16:45 LRN Sportscast July 14th

The dean of football coaches in the Southeastern Conference addressed reporters at SEC Media Days in Hoover, Alabama today…
cut 28 (15) “…dressed up some”
Coach Les Miles addressed a variety of topics, including the Alton Sterling shooting. He’s hoping the Tigers can unite Baton Rouge and encourages his players to make a difference in the community. Here’s what he said on the SEC Network about quarterback Brandon Harris and his improvement as a passer…
cut 29 (17) “….his time”

Alabama has been picked to win the SEC west by the media who attended the league’s Media Days. LSU was picked to finish second, with Ole Miss, Texas A-and-M, Arkansas, Auburn and Mississippi State rounding out the rest of the division. Tennessee is the preseason favorite in the east, with Florida expected to come in second place.

UL Lafayette has announced former LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings is now a Ragin Cajun. Jennings will have one season of eligibility remaining and can play in 2016, since he graduated from LSU. Jennings started 13 games for the Tigers.

There are reports the Saints are making a strong push to sign 35-year-old receiver Anquan Boldin. He caught 69 passes for the 49ers last season.

Former University High of Baton Rouge golfer Patrick Reed is in a tie for second place after one round of the British Open. Reed is at five-under par, Phil Mickelson is your leader at Royal Troon at eight under par.

11:40 LRN Sportscast July 14th

LSU coach Les Miles hopes his football team can unite  Baton Rouge, which has dealt with civil unrest following the shooting of Alton Sterling. Miles says he’s also encouraging his players to do what they can to affect change. The coach says Baton Rouge is a great place to live and his football team can make it better…
cut 30 (15) “…postive”
In other LSU football news…kicker Trent Domingue is leaving the team after his scholarship was not renewed. He was 13-of-17 on field goal attempts last year. Domingue’s departure, opens the door for Colby Delahoussaye to be the Tigers starting kicker.

At the British Open, former University High of Baton Rouge golfer, Patrick Reed, is the 1st round clubhouse leader at five-under par.

Taking a look at the defending national champs in college football, a key returner on Alabama’s offense is tight end OJ Howard, who had five catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the Tide’s national championship win over Clemson. Coach Nick Saban says he’s expecting a big year from Howard…
cut 20 (10) “…stretching the field”

Tigers left-handed pitcher Jared Poche is returning for his senior season. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Poche’s return gives LSU a very good one-two punch at the top of their pitching rotation that also includes potential first round draft pick Alex Lange…
cut 18 (11) “…in the fold”
Poche has 27 wins during his three-year career at LSU.

06:45 Sportscast, July 14th, 2016

Alabama took the stage Wednesday at SEC Media Days, and for the third straight season, The Crimson Tide heads into preseason camp without a starting quarterback named. There are four guys who will battle for the position once practice begins and they are Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell, Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts. Coach Nick Saban he’s not sure how the competition will develop:
Cut 19 (17) “fall camp”
Saban also defended his two players that were arrested in Monroe and said they will not be suspended. Cam Robinson and Hootie Jones were not indicted on gun and drug charges. To SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum, Saban suggested the arresting officers were disgruntled LSU fans, because it seemed fishy that his guys were the only two arrested when there were four people inside the vehicle.

The expectations for the LSU baseball team are even higher for next year. That’s because left-hander Jared Poche will return for his senior season. Poche could have played professional ball after San Diego took him in the 14th round, but the Lutcher native has cut off negotiations with the Padres. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Poche’s return makes a good LSU baseball team on paper, even better…:
Cut 17 (12) “rotation”
Poche has 27 wins during his three-year career at LSU and is 11 victories shy of tying Scott Schultz, who is LSU’s all-time wins leader.

Tonight two former Tiger baseball stars will meet again as Alex Bregman and the Frenso Grizzlies begin a four game series against Austin Nola and the New Orleans Zephyrs. There were reports circling this week that Bregman could be called up by the Astros as soon as this weekend, but Houston’s NO. 2 overall pick last year tweeted Wednesday that he was heading to Louisiana..

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast July 13th

Alabama Coach Nick Saban and SEC Network Personality Paul Finebaum had a tense exchange over the arrest of Crimson Tide football players Cam Robinson and Hootie Jones, who allegedly were smoking pot inside a vehicle at a Monroe park last May. Drug and weapon charges were dropped against the players and Saban questioned why his guys were the only two arrested when there were four inside the vehicle…
cut 30 (22) “…in the public”
Finebaum told the Advocate Newspaper that Saban insinuated off-air that the cop was an LSU fan, which is why only the Alabama football players were arrested.

Many SEC schools will wait until preseason camp starts until they name a quarterback, but Texas A-and-M Head Coach Kevin Sumlin has already decided Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight is his guy. At SEC Media days, Sumlin was asked why he named Knight his starter…
cut 18 (15) “…happy there”

Big news for the LSU baseball team. Left-handed starting pitcher Jared Poche will return for his senior season. Poche turned down a chance to play in the San Diego Padres minor league system. He was 9-and-4 last season.

Two former LSU shortstops will compete against each other for the next four days at Zephyr Field in Metairie. Alex Bregman and the Frenso Grizzlies begin a four game series against the Zephyrs tonight. Austin Nola plays for New Orleans.

11:40 LRN Sporscast July 13th

Alabama Coach Nick Saban says left tackle Cam Robinson and defensive back Hootie Jones will not face suspension if they change their behavior internally. Robinson and Jones were arrested in May in Monroe on drug and gun charges but the charges were dropped. Saban was also asked about the Alton Sterling shooting and protests and said mutual respect from both sides is needed to understand the problem.

On the football field, Mississippi State will have a different look, because quarterback Dak Prescott has moved on to the NFL. So far, a starting QB for the upcoming season has yet to be named, but Bulldogs Coach Dan Mullen is glad wide receiver Fred Ross is back after catching a school-record 88 passes last season…
Cut 17 (13) “the quarterbacks”
LSU’s Malachi Dupre is on the Biletnikoff Award Watch list, which goes to the nation’s top receiver each season. Louisiana Tech’s Carlos Henderson and Trent Taylor are also on the list.

Former LSU baseball star Alex Bregman is back in Louisiana as his Triple-A team, Fresno, is in town to face the New Orleans Zephyrs for a four-game series. Bregman has hit five home runs and has driven in 14 runs in his first eight Triple-A games and is coming off a three-hit performance in the Futures Game in San Diego.

In basketball…the Pelicans announced they’ve released guard Toney Douglas, who started in 18 games for New Orleans last season and averaged nearly nine points a game.

LSU hoops will compete in the Battle Four Atlantis Tournament in the Bahammas and it was announced today they’ll play Witchita on November 23rd at 11 AM. The Tigers would play either Baylor or VCU on the second day of the event.

06:45 Sportscast, July 13th, 2016

At SEC Media Days, Mississippi State Football Coach Dan Mullen fielded numerous questions about Jeffrey Simmons. He’s a five-star defensive end who was seen in a video punching a woman. Simmons has received a one-game suspension and is in counseling. Mullen says it’s his hope he can mold Simmons into a respectful adult..:
Cut 16 (15) “in life”
Reports also heard from Georgia Tuesday, Tennessee and Texas A&M. Taking the stage today will be Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Missouri. On deck Thursday will be LSU, Ole Miss and South Carolina.

In last night’s All Star Game, former LSU pitcher and Astros closer Will Harris ended up walking away from the game a hero in helping the American League defeat the National League 4-2. Harris escaped a major 8th inning bases-loaded jam to preserve the victory for the AL in the 87th Midsummer Classic on Tuesday night. It was the first All-Star game appearance for Harris. Former Ragin Cajun Jonathan Lucroy, catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, made his second appearance in an All Star game last night.

For the second straight season LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith was named to the Butkus Award Watch List released Tuesday. The award is presented each season to the nation’s best linebacker.

LSU gymnastics signee Ruby Harrold was chosen Tuesday to the five-woman Great Britain team that will compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games next month. With her selection, at least 13 former, current or future LSU athletes will be in Rio for the Olympics August 5th-21st.

The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly waived guard Toney Douglas Tuesday.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast July 12th

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton told the NFL Network he has yet to see regression in the play of quarterback Drew Brees. The two have been together since the 2006 season and Brees is coming off a very good season, where he threw for 48-hundred yards and 32 touchdowns. And he hit a home run at a celebrity softball game at the All-Star game in San Diego.

Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson celebrates his 89th birthday. He’s the third oldest owner in the NFL behind Chicago’s Virginia McCaskey and San Diego’s Alex Spanos.

Tonight is the Major League Baseball All-Star game. There are two players with Louisiana ties to the game. Former LSU pitcher Will Harris is making his first All-Star game appearance after sensational first half with the Houston Astros. And former Ragin Cajuns Jonathan Lucroy is in the All-star game for a second time in his career as he’s had a nice season for the Milwaukee Brewers.

LSU’s Kendell Beckwith has been named to the Butkus Award watch list which goes to the nation’s top linebacker.

LSU visits Florida on October 8th and the Gators have yet to settle on a starter this season. Luke Del Rio is the favorite to win the job and Florida head coach Jim McElwain says Austin Appleby is also competing for that job….
cut 18 (13) “…takes that step”

The Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings 70-66 in summer league action last night. Buddy Hield had 23 points on 10 of 23 shooting, he was 3-of-12 from three point territory. Cheick Diallo had five points and seven rebounds.

11:40 LRN sportscast

A big storyline heading into this SEC football season is the numerous quarterback battles that will take place during August camp. Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn has yet to decide on a starting quarterback this season. Jeremy Johnson, returning starter Sean White and junior college transfer John Franklin the Third will battle for snaps this fall. Auburn’s coach says the guy who gives them the best chance to win, will be the starting QB…
cut 17 (19) “…quarterback strengths”
LSU visits Auburn on September 24th and ULM faces the War Eagles on October 1st.

LSU’s Kendell Beckwith has been named to the Butkus Award watch list which goes tot he nation’s top linebacker.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton told the NFL Network he has yet to see regression in the play of quarterback Drew Brees. The two have been together since the 2006 season and Brees is coming off a very good season, where he threw for 48-hundred yards and 32 touchdowns. And he hit a home run at a celebrity softball game at the All-Star game in San Diego.

The Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings in summer league action last night. Buddy Hield had 23 points on 10 of 23 shooting, he was 3-of-12 from three point territory. Cheick Diallo had five points and seven rebounds.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey made a phone call to LSU President F. King Alexander to talk about the protests in Baton Rouge over the shooting death of Alton Sterling by cops. The commissioner says this is one of those times in our nation where we weep, we mourn, for those families and cities who have experienced loss.

06:45 Sportscast, July 12th, 2016

Looking ahead to the college football season, Auburn is a team that has the potential to get off to a fast start. Auburn’s first five games are home, including match-ups against LSU on September 24th and ULM on October first. Head coach Gus Malzahn says the first five games will not be easy, starting with Clemson on September 3rd..:
Cut 16 (21) “season goes”
The comments were made at SEC Media Days. LSU Head coach Les Miles and The Tigers will take the stage on Thursday, along with Ole Miss and South Carolina. The Mad Hatter will be joined by running back Leonard Fournette, center Ethan Pocic and defensive back Tre’Davious White.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey made a phone call to LSU President F. King Alexander to talk about the protests in Baton Rouge over the shooting death of Alton Sterling by cops. The commissioner said at SEC Media days that this is one of those times in our nation where we weep, we mourn, for those families and cities who have experienced loss.

LSU defensive backs Tre’Davious White and Jamal Adams landed on more award watch lists Monday. White and Adams are on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list, an award that’s presented each season to the best defensive back in college football. Louisiana Tech’s Xavier Woods is also on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.

Buddy Hield of the New Orleans Pelicans brushed of a slow start to erupt with an incredible third quarter scoring spree in last night’s 70-66 victory over Sacramento in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League. The Pels 6th overall pick in last month’s draft finished with a game-high 23 points, his highest in summer play.

Former LSU Tiger Trey Lealaimatafao (La-EL-Lah-Hee-Ma-da-fow) is going to jail after pleaded no contest to felony charges to a pair of second-degree robbery counts and one carjacking count.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast July 11th

SEC Media Days are underway in Hoover, Alabama. Auburn’s Gus Malzahn was the first coach up at the main podium and he talked about new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, who was the defensive coordinator at LSU last season…
cut 30 (19) “….is too”
Tennessee Head Coach Butch Jones and three of his players will be at SEC Media Days. Lyn Scarborough of Lyndy’s Magainze says the Volunteers are the favorites to win the East Division as they return 19 starters and have a favorable schedule…
cut 18 (09) “…Florida at home”

Former LSU football player Trey Lealaimatafao has been sentenced to six years in a California prison after reaching a plea on charges of roberry and carjacking. Trey L was removed from the football team in June of 2015 after he was arrested for his role in an off-campus fight.

LSU’s Tradavious White and junior safety Jamal Adams are on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch list. The Thorpe Award goes to the Best defensive back in college football. Adams had four interceptions last season, while White led LSU with seven pass breakups.

Louisiana Tech’s Xavier Woods is also on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. He’s only one of two Conference USA players named to the watch list.

New Louisiana Tech head baseball coach Lane Burroughs has named Travis Creel as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs. Creel helped Jones County as an assistant coach win the division two junior college national championship.