LUY-Development

Category: Sports

  • Pelicans and Wizards Strike Deal Ahead of Draft

    In a move that reshapes both rosters, the New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to send CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 selection in this year’s draft, according to ESPN.

    The trade involves three established players on each side and a swap of draft capital that provides both franchises with strategic options for the future. For New Orleans, acquiring the 40th overall pick adds another swing at this year’s talent pool (pun not intended) while welcoming Poole and Bey into the fold. Washington, meanwhile, secures a future second-rounder to bolster long-term flexibility and brings in McCollum and Olynyk as part of its evolving core.

    With league sources confirming the deal, the transaction will become official once trade paperwork and physicals are completed.

  • Mississippi State announces plans to build a $60M indoor practice facility for football

    Mississippi State announces plans to build a $60M indoor practice facility for football

    STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi State on Wednesday announced plans to build a $60 million indoor practice facility with an expected opening in the summer of 2028.

    Howard Industries of Laurel provided the lead naming gift, and the building will be named in honor of former MSU multisport athlete Billy Howard Sr., pending approval of the state’s Institutions of Higher Learning.

    Howard, who graduated in 1946, excelled in football, basketball and track and earned the nickname “Iron Man” for playing nearly every minute of every football game.

    Architecture firms CDFL and HOK and facility planners are in the design phase, and groundbreaking is anticipated in 2027. The building will include a 110,000 square-foot indoor training facility as well as areas dedicated to injury prevention and recovery. There also will be renovations inside the adjacent Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex.

    “Words cannot truly express how incredibly grateful we are to Howard Industries and the entire Howard family for making this vision a reality,” coach Jeff Lebby said. “This new indoor facility will allow us to train more effectively as we compete against the best in the country week in and week out.”

  • Derek Carr Announces Retirement Following Shoulder Injury

    Derek Carr Announces Retirement Following Shoulder Injury

    New Orleans, LA — New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has officially announced his retirement from the National Football League, concluding an 11-year career marked by leadership, resilience, and deep gratitude for the game and its community.

    The Saints released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) detailing Carr’s decision, which comes after a recent shoulder injury threatened both his health and future performance. In late March, while preparing for the 2025 season, Carr began experiencing pain in his right shoulder, his first full-volume throwing session since suffering a concussion and a left hand injury on December 8, 2024.

    Medical evaluations revealed a labral tear and significant degenerative changes in his rotator cuff. Faced with the possibility of surgery, which would have sidelined him for the entire 2025 season without a guaranteed return to form, Carr, alongside his wife Heather, medical experts, and Saints representatives, opted to step away from the game.

    “Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr said. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”

    Carr’s NFL journey began with the Oakland Raiders in 2014, where he quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. He later played for the Las Vegas Raiders and most recently joined the New Orleans Saints, bringing veteran leadership to the organization.

    Carr retires as one of the most respected quarterbacks of his generation—not just for his statistics, but for his character, faith, and tireless dedication to his team

  • Angel Reese has a rousing return to Baton Rouge in an exhibition for the Sky vs. Brazil

    Angel Reese has a rousing return to Baton Rouge in an exhibition for the Sky vs. Brazil

    BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Former LSU star Angel Reese’s homecoming in the Chicago Sky’s WNBA exhibition opener was a smashing success.

    Reese had 15 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Sky to a rousing 89-62 victory over the Brazilian national team on Friday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

    Reese was smiling the moment she entered the arena where her college career took off after transferring from Maryland. She earned All-America honors twice and led LSU to the national title in 2023.

    “I’m just happy to be back to see all the fans, even down to the security guards, because I know how much was put into this program,” said Reese, who’s entering her second season with the Sky after earning WNBA All-Rookie honors last year, when she set a league single season rebounding record.

    A crowd of 6,373, many of whom wore Sky T-shirts and Reese No. 5 jerseys, cheered her and rookie teammate Hailey Van Lith’s every move. Van Lith was an LSU teammate of Reese in 2023-24 before playing her final collegiate season at TCU.

    Van Lith entered the game to a loud ovation with 5:43 left in the third quarter and finished with seven points, five assists and three rebounds.

    Reese and Van Lith were honored before the game with video highlights of their time at LSU. Tigers coach Kim Mulkey gave the duo bouquets and hugs.

    Kia Nurse added 11 points for the Sky. Chicago’s Kamilla Cardoso, playing against her Brazilian countrywomen, had six points and eight rebounds.

    Manu Alves led Brazil with nine points.

    Takeaways

    Friday’s game was the first for new Sky coach Tyler Marsh. The Sky also debuted a revamped starting lineup, with veteran free agent signees Nurse and Courtney Vandersloot and trade acquisition Ariel Atkins joining Reese and Cardoso.

    The result was a smooth offense guided by Vandersloot, a four-time all-league guard in her first 12 WNBA seasons with the Sky. She spent the last two years with the New York Liberty.

    Brazil’s next stop in its U.S. tour will be an exhibition against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday at the University of Iowa’s arena in Iowa City, where Clark starred in college.

  • Star Guard MiLaysia Fulwiley Transfers to LSU, Bolstering Tigers’ Backcourt

    LSU has landed one of the most dynamic players available, as former South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley announced her transfer to Baton Rouge on Friday via social media.

    Fulwiley, who will enter her junior season this fall, leaves South Carolina after two standout years under coach Dawn Staley. She averaged 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 18.9 minutes per game this past season.  Although she started just three of her 77 games for the Gamecocks, Fulwiley made her mark as an electrifying sixth woman.

    Her decision to transfer comes on the heels of South Carolina’s loss to UConn in the NCAA championship game. Fulwiley now joins a guard-loaded LSU roster featuring stars Mikaylah Williams and Flau’jae Johnson. While LSU’s backcourt is packed with talent, Fulwiley’s proven ability to change games with her scoring burst and speed should earn her significant playing time.

    The Tigers have been aggressive in the portal this offseason, a necessity after losing all five of their forwards and centers to eligibility expiration and transfers. Fulwiley becomes LSU’s fourth portal addition, alongside incoming talents Kate Koval, Serah Williams, and Amiya Joyner, helping to reshape a roster aiming to remain a national powerhouse under coach Kim Mulkey.

    Fulwiley’s arrival gives LSU another high-powered weapon in the quest to return to championship contention.

  • Saints Star Tackle Ryan Ramczyk Announces Retirement, Reflects on Unlikely Journey from Welding to NFL All-Pro

    Saints Star Tackle Ryan Ramczyk Announces Retirement, Reflects on Unlikely Journey from Welding to NFL All-Pro

    Three-time All-Pro offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk officially announced his retirement from the NFL, closing the chapter on a remarkable career that defied convention and embodied perseverance.

    In a heartfelt statement released alongside a press release from the New Orleans Saints, Ramczyk reflected on his winding road to football stardom. “My path to the NFL wasn’t a straight line,” he wrote. “From technical college to become a ‘welder’ to All-Pro in the NFL… sometimes the road less traveled leads to places you never expected.”

    Ramczyk, 30, entered the league in 2017 as the 32nd overall pick by the Saints after transferring from Division III UW-Stevens Point to the University of Wisconsin. Over eight seasons in New Orleans, he became one of the NFL’s most consistent and dominant right tackles, earning All-Pro honors in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

    In his statement, Ramczyk expressed deep gratitude to every stop along the way—thanking his coaches, teammates, and especially Saints fans:

    “Thank you for embracing me from day one. Your passion and energy are unmatched; you made New Orleans feel like home.”

    He also paid tribute to his family, especially his wife and parents, for their unwavering support:

    “To my incredible wife, thank you for being my rock through every high and low. And to my parents, who instilled in me the meaning of hard work and dedication.”

    Ramczyk cited his desire to spend more time with his two young sons as a major reason for his retirement and said he’s looking forward to what the next chapter holds.

    The announcement marks the end of a stellar NFL journey and the beginning of a new phase in life for a player who beat the odds—and became one of the best at his position.

    “As I step into retirement, I’m filled with gratitude for everything this sport has given me… I’m forever grateful.”

  • Lee Corso to Retire from ESPN’s “College GameDay” After Iconic 40-Year Career

    Lee Corso to Retire from ESPN’s “College GameDay” After Iconic 40-Year Career

    Lee Corso, a beloved figure in the world of college football, will retire from ESPN’s “College GameDay” in August, marking the end of a legendary run that began in 1987. Corso, who will turn 90 on August 7, leaves behind a remarkable legacy filled with unforgettable moments, especially his famous headgear picks, which became a staple of the show.

    Corso’s tenure on College GameDay saw him grow into a cultural icon, known for his animated personality and quick-witted retorts like his signature “not so fast, my friend.” His headgear segment, which started in 1995, became one of the most popular aspects of the show, with Corso donning everything from mascot heads to historical figures like James Madison and Benjamin Franklin. His daring and often humorous picks made fans look forward to the end of each show, eager to see which team he’d choose and what costume he’d wear.

    Despite a stroke in 2009 that temporarily affected his ability to speak, Corso’s bond with fans only grew stronger. His resilience and commitment to the show, even as travel became more difficult in recent years, only added to his legendary status. His final broadcast will be on August 30, with additional programming planned to celebrate his iconic career.

    In a statement, Corso expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of College GameDay for nearly four decades. “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” he said. Corso’s connection with fans, his colleagues, and his players speaks to the love and respect he earned throughout his career.

    Corso’s final broadcast will be celebrated with tributes, as his colleagues such as Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis, and Chris Fowler shared their admiration for him. Herbstreit, who has worked alongside Corso since 1996, praised his mentor and friend, calling him a second father. Rece Davis highlighted Corso’s generosity, not just as an entertainer but also as a coach who cared deeply about those around him.

    Throughout his 28 years as a coach, Corso made his mark at programs like Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois, and his time on College GameDay helped further fuel the popularity of college football. As his final appearance on GameDay approaches, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on the immense impact Corso had both on and off the screen.

  • Ex-LSU receiver Kyren Lacy died in an apparent suicide during a police chase, authorities say

    Ex-LSU receiver Kyren Lacy died in an apparent suicide during a police chase, authorities say

    Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy has died at age 24 in an apparent suicide in his car while being pursued by authorities in Houston, according to a Harrison County sheriff’s report released Sunday.

    Lacy already was facing criminal charges stemming from a fatal car accident in Louisiana last December that had clouded his NFL prospects.

    Harris County authorities say their pursuit of Lacy late Saturday night ended when Lacy crashed. When officers approached the vehicle to extract Lacy, they say he had died in an apparent suicide, the report said.

    Lacy was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

    “We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” LSU said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing.”

    Lacy, who led LSU in touchdowns receiving with nine last season, had declared for this month’s NFL draft. But his draft stock plummeted after his alleged involvement in an accident in that killed a 78-year-old man in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.

    Lacy, who was from Thibodaux, Louisiana, allegedly was driving recklessly — speeding and passing in a no-passing zone — when a motorist who was swerving to avoid Lacy’s Dodge Charger crashed head-on into another vehicle.

    Herman Hall of Thibodaux, who was involved in a head-on crash, died after being transported to a hospital, a state police report said.

    Authorities with State Police Troop C in Gray, Louisiana, said Lacy fled the scene of the accident without calling for help. Lacy was booked with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle.

    Lacy played in 12 games for LSU last season and was second on the team in catches with 58 and yards receiving with 866.

    He declared for the NFL draft just days after the accident and did not play in LSU’s victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 31.

  • 12 Miss-Lou scholar-athletes to be recognized at National Football Foundation banquet

     

    NATCHEZ — Twelve Miss-Lou athletes will be honored Tuesday at the Miss Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 42nd Annual Scholastic Awards Banquet.

    Furthermore, attendees will hear from Ben Brown, a former Ole Miss center and current New England Patriots center, as the guest speaker for the event. His parents are Rev. Tim Brown and Le Brown of Vicksburg and his grandparents are the late Allen Brown and Margaret Burkes Brown of Natchez.

    Tickets to the event are $20 each and may be purchased from any local member of the Miss Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

    The banquet takes place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Father David O’Connor Family Life Center on Main Street in Natchez.

    The senior scholar athletes are as follows, in school alphabetical order: Aiden Grant Roche’ of Adams County Christian School; Frederick Armarion Lane of Cathedral High School, Landry Thomas Freeman of Delta Charter School, Lionel Scott, Jr. of Ferriday High School, Dajuan Ty’rek Culbert of Natchez High School (Natchez Early College), and Briasen Layton McCraney of Vidalia High School.

    The junior high and middle school scholar athletes are as follows: Robert Peyton Conerly of Adams County Christian School, Grayson Ellis Tosspon of Cathedral Middle School, Tayton Jaxon Fife of Delta Charter School, Sherman Hawkins of Ferriday Junior High, Daylon Berry of Natchez Middle School, and Enrique M. Garza of Vidalia Junior High.

    The scholar athletes are selected based on their academic performance, their football athletic achievements, their achievement in other sports, and extra-curricular activities, including school, community, and church.

    “The Miss Lou Chapter will award a total of $10,000 to the senior scholar athletes based on their achievements, as stated above,” said Freddie Sandel, president of the Miss Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation. The junior high and middle school athletes will be recognized and will receive a plaque for the achievements. We are excited and extremely proud of our area’s scholar athletes, both high school and junior high, and look forward to meeting them at our banquet.”

    For more information, or to inquire about tickets, email Sandel at fsandel@msn.com or lsandel1@outlook.com.

    The post 12 Miss-Lou scholar-athletes to be recognized at National Football Foundation banquet appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • UPDATE: Saints Hire Eagles OC Kellen Moore to become new head coach

    UPDATE: Saints Hire Eagles OC Kellen Moore to become new head coach

    Kellen Moore is set to remain in New Orleans as he has agreed to a deal to become the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

    The New Orleans Saints issued a statement:

    “At the start of the interview process, it was important to find a head coach who was the right fit for the New Orleans Saints organization,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “Through the search process, it became clear that Kellen is the right person to help us re-establish a winning program and culture that our fans are accustomed to and have come to expect. I would also like to thank Darren Rizzi for his service as interim coach and leading our team this past season. I am truly grateful to him.”

    “I would like to welcome Kellen Moore and his family to New Orleans,” Loomis said. “He is an outstanding communicator with the ability to lead people and has a clear vision for this football team. Through this head coaching search, we had the opportunity to meet with several impressive candidates and I thank them for their hard work and preparation in this process.”

    “I am excited to join the New Orleans Saints and deeply appreciate the faith that Mrs. Benson and the entire Saints organization have placed in me,” Moore said. “I look forward to embracing the challenges ahead and am eager to get started. I would also like to thank the Philadelphia Eagles for an incredible 2024 season. I’m excited to begin this new chapter.”

    Just days after guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory at the Caesars Superdome, Moore—whose offensive acumen played a key role in the Eagles’ 40-22 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs—will now transition to his first head coaching job in the NFL. The 35-year-old offensive coordinator, who has been on the move for the fourth consecutive season, leaves behind a successful stint in Philadelphia where he was instrumental in pushing the Eagles’ offense into the top eight in both points scored and total yards. His tenure also saw Saquon Barkley etch his name in the record books as the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.

    Moore’s coaching journey has been a whirlwind in recent years. Prior to his time with Philadelphia, he spent four seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys (2018–2022) and had a brief spell with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Now, in what is being seen as a homecoming of sorts, Moore’s move to the Saints marks a long-term commitment to the city of New Orleans—a city he became intimately familiar with during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run.

    The hiring comes on the heels of the firing of former Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who was let go following a disappointing 5-12 season in 2024. With a franchise that has not seen postseason action since 2021, the stakes are high for Moore, whose reputation for innovative offensive strategies and playoff success could signal a turning point for New Orleans.

    For Philadelphia, the departure of Moore will usher in yet another change for the Eagles’ offense. The team is now set to enter the 2025 season with its fourth different offensive coordinator in as many years—a stark reminder of the challenges the Eagles face as they begin their Super Bowl defense without one of the key architects behind their recent success.

    Moore’s decision to remain in New Orleans, a city that celebrated his recent victory, underscores the magnetic appeal of the Saints organization and the promising challenge of rebuilding a franchise hungry for postseason glory. As Moore prepares to assume his new role, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if his innovative approach can revitalize the Saints and restore them to competitive prominence in the NFL.