The executive committee of the louisiana High School Officials Association is set to meet tomorrow as referees across the state are planning to go on strike. The association’s president Paul LaRosa says they are seeking signed contracts with schools that stipulate pay and other conditions, including security at games. LaRosa says officials are tired of promises of more pay, which is why a work stoppage maybe necessary…
cut 30 (09) “…our officials”
LaRosa says officials have only received two pay raises in the last 25 years, but a story in the Baton Rouge Advocate reports football refs have received five pay raises since 1990-91.

Tonight at John L Guidry Stadium at Nicholls State it’s the Iberiabank Air-it-Out and Papa John’s quarterback challenge, which is the marquee event of the Manning Passing Academy.

LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith and safety Jalen Mills are on the Bronco Nagurski Watch List, which goes to the defensive player of the year. Louisiana Tech defensive back Xavier Woods is also on the Nagurski Trophy Watch List, while ULM defensive lineman Gerrand Johnson was named to both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List and the Outland Trophy.

In the NBA….former LSU Tiger Jarell Martin has signed with the Grizzlies. Memphis drafted Martin in the first round last month after he averaged 14 points and seven rebounds last season at LSU.

The Pelicans have signed their first free agent of the offseason that wasn’t one of their own. Small forward Alonzo Gee has agreed to a two-year deal with New Orleans. The 28-year-old has averaged seven points a game during his career. He split time with Denver and Portland last season.

The Pelicans opened their summer league schedule by beating Milwaukee 101-89 in Las Vegas. Seth Curry scored 30 points. The former Duke star was 10-of-11 from the free throw line.