After a very disappointing 7-9 season, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis held a 30-minute meeting with reporters yesterday. Loomis is not ready to comment on whether defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will return next season and says they are still in the process of evaluating the entire organization….

cut 16 (19) “to be adjusted”

There have been reports the Saints will have trouble improving their roster, because of salary cap limitations, but Loomis downplayed those concerns

The lawyer for recently arrested Saints linebacker Junior Galette expects his client will be exonerated once all of the facts are presented. Galette was booked by Kenner Police Monday on a charge of simple battery with domestic violence. Attorney Ralph Whalen says the alleged victim in this case refused to leave Galette’s home and grabbed a knife, threatening Galette and four other people in the home.

It looks like LSU is moving forward in their search for a defensive coordinator. It’s being reported that Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop will interview for the job in the very near future. Shoop just finished his first year in Happy Valley. Prior to that, he served three years as defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt, where the Commodores were never outside the top 25 in total defense. LSU is looking to fill the vacancy left when John Chavis accepted the defensive coordinator position at Texas A&M.

In other college football news…former Southeastern Louisiana head coach Mike Lucas has been added to Mark Hudspeth’s staff at U-L Lafayette. It’s been reported Lucas will coach the Ragin Cajuns defensive backs. He spent last season as the defensive coordinator at Northwestern State. Demons Head Coach Jay Thomas says they will take their time in naming a new defensive coordinator.

In the NBA, the Pelicans are on the road to take on the Hornets in Charlotte tonight. The Pels hope to return to their winning ways. They are 2-and-a-half games behind Phoenix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

In college basketball, Tulane takes on Temple in a game you can catch on ESPNEWS beginning at 6PM.

The lawyer for recently arrested Saints linebacker Junior Galette expects his client will be exonerated once all of the facts are presented. Galette was booked by Kenner Police yesterday on a charge of simple battery with domestice violence. Attorney Ralph Whalen says the alleged victim in this case refused to leave Galette’s home and grabbed a knife, threatening Galette and four other people in the home.

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has reportedly expressed interested in transferring to LSU. There’s also a report that Notre Dame signal caller Everett Golson is also considering LSU. Both players would be eligible to play for LSU in 2015, but Bayou Bengals Insider Publisher Derek Ponamsky says LSU can’t talk to Miller or Golson until respective schools grant them a release from their athletic scholarships…
cut 10 (12) “…gonna be mentioned”

It looks like Louisiana Tech has its starting quarterback for next season. Former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel will transfer and be eligible to play for the Bulldogs next season. Bleed Tech Blue publisher, Jonathan Ford, says Driskel is your likely starter in 2015 and could have a lot of success…
cut 18 (14) “./..that stature”

In other college football news…former Southeastern Louisiana head coach Mike Lucas has been added to Mark Hudspeth’s staff at U-L Lafayette. It’s been reported Lucas will coach the Ragin Cajuns defensive backs. He spent last season as the defensive coordinator at Northwestern State. Demons Head Coach Jay Thomas says they will take their time in naming a new defensive coordinator.

And in high school, Thomas Backham is stepping down after four years as head coach of Bastrop. The Rams were 7-and-4 last season.

A Baton Rouge TV station reports Ohio State Quarterback and two-time Big 10 MVP Braxton Miller is considering transferring to LSU. A shoulder injury kept Miller from playing this season and two younger QBs passed him up on the Buckeye depth chart. Bayou Bengals Insider publisher Derek Ponamsky says it’s not a surprise to hear Miller might be interested in LSU…
cut 9 (10) “….talk about lot”
Notre Dame Quarterback Everett Golson’s name has also been rumored as a possible transfer candidate to LSU.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis met with the media today for the first time since the season ended. Loomis talked about the disappointment of finishing seven and nine and said they are evaulating the entire organization and that includes the future of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel will reportedly enroll at Louisiana Tech in March after he announced yesterday that he’ll finish his college career in Ruston. Jonathan Ford, publisher of Bleed Tech Blue, says Driskel didn’t live up to expectations in Gainesville, but he’ll bring some much needed experience to the quarterback position at Tech…
cut 17 (14) “…FBS level”
The Bulldogs are looking for a new quarterback after Cody Sokul led the school to a victory in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

In basketball…the Pelicans three-game home winning streak ended last night with a 92-85 loss to the Washington Wizards. In college hoops…the Ragin Cajuns improved to 3-and-0 in the Sun Belt with an 80-64 win over Appalachian State, ULM beat Arkansas State and in the Southland….UNO won, while McNeese, Northwestern and S-L-U lost.

Louisiana Tech has lost its defensive coordinator. Manny Diaz has been hired by Mississippi State to be the Bulldogs new defensive coordinator. Diaz helped Tech win the Conference USA western division title and his defense was ranked 22nd in the nation in points allowed and 17th in rush defense. Jonathan Ford, publisher of Bleed Tech Blue, says Diaz gave the Bulldogs’ defense an identity…

cut 16 (13) “find another one”

While Tech loses a defensive coordinator, they do add a quarterback. Jeff Driskel, who threw for 34-hundred yards at Florida, is transferring to Tech for his final year of college eligibility.

In other college football news…Nola.com reports that Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson has reached out to LSU about possibly transferring to Baton Rouge after he graduates in May. Since Golson would be a graduate transfer, he could be eligible to play for the Tigers in 2015.

Eric Gordon returned to the Pelicans lineup last night, but it wasn’t enough as the Washington Wizards defeated New Orleans 92-85. Gordon scored 6 points in 33 minutes in his return from a shoulder injury. Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans lead all scorers with 21 apiece as the Pels fall to 17-17. The Pelicans hit the road to take on the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday night.

A full slate of college hoops action last night:

In the Sun Belt – UL-Lafayette improves to 3-0 in conference play after knocking off Appalachian State, 80-64. And ULM defeated Arkansas State 70-61.

In the Southland Conference – UNO opened their conference season with a 72-67 win over Lamar. Sam Houston stuffed the visiting Demons from Northwestern State, 75-64. McNeese falls to Houston Baptist, 68-56. And Stephen F. Austin remains undefeated in conference play after downing Southeastern Louisiana, 81-66.

And in the SWAC – Texas Southern squeezed by Southern, 59-58 and Grambling loses to Alabama A&M, 67-46.

Saints linebacker Junior Galette was arrested on a charge of simple battery domestic violence, which is a misdemeanor. Kenner Police Lt. Brian McGregor says Galette allegedly struck a woman who spent the night at his home. McGregor read the statement that the victim provided…
cut 12 (06) “…I couldn’t breathe”
Galette’s cousin, Terrence Banks, was also arrested. The woman, who says she’s Galette’s personal assistant, allegedly had blood coming from her ear and scratches on her face. The linebacker has told police that the woman was a dancer and the fight started over money for a cab.

In college football news…Nola.com reports that Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson has contacted LSU about transferring. Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel has announced he’s transferring to Louisiana Tech and Tech defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is leaving for the same job at Mississippi State.

After missing the last 21 games because of a shoulder injury, shooting guard Eric Gordon is expected to play tonight for the Pelicans, who are hosting the Washington Wizards. Head Coach Monty Williams says Gordon will provide a jolt to the team…
cut 18 (12) “…been missing”
Gordon is averaging almost 10 points a game. Tyreke Evans is questionable, because of an illness. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

In college basketball…Ragin Cajuns junior Shawn Long was named as the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week. Long averaged 20.5 points and nine rebounds last season. The Cajuns are at Appalachian State tonight. U-L-M hosts Arkansas State. The Warhawks are undefeated at home this season.

McNeese State’s Desharick Guidry has been named the Southland Conference Player of the Week. The Cowboys host Houston Baptist tonight.

Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette was arrested this morning by the Kenner Police Department and charged with simple battery domestic violence. Police say Galette is accused of pushing a woman to the ground at his home. Galette says the woman is a dancer, while the victim claims she lives with him, handling the cooking and cleaning. Galette had 10 sacks this past season and he signed a four-year, 41-million dollar contract prior to this season.

Former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel that he will transfer to Louisiana Tech. It’s anticipated that Driskel will enroll in March, participate in spring football and be eligible to play next season. Driskel was one of the top quarterbacks in the country coming out of high school, but had a rough time at Florida.

There’s been conflicting reports about whether LSU defensive end Danielle Hunter will return for his senior season. A Baton Rouge TV station reports that Hunter will enter the NFL draft, but LSU disputes that report.

After missing 21 games with a shoulder injury, Pelicans guard Eric Gordon is expected to play tonight as New Orleans hosts Washington. Pelicans Guard Jrue Holiday says it’s a big boost to get Gordon back…
cut 17 (20) “….helps everybody out”
Gordon is averaging nearly 10 points a game. While Gordon is back, Tyreke Evans is questionable as he’s suffering from an illness.

In college basketball tonight…U-L-M will host Arkansas State tonight. The Warhawk are 5-and-0 at home this season, while the Redwolves are 1-and-1 in Sun Belt Conference play. The Ragin Cajuns look to improve to 3-and-0 in league play as they visit Appalachian State.

In the Southland…McNeese State hosts Houston Baptist and U-N-O takes on Lamar.

After missing 21 games with a shoulder injury, Pelicans shooting guard Eric Gordon may play tonight when New Orleans hosts the Washington Wizards. The Pelicans are 17-and-16 on the season, one game back of Phoenix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday says it will be a big boost to get Gordon back…

cut 17 (20) “helps everybody out”

Gordon is averaging almost 10 points a game.

In college hoops over the weekend, it was Tulane over Memphis 74-66, Southern beat Prairie View 68-56, LSU defeated Savannah State 75-59, and UL-Lafayette crushed Troy 91-64.

At LSU, the search for a defensive coordinator continues. Among those considered serious contenders include LSU defensive line coach Brick Haley, Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele, and former NFL defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Head coach Les Miles is expected to meet with his staff today and a hire is likely to be made by the end of the week.

You’ll see a few changes on the sidelines at ULM in the upcoming football season. Inside wide receivers coach Mario Price will start coaching the team’s running backs and take over the role of recruiting coordinator. Former ULM quarterback Cody Wells will return to the Warhawk sideline after one season as a graduate assistant at Jacksonville State University. Wells will serve as the new inside wide receivers coach.

UL-Lafayette head coach Mark Hudspeth announces that defensive line coach Tim Edwards and interim outside linebackers coach Matt Wallerstedt will not be returning to the program for the 2015 season.

Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is expected to interview for the same position at Mississippi State early this week.

Louisiana Radio Network Sports, I’m Scott Carwile…

Friday was a big recruiting day for the LSU football and men’s basketball programs. Coach Les Miles received a verbal pledge from the state’s top ranked recruit, Warren Easton wide receiver Tyron Johnson. The six-foot-one, 190-pounder, caught 94 passes for 1,589 yards and 17 touchdowns this past season.

On the hardwood, five-star and the second ranked shooting guard in the country, Antonio Blakeney announced his plans to play at LSU. He joins the number one prospect in the country, Ben Simmons in LSU’s 2015 class.

The Pelicans had no trouble at all with the Rockets last night as New Orleans defeated Houston 111-83. Ryan Anderson had 22 points and Tyreke Evans chipped in with 21 points. Anthony Davis had only seven points, but Houston shot just 40-percent from the field.

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Louisiana native and former Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron says if LSU wants to speak with him about coaching at LSU, he’ll listen. Football analyst Mike Detillier says Coach “O” has always had a great interest in working at LSU…
cut 14 (08) “…those titles”
NOLA-dot-com reports that former USC and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast is the favorite to replace John Chavis as the Tigers defensive coordinator.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has reportedly let three of his assistant coahces go, wide receivers coach Henry Ellard, tight ends coach Terry Malone and assistant secondary coach Andre Curtis. Still no word on defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s future with the team.

College hoops today…LSU hosts Savannah State, The Ragin Cajuns face Troy in the Cajundome and Louisiana Tech is at Southern Miss.

LSU Coach Les Miles has a big hire to make, now that defensive coordinator John Chavis has left for Texas A-and-M. Football insider Mike Detillier says there’s plenty of strong cadidates out there, including former USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast and Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele. Detillieve believes these individuals would be interested if Miles contacted them…
cut 13 (12) “….college football”
Louisiana native and former Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron says he would be interesting in joining LSU’s staff, if contacted by Miles.

Saints head coach Sean Payton has reportedly fired three of his assistant coaches. That’s according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Wide receivers coach Henry Ellard, tight ends coach Terry Malone and assistant secondary coach Andre Curtis.

In the NBA tonight…the Pelicans host the Houston Rockets. New Orleans is 10-and-4 at home this season, while the Rockets have lost four of their last seven. One of those losses was to New Orleans back on December 18th. Tip-off tonight is at 7 PM.

The LSU men’s basketball team has one more tune-up tomorrow night before they begin SEC play. The Tigers will host Savannah State at 6 PM. LSU has won seven in a row, while Savannah State has a record of just three and nine.

In other college hoops action tomorrow…the Ragin Cajuns will host Troy at 7:15. U-L Lafayette opened conference play last week with an overtime win over Arkansas Little Rock, while the Trojans lost its league opener to Texas State.

Louisiana Tech begins Conference USA play tomorrow night by visiting Southern Miss. The Bulldogs are seeking their third consecutive conference championship.

And Southland play also gets underway tomorrow…McNeese State hosts Stephen F Austin, Nicholls State is at Lamar and Northwestern State visits Houston Baptist.

Still waiting for an official announcement from Texas A-and-M about the hiring of John Chavis as the Aggies new defensive coordinator. But the Chief was seen with A-and-M Head Coach Kevin Sumlin in Texas yesterday. Meanwhile, LSU athletic director Joe Alleva says Chavis owes LSU 400-thousand dollars, because of a buyout that was part of his contract with the Tigers.

What a shocking result last night in the Mercedes Benz Superdome as Ohio State railled back from a 21-6 first half deficit to beat Alabama 42 to 35 and advance to the college football championship game against Oregon. Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns against Alabama’s defense, while Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims threw three interceptions.

Auburn also lost yesterday as Wisconsin beat the War Eagles 34-31 in overtime in the Outback Bowl. Missouri was a 33-17 winner over Minnesota in the Citrus Bowl.

LSU cornerback Jalen Mills announced on twitter that he’s entering the NFL draft. He becomes the second junior to leave LSU early, linebacker Kwon Alexander is the other. Collins was second on the team in passes defensed. Defensive back Jalen Mills will also reportedly enter the draft.

We’ll find out this afternoon if Warren Easton standout Tyron Johnson will give his verbal commitment to the Tigers. Johnson is playing in the Under Armour All-American Game at three PM in San Antonio. Johnson caught 94 passes and had 17 touchdowns for Easton this past season.

LSU men’s basketball could also receive a big verbal pledge today. Six-foot-four shooting guard Antonio Blackeney is expected to choose between LSU, Kentucky and Missouri today. He’s ranked as the second best shooting guard in the country, according to ESPN.

NBA tonight…the Pelicans will host the Houston Rockets. New Orleans will look to bounce back after a tough New Year’s Eve overtime loss to San Antonio.