Tom Brady and the Patriots will once again be headed to the Super Bowl following a 36-17 win over the Steelers Sunday; and it was the Falcons who picked up the NFC title after routing the Packers, 44-21. Former Southeastern Louisiana Lion Robert Alford had five tackles for Atlanta, so did former LSU Tiger Deion Jones. Former Tiger Jalen Collins forced a fumble for the Falcons he recovered; and Tyson Jackson out of LSU had a sack.

Multiple sources report that neither Sean Payton nor the New Orleans Saints reached out to the Colts to work out a potential trade involving the coach. Payton said in a recent interview on WWL Radio that he plans to be back because he’s got four more years on a contract with New Orleans.

Camping World is no longer the title sponsor of the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. The company is ending its relationship with the bowl game after the second year of a four year contract. Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis told the Shreveport times that they were not happy with the TV ratings and overall experience.

In college hoops, UNO remains in first place in the Southland thanks to an 81-63 win over Central Arkansas. The Privateers have won 7 of their last 8 and lead Sam Houston State by one game in the conference standings.

Louisiana Tech improved to 6-1 in CUSA with an 81-57 victory over North Texas on Saturday. This is a big week for the Bulldogs who visit UAB on Thursday and Middle Tennessee on Saturday.

ULM will stay in Texas today as they prepare to face San Marcos in Sun Belt Action tonight at 7. The Warhawks were handed a 71-55 road loss to UTA Saturday. The UL-Lafayette Ragin-Cajuns take on The Mavericks tonight on the road.

Southeastern got its 16th straight home win Saturday beating Houston Baptist 81-74. The Lions will stay at home when they face in-state rival Northwestern State Wednesday.

Same old story for the LSU Tigers, who lost their 5th straight. They didn’t play much defense, as they allowed Arkansas to shoot 53% from the field, 8-of-16 from 3-point territory and the Razorbacks won 99-86. Up next for LSU is a home game against 19th ranked Florida on Wednesday night.

Edna Karr wide receiver Racey McMath has given his verbal pledge to the LSU Tigers. The six-foot-three, 215 pounder is the 20th commitment in the Tigers 2017 class. McMath caught 16 touchdown passes for the Class Four-A state champion Cougars this past season.

Pelcians head coach Alvin Gentry did not hide his displeasure after his team was beat badly at home by the Brooklyn Nets last night. Brooklyn, who has the worst record in the NBA, walloped New Orleans 143-114 to end an 11-game losing streak. Gentry says it was an embarassing performance…
cut 30 (15) “…sugar coating it”
New Orleans hosts Cleveland Monday.

The LSU men’s basketball team will attempt to end a four-game losing streak tonight when they visit Arkansas. The Razorbacks are 14-4 overall, 3-and-3 in the SEC and they are second in the league in points scored, averaging 81 a game. And LSU has had its issues trying to defend teams this season. Tip-off is at 7:30.

Also today, Louisiana Tech hosts North Texas. The Bulldogs are 5-1 in Conference USA, one game out of first place.

UNO leads the Southland Conference with a 5-1 record. The Privateers are at Central Arkansas today. Southeastern Louisiana is 4-2 in league play and the Lions will host Hosuton Baptist.

And Camping World is no longer the title sponsor of the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. The company is ending its relationship with the bowl game after the second year of a four year contract. Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis told the Shreveport times that they were not happy with the TV ratings and overall experience.

The Saints have reportedly interviewed former 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula for their vacant defensive line coach position. Tomsula was the 49ers head coach for one season in 2015 and was fired after a 5-11 campaign. He didn’t coach this past season, but was San Fran’s D-line coach from 2007 to 2014.

The NFL announced today that the Saints will play the Dolphins in London on October 1st. A game time has not been set. Miami will be the home team.

The Independence Bowl needs to find another title sponsor. Camping World has decided to end it’s relationship with the Shreveport bowl after the second year of a four-year deal.

LSU strength coach Tommy Moffitt has reportedly agreed to a new three-year deal that will boost his pay and keep him with the Tigers through the 2019 season. Moffitt has been at LSU since 2000.

Anthony Davis has been voted a starter for the Western Conference. The NBA All-Star game will take place February 19th at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Tonight, the Pelicans host the struggling Brooklyn Nets, who have the worst record in the league and have lost 11 in a row.

The LSU men’s basketball will look to end a a four-game losing streak tomorrow when they visit Arkansas. Coach Johnny Jones is considered to be on the hot seat, but Jones says he doesn’t really think about his job security.

Also tomorrow, Louisiana Tech will host North Texas. The Bulldogs have won three in a row after beating Rice 74-64 last night. Tomorrow night, the 1966-67 team will be honored. They were the first Tech hoops team to make the NCAA Tournament.

In the Sun Belt, ULM looks for its first league win as they visit UT Arlington, while the Ragin Cajuns visit Texas State.

In the Southland tomorrow…Nicholls hosts Lamar, Northwestern is at McNeeese, UNO, who is 5-1 in the league visits Central Arkansas and Southeastern takes on Houston Baptist in Hammond.

The NFL has announced the Saints will play the Miami Dolphins in London on October 1st. A time has not been set. This one of four games that will be played in London next season and the Dolphins will be considered the home team.

The Baton Rouge Advocate reports that LSU strength coach Tommy Moffitt is getting a raise as part of a new three-year contract. Moffitt is 54-years-old and he’s been at LSU since 2000 when Nick Saban hired him.

Very successful coaches make up the 2017 class of the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame. Leading the group is former Lutcher football coach Tim Detillier, who retired after the 2015 season after leading the Bulldogs to four Class 3A state titles. Also in the class, former Barbe football coach Jimmy Shaver, former Woodlawn basketball coach Kenny Almond and former Ascension Catholic football coach Bucky Mistretta.

The Pelicans Anthony Davis has been named a starter for the Western Conference All-Star team. The game will be played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on February 19th. It’s the second time Davis has been voted as a starter and it will be his fourth All-star game appearance in six NBA seasons. Tonight, the Pels host the Brooklyn Nets who have the worst record in the NBA.

The ULM men’s hoops squad is still looking for its first win in Sun Belt play. The Warhawks are 0-5 in league play as they visit Texas-Arlington on Saturday. Coach Keith Richard on his team’s recent losing ways…
cut 30 (18) “…figure it all out”
Tip-off in Arlington on Saturday is at 4:30.

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.