New Orleans wide receiver Marques Colston says he’s ready for the upcoming season and he’ll continue to play at a high level. Colston, who has been in the NFL now for 8 season, is getting a lighter load at camp but the team says it’s not because he can’t do the work. The 31-year-old says he’s had to make some adjustments, but it doesn’t even feel like he’s entering year nine…:
CUT 1 (18) “getting it done”
Colston spent last season recovering from a foot injury but says camp so far this year has been a completely different experience now that he’s been able to rest and enter camp feeling healthy. Camp at the Greenbrier in West Virginia continues this morning and tomorrow before the black and gold get the day off Sunday.

The 2014 USA Today preseason college football coaches poll was released Thursday and LSU will begin the season ranked No. 13. Florida State tops the poll and Alabama is at the No. 2 spot. In all seven SEC teams are ranked. Five of the Tigers regular season opponents made the rankings including Wisconsin at No. 14. The Badgers and The Bayou Bangles meet in Houston for the August 30th season opener. LSU players report Sunday and fall camp begins Monday.

Louisiana Lafayette got 12 votes in the coaches poll, the 15th most among those receiving votes.

Speaking of the Ragin’ Cajuns, the Sun Belt basketball schedules were released Thursday. UL-Lafayette opens league play with a road game against Arkansas-Little Rock on December 30th then return to play Troy in the SBC opener on January 3rd.

In the MLB, former LSU star right-hander Anthony Ranaudo of the Red Sox is scheduled to make his major league debut in Boston against the New York Yankees today. In 21 starts at Triple-A Pawtucket, Ranaudo was 12-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 119.1 innings.

Former Saints Safety Steve Gleason is being inducted into his Alma mater’s athletic Hall of Fame. Washington State University announced Thursday that Gleason will be the lone member of the halls 2014 class and will be honored in an in-game ceremony during a home football game in the fall.

The Saints first training camp practice of the 2014 season took place this morning in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. All-pro tight end Jimmy Graham was on the practice field for the first time since agreeing to a four-year, 40-million dollar contract. Graham missed all of the off-season workouts as he stayed away from the team during negotiations for a long-term contract. Coach Sean Payton has no problems with how the sitatuion was handled.
cut 17 (21) “…this training camp”
Newly acquired safety Jarius Byrd did not participate in team drills today. He  was at practice, but he’s still recovering from back surgery. Payton says they expect Byrd to return sooner than later.

Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks have reached an agreement to carry the SEC Network when it launches on August 14th. With the addition of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, the SEC Network will be available to about 60-million households nationwide. But there’s still no agreement with either Direct TV or Charter Cable.

The Pelicans have officially announced the signing of guard Jimmer Fredette. The BYU product holds a career average of seven points a game and he’s shot 40-percent from three-point territory. New Orleans has also finalized a deal with former Florida Gator Patric Young. The six-foot-nine, undrafated free agent, averaged seven points and eight rebounds a game for the Pelicans Summer League team.

The Pels also have announced they’ve re-signed free agent forward Darius Miller. New Orleans selected the former Kentucky standout in the second round of the 2012 NBA draft. Last season he averaged four points a game.

The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected to descend on the coastal town to enjoy the festivities. Scott Carwile has more…
cut 1 (35) :…reporting”

The 2014 NFL season gets underway today for the Black and Gold as they hold their first training camp practice at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The New Orleans defense made great strides last year, but Coach Sean Payton says there’s still room for improvement, especially when it comes to turnovers…:
CUT 16 (13) “to form”
Tight end Jimmy Graham will be on the field with his teammates for the first time since the playoff loss to Seattle.

The New Orleans Pelicans announce they’ve signed guard Jimmer Fredette and center Patric Young. Fredette has a career average 6.9 points and 1.9 assists in 14.6 minutes per game over three seasons with the Sacramento and Chicago. Young averaged 8.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 24.3 minutes per game with the University of Florida.

The Saints are settling into their temporary West Virginia home for the start of  training camp. Matthew Doyle has the story…:
CUT 2 (33) “reporting”

The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected descend on coastal town to enjoy the festivities. Anglers from across the area will compete to see who can catch the biggest fish in a number of categories. Property tax clerk for the town of Grand Isle, Bonnie Pizani (piz-annie), says there’s a lot more going on than just fishing…:
CUT 4 (12) “this year”
Grand Isle bills the rodeo, which runs through Saturday, as “the oldest fishing tournament in the United States”.

In the MLB today former LSU star right-hander Kevin Gausman will start on the mound for the Baltimore Orioles when they take on the Seattle Mariners today.

It’s reporting day for the Saints as players were expected to report to the team’s training camp facility in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The team will prepare for the upcoming season at the Greenbrier resort. They’ll spend three weeks there. They have three brand new football fields to work on and there’s plenty of meeting rooms. The first practice is tomorrow morning.

Elsewhere in the NFL….the Falcons have signed wide receiver Roddy White to a three-year contract extension, which will keep White with the Falcons for the next four seasons. White is 32-years-old and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, but last year he was limited by a high-ankle sprain and hamstring injury.

And former John Ehret Star Reggie Wayne showed up to Colts training camp driving a two-seat Indy Car. Wayne says he did it, because he wants Indianapolis to get off to a fast start this season. Wayne will have to prove himself this season as he’s 35-years-old and coming off an ACL injury.

Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks have reached an agreement to carry the SEC Network when it launches on August 14th. With the addition of Time Warne Cable and Bright House Networks, the SEC Network will be available to about 60-million households nationwide. But there’s still no agreement with either Direct TV or Charter.

In a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors, Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland Conference. The Lions won the Southland last season and Head Coach Ron Roberts believes the Lions can do it again…
CUT 18 (19) “basis”
McNeese State is picked to finish second, Northwestern State fifth and Nicholls State is projected to come in ninth place.

The Colonels are coming off a four and eight season. Head Coach Charlie Stubbs says Nicholls goes into the season with Tuskani Figaro as its starting quarterback, but Breaux Hebert and Kalen Henderson will also compete for the job.

In Lake Charles, Cowboys Coach Matt Viator has to find a replacement for Cody Stroud, who threw for nearly 3-thousand yards and 28 touchdowns last season. Former Kansas State QB Daniel Sams goes into camp as the favorite to win the starting QB job.

Today’s reporting day for the Saints as training camp will get underway tomorrow. The team will spend the first three weeks of training camp in West Virginia at the Greenbrier Resort. The 55-thousand square foot training facility has three practice fields. Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis will speak with reporters later today.

Former LSU Tiger Tyrann Mathieu will watch the start of training camp from the sidelines as the Cardinals put the dynamic defensive back on the physically unable to perform list. Mathieu is still recovering from a major knee injury last December. There’s no timetable on when he’ll return.

In news out of the NFC South…the Falcons announced they’ve signed wide receiver Roddy White to a three-year contract extension, which will keep White with the Falcons for the next four seasons. White is 32-years-old and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, but last year he was limited by a high-ankle sprain and hamstring injury.

Second year Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz told reporters at Conference USA Media Day that he expects a better season this year after going four and eight in 2013. Holtz says they have more speed at the wide receiver position and some new additions on defense, like defensive end Houston Bates, who is a transfer from Illinois….
cut 17 (15) “….football team”
Louisiana Tech opens the season against Oklahoma on August 30th.

Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland. That’s according to polls of the league’s coaches and sports information directors. Lions Head Coach Ron Roberts likes the idea that his team will have a bulls eye on their chest this season….
cut 19 (20) “…2014”
McNeese State has been picked to finish second in the Southland race. Northwestern State fifth place and Nicholls State ninth place.

LSU freshman defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao (Lay-ah-lah-ee-mahta-fow) has been released from the hospital after being treated for a cut in his arm he got from punching in a window at the school’s weight room on Monday according to multiple sources. Officials say he will remain on the team.

In a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors, Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland Conference. The Lions won the Southland last season as they were a perfect 7-and-0 in the league. S-L-U Head Coach Ron Roberts is a strong believer that his team can re-peat as Southland champs…:
CUT 18 (19) “basis”
McNeese State is picked to finish second, Northwestern State fifth and Nicholls State is projected to come in ninth place.

LSU freshman defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao (Lay-ah-lah-ee-mahta-fow) has been released from the hospital after being treated for a cut in his arm he got from punching in a window at the school’s weight room on Monday according to multiple sources. Officials say he will remain on the team.

Former St. Augustine star and LSU-bound running back Leonard Fournette has become the first person on the basis of his high school accomplishments, to receive the Corbett Award — designating him Louisiana’s outstanding male amateur athlete for the past year. Louisiana-Lafayette pitcher Chrsitina Hamilton is the female honoree.

At Conference USA Media Day, Louisiana Tech Head Skip Holtz told reporters the Bulldogs will be better season this year, after going four and eight last season. Tech’s offense struggled last year, averaging just 19 points a game. But Holtz says they have more speed at the wide receiver position with the addition of former West Monroe star Paul Turner…:
CUT 16 (18) “as well”

The New Orleans Saints report to football camp in West Virginia today and the Black and Gold nation is already stocking up on their gear for the mega-hyped 2014 season. Lauren “FleurtyGirl” LeBlanc is the owner of a popular Saints fan shop in New Orleans…:
CUT 4 (08) “what they’re coming in for”
LeBlanc says even though the Saints aren’t practicing in Metairie this year, it’s not stopping the merchandise from flying off the shelves.

NFL training camps are opening across the country. Saints players are scheduled to report to the team’s new training camp facility in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia by tomorrow Most of the players were seen rolling into town today. Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis are scheduled to address the media tomorrow afternoon.

In Arizona, the Cardinals have announced former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu will start camp on the physically unable to perform list. Mathieu is still rehabbing a serious knee injury that took place last December. There is some concern that the Honey Badger will not be when the regular season starts.

Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to win the Southland Conference. That’s accoring to a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors. McNeese State is picked to finish second, Northwestern State fifth and Nicholls State is projected to come in ninth place.

Expectations are not overly high in Monroe for the Warhawks football team. ULM is picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt, but head coach Todd Berry says they can surprise some people if they stay healthy…
cut 19 (17) “…be sidelined”
The Warhawks begin the season on Thursday August 28th at home against Wake Forest.

The Pelicans Anthony Davis says he’s excited about the acquisition of Omer Asik. Davis says Asik will help his game a lot, because he likes playing power forward instead of center.

College basketball….Ragin Cajuns shooting Kevin Brown told his followers on twitter that he’s transferring to UNO. Brown started 13 games for the Cajuns last season and averaged 5.5 poitns a game. He’ll be able to play right away for the Privateers as a graduate student.

We are 38 days away from the first Saturday in college football. On that day, the preseason favorites in the Sun Belt, the Ragin Cajuns will host Southern, who is expected to win the SWAC West Division. When these two teams met in 2009, 41-thousand attended the game at Cajun Field. UL Lafayette Head Coach Mark Hudspeth is expecting a bigger crowd this time…
cut 17 (20) “…to town”

The Southland Conference Media Days are being held in Lake Charles today. According to a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors, Southeastern Louisiana is expected to finish the league. McNeese State finished second in the polls.

Most of the Saints players will arrive today at the team’s training camp facility in West Virginia. They are required to report tomorrow and the first practice is set for Friday. Two players have been added to the roster. Nose tackle Tyrone Ezell and linebacker Marcus Thompson. Ezell played at the University of Pittsburgh, while Thompson is an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers.

Today, Quarterback Drew Brees is serving as a honorary mayor for Comfort, Texas, as a part of a promotion with Wrangler Jeans. Brees has told reports that he’s excited the Saints and tight end Jimmy Graham have agreed to a long-term contract.

Some sad news to report out of the NFL,…former Cowboys fullback Robert Newhouse has passed away. Newhouse had been battling cancer and died at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota at the age of 64. Newhouse rushed for nearly five thousand yards and 31 touchdowns and helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl 10.

In Major League Baseball Action…former Ragin Cajuns star Jonathan Lucroy hit two home runs to help the Brewers beat the Reds four to three. Lucroy’s second home run was in walk-off fashion.

Former LSU Tiger Aaron Hill drove three runs last night as the Diamondbacks beat the Tigers five to four.

And the Pelicans Anthony Davis he’s excited about the acquisition of Omer Asik. Davis says As\ik will help his game a lot, because he likes playing power forward instead of center.

At Sun Belt Media Day yesterday at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, Ragin Cajuns head coach Mark Hudspeth answered questions about being the preseason favorite to win the conference. He says he’s already told his players be prepared to receive every team’s best effort…:
CUT 16 (16) “on the road”
The Cajuns begin their season August 30th against Southern.

ULM’s season will get underway Thursday August 28th, with a home game against A-C-C member Wake Forecast. The Warhawks will also travel to three SEC schools, LSU, Kentucky and Texas A-and-M. Head Coach Todd Berry says the Sun Belt schedule will also be tough…:
CUT 18 (15) “more ready”
The Warhawks are picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt.

The LSU freshman football player who injured his arm this week in the school’s weight room might not be able to play this season according to reports. Assistant editor of Tiger Rag magazine, Robert Stewart, says based on what they’ve been able to gather — defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao (Lay-ah-lah-ee-mahta-fow), punched a window at the LSU football facility…:
CUT 6 (08) “his arm”
Stewart says the six foot, 300 pound defensive tackle has a long road of recovery ahead. No word on what lead to the punching of the window.

The Saints signed a two undrafted rookies Tuesday. Linebacker Marcus Thompson and nose tackle Tyrone Ezell are on the team’s training camp roster. Thompson is from Rutgers and had 5.5 sacks last season. Ezell started 12 games and was a captain at the University of Pittsburgh last season. Meanwhile, nose tackle John Jenkins has been placed on the physically unable to perform list. Jenkins reportedly had surgery on his pectoral muscle.

The 2014 Southland Conference Football Media Day gets underway this morning at the L’auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles. We’ll hear from our Louisiana coaches and players at Nicholls State, Northwestern St., Southeastern and McNeese. Also as part of the day’s events, the 2014 Southland Football Preseason Polls will be released this morning.

The Saints signed a couple of undrafted rookies today. Linebacker Marcus Thompson and nose tackle Tyrone Ezell are on the team’s training camp roster. Thompson is from Rutgers and had 5.5 sacks last season. Ezell started 12 games and was a captain at the University of Pittsburgh last season. Meanwhile, nose tackle John Jenkins has been placed on the physically unable to perform list. Jenkins reportedly had surgery on his pectoral muscle.

LSU freshman defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao has been recovering today after severely cutting his arm when he punched a window in the team’s weight room. Assistant editor of Tiger Rag Magazine, Robert Stewart, says it appears Trey has a long road of recovery ahead of him…
cut 8 (07) “….gonna have”
Trey said on twitter this has been a learning experience and he’s thankful to be alive. LSU has not said what provoked the incident.

Sun Belt Media Day took place today in New Orleans. ULM Head Football Coach Todd Berry was one of the first to stand at the podium and answer questions. Berry says the offense will have a different look now that quarterback Kolton Browning has graduated….
cut 30 (18) “…we’re excited about that”
The Warhawks were picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt this season, according to a poll of the league’s coaches. ULM’s first game is Thursday August 28th against Wake Forest.

The LSU baseball team’s 2015 schedule is already out. It all starts with a three-game series against Kansas on February 13th. Coach Paul Mainieri says his team will be challenged right away…
cut 18 (18) “….to the wire”
LSU will also travel to Houston’s Minute Maid Park to play in the Houston College Classic. The three teams they are scheduled to play are Houston, Nebraska, and Baylor. The Tigers SEC schedule begins March 13th at home against Ole Miss.