last night. The defeat spoiled a good effort from former Tioga standout Aaron Epps, who had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

In other action…Tulane is now 1-5 in the American Athletic Conference after an 89-82 loss to Tulsa. McNeese State beat Central Arkansas 82-72. Kaleb Ledoux led McNeese with 17 points and Jamaya Burr had 15 points and nine assists.

In the NBA…the Pelcians had an easy time beating the Orlando Magic 118-98 last night. Anthony Davis led the way with 21 points and he was not needed in the fourth quarter. Langston Galloway and Tyreke Evans each added 18 points. Former Ragin Cajun Elfrid Payton had 14 in a losing effort.

Tonight, Louisiana Tech hosts Rice. The Bulldogs are 4-1 in Conference USA and they are in a three-way tie for second place in the CUSA standings.

Former LSU running back Leonard Fournette will wear Under Armour gear as he prepares for the NFL draft in April. Fournette has signed an endorsement deal with the sports clothing and apparel company. The 22-year-old says he’s been training in Pensacola and wants to run a 4.3 at the NFL Combine, because people don’t think he’s fast..:
Cut 16 (11) “that’s all”
Fournette could be a top five pick in the NFL draft.

LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada will reportedly make $1.5 million dollars a year as part of a three year deal with the Tigers. Combined with DC Dave Aranda’s $1.8 million dollar annual salary, it’s likely that LSU will have the highest coordinator pay ever.

In the NBA, the Pelicans were glad to have Anthony Davis back last night as New Orleans sailed past the Magic at home, 118-98. The Pels next take on the Nets in the Smoothie King Center tomorrow night.

It was oh so close but the LSU men’s basketball team’s rally fell short at Auburn as the purple and gold fell 78-74. It marks the fourth straight SEC loss for LSU, the longest streak under head coach Johnny Jones.

Also in college hoops Wednesday night, The Cowboys trotted past Central Arkansas 82-72. McNeese, the conference’s worst shooting team by two percentage points entering the game, made its first six shots.

Tulane’s comeback fell short last night as the Wave suffered a 89-82 setback at Tulsa in Conference play.

Former LSU baseball stand-out Mikie Mahtook has been acquired by the Detroit Tigers from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 2011 first round draft pick hit .195 will three home runs and 11 RBIs in 65 games for the Rays last season.

Despite the recent presence of the equine virus that surfaced at the New Orleans race track, organizers say the Road to the Derby Kickoff Day will still take place this weekend. They say new cases of the virus haven’t surfaced since December 31st so it’s likely the quarantine will be lifted.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette spent his 22nd birthday today at St. Augustine where he starred as a prep football player. Fournette announced that’s he’s signed an endorsement deal with Under Armour. He’s expected to be a top 15 pick in the NFL draft and he’s been getting ready for the draft at a training facility in Pensacola.

LSU Quarterback Danny Etling has been named to the SEC student-athlete leadership council. He’ll be one of 13 other student-athletes from around the league that will have a chance to engage with campus leaders and conference staff. They’ll hold their first meeting next month in Birmingham.

The Ragin Cajuns have named former West Georgia head coach Will Hall as the team’s new offensive coordinator. During his three seasons as the head coach of West Georgia, he led the division two school to a 31-9 record. Jorge Munoz, who was the offensive coordinator last season, will stay with the staff and moves back to receivers coach.

The LSU Tigers look to snap a three-game losing streak on the hardwood tonight when they visit Auburn. Junior forward Duop Reath believes the victories will come soon…
cut 30 (09) “…give up”
Both teams are 1-4 in the SEC. Tip-off is at 7:30.

The Pelicans are home tonight to take on Orlando. Anthony Davis said at shoot around this morning that he will play despite injuries to his hip and thumb. The Magic conclude a six-game road trip tonight. They’ve lost four of their last five. Former Ragin Cajun Elfrid Payton is averaging 12 points a game for Orlando this season. Tip-off is at 7:00.

In LSU baseball news…Coach Paul Mainieri announces right-handed pitcher Alden Cartwright will not pitch this season as he’s had a set back as he tries to come back from reconstructive elbow surgery.

Former LSU running back Leonard Fournette has signed his first major endorsement deal. It’s with the sports clothing and apparel company Under Armour. Fournette also turns 22-years-old today and recently said that his ankle injury is getting better as he gets ready for the NFL draft.

Four LSU football players will play in All-Star games this weekend. It’ll be the final college game for Josh Boutte, Tashawn Bower, Colin Jeter, and Lewis Neal. Boutte, Bower and Neal are participating in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, while Jeter is taking part in the East-West Shrine Game.

McNeese State defensive tackle Isiah Golden has declared for the NFL draft.

Louisiana Tech Football Coach Skip Holtz tells the Monroe News Star that he anticipates signing 23 players on national signing day. 24-7 sports currently ranks the Bulldogs recruiting class as the eighth best in Conference USA.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to snap a three-game losing streak tonight when they visit Auburn at 7:30 on the SEC Network. The Tigers have lost five of their last six and they are now 9-7 after an 8-2 start to the season. Auburn is also 1-4 in league play as they will likely start three freshmen. Tigers Coach Johnny Jones…
cut 30 (15) “…mission”

Pelicans star Anthony Davis says he’ll play tonight against the Orlando Magic. Davis was listed as questionable because of injuries to his hip and left thumb.

Former New Orleans Hornet Chris Paul will miss the next six to eight weeks, because he needs surgery on his thumb. Paul is averaging nearly 18 points a game for the Clippers and leads the NBA in steals per game.

The LSU men’s basketball team is going to try to get back on track as they take on Auburn tonight on the road. The Tigers are 1-4 in the SEC, and 9-7 overall; and have dropped five of its past six with three in a row double digit losses. Coach Johnny Jones says Auburn is a tough team, especially at home, but the LSU Tigers will play hard…:
CUT 25 (21) “for us”
Tipoff on the SEC Network is 7:30.

In the NBA, Anthony Davis is said to be a game-time decision today as the Pelicans get set to face The Magic in New Orleans at 7pm. For the 6th time this season, the All-Star forward was forced to leave a game due to injury on Monday after taking a hard fall in the Pels loss to the Pacers.

Four LSU football players will play in All-Star games this weekend. It’ll be the final college game for Josh Boutte, Tashawn Bower, Colin Jeter, and Lewis Neal. Boutte, Bower and Neal are participating in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, while Jeter is taking part in the East-West Shrine Game.

The Pro Football Writers Association released its 2016 NFL All-Rookie Team and it includes former LSU tiger and current Atlanta Falcon linebacker Deion Jones. Two Saints also made the team for their strong rookie seasons: wide receiver Michael Thomas and kicker Wil Lutz.

So what the heck is going on at Tiger Stadium? There has been yet another break-in reported at Death Valley according to LSU Police — the second this month. Athletic officials say there was minimal damage done this time as well – and they are working to ensure this type of unauthorized activity doesn’t happen again.

The LSU baseball team picked up it’s third top-five preseason ranking Tuesday with D1 Baseball putting the Tigers at No. 5 heading into the 2017 season.

Southeastern Louisiana football has released its 2017 schedule. The Lions open in Lafayette against the Cajuns on September 2nd.

Could LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva be looking at firing another coach mid-season like he did Les Miles? The Tiger basketball team is on a bad streak and LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says the losses this year and last year’s disappointment of not appearing in postseason play have coach Johnny Jones on the hot seat…:
CUT 14 (06) “at it”
LSU is 1-4 in league play and they visit Auburn tomorrow.

The Ragin Cajuns suffered their second straight home defeat last night as Georgia State dribbled past UL Lafayette 101-86. Georgia State shot 62-percent from the field and hit 10 three-pointers.

In other action, ULM blew a 16 point lead and lost to Georgia Southern 62-60. The Warhawks are winless in Sun Belt action. And Grambling lost to Priarie View A-and-M 94-82. Southern upended Mississippi Valley state 87-81.

The Saints are reportedly interested in talking with Derius Swinton about becoming the Black and Gold’s special teams coach. Swinton was the 49ers special teams coordinator in 2016. San Fran was fifth in average kickoff return yardage last season.

And the Washington Redskins have interviewed former Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan about their defensive coordinator position.

The Pelicans ended a five-game road trip on Monday with a 98-95 loss to Indiana. Anthony Davis left the game after he landed hard on the court following a foul. The team says x-rays are negative. New Orleans is home home tomorrow to host Orlando.

A new college baseball preseason poll came out today. D-1 baseball has LSU ranked number five. TCU is number one in the poll, followed by Florida, Florida State and South Carolina. The Ragin Cajuns are ranked 13th.

LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva fired football coach Les Miles mid-season, could we see another coach let go? The LSU men’s basketball team is 1-4 in the SEC. They’ve lost three in a row and all three defeats have been by double digits. Glen Guilbeau covers LSU hoops for the USA Today Network and says as the losses mount, Alleva might make a change.:
Cut 13 (11) “look good”
Johnny Jones is in his fifth season in Baton Rouge. His record as LSU’s head coach is 89-58, 41-35 in the SEC.

To make matters worse for the Tigers, Jones said that leading scorer sophomore guard Antonio Blakeney’s status for tomorrow night’s game against Auburn won’t be determined until later today. Blakeney went down with an injured right ankle in the final minute of Saturday’s loss to Alabama.

In college hoops last night, ULM fought to the end against Sun Belt Conference leader Georgia Southern, but came up just short falling 62-60 to the Eagles in Monroe. The Warhawks remain winless in the conference.

Georgia State shot past UL-Lafayette 101-86 at home. Louisiana is now 2-3 in the SBC, 12-6 overall.

In the SWAC, Southern held on to beat Mississippi Valley State 87-81. Grambling fell to Prairie View 94-82.

In the NBA, Anthony Davis went down injured in the 98-95 loss at the Pacers. The Pels are sure to be glad that their rough five game road trip is now over.

Former LSU QB Anthony Jennings’ college football career is over after the NCAA rejected his appeal for another year of eligibility. Jennings played for UL-Lafayette last year as a graduate transfer. He filed for an extension of eligibility, but the waiver was denied according to Cajun Coach Mark Hudspeth.

In other football news, former Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has reportedly interviewed with the Washington Redskins.

Green Bay’s 34-31 win over Dallas was the most viewed NFL divisional playoff game ever. According to Fox, an average of 48.5 million people viewed the game. Pittsburgh’s 18-16 victory over Kansas City was seen by 37.4 million people. It will be the Packers versus the Falcons in Sunday’s NFC Championship game and Patriots and Steelers in the AFC title game.

In other football news…former Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan interviewed for the Redskins defensive coordinator opening today. Ryan was the Saints DC from 2013-2015.

Quarterback Anthony Jennings will not return to the Ragin Cajuns, according to the Daily Advertiser. The NCAA has denied Jennings’ request for another year of eligibility. Jennings argued that he barely played his junior season at LSU.

And former LSU wide receiver Jazz Ferguson says he’s transferring to Northwestern State.

Tonight, the Ragin Cajuns and the Warhawks are both at home. UL Lafayette hosts Georgia State after losing to Georgia Southern on Saturday, while Georgia Southern is in Monroe as ULM looks for its first league win.

The LSU Tigers have lost three in a row and they’ll have a difficult week coming up. They have road games at Auburn and Arkansas and might not have leading scorer Antonio Blakeney for Wednesday’s game at Auburn, because of an ankle injury. Coach Johnny Jones says they’ll know more tomorrow.

In college hoops…Louisiana Tech’s DaQuan Bracy is the Conference USA Freshman of the Week. Bracey averaged 17.5 points and five assists in victories at Charlotte and Old Dominion. He also shot 62-percent from the field and 50-percent from beyond the arc. Tech is tied for second in the league heading into Thursday’s home game against Rice.

In the NBA today…the Atlanta Hawks edged the New York Knicks 108-107. Former Louisiana Tech star Paul Millsap had 17 points and seven rebounds and blocked Derrick Rose’s shot in the final seconds that would have given New York the win.