16:45 LRN Sportscast August 25th

LSU has 13 players on the 2016 Preseason Coaches All-Southeastern Conference football team. The voting was done by the league’s coaches. First-team selections are Leonard Fournette, Ethan Pocic, Kendell Beckwith and Tre’Davious White. The second-team selections are William Clapp, Malachi Dupre, Davon Godchaux, Arden Key and Jamal Adams. Brandon Harris is on the third, along with Derrius Guice, Travin Dural and Lewis Neal.

Former LSU Tiger Barkevious Mingo has been traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Patriots. Mingo was the sixth overall pick by Cleveland in 2013, but has recorded just seven sacks in his three seasons as a Brown.

In other NFL news…the Detroit Lions have released former LSU running back Stevan Ridley. And a state judge has sentenced former Saints star Darren Sharper to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping women. The sentence is two years longer than a federal sentence Sharper recently received on the same charges.

In major league baseball today….former LSU Tiger Mikie Mahtook ended an 0-for-34 slump with a go-ahead double in the seventh as the Rays held on to beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1. Mahtook also made a nice throw in the eighth to nab Mookie Betts as he tried to stretch a single into a double.

The LSU women’s basketball team released it’s non-conference schedule today and the Lady Tigers will begin the season on November 11th by hosting Louisiana Tech. Nine days later, LSU will host the defending champs, UCONN on November 20th.

Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari will donate proceeds from a charity softball game to flood victims in Louisiana. The coach says his foundation is teaming up with the American Red Cross to help flood victims. Calipari says Pelicans star and former Kentucky standout Anthony Davis made the suggestion to give the proceeds to those hurt by the flooding in Louisiana.

11:40 LRN Sportscast August 25th

The LSU Tigers have 13 players on the preseason coaches All-Southeastern Conference Football team. Running back Leonard Fournette and center Ethan Pocic are on the offense’s first-team. Linebacker Kendell Beckwith and cornerback Tre’Davious White are on the first team. Making the second and third teams are Will Clapp, Malachi Dupre, Davon Godchaux, Arden Key, Jamal Adams, Brandon Harris, Derrius Guice, Travin Dural and Lewis Neal.

The Saints conclude training camp with a walk-thru today at the team’s training facility in Metairie. New Orleans has been able to survive training camp, with very few injuries. The biggest name to go down is defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and he’s expected back soon after the regular season starts.

If the Saints and Quarterback Drew Brees are going to agree to a contract extension, it has to come before the start of the regular season. Brees says there’s nothing to new report on that end and has said he doesn’t want to talk about a new contract after the regular season begins.

06:45 Sportscast, August 25th, 2016

The Saints offensive line has taken a lot of criticism for how its played in the preseason and it has the Who Dat nation worried. New Orleans only had 57 total yards in the first half last week against Houston, and quarterback Drew Brees said after the game he had consistent pressure in his face. But Brees says he still has faith in his o-line…:
CUT 30 (25) “it’s supposed to go”
Brees believes you’ll see better results in Friday’s preseason contest against Pittsburgh.

Two new high definition end zone score boards in the Mercedes Benz Superdome were unveiled on Wednesday — and they are massive. the new screens stretch 333 feet long and 38 feet high.

McNeese State has named New Orleans native James Tabary (Tab-er-e) as its starting quarterback. The transfer from Arkansas State beat out Grant Ashcraft. Cowboys Coach Lance Guidry likes Tabary’s ability to make all the throws, especially with pressure in his face.

Former LSU pitcher Kevin Gausman of the Baltimore Orioles has started a fundraising effort for victims of the south Louisiana flood. Donations can be made online at GoFundMe.com/LAFlood39. Gausman says the money will go to the Baton Rouge Aera Foundation Flood Relief Fund.

UL-Lafayette basketball coach Bob Marlin announces two players with SEC ties are transferring to the Ragin Cajun program. They are 6-foot-8 forward JaKeenan Gant out of Missouri, and point guard Marcus Stroman who played two seasons at South Carolina.

The LSU baseball schedule is out and the Tigers will begin action on February 17 with three games against Air Force. SEC home series are against Georgia, Texas A-and-M, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Auburn. Cody Ducote is off the roster but will still get his degree at LSU.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast August 24th

LSU Football Coach Les Miles believes running back Leonard Fournette will be back at practice tomorrow. The Heisman candidate has been out since suffering a sprained ankle two Saturday agos. Miles also says he has three offensive tackles rotating at two spots, sophomore Maea Teuhema, KJ Malone and Toby Weathersby. Miles says Malone and Weathersby are the starters right now.

The Saints held their final open practice to the public today as they get ready for the third preseason game of the year on Friday against Pittsburgh. Veteran offensive tackle Zach Strief says the o-line has to be better than last week, when they gained only 57 yards in the first half agaisnt Houston….
cut 30 (12) “…this week”
The Saints are 18 days away from the regular season opener against Oakland.

McNeese State has named New Orleans native James Tabary (Tab-er-e) as its starting quarterback. The transfer from Akansas State beat out Grant Ashcraft. Cowboys Coach Lance Guidry likes Tabary’s ability to make all the throws, especially with pressure in his face.

Former LSU Tiger Anthony Jennings has been named the starting quarterback for the Ragin Cajuns. Jennings arrived on campus in August after transferring from LSU, where he graduated this past summer.

UL Lafayette basketball announces they’ve added two players, who previously were at SEC schools. Six-foot-eight forward JaKeenan Grant and point guard Marcus Stroman will be eligible to play beginning with the 2017-18 season.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball program released its non-conference schedule today. Coach Bob Marlin’s team will travel to Minnesota and Georgia and they’ll host Louisiana Tech and Pepperedine.

LSU’s 2017 baseball schedule was also released. SEC home series are against Georgia, Texas A-and-M, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Auburn.

11:40 LRN Sportscast August 24th

LSU coach Les Miles says running back Leonard Fournette is no longer in a walking boot and should return to return practice tomorrow. Miles says wide receiver Travin Dural has returned to practice from an undisclosed injury and the head coach says the senior had a couple of nice catches in yesterday’s scrimmage. Miles says quarterback Brandon Harris completed 12 of 15 passes for 133 yards.

Former LSU Tiger Anthony Jennings has been named the starting quarterback for UL Lafayette’s season opener against Boise State. Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says they believe Jennings gives them the best chance to be successful. Jennings beat out Jordan Davis and Jalen Nixon for the job.

The season opening contest between the Tigers and Wisconsin Badgers is 10 days away and the Badgers have yet to name a starting quarterback. It will be either Alex Hornibrook or Bart Houston. Houston is a fifth-year senior, while Hornibrook is a redshirt freshman.

The Saints are holding their final practice that’s open to the public today. Defensive end Cam Jordan likes how the defensive line is progressing…
cut 28 (18) “…excited about that”
The Saints host the Steelers in preseason action at the Dome on Friday night.

LSU released its baseball schedule for the 2017 season. The Tigers will open up the season on February 17th at home against Air Force. They’ll also have non-conference series against Maryland and Witchita State and travel to Houston the first weekend in March to play teams from the Big 12. The SEC opener is March 17th at home against Georgia.

06:45 Sportscast, August 24th, 2016

Will we see a different Saints team when they take on the Steelers Friday? New Orleans is 0-2 in the preseason, and when asked about the struggling offensive line, coach Sean Payton says it’s a work in progress…:
CUT 1 (25) “we’ll be ready”
Payton says he has high expectations for rookie receiver Michael Thomas, and believes he’ll contribute early. He added that he doesn’t follow fantasy football, but adding Thomas to your team would be a good idea.

Recently released Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis reportedly met with Pittsburgh Tuesday. Lewis’ first four seasons in the NFL were with the Steelers.

As expected, UL-Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth said he would name former LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings as the starter for the Ragin Cajuns to begin the season. He said their trio of QBs are performing well in practice, but Jennings is leading the pack.

With the 2016 college football season starting next week, ESPN released its preseason All-SEC team and it includes five LSU Tigers. Running back Leonard Fournette, center Ethan Pocic and guard Will Clapp lead the way for LSU’s offense. Defensive back Tre’Davious White and safety Jamal Adams represent the Tigers’ defense on the All-SEC team.

Fournette is expected to return to practice tomorrow as he is reportedly out of the boot after suffering a slight sprained ankle last Tuesday.

Former LSU basketball star and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is added to the list of those helping out flood victims in South Louisiana. Tiger coach Johnny Jones said Tuesday that all proceeds from a tournament he and Shaq are hosting September 16th will be donated to flood relief efforts.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast August 23rd

Saints head coach Sean Payton had some high praise for rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas after today’s practice at the team’s training facility Metairie….
cut 30 (19) “…do well”
Thomas has stood out at practices because of his one-handed catches. He’ll likely start the season behind Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead, but he’s definitely ahead of Brandon Coleman, who is coming off a rough performance in last Saturday’s preseason loss to Houston.

Recently released Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis is reportedly met with the Pittsburgh Steelers today. Lewis’ first four seasons in the NFL were in Pittsburgh and it’s the Steelers who New Orleans plays on Friday night in exhibition action.

LSU is eleven days away from kick-off against the Wisconsin Badgers to begin the 2016 season and there’s quite a battle to see who will start at nose guard in defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s three-four scheme. Greg Gilmore is fighting with 350-pound Travonte Valentine for that spot. Gilmore is impressed with what Valentine can do on the football field…
cut 29 (16) “…unstoppable”
LSU offensive lineman George Brown Junior is on the move as he’s reportedly transferring to another school.

The LSU men’s basketball team released its non-conference schedule today. The Tigers will host Southern Miss, Houston and travel to Wake Forest and Texas Tech. Coach Johnny Jones squad will also play in the Bahammas, where they’ll face Witchita State and possibly Louisville.

11:40 LRN Sportscast August 23rd

The Saints have several veteran safeties that will be asked to play key roles this season and that includes Roman Harper, Kenny Vaccaro and Jairus Byrd. But Coach Sean Payton says rookie defensive back Vonn Bell is also pushing for lots of playing time this season…
cut 30 (16) “…opened some eyes”
Bell had seven tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss in last Saturday’s preseason game against Houston. New Orleans next preseason game is Friday at home against Pittsburgh.

Recently released Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis is reportedly visiting with the Pittsburgh Steelers today. Lewis’ first four seasons in the NFL were in Pittsburgh.

In the NBA, the Pelicans say they will hold training camp this year at their practice facility in Metairie, instead of the Greenbrier at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

LSU is eleven days away from kick-off against the Wisconsin Badgers to begin the 2016 season and there’s quite a battle to see who will start at nose guard in defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s three-four scheme. Greg Gilmore came into the season as a possible starter, but 350-pound Travonte Valentine has shown up and is eligible to play this season. Gilmore is impressed with what Valentine can do on the football field…
cut 29 (16) “…unstoppable”
LSU offensive lineman George Brown Junior is on the move as he’s reportedly transferring to another school.

A truck from South Alabama University filled with donations for hurricane victims arrived in Lafayette today. Former LSU baseball player Mikie Mahtook’s foundation will donate five-thousand dollars to help flood victims.

06:45 LRN Sportscast August 23rd

After Saturday night’s loss to Houston in preseason action, Saints Coach Sean Payton expressed his displeasure with the team’s performance, especially on the offensive side of the ball. After looking at the tape, Payton says there were some bright spots….
cut 30 (30) “…quickness”
Payton believes he’ll get better play from the offensive line. He says part of the problem has been shuffling second year pro Andrus Peat between guard and tackle. He says hopefully Peat can settle in, now that tackle Terron Armstead is back healthy.

LSU has confirmed that top rated junior college defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is eligible to play this season. The 350-pounder had to pass a summer intersession class in order to play in 2016. Valentine’s addition to the roster, means quite a battle for playing time at nose tackle in Dave Aranda’s three-four defense. Greg Gilmore is competing with Valentine for that starting spot and he’s been impressed with Valentine’s ability…
cut 29 (22) “….learn from him too”
While LSU has added a defensive lineman to the roster, they’ve lost an offensive lineman. 2015 signee George Brown Junior is reportedly transferring.

16:45 LRN Sportscast August 22nd

The Saints are back at their training facility in Metairie as training camp continues for the Black and Gold. Veteran cornerback Keenan Lewis is no longer with the team. He’s been released, after knee and hip injuries led to the New Orleans native appearing in just six games last season. Coach Sean Payton says the decision to cut Lewis is based on the fact he couldn’t get on the field…
cut 19 (13) “…wish him well”
Lewis told ESPN’s Josina Anderson that he and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen didn’t get along from day one.

LSU is ranked fifth in the preseason AP Top 25 poll. It’s the Tigers highest ranking since 2012. The Tigers practice this afternoon. Running back Leonard Fournette did not participate in a scrimmage on Saturday, because of his sprained ankle. But Coach Les Miles back-up running backs Derrius Guice and Darrel Williams looked good.

Louisiana Tech football coach Skip Holtz still has not made a decision on who will start at quarterback for the Bulldogs when they begin the season on September 3rd at Arkansas. Tech held a scrimmage last Saturday and Holtz wasn’t very happy with his receivers…
cut 30 (16) “…we had”

McNeese State football coach Lance Guidry tells Chandler Rome with the American Press that he plans to name a starting quarterback on Wednesday. But Guidry plans to play two in the season opener against Tarleton State. Also, former St. Thomas More kicker Gunnar Raborn is transferring from Alabama to McNeese State.

The Summer Olympics are done. LSU athletics director Joe Alleva says four current and former Tigers earned medals. Former Lady Tigers Seimone Augusuts and Sylvia Fowles won gold medals for the US women’s basketball team.