WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Former Saint, LSU star Randall Gay arrested Play Video

  May 9, 2013 10:19 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Police arrested former LSU Tiger football player and New Orleans Saint Randall Gay after they said he was involved in an altercation at a Baton Rouge bar. Police confirmed to News 2 Gay was in an altercation last night outside the bar near Perkins Road and... more »

• Judge to LSU's Hill: no bars, be home at 9 p.m.

  May 7, 2013 3:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A judge was forceful with LSU running back Jeremy Hill, telling him not to go to bars and also setting up a curfew. Judge Bonnie Jackson told Hill Tuesday "not to go to any bars... anywhere." Hill will also be under a curfew from 9 p.m.... more »

• Smoke shop's suggestive ad features the Honey Badger Play Video

  May 6, 2013 10:55 PM

  PHOENIX- A head shop owner said he doesn't mean any harm by an advertisement featuring the former LSU standout Tyrann Mathieu, known as the Honey Badger. Mathieu's picture, in full LSU uniform, is used to promote the business Bud's Glass Joint. In the ad, the store welcomes the Honey... more »

• Second arrest made in bar fight

  May 3, 2013 12:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Police announced a second arrest has been made in the altercation outside a Tigerland bar which landed an LSU football player behind bars. Cpl. L'Jean McKneely said today police arrested Robert Bayardo, 20, and charged him with second degree battery in connection with the fight on... more »

• ULM WR Leonard to try out with Saints

  May 3, 2013 10:49 AM

  MONROE - Former Louisiana-Monroe wide receiver Brent Leonard has decided to accept a tryout with the New Orleans Saints next weekend, rather than trying out with the Dallas Cowboys as he initially planned. ULM officials announced the change Friday for Leonard, who was the Warhawks' leading receiver last season with... more »

• Attorney: LSU's Jeremy Hill heckled before punch

  May 2, 2013 5:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE- LSU running back Jeremy Hill's attorney said the evidence showing Hill punching another man does not show the events leading to the hit that has him in serious trouble. Marci Blaize said her client was heckled about past legal trouble prior to the part of the fight... more »

• New Orleans Bowl set for Dec. 21

  May 1, 2013 11:30 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans Bowl officials say the date for the 2013 edition of the bowl game has been set for Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. local time. The bowl game currently has agreements to match bowl eligible teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA. The Louisiana-Lafayette... more »

• Witness recalls Jeremy Hill fight Play Video

  April 29, 2013 6:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A patron at Reggie's Bar Friday night described the bar fight that landed 20-year-old LSU running back Jeremy Hill in jail to News 2 today. "I didn't see who threw the first punch, I just know that, he was on the ground, the guy was on... more »

• LSU: Hill suspended indefinitely after arrest Play Video

  April 29, 2013 1:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU head football coach Les Miles suspended running back Jeremy Hill indefinitely from the football team Monday after Hill's arrest this weekend in connection with a bar fight. Hill was arrested by Baton Rouge Police Saturday after a fight at Reggie's Bar on Bob Pettit Drive.... more »

• NFL reminds teams of anti-discrimination policy

  April 29, 2013 10:42 AM

  NEW YORK - The NFL has distributed a document to its teams reiterating its anti-discrimination policy on sexual orientation. A memo sent Monday by Commissioner Roger Goodell to ownership, front-office personnel and coaches says: "Please ensure that this document is made available to all players and staff." It includes a... more »

• APSO: Former Voodoo player caught with marijuana

  April 25, 2013 2:52 PM

  GONZALES - Authorities arrested a former arena league football player on suspicion of drug and weapons charges after they said he was caught with marijuana in Ascension Parish. Around 3:30 p.m., Ascension Parish Sheriffs narcotics detectives, DEA agents and Baton Rouge City narcotics detectives arrested Brian Coulter, 27, in the... more »

• This year's draft heavy on size, light on glamour

  April 25, 2013 10:43 AM

  KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The NFL draft kicks off Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York City with the Kansas City Chiefs holding the No. 1 pick for the first time in franchise history. The Chiefs are expected to select an offensive tackle, most likely Texas A&M's... more »

• Cowboys Stadium gets 1st playoff championship game

  April 24, 2013 6:55 PM

  PASADENA, Calif. - The first championship game in the College Football Playoff will be held at Cowboys Stadium. The BCS conference commissioners announced Wednesday that Arlington, Texas, edged Tampa, Fla., in the bidding to be the site of the first title game in the new playoff system. The game will... more »

• LSU ready for what could be record-setting NFL Draft

  April 24, 2013 12:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The next three days could be historical for the LSU football program as the Tigers may see as many as 14 former players selected in the NFL Draft, which starts on Thursday and runs through Saturday at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The... more »

• AP Source: College Football Playoff to replace BCS

  April 23, 2013 3:35 PM

  PASADENA, Calif. - The Bowl Championship Series will be replaced by the College Football Playoff. A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that the new four-team playoff starting after the 2014 regular season will be called the College Football Playoff, and the conference commissioners will make it... more »

• LSU's Blue apologizes, clarifies statements about homosexual players

  April 19, 2013 6:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU running back Alfred Blue apologized and clarified his comments that appeared in Friday's edition of The Daily Reveille, the campus newspaper at LSU. Blue issued the following statement: "I understand that my comments may have sounded insensitive to those who read the Reveille... more »

• Documents: Oregon proposed 2-year probation

  April 16, 2013 10:36 AM

  PORTLAND, Ore. - The University of Oregon proposed a self-imposed two-year probation and the loss of a scholarship for three years because of possible recruiting violations involving the Ducks' football program. The university released documents late Monday that included a proposed summary disposition from September which discusses the violations and... more »

• Miles impressed with backup QB Jennings Play Video

  April 13, 2013 8:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Freshman quarterback Anthony Jennings, according to head coach Les Miles, stood out in LSU's last intersquad scrimmage before the L-Club Purple & Gold Spring Games next Saturday. Jennings completed 8/11 for 98 yards and three touchdowns Saturday versus a Tiger defense missing three starters. more »

• Freeze searches for depth on Ole Miss roster

  April 13, 2013 6:44 PM

  OXFORD, Ms. - Quarterback Bo Wallace tossed a football up and down on the sidelines. Receiver Donte Moncrief stood holding his helmet, offering encouragement to teammates. Mississippi's annual Grove Bowl wasn't about watching the team's stars on Saturday. Instead, it was one more opportunity for second-year coach Hugh Freeze to... more »

• Mettenberger, offense shine during LSU scrimmage

  April 13, 2013 3:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The offense took advantage of a defense that was short on numbers Saturday as quarterback Zach Mettenberger threw for 276 yards and six touchdowns in LSU's second full-scale scrimmage of the spring here in Tiger Stadium. LSU, now 12 practices through spring drills, wraps up spring... more »

• Linebackers hoping to fill Kevin Minter's void Play Video

  April 10, 2013 10:21 PM

  Linebacker has always been synonymous with field general, or leader, for the LSU football team. Now, the Tigers are hoping to find their next leader(s) during Spring Practice. For more on this story, Sports 2's Brian Holland takes a look at LSU's need at linebacker. more »

• Coach files lawsuit against Central School System Play Video

  April 9, 2013 6:20 PM

  CENTRAL - An assistant football coach is suing after he was removed from his coaching job. Coach Mike Gardner field suit against the Central Community School System and Central High Principal Bob Wales after his removal from the coaching position. In court documents obtained by News 2, Mike Gardner... more »

• Saints to play only AFC teams in 2013 preseason

  April 4, 2013 4:46 PM

  METAIRIE - The New Orleans Saints' 2013 preseason schedule is comprised of four AFC opponents, including a nationally televised game at Houston. New Orleans' preseason schedule, which was released Thursday, begins with a pair of home game against Kansas City and Oakland, followed by road games against the Texans and... more »

• Cowboys, Romo agree on 6-year, $108M extension

  March 29, 2013 4:22 PM

  IRVING, Texas - Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys have agreed on a six-year contract extension worth $108 million, with about half of it guaranteed. The agreement was reported on the team's website Friday. The deal will lower Romo's salary cap number of $16.8 million for 2013, giving the team... more »

• Central rallying for coach

  March 27, 2013 5:55 PM

  CENTRAL - The City of Central is rallying in support for Central High School football coach Mike Gardner. A petition, signed by over 250 supporters against Central Community School System, reads "Keep Mike Gardner as a coach!" Gardner is no longer coaching at Central High. He was an... more »

• ULL, Southern to face off in 2014 season opener

  March 27, 2013 10:48 AM

  LAFAYETTE - Officials at ULL have released the Ragin Cajuns' football schedules through 2016. The team is set to face off against the Southern Jaguars this August in their season opener at home. The Cajuns also secured home-and-home series against Boise State and Louisiana Tech. Athletic director Scott... more »

• Ga. Southern announces it is moving to Sun Belt

  March 27, 2013 10:46 AM

  ATLANTA - Georgia Southern has announced it is leaving the Southern Conference to join the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. Georgia Southern's football team, which has been dominant at the FCS level, will make the move up to the FBS level. The Eagles will begin playing Sun Belt games... more »

• Costa Rica asks FIFA for replay of World Cup qualifier

  March 24, 2013 7:29 PM

  SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - Costa Rica is asking soccer's governing body to order a replay of Friday's World Cup qualifier against the United States, won 1-0 by the Americans during a snowstorm in Commerce City, Colo. Costa Rican Football Federation Treasurer Rolando Villalobos said in a statement Sunday that... more »

• Les Miles congratulates Southern basketball team

  March 21, 2013 9:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Almost 2,000 miles away, LSU head coach Les Miles congratulated Roman Banks and his Southern Jaguar basketball team after a close loss to 1-seed Gonzaga, 64-58 in Thursday's NCAA Tournament. "Coach Banks got them ready to play against Gonzaga," said Miles after Thursday's practice. "They won... more »

• Goodell: No post-season additions now

  March 19, 2013 9:30 AM

  PHOENIX - The NFL will not be adding teams to the playoffs this season, but still is discussing an expanded postseason. Commissioner Roger Goodell says that the league's competition committee has looked into adding teams to the playoffs, and the topic will be discussed at this week's owners meetings. However,... more »

• Battery trial against former LSU player begins today Play Video

  March 19, 2013 8:48 AM

  GONZALES - The sexual battery trial of former LSU running back Charles Scott is scheduled to begin Tuesday in state district court in Ascension Parish. Police arrested Scott in November 2011 after allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman at his Prairieville home. The 24-year-old was later arraigned on the lesser... more »

• Les Miles: Porter out with "medical issue"

  March 15, 2013 9:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The first headline out of LSU Spring Practice yesterday was the introduction of Cam Cameron's new offensive system. The second? Center Elliott Porter wasn't on the practice field. Head coach Les Miles addressed Porter's absence with the media Friday after practice. "We don't think it's... more »

• LSU football kicks off Spring Practice

  March 14, 2013 5:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The LSU football team went back to work Thursday in the first of 15 practices this spring. New offensive coordinator Cam Cameron made his first appearance in purple and gold, instructing the quarterbacks for the time the media was allotted to view the opening practice. The... more »

• NFL could eliminate tuck rule

  March 14, 2013 3:17 PM

  PHOENIX, Ariz. - The tuck rule could disappear from NFL games if owners approve a proposal from the competition committee to dump it. The owners also will consider a change to instant replay rules allowing for a video review even when a coach makes an illegal challenge. The league... more »

• Alabama's lineman take the field on pro day

  March 13, 2013 10:45 PM

  TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama's pro day was mostly about the big men. Linemen Chance Warmack, D.J. Fluker and Jesse Williams were among those working out for NFL officials Wednesday in the Crimson Tide's indoor facility while Barrett Jones did repetitions on the bench press. Two projected first-round picks watched from... more »

• Trial to begin in Ohio school football rape case

  March 13, 2013 10:45 AM

  STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - Television news trucks are lined up outside an eastern Ohio courthouse for the trial of two high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old West Virginia girl. The case set to be heard in juvenile court Wednesday has brought unprecedented attention to the small city of... more »

• Jags will lean on Joseph's leadership, mental edge Play Video

  March 12, 2013 10:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Last year, Dray Joseph was competing for the starting quarterback role with JP Douglas. This year, there's no question about who's at the helm of the Southern offense. Joseph will lean on his experience last year and the chip on his shoulder -- which, if history... more »

• Agent: Saints' LT Bushrod set to enter free agency

  March 11, 2013 6:27 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - The agent for Saints left tackle Jermon Bushrod says there's no indication his client will reach a late-hour deal to stay in New Orleans before free agency begins on Tuesday afternoon. Agent Richard Rosa says Bushrod has enjoyed his time in New Orleans and that all parties... more »

• LHSAA football playoff split debated at the capitol Play Video

  March 5, 2013 5:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Members of a joint legislative committee got answers about a plan to split the high school football playoffs between public and private schools. Principals from the 389 schools within the Louisiana High School Athletic Association were allowed to vote. 291 of those schools have football programs. Supporters... more »

• Lawmakers tackle LHSAA football playoff changes

  March 5, 2013 10:54 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers are looking into the Louisiana High School Athletic Association's decision to separate public school football playoffs from those held by other schools, including magnet and charter schools. A special joint Senate-House committee is reviewing the league's decision to scrap a system that has been in... more »

• Football playoffs face legislative scrutiny

  March 4, 2013 8:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Legislature is looking into the Louisiana High School Athletic Association's decision to separate public school football playoffs from those held by other schools - including magnet and charter schools. A special joint Senate-House committee will review the league's decision to scrap a system that has been... more »

• Is Johnny Football headed to court?

  February 27, 2013 10:44 AM

  COLLEGE STATION, Texas - A company representing Texas A&M Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel has filed a lawsuit to stop the sale of T-shirts using his "Johnny Football" nickname. The federal lawsuit seeks damages for alleged trademark infringement and reimbursement for court fees and other compensation. It was filed by... more »

• Patriots give Brady contract extension

  February 26, 2013 9:01 AM

  FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots have a lot more cap room, thanks to their starting quarterback. A person familiar with the contract says Tom Brady has received a three-year extension from the Patriots worth about $27 million. The new deal clears nearly $15 million from New England's salary... more »

• Billy Cannon released from hospital after stroke

  February 21, 2013 12:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU football legend Billy Cannon left the hospital today after treatment for a stroke, according to the university's athletic department. Spokesperson Herb Vincent said Cannon's family told him the former Heisman winner was on his way home. He was rushed to the hospital Tuesday from Angola... more »

• LSU offers Cameron 3-year, multimillion-dollar contract Play Video

  February 20, 2013 10:43 AM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU says new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will receive a three-year contract, paying him $600,000 in the upcoming season. Officials say Cameron will earn $1.3 million in his second year and $1.5 million for the third year of the deal. The contract runs through the... more »

• Players union head says Goodell not trusted

  February 20, 2013 9:04 AM

  NEW YORK - The head of the NFL players association isn't a big fan of the commissioner. Union leader Domonique Foxworth says NFL players don't trust Roger Goodell because of the Saints bounty case, in particular. The president of the NFL Players Association adds he wouldn't be able to persuade... more »

• Saints cut TE Thomas, CB Patrick

  February 19, 2013 5:25 PM

  METAIRIE - New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the club has cut veteran tight end David Thomas and third-year cornerback Johnny Patrick. Loomis says releasing Thomas on Tuesday was an "extremely difficult decision," given seven-year veteran's leadership and versatility, which allowed him to fill in at several... more »

• Miles, Cameron reunite as coaches at LSU Play Video

  February 15, 2013 12:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Head LSU football coach Les Miles introduced Cam Cameron as the team's new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach today. Cameron said today that getting the chance to represent LSU as a coach was an honor. He said his style of football matches LSU's physical and tough... more »

• Miles to introduce Cameron as new OC at 11 a.m.

  February 15, 2013 10:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Les Miles will introduce Cam Cameron as the Tigers' new offensive coordinator at 11 a.m. this morning. Sports 2 will stream the announcement live at WBRZ.com. Miles has told his players that Cameron will take over for Greg Studrawa, who remains as offensive line coach.... more »

• Alabama bars arrested players from campus

  February 15, 2013 9:20 AM

  TUSCULOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama has barred three football players from campus after their arrest on robbery charges. University spokeswoman Deborah Lane said Friday the players are suspended from school pending a judicial review expected to be done by late next week. Eddie Williams, Tyler Hayes and D.J.... more »

• NFL, NCAA to hold third annual coaching academy

  February 13, 2013 10:40 AM

  NEW YORK - Retired NFL players Andre Rison, Mark Brunell and Terrell Buckley are among 60 aspiring coaches who will attend training sessions next week on how to break into the field and move up. The third annual NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy runs Sunday through Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C. The program... more »

• Former coach arrested for taking tunnel money

  February 8, 2013 5:21 PM

  ALBANY - Deputies arrested a former high school coach in Livingston Parish after they said he stole thousands of dollars raised for his football team. Detectives arrested Bradley Ficklin of Albany Friday after they said he took $4,000 collected to pay for an inflatable tunnel to be used at... more »

• Source: Cameron hired as LSU offensive coordinator

  February 8, 2013 2:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Sources tell WBRZ that former Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron has been hired as the new offensive coordinator for LSU. WBRZ Sports Director Michael Cauble confirmed the hire through an LSU school official. The university is expected to make the official announcement next week. ... more »

• Council to probe Super Bowl power outage

  February 7, 2013 11:14 AM

  NEW ORLEANS- Officials for the Superdome's power company will go before the City Council tomorrow to talk about the power outage that happened during the Super Bowl last Sunday night. The council is the regulatory agency for Entergy New Orleans. Superdome and Entergy officials have said the 34-minute outage happened... more »

• LSU recruiting by the numbers

  February 6, 2013 9:59 PM

  With another good recruiting class in the books, many still wonder how effective Les Miles and his staff are with those recruits once they get to campus. LSU has actually been very good at producing and developing players: the numbers don't lie. more »

• University High students sign Letters of Intent Play Video

  February 6, 2013 3:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - University High students signed National Letters of Intent for both baseball and football today. Defensive end Tim Williams signed his letter of intent to play for Alabama. Teammate and defensive back Jarrod Franklin committed to play for Tulane. Outfield Steven Sensley also signed a letter... more »

• Christian Life Academy students sign Letters of Intent Play Video

  February 6, 2013 11:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Three students from Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge signed National Letters of Intent today for soccer. Bailey Barousse and Chelsea Lee both signed Letters of Intent to play soccer for Louisiana College. Safety and wide receiver Caleb Domingue signed up to play football for... more »

• McKinley High Panthers sign Letters of Intent Play Video

  February 6, 2013 11:43 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Four McKinley High Panters committed to colleges today by signing National Letters of Intent. Lineman Donovan McCray signed on to play for Grambling State University. Defensive back Daze White committed to the University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff. Linebacker Alvin Vaughn signed on with... more »

• La. board: Recent work not related to game outage

  February 4, 2013 11:20 AM

  NEW ORLEANS- A lawyer for the state board that oversees the Superdome says Sunday night's power outage during the Super Bowl does not appear to be related to work done on the stadium's electrical system in December. The board last fall approved work to replace "feeder" equipment connecting the stadium... more »

• Miles gets pay raise

  February 1, 2013 3:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The LSU Board of Supervisors signed-off on a pay raise for the school's head football coach, Les Miles. Sports 2 Director Michael Cauble Tweeted that there were "no questions, no opposition" to the increase. Miles received a $549,000 annual pay raise. The change bumps his salary... more »

• Goodell says he welcomes Obama's remarks on safety

  February 1, 2013 11:52 AM

  NEW ORLEANS- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league will look at eliminating certain low blocks and improve the quality of playing fields as part of a program to improve player safety. In his annual message on the state of the league two days before Sunday's Super Bowl, Goodell said... more »

• Les Miles' $549K pay raise up for LSU board vote

  February 1, 2013 11:08 AM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU's governing board is considering a $549,000 annual pay raise for football coach Les Miles. If approved Friday by the Board of Supervisors, the change will bump Miles' salary to $4.3 million a year and extend his contract through the 2019 season. Miles and Athletics Director Joe... more »

• Dependable 49ers offensive linemen carry big load

  February 1, 2013 6:14 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - Right guard Alex Boone arrives for work most days and swears at left guard Mike Iupati. From Boone, it's always considered a term of endearment directed at his 49ers offensive linemates. Iupati is so used to such greetings he gets a kick out of it. San Francisco... more »

• Independent high school sports association considered Play Video

  January 30, 2013 5:50 PM

  CLINTON - After the Louisiana High School Athletic Association voted to split the football playoff brackets for public and private schools, some schools are considering other options. The decision has generated controversy among high school athletic programs. There has also been talk of breaking away from the LHSAA and... more »

• Dr. Phil: Te'o was victim of girlfriend hoax

  January 30, 2013 11:18 AM

  NEW YORK- Dr. Phil McGraw says Manti Te'o was not involved in setting up the dead girlfriend hoax that became a sensation when it was exposed this month, and that the man who masterminded the scheme did so because he was "deeply, romantically" in love with the Notre Dame linebacker.... more »

• Coaches plan vocal protest against LHSAA split Play Video

  January 29, 2013 11:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Coaches of private school football teams are discussing ways to fight a mandate that splits the playoff bracket. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) decided private and public schools would play separate playoff games. Tuesday, coaches against the plan met to talk about blocking it.... more »

• Is flag football ahead for NFL?

  January 29, 2013 5:20 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Players on both Super Bowl teams say they are confused about when a hit is legal by NFL standards. Rules designed to make the game safer are also making players uncertain about which hits are considered clean and which ones could lead to a fine. San Francisco... more »

• Tough guy Boldin a real catch for Ravens

  January 29, 2013 4:41 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Anquan Boldin wants to be known as more than simply a tough receiver. Boldin, a key player in Baltimore's charge to the Super Bowl, isn't afraid to cut across the field. He can shrug off a hard hit, and also is an aggressive downfield blocker. Asked Tuesday... more »

• Saints to work out Chad Jones

  January 29, 2013 11:13 AM

  NEW ORLEANS- The New Orleans Saints are bringing Chad Jones in for a workout on Wednesday. Jones, a New Orleans native, was severely injured in a car accident in New Orleans in 2010, suffering multiple fractures to his left leg. Both his tibia and fibula were shattered, and his arteries... more »

• OneRepublic & Matchbox Twenty perform at SB

  January 28, 2013 10:54 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - Multi-platinum rock bands OneRepublic and Matchbox Twenty will be performing as part of the Super Bowl XLVII pregame show in New Orleans Sunday. The two groups will perform at the NFL Tailgate Party. Beyonce will perform in the halftime show and Alicia Keys will sing the national... more »

• Ravens joining Niners today

  January 28, 2013 10:23 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - The Big Easy is getting ready to welcome the AFC champion Baltimore Ravens to town. The NFC champion San Francisco 49ers arrived in New Orleans yesterday and are getting ready for their first Super Bowl appearance in 18 years. The annual circus known as "Media Day" takes... more »

• In New Orleans, an unwelcome mat for Goodell

  January 26, 2013 10:54 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans Saints fans are celebrating the return of coach Sean Payton from his suspension following last year's "bountygate" scandal. But NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who will present the NFL championship trophy when the Super Bowl is played in New Orleans on Feb. 3, is getting a... more »

• LHSAA votes to split public, private school playoffs

  January 25, 2013 11:45 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Sports 2 reports a controversial plan to split private and public school football teams up when they reach the playoffs passed at the final day of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association's annual convention. Proposition 18 divides the 388-school organization into separate playoffs for "non-select" schools... more »

• Ohio judge weighs whether to keep rape trial open

  January 25, 2013 2:43 AM

  STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - An Ohio judge plans to decide whether the trial of two high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old girl should be closed to the public. The girl and her parents, one defendant and state Attorney General Mike DeWine all want next month's trial closed, either... more »

• Te'o tells Couric 'pain' and 'sorrow' was real

  January 24, 2013 3:13 PM

  NEW YORK - Manti Te'o told Katie Couric the feelings he had for what turned out to be a fake, online girlfriend were real and reiterated he had nothing to do with the hoax. The All-American linebacker said he was truly sorrowful and pained after finding out the woman he... more »

• Board to decide on Les Miles contract extension

  January 24, 2013 10:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A pay increase and extension for LSU head football coach Les Miles' contract will go before the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 1, according to the university. LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said the amendment to the contract was agreed upon in December, increasing his annual... more »

• Saints' Sean Payton returns to work at Senior Bowl

  January 23, 2013 1:00 PM

  MOBILE, Ala. - Sean Payton has returned to work following a nearly yearlong suspension for his role in the Saints' bounty program. The New Orleans Saints coach watched Senior Bowl practice Wednesday and planned to meet later in the day with the staff to evaluate a defense that struggled. Payton... more »

• NFL hopes to decide Pro Bowl future by April

  January 22, 2013 5:28 PM

  HONOLULU - The NFL is hoping to decide the fate of the Pro Bowl by the time it releases next season's schedule in April. And the fate of the league's all-star game will largely depend on how much effort this year's Pro Bowlers put into the game. NFL Executive Vice... more »

• Vigil to mark anniversary of Joe Paterno's death

  January 22, 2013 7:14 AM

  STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Supporters of longtime Penn State football coach Joe Paterno are marking the 1-year anniversary of his death with a candlelight vigil. The Hall of Fame coach died of lung cancer on Jan. 22, 2012, at age 85. On Tuesday, supporters are holding a vigil at... more »

• Ex-LSU star Mathieu attends Senior Bowl practice

  January 21, 2013 5:37 PM

  FAIRHOPE, Ala. - Former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu is at the Senior Bowl and hopes to meet with NFL coaches and executives. He says his ambitions haven't changed even if his days as the "Honey Badger" ended with his college career. The 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist watched ex-teammate Lavar Edwards... more »

• Notre Dame AD encouraging Te'o to speak publicly

  January 18, 2013 12:51 PM

  SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick says he is encouraging linebacker Manti Te'o to speak publicly about being the victim of a hoax involving a dead girlfriend who never existed. Swarbrick says he believes Te'o has to explain exactly how he was duped into an online... more »

• Source: Alicia Keys to sing Super Bowl anthem

  January 18, 2013 10:36 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - A person familiar with Super Bowl entertainment plans tells The Associated Press that Alicia Keys has been lined up to perform the national anthem before the NFL championship game in New Orleans on Feb. 3. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the NFL has... more »

• Vilma's defamation suit against Goodell dismissed

  January 17, 2013 5:24 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - A federal judge has dismissed New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in connection with the bounty case. U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan in New Orleans said Thursday the bounty matter "feels as protracted and painful as the Saints season... more »

• Louisiana Tech adds Petersen to staff

  January 16, 2013 4:18 PM

  RUSTON - Louisiana Tech has named Tony Petersen as the football team's new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Coach Skip Holtz said Wednesday that Petersen brings 20 years of experience at the NCAA Division I level and a background of wide open offenses to Tech's program. Petersen was the co-offensive... more »

• Eagles get their man, hire Oregon's Chip Kelly

  January 16, 2013 11:34 AM

  PHILADELPHIA- The Philadelphia Eagles have hired Chip Kelly after he originally chose to stay at Oregon. Kelly becomes the 21st coach in team history and replaces Andy Reid, who was fired on Dec. 31 after a 4-12 season Kelly, who was 46-7 in four years at Oregon, interviewed with the... more »

• Baton Rouge preparing for Super Bowl fans

  January 15, 2013 10:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Party in New Orleans, stay in Baton Rouge. That's the message the NFL is spreading ahead of Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans on Feb. 3. Hotel and travel agents expect the Baton Rouge market to be at 90 percent capacity for the big game, so... more »

• Four teams left in NFL postseason

  January 14, 2013 10:44 AM

  UNDATED - One game is a rematch. The other might feel like one - at least to one of the teams. For the second straight year in the AFC, the New England Patriots will host the Baltimore Ravens with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. In the... more »

• Strahan, Sapp, Ogden among Hall of Fame finalists

  January 11, 2013 10:31 AM

  CANTON, Ohio - Four linemen in their first year of eligibility, including single-season sacks record holder Michael Strahan, are among 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The hall has announced that defensive end Strahan and defensive tackle Warren Sapp made the cut, along with tackle Jonathan... more »

• Redskins' RG3 has surgery on torn knee ligament

  January 9, 2013 9:10 AM

  WASHINGTON - Robert Griffin III is having surgery on a torn ligament and to determine whether there's any other damage in his ailing right knee. A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that the procedure was expected to last about two hours Wednesday morning. The person... more »

• Quarterback's girlfriend in spotlight after game

  January 8, 2013 11:52 AM

  TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Alabama's routing of Notre Dame for its second straight national championship has been overshadowed in part by a new breakout star - Katherine Webb, girlfriend of quarterback AJ McCarron and Miss Alabama USA 2012. Webb gained tens of thousands of Twitter followers during and after Monday night's game.... more »

• BCS title game's TV rating hurt by rout

  January 8, 2013 10:35 AM

  MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - The BCS title game's preliminary television rating is up from last season, but the lopsided score kept viewership down. Alabama's 42-14 rout over Notre Dame drew a 15.7 overnight rating Monday on ESPN. That's up 14 percent from last year's game, another blowout Crimson Tide victory,... more »

• Final 8 are set in NFL playoffs

  January 7, 2013 10:29 AM

  UNDATED - Following yesterday's victories by the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks, the final eight in the NFL playoffs are set. Here are the matchups for next weekend. The Ravens, who delayed the retirement of their 17-year veteran linebacker Ray Lewis with a 24-9 victory over Indianapolis yesterday, now travel... more »