The LSU Tigers will stage its SEC Network takeover beginning late tonight and into tomorrow. The athletics department has picked 12 events in 6 different sports from the archives to relive with fans on the network for 24 straight hours. The coverage will begin at 11pm tonight with the football team’s resounding victory over Oregon in the 2011 Cowboys Classic at Arlington, Texas.

Former LSU baseball star and Astros prospect Alex Bregman started at third base for the first time Tuesday since being promoted to Triple-A Fresno. It’s likely Bregman’s clearest path to the majors.

According to sources, the Atlantic Coast Conference will launch a television network in August of 2019. It’s said that ESPN and the ACC will also start a digital channel next month that will be available online. The ACC would become the fourth major conference with its own network, along with the Big Ten, Pac-12 and Southeastern Conference.

The LSU baseball team will be facing TCU in next season’s Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park. The Horned Frogs and the Tigers will face off at 7pm on Friday March 3rd.

The LHSAA has called a special meeting of its executive committee for Monday at the organization’s office. There were rumors circling that the gathering will be held for a discussion on the termination of the LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine, but its President, Vic Bonnaffee, said that is not true. Bonine had recently expressed frustration with the select/non-select controversy at the NFHS convention. He closed in a report that the matter is a “proverbial dumpster fire” — a statement he later said was a joke for colleagues.

New Northwestern State Baseball Coach Bobby Barbier has named Chris Bertrand as his new pitching coach. For the past four seasons, Bertrand has been the head coach at Texas-Tyler, and he led UT Tyler to three American Southwest Conference Championships. Bertrand played collegiately at Louisiana College and Bossier Parish Community College.

LSU football coach Les Miles is optimistic Baton Rouge can unite after the tragic events that have taken place the last two weeks. During an interview on ESPN’s Sportscenter, Miles said he knew one of the fallen officers, 32-year-old Montrell Jackson. Miles says Officer Jackson was a joy to be around…
cut 30 (15) “…direct you”
Miles says he would like to be involved in the conversations that will lead to a stronger Baton Rouge.

In other football news…former Ragin Cajuns Charles Tillman has announced his retirment after a 13-year career in the NFL. He forced 44 fumbles in his 12 seasons with the Chicago Bears.

Louisiana Tech’s Director of recruiting Chance Trickett is leaving for a job with the Los Angeles Rams.

The LHSAA’s executive committee has called for a special meeting on Monday. According to the agenda, they will discuss Executive Director Eddie Bonine’s NFHS Report. It was that report where Bonine referred to the LHSAA as a “proverbial dumpster fire.” WWL is reporting the members of the LHSAA are not happy with Bonine’s comment and it’s possible he could be terminated. Bonine released a statement after the report became public and said the term “dumpster fire” was meant for his constitutents to make light of multiple serious situations facing the LHSAA.

New Northwestern State Baseball Coach Bobby Barbier has named Chris Bertrand as his new pitching coach. For the past four seasons, Bertrand has been the head coach at Texas-Tyler, and he led UT Tyler to three American Southwest Conference Championships. Bertrand played collegiately at Louisiana College and Bossier Parish Community College.

During an appearance on ESPN’s Sportscenter, LSU Football Coach Les Miles says Baton Rouge is heartsick over the three law enforcement officers who were fatally shot in the line of duty on Sunday. Miles says he knew one of the fallen officers, Montrell Jackson, and said he was a joy to be around…
cut 30 (19) “…us all”
Jackson’s uncle is Fred Jackson, a standout quarterback at Jackson state from 1968-71. Fred Jackson was an All-SWAC player as he led the league in passing his senior season.

Former LSU star and Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman is now 1-and-7 after allowing two runs in 6.2 innings in a two to one defeat to the Yankees.

Former Ragin Cajuns football player Charles Tillman has announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons. Tillman forced 44 career fumbles, made two Pro Bowls and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2013.

Former St. Thomas More standout and walk-on punter for LSU, Bailey Raborn, was arrested in Lafayette for suspicion of driving a vehicle while impaired and careless operation, according to authorities. Coach Les Miles says he’s aware of what happened and is trying to gather more information.

According to a report released by the legislative auditor, Grambling’s athletic program has several discrepancies in the way money, expenses and revenues are reported. It says the school wasn’t able to reconcile ticket sales, account for complimentary tickets and there are money problems as it relates to student aid and salaries and benefits for coaches. A spokesman for the program told The News Star that this doesn’t mean they’ll face NCAA penalties, but corrective action will be taken.

LSU coach Les Miles, who canceled his “car wash” trip to ESPN this week in light of the Baton Rouge Police shootings, told the network Monday that he knew one of the three officers who died. Miles said his family had conversations with Officer Montrell Jackson, and that he, along with Baton Rouge and Louisiana, has a heavy heart. He said several players have relatives in law enforcement, and he decided not to leave town so he could be with his players in this difficult time for the state.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri also postponed a press conference that he was planning to hold on Wednesday to talk about the incoming recruiting class.

Former UL-Lafayette corner back Charles Tillman announced on social media that he plans to retire, ending his NFL career after 13 seasons. He was drafted in the second round in 2003 by The Bears, and started at least 14 games every season from 2005 to 2012. He’s got two Pro Bowls under his belt and one Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Former St. Thomas More standout and walk-on punter for LSU, Bailey Raborn, was arrested in Lafayette for suspicion of driving a vehicle while impaired and careless operation, according to authorities. Coach Les Miles says he’s aware of what happened and is trying to gather more information before making a comment.

According to a report released by the legislative auditor, Grambling’s athletic program has several discrepancies in the way money, expenses and revenues are reported. It says the school wasn’t able to reconcile ticket sales, account for complimentary tickets and there are money problems as it relates to student aid and salaries and benefits for coaches. A spokesman for the program told The News Star that this doesn’t mean they’ll face NCAA penalties and that this is a clean audit with no major issues, but corrective action will be taken.

Sporting News named its top 40 players in the the nation for the 2016 season and it includes two LSU Tigers. Running back Leonard Fournette is No. 3 on the list and safety Jamal Adams is ranked No. 30.

Members of the LSU football team have been reacting to the fatal police shooting of three officers in Baton Rouge on Sunday morning. Coach Les Miles released a statement that says his heart hurts for Baton Rouge. Miles added that he prays for peace, compassion and civility as Baton Rouge moruns.

Quarterback Brandon Harris said his thoughts and prayers are with the Baton Rouge Police Department, who lost two officers in the attack. Harris says God sees no color, race, nor gender, we are all the same. And Senior Defensive tackle Christian LaCouture says violence against the people who protect us against harm has got to stop.

Coach Miles was scheduled to be at ESPN headquarters today in Bristol, Connecticut. But cancelled those plans in light of the tragic shooting. LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri also postponed a press conference that he was planning to hold on Wednesday to talk about the incoming recruiting class.

LSU Football Coach Les Miles was expected to be in Bristol, Connecticut to participate in ESPN’s “car wash” where the head coach appears on various TV and radio shows. But because of Sundays’ tragic fatal shooting of three Baton Rouge police officers, Miles cancelled the trip. In a statement, Miles says his heart hurts for Baton Rouge.

LSU basketball has received a verbal commitment from six-foot-seven, 220-pound small forward Galen Alexander, who is entering his senior season at Lafayette Cristian Academy. The four-star recruit is considered the state’s top prospect in 2017.

Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry does not expect Tyreke Evans to be ready for the start of the 2016-17 regular season after having three sugeries on his right knee in the last nine months. The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract.

Below-average quarterback play and and allowing big plays on defense were a couple of reasons why the LSU Tigers struggled in the month of November last year. Cornerback Tre’Davious White believes new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda will help them avoid the mistakes that cost them last year…
cut 17 (22) “…this year”
White also expects a big year from cornerback Kevin Toliver, after he started eight games as a freshman last season.

Former St. Thomas More specialist and a current member of the LSU football team Bailey Raborn was arrested Sunday on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Raborn is a preferred walk-on and LSU says they are aware of the arrest.

LSU Coach Les Miles has cancelled his yearly trip to ESPN in light of the killings of three cops in Baton Rouge. In a statement, Miles said his heart hurts for Baton Rouge and what’s been happening in our community over the past couple of weeks. He says he continues to pray for peace, compassion and civility as our city mourns during this extremely sad time for Baton Rouge. Miles was supposed to visit ESPN studios today for the annual seven hour tour through its facilities — also known as the car wash. A spokesman for the team says Miles will not reschedule his appearance for later this week.

In the British open, Henrik Stenson is the champion golfer of the year as he made 10 birdies Sunday on his way to an 8 under par 63 that allowed him to win by three shots over Phil Mickelson. It’s the 11th time in major that Mickelson was a runner-up.

LSU quarterback Brandon Harris has been named to the All SEC third team. Ole Miss signal caller Chad Kelly is a first-team second selection and Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs is on the second-team. Tigers center Ethan Pocic expects great things from Harris this year…:
Cut 16 (20) “the offense”
The Tigers will kick off against Wisconsin at Green Bay on Saturday, September 3rd.

Lafayette Christian’s Galen Alexander, a four-star recruit, has committed to LSU basketball team. He’s is rated the No. 1 prospect in the state and the No. 63 recruit nationally by 247 Sports for the Class of 2017.

In local MLB action, Former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola will take the mound today as the Phillies face Jose Fernandez and the Marlins. Seattke’s Wade LeBlanc out of Barbe makes his fourth start of the season today against the White Sox.

Running back Leonard Fournette, center Ethan Pocic, linebacker Kendell Beckwith and cornerback Tre’Davious White are the four LSU players who made the media’s preseason All-SEC team. Fournette rushed for nearly two-thousand yards and 22 touchdowns last season. He was asked at SEC Media Days, how he can improve on those numbers in 2016…
cut 19 (04) “….nothing else”
A three-year-old horse bred in Arkansas named “Fournette” won in his first ever race at Belmont Race Track in New York. His odds to win at post time were 14-to-1. Fournette’s owner is from Hot Springs and is a big LSU fan.

Ragin Cajuns running back Elijah McGuire is one of 43 players on the Watch List for the Paul Hornung Award, which goes to college football’s most versatile player. The Houma native is the only active NCAA player with three-thousand yards rushing and one-thousand yards receiving.

Grambling State, the defending champs in the SWAC’s Western Division, is picked to finish second in that division based on a vote by the league’s coaches and sports information directors. Prairie View is the preseason favorite to win the division. Southern was picked to finish third. Jaguars running back Lenard Tillery is the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. Tillery has rushed for over one-thousand yards the last two seasons.

The Pelicans lost to the D-League Select team and have been eliminated from Summer League competition in Las Vegas. First round pick Buddy Hield struggled with his shot again and had 11 points in the 88-76 loss. Hield shot 33-percent from the field and 23-percent from three point territory in five summer league games.

Former University High of Baton Rouge golfer Patrick Reed has some work to do, if he wants to be among the leaders at the British OPen. Reed shot a 74 yesterday and is eight shots back of leader Phil Mickelson as the third round is underway.

We’re just under 50 days to the start of the college football season and the success of the LSU Tigers will largely depend on their offense. LSU’s top two wide receivers are back, Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre. Coach Les Miles says they should help quarterback Brandon Harris have a productive season….
cut 17 (20) “…at the bit”
10 LSU Tigers landed on the Preseason Media Days All-SEC teams. Four Tigers are on the first team, running back Leonard Fournette, center Ethan Pocic, linebacker Kendell Beckwith and cornerback Tre’Davious White.

Ragin Cajuns running back Elijah McGuire is one of 43 players on the Watch List for the Paul Hornung Award, which goes to college football’s most versatile player. The Houma native is the only active NCAA player with three-thousand yards rushing and one-thousand yards receiving.

Grambling State, the defending champs of the SWAC’s Western Division, has been picked to finish second in the West this year, behind Prairie View A-and-M. That’s according to a poll of the league’s head coaches and sports information directors. Southern running back Lenard Tillery is the preseason offensive player of the year. Tillery rushed for 12-hundred yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

Former Nicholls standout Chris Thompson is returning to Thibodaux and he’ll serve as the Colonels defensive backs coach. Thompson was a two-time All-American at Nicholls in the early 2000s.

A horse by the name of “Fournette” won his first compeititive race today as the Arkansas-bred three-year-old won at Belmont Race Track in New York. Fournette’s odds to win the race were 14-to-1.

Tough day for former University High of Baton Rouge golfer Patrick Reed as he shot a three-over, 74 during the second round of the Britsh Open. Reed is eight shots back of leader Phil Mickelson, who is 10-under par.

We are 50 days away from LSU’s season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. During his appearance at SEC Media Days, Coach Les Miles says the Tigers will be ready…:
Cut 16 (13) “this point”
Junior running back Leonard Fournette goes into the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He was the front-runner for the award for most of last season, but Fournette says individual accomplishments are not his top goal…:
Cut 18 (07) “to Louisiana”
The league’s media selected LSU to finish second overall and second in the Southeastern Conference Western Division. Alabama was predicted to win the SEC championship as the Crimson Tide earned 223 points. LSU was second at 59 points.

Former LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings is officially a Ragin Cajun. UL-Lafayette announced Thursday that Jennings will be immediately eligible to play this fall as a graduate transfer. Coach Mark Hudspeth said Jennings’ experience was a major draw as his current QB lineup do not have a single start between them. Jennings is slated to graduate from LSU in early August and still must get accepted into school.

Former LSU baseball standout and current Fresno shortstop Alex Bregman is back in Louisiana as the Grizzlies began a four game stint against the Zephyrs in Metairie last night. The Astros prospect received some of the loudest cheers when he stepped up to plate, and he later told reporters it was awesome to see some familiar faces, including that of former Tiger & Zephyrs shortstop Austin Nola.

It’s reported that the final defendant in the drug/rape case against former Saints star Darren Sharper plans to plead guilty today. Former St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brandon Licciardi has agreed to accept a 17-year prison sentence.