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.

Based on all media reports, LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis has agreed to a three-year contract with Texas A-and-M to become the new defensive coordinator for the Aggies. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says one possible candidate to replace Chavis is former Ole Miss head coach and Louisiana native Ed Orgeron…
cut 30 (06) “….defensive line coach’
It’s been reported that LSU has reached out to former USC defensive coordiantor Clancy Pendergast. He’s also been a defensive coordinator on the NFL level, including a stint with the Arizona Cardinals, when they went to the Super Bowl in the 2008 season.

LSU linebacker Kwon Alexander is heading to the NFL. He announced on twitter that he’ll forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. Alexander was LSU’s leading tackler this past season. There’s also speculation defensive back Jalen Collins will turn pro.

It was a really tough loss for the Pelicans last night in San Antonio. They had a two point lead with less than a second left in regulation. The Spurs inbounded, trying to get the ball to Tim Duncan, but the ball hit off of the Pelicans Omer Asik’s hand and through the hoop to tie the game. New Orleans went on to lose 95-93 in overtime, despite 21 points and 12 rebounds from Anthony Davis. The Pels host the Rockets tomorrow night.

In college hoops yesterday…Northwestern State beat Louisiana college 94-68. Five players were in double figures for the Demons, who were led by Zeek Woodley’s 20 points. Also yesterday,,,,Tulane topped East Carolina 67-59, Jonathan Stark had 22 points to lead the Green Wave.

In the NFL, after five seasons, former Saints head coach Jim Haslett is no longer the defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins. And the Saints have signed defensive back Kenny Phillips to their offseason roster. He’s a former first round pick, but hasn’t played the last two seasons because of knee injuries.

Numerous media outlets are reporting LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is leaving for the same job at Texas A-and-M. Chavis has been LSU’s defensive coordinator the last six years and made one-point-three million dollars this past season. LSU offered him a new contract, but Tiger Rag Assistant editor James Moran says the Aggies are willing to pay “The chief” a higher annual salary…
cut 13 (08) “…over the top”
It’s been reported the Aggies are willing to give “Chief” a 400-thousand dollar raise. Coach Les Miles was asked about losing Chavis to an SEC West rival….
cut 15 (14) “…play like hell”

Not much of a surprise here, but LSU linebacker Kwon Alexander announced on a social media site that he’s forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. Alexander led the Tigers in tackles this past season and forced two fumbles.

In college bowl action today…TCU thumped Ole Miss 42-3 to finish the season 12-and-1. The Rebels end the 2014 campaign with a 9-and-4 record. They had just 139 yards of total offense today.

In NFL news…Former Saints head coach Jim Haslett is out of a job. Haslett has worked as the defensive coordinator for the Redskins since 2010, but the two sides have decided to part ways.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are at San Antonio tonight. New Orleans already owns two victories this season over the defending champs. They beat the Spurs last Friday in the Smoothie King Center and won in San Antonio on November 8th. Tip-off tonight is at 6 PM.

The John Chavis watch is on. Will he return to Baton Rouge and remain LSU’s defensive coordinator or will he take the same job at Texas A-and-M. Following the Tigers loss to Notre Dame in yesterday’s Music City Bowl, Coach Les Miles spoke about the “Chief” in the past tense…
cut 14 (13) “…to say”
Chavis and Miles reportedly met last night and it’s also been reported Chavis did not return with the team to Baton Rouge, on its chartered flight. Instead, he went to his home in Tennessee, where he’ll think more about the decision he has to make.

Former Saints Head Coach Jim Haslett is looking for a new job. Haslett has been the defensive coordinator for the Redskins the last five seasons, but Washington and Haslett have decided to part ways.

Tyreke Evans led all scorers with 24 points as the Pelicans defeated Phoenix 110 to 106 last night at the Smoothie King Center. Jrue Holiday added 21 points and six assists, while Anthony Davis had 19 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. New Orleans is at San Antonio tonight.

McNeese State scored the first eight points last night and never looked back as it easily defeated Mississippi State 66 to 47. It’s only the fourth time ever that the Cowboys have defeated a team from the SEC.

The Ragin Cajuns began Sun Belt play with an 83-79 overtime win over Arkansas Little Rock last night. Shawn Long led the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Kasey Shepherd added 20 points and five assists. Shepherd also drained four three-pointers.

U-L-M fell to Georgia State 65-45. The Warhawks led by three at halftime, but were outscored 20-1 during a portion of the second-half.

Kyle Brindza’s 32-yard field goal as time expired lifted Notre Dame to a 31-28 victory over LSU in yesterday’s Music City Bowl in Nashville. However, Tiger Freshman running back Leonard Fournette did impress. Fournette rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns, including an 89 yarder. He also returned a kickoff 100 yards for a score. LSU ends their season with an 8-5 record.

The game may not be the only thing LSU loses as it’s also possible they are losing their very successful defensive coordinator. Reports indicate that John Chavis will leave LSU for the same job at Texas A-and-M. Chavis spoke with reporters after the game, but didn’t want to talk about his future…

cut 13 (10) “okay”

But it’s been reported the Aggies are willing to give “Chief” a 400-thousand dollar raise.

The Pelicans held off the Phoenix Suns last night, 110-106. Tyreke Evans lead all scorers with 24 and Jrue Holiday added 21 as the Pels end the Suns six game winning streak. The Pelicans travel to take on San Antonio tonight.

In college basketball, McNeese State shot 52-percent from the field, including 8 out of 17 three pointers, as they upset Mississippi State last night 66-47. Senior Desharick Guidry pumped in 20 points as the Cowboys win for the first time the ever in Starkville. McNeese improves to 6-5 and will host Stephen F. Austin Saturday night.

In the Sun Belt, UL-Lafayette opened their conference schedule with an 83-79 overtime win over Arkansas-Little Rock. Junior Shawn Long scored 23 and guard Kasey Shepherd threw in 20 for the Ragin Cajuns, who never trailed in overtime. UL-Lafayette improves to 7-5.

ULM’s Sun Belt schedule started off a little rocky as the Warhawks were crushed by Georgia State, 65-45. Not a single ULM player scored in double figures, as they were lead by Jamaal Samuel’s nine points. The Warhawks sit at 6-6 on the season.

LSU and Notre Dame are tied at 28 in the 4th quarter. Leonard Fournette has three touchdowns, including a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

The Pelicans play their final home game of the 2014 calendar year as they host the Phoenix Suns. Antony Davis enters this contest, averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots a game. The Suns are red hot as they’ve won six in a row and they lead the Pels by two games for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Sun Belt play begins tonight and the Cajuns and Warhawks are both on the road. U-L-M is at Sun Belt preseason favorite Georgia State. The Warhawks are five and two all-time against the Panthers. U-L Lafayette visits Arkansas Little Rock. The Cajuns should be able to score at will, they are averaging 82 points a game, while the Trojans are allowing a league worst 71 points a game.

Also tonight…McNeese State is at Mississippi State. Nicholls State hosts Spring Hill. Last night it was LSU 87-67 over Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech defeated Southern Arkansas 75-57.