Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson has released a statement expressing his disappointment over the lawsuit filed by his daughter and two grandchildren claiming he’s mentally unfit to change a succession plan that puts Benson’s wife, Gayle, in control of both professional franchises once he dies. As far as that lawsuit goes claiming Beson is incapacitated, Legal analyst Tim Meche says the plantiffs will have to prove Benson is not capable of making decisions on his own…
cut 14 (11) “….bring to the table”
The lawsuit also paints Benson’s wife as a gold digger.

The Pelicans Anthony Davis has been named a starter in the NBA All-Star game. First one to do that from New Orleans since Chris Paul did it in 2011. The Pels are at Minnesota tonight.

The NFL Pro Bowl Game is this Sunday. Saints tight end Jimmy Graham tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune he’ll use this game to determine whether he’ll need surgery on his shoulder.

In college basketball…Louisiana Tech lost its first Conference USA Game of the season on Saturday as the Bulldogs lost to North Texas 73-66. Tech trailed at halftime by 21 points. U-L-M’s six-game winning streak was snapped last night as they fell to Texas-Arlington 61-57. And the Ragin Cajuns ended a three-game losing streak with a 96-59 victory over Arkansas State.

Full squad practices begin today for college baseball teams. The LSU Tigers are ranked ninth in the Division One-Baseball-dot-com’s preseason ranking. One of there writers, Aaron Fitt, says LSU’s pitching staff is talented, but young and inexperienced…
cut 17 (10) “…those guys”
It’s possible two of the three weekend starters will be freshmen for the Tigers.

A day after Saints owner Tom Benson, who is 87, announced his wife will assume ownership of the Saints and Pelicans when he dies, his former heir files suit claiming her grandfather is incapacitated. Rita Benson LeBlanc, her mother Renee Benson and brother Ryan LeBlanc filed the petition in Orleans Civil District Court. Legal analyst Tim Meche…

cut 13 (12) “she has a chance”

Meche says they will have to prove that Tom Benson is not capable of making decisions on his own. Tom Benson says he is extremely disappointed by the lawsuit.

An M-R-I has revealed that Lakers star Kobe Bryant suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder in the second half of Wednesday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s not clear how long Bryant will be out. The Pelicans visit the Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow night.

College baseball teams can begin full squad workouts today and for the LSU Tigers they enter the season ranked ninth in the country according to Division One-Baseball-dot-com. One of there writers, Aaron Fitt, says LSU’s line-up has the potential to score a lot of runs this year

cut 16 (14) “last year”

Fitt says LSU has a talented pitching staff, but they are young and inexperienced.

In Sun Belt hoops action, UL-Lafayette ended their three game losing streak with a 96-59 beat down of Arkansas State. Shawn Long lead the way for the Cajuns with 27 points. ULM’s six game winning streak came to an end last night with a 61-57 loss to Texas-Arlington. The Warhawks remain a half game ahead of Georgia Southern for first place in the conference.

In Conference USA, North Texas scored 49 first half points as they handed Louisiana Tech its first conference loss, 73-66.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson announces ownership of both teams will transfer to his wife, Gayle, upon his death. Eric Gill reports…
cut 1 (30) “…reporting”

Rita Benson Leblanc is fighting back, as she’s filed a lawsuit in Orleans Civil Court claiming that Tom Benson is incapiciated and not mentally fit to decide succession plans. In the suit, the former heirs claim Mr Benson has been heavily medicated, because of failing health.

An M-R-I has revealed that Lakers star Kobe Bryant suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder in the second half of last night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s not clear how long Bryant will be out. The Pelicans are off tonight as they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow night.

In college basketball tonight…U-L-M looks for its seventh straight win as they host Texas-Arlington, who they beat earlier this season in overtime. Warhawks Coach Keith Richard expects another close game tonight…
cut 18 (12) “…to win”
Tip-off tonight is at seven o’ clock.

The Ragin Cajuns are also home tonight. U-L Lafayette looks to snap a three-game losing streak when they face Arkansas State. And Louisiana Tech looks to improve to 6-and-0 in Conference USA action as they visit North Texas.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has laid out a new succession plan and it does not include his granddaughter Rita Benson Leblanc. Instead, his wife Gayle, will take control of the Saints and Pelicans, when Tom Benson dies. The voice of the Saints. Jim Henderson, says this had to be an agonizing decision for Benson to make…
cut 3 (10) “…a rough one”
Benson says the reason for his decision is about laying the foundation for the Organiziation to continue to be successful.

Benson’s Pelicans won last night, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 96-80. Anthony Davis scored 20 of his 29 points in the second half. The win puts New Orleans back at the five-hundred mark at 21-and-21. And they’ll be without point guard Jrue Holiday for the next two to four weeks because of a stress reaction in his right leg.

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has confirmed that former Dolphins general Jeff Ireland has joined the Saints’ front office. Ireland doesn’t have an official title yet, but he is expected to oversee college scouting and help in other areas of the organiziation. Not only is Ireland a former general manager, but he’s also worked as a scout with the Chiefs and Cowboys. Loomis says Ireland has done some great work in the NFL…
cut 20 (18) “….good fit”

In college football…Louisiana Tech has named Rick Petri as its new defensive line coach. He held the same job at Duke over the last four seasons, helping the Blue Devils win 28 games during that span. He was also was an assistant coach for the Bulldogs in 1992.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson says, when he dies, ownership of both teams will to to his wife, Gayle, and not his granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc. It was expected that Benson’s granddaughter would succeed him in leading the two teams. Benson said this change in plan is necessary for the long-term success of both the football and basketball team. Benson LeBlanc’s offices at team headquarters have been vacated.

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has confirmed the hiring of former Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland. Ireland’s exact title with the Saints has not been determined, but Loomis says he’ll be involved in college and pro scouting and assist in other areas within the front office. He says Ireland will be able to provide fresh ideas

cut 19 (12) “more efficient”

To make room for Ireland in the front office, the team fired director of college scouting Rick Reiprish, who had been with the Black and Gold since the 2004 season.

ULM takes a six-game winning streak into tonight’s home game against Texas-Arlington. Defense has been the key to the Warhawks success, as they are allowing just 60 points a game and opponents are shooting 37-percent from the field. U-L-M Coach Keith Richard credits the size and length they have in the front court…

cut 17 (07) “some shots”

The Mavericks come into tonight’s game with a 10-and-7 record. The Warhawks sit atop the Sun Belt standings.

Also tonight, UL-Lafayette will try to snap their three-game losing streak as they host Arkansas State. And Louisiana Tech will try to stay perfect in Conference USA as they travel to face North Texas.

Anthony Davis returned from a toe injury last night and lead the Pelicans to a 96-80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Smoothie King Center. Davis scored 29 points in his return and Tyreke Evans added 19, while Eric Gordon pumped in 17. The Pels are 21-21 and four games behind Phoenix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

One of the top high school football prospects announced his decision to play at LSU today. Riverdale defensive back Donte Jackson chose the Tigers over Georgia and U-S-C. Football analyst Mike Detillier says Jackson is a great talent…:
CUT 9 (10) “in flight”
The five-foot-eleven cornerback from New Orleans had five interceptions in his senior and played well in the U-S Army All-American Bowl. Jackson is expected to sign with the Tigers on National Signing Day which is February. Detillier says LSU’s 2015 recruiting class also features a couple of other outstanding defensive backs in Kevin Toliver and Xavier Lewis.

In high school football coaching news…East St. John has named Alden Foster as their new head coach. Foster led the Amite Warriors to the Class Three-A Championship this past season.

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the hiring of former Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland and the firing Rick Reiprish, who was the director of college scouting. Loomis made the comments after watching practice at the Senior Bowl in Miami…
cut 30 (28) “….Super Bowl”
Loomis added that the organization was in need of some fresh ideas.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis is expected to play tonight against Lakers after missing the last three games, because of a sprained left toe. And Kobe Bryant is also expected to play tonight after missing the last two games to rest his 36-year-old body. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

The Saints have reportedly added former Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland to their front office. Based on reports, Ireland will handle college scouting. The Saints fired Director of College Scouting Rick Reiprish, yesterday. There’s also been an addition to the coaching staff, based on media reports. Dennis Allen will serve as an assistant on defense, working with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Allen was with the Saints from 2006 to 2010. He left to become the Broncos defensive coordinator and served as a head coach for the Raiders in 2011.

And one other Black and Gold note, running back Mark Ingram has been added to the Pro Bowl roster. Ingram takes the place of Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.

LSU announces that all 56 regular season baseball games can viewed on either SEC Network-plus, which is on the internet, or on ESPN’s family of TV channels. That includes ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN-U and the SEC Network. Seven games are also set to appear on C-S-T.

Jordan Mickey’s double-double helped propel LSU past Florida 79-61 in Gainesville. Mickey scored 14 points and pulled down 10 boards in the win. Jarell Martin lead all scorers with 22. The Tigers are now 14-4 and 3-2 league record has them sitting in a tie for third in the SEC. LSU heads to Nashville Saturday for a matchup with Vanderbilt.

It was a busy night in the Southland Conference. Another double-double performance, this one by John Jordan to lead Texas A&M-Corpus Christi over Northwestern State 88-76. Jordan had 22 points and 11 assists as the Islanders have now won five of their last six. Northwestern guard Zeke Woodley lead all scorers with 24. The Demons are 3-3 in conference play and will host McNeese St. Saturday.

Speaking of the Cowboys, they picked up their first Southland Conference win last night when they upended Abilene Christian 63-56. Desharick Guidry lead McNeese with 21 points and 16 rebounds. The Cowboys improve to 7-9 on the season.

And Sam Houston remains perfect in conference play after a 62-39 shellacking of Nicholls State.

The Saints have reportedly added former Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland to their front office. Based on reports, Ireland will handle college scouting. There’s also been an addition to the coaching staff, based on media reports. Dennis Allen will serve as an assistant on defense, working with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Allen was with the Saints from 2006 to 2010. He left to become the Broncos defensive coordinator and served as a head coach for the Raiders in 2011.

And one other Black and Gold note, running back Mark Ingram has been added to the Pro Bowl roster. Ingram takes the place of Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.

LSU says 53 of the 56 regular season baseball games can viewed on either SEC Network-plus, which is on the internet, or on ESPN’s family of TV channels. That includes ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN-U and the SEC Network. Seven games are also set to appear on C-S-T.

The LSU men’s basketball team will battle Florida tonight. The Tigers are trying to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time this year. They blew a double-digit lead to Texas A-and-M on Saturday and suffered gut-wrenching loss. Coach Johnny Jones…
cut 30 (12) “…do that”
Tip-off in Gainesville is at 6 PM.

ULM is in first place in the Sun Belt with a 6-and-1 record. The Warhawks defeated the Ragin Cajuns last night for their sixth straight victory. U-L-M will host Texas Arlington tomorrow night and then Georgia Southern on Saturday.

The Pelicans are back home tomorrow night after a two-and-three road trip. They host the Lakers and Anthony Davis is listed as probable to play after missing the last two games with a sprained toe.

The Saints have reportedly added Dennis Allen back to their coaching staff. Allen was an assistant under coach Sean Payton from 2006 to 2010. He left to become the defensive coordinator of the Broncos and he later served as head coach of the Raiders. It’s been reported that Allen will work with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

The Saints have also reportedly hired former Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland to do college scouting. And one other Black and Gold note, running back Mark Ingram is heading to the Pro Bowl. He replaces Seawhawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who is getting ready to play in the Super Bowl.

In the NBA…the New York Knicks ended their 16-game losing streak by beating the Pelicans 99-92 last night. Baton Rouge native Langston Galloway had 21 points for the Knicks, while the Pels, who were without the injured Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday, were led by Tyreke Evans’ 23 points.

Big win for ULM in Lafayette last night as the Warhawks defeated the Ragin Cajuns 57-55 for their sixth consecutive win. Tylor Ongwae led the way with 13 points. U-L-M is now six-and-one in the Sun Belt, while the Cajuns fall to four and three. Shawn Long had 19 points in a losing effort.

The LSU men’s basketball team is in action tonight as they visit Florida. The Tigers are trying to bounce back from a tough loss to Texas A-and-M on Saturday. In that game, LSU led the Aggies by 13 points in the second half, but still ended up losing. Florida is 3-and-1 in league play.

The LHSAA begins holding a series of meetings today in advance of their annual convention which takes place at the end of the month. Up for discussion is the future of high school football. There’s several proposals on changing the format of the playoffs, including a suggestion to have public and private schools compete with each other again. But there’s also a proposal to split the playoffs in basketball, baseball and softball as well.

No one is playing better basketball in the state than the U-L-M Warhawks. They won their sixth straight last night as they went into the Cajundome and walked away with a 57-55 victory over U-L Lafayette. Tylor Ongwae had 13 points for U-L-M, while Shawn Long had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Cajuns, who have lost three straight.

In other college hoops action…Lamar dribbled past Southeastern Louisiana 57-50 and Stephen F Austin downed UNO 79-54. Southern routed Mississippi Valley 79-55 and Grambling fell to Prairie View 74-60. Tonight, LSU is at Florida, trying to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time this year.

The Pelicans completed a five-game road trip last night by losing to the New York Knicks, who ended a 16-game losing streak. New Orleans was without injured starters Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday in the 99-92 loss. The Pels went two-and-three on the trip and New Orleans hosts the Lakers on Wednesday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that former Raiders head coach and Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is returning to the Saints coaching staff. Allen was with the Saints from 2006 to 2010. It’s unclear what role he’ll have on the coaching staff, but Schefter says he’ll work with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Also, Saints running back Mark Ingram has been added to the Pro Bowl roster. He’ll take the place of Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.

Former Saints player Steve Gleason is Senator David Vitter’s guest tonight for President Obama’s State of the Union Address. Gleason, who is battling A-L-S, will also get to meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell to discuss bringing more attention to the disease.

Former Ragin Cajuns baseball star Jonathan Lucroy will also attend the State of the Union. The Milwaukee Brewers catcher has been very involved in charities that support military families in Wisconsin.