Tag: New Orleans

Jameis Winston says he ‘would love to stay in NOLA forever’ ahead of free agency

Jameis Winston says he ‘would love to stay in NOLA forever’ ahead of free agency. The Saints quarterback has found a lot of love in New Orleans:

There aren’t many New Orleans Saints players who have enjoyed Carnival season better than Jameis Winston. The quarterback has been a common site on Mardi Gras parade routes with his young son and family, shaking hands and taking photos with fans in-between plates of smothered turkey necks and red beans. He’s embraced the city’s culture and sense of community and, he hopes, he’ll continue to do so for a long time.

“I would love to stay in NOLA forever. But whatever the Lord has planned for me, I’m going to go and do my best, wherever that is. Hopefully it’s here, because I love this, I love the energy, and I love this city,” Winston laughed during an interview with WDSU meteorologist Margaret Orr, this year’s honorary Muse of the Krewe of Muses.

Will Winston return for 2024? By all accounts he’s been nothing but a good teammate, accepting his demotion to the backup role after Dennis Allen brought in Derek Carr and okaying the offense’s decision to score a late-game touchdown for Jamaal Williams to close out the season. But the Saints reworked his contract before the 2023 season ended so that they can release him in March with a more-manageable salary cap hit. All signs point to his time in New Orleans running out.

If that’s the case, this experience is something Winston will cherish. Even if he ends up joining a rival team like the dirty birds.

“I just love the people. When I go out and meet individuals, they’re so authentic,” Winston continued, comparing the sense of community he’s found to the Southern hospitality he experienced growing up in Alabama. “New Orleans, there’s not another place in the world that’s like New Orleans. It’s the culture, and just the love that’s here. I admire it.”

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Chris Olave’s goal for 2024 is clear: Win a Super Bowl in New Orleans

Chris Olave is pleased with his personal growth in the NFL so far, but he has a bigger goal for 2024: Win a Super Bowl in New Orleans

There aren’t many players more important to the New Orleans Saints’ success than Chris Olave. The former Ohio State Buckeyes standout is going into his third season with the Saints, and while he’s pleased with the positive growth in his game, he has higher expectations. He wants to bring New Orleans a championship.

And he knows he has a chance to do it in his own backyard. When discussing his goals for 2024, Olave made his ambitions crystal-clear.

“Super Bowl, baby,” Olave told Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek. “And it’s in New Orleans.”

Next year’s Super Bowl LIX will be played at the Caesars Superdome and Olave knows how meaningful it would be to bring the city a title on their home turf. It’s been done only twice in the 58-year history of the championship game, but both instances were recent: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did it in Super Bowl LV and the Los Angeles Rams repeated the feat in Super Bowl LVI.

And more impressive games from Olave will help the team go the distance. Olave improved on all of his numbers in his second season with the Saints — he played in more games (16 over 15), drew more targets (138 over 119), aught more passes (87 over 72), gained more yards (1,123 over 1,042) and scored more touchdowns (5 over 4) while picking up more first downs (57 over 48).

His catch rate increased with Derek Carr throwing to him instead of Andy Dalton (63.0% over 60.5%) and he averaged more catches and yards per game, becoming a more well-rounded threat with 12.9 yards per catch over 14.5 in his rookie year. His average depth of target fell from 14.2 yards to 13.3, but he gained a full yard more per reception after the catch.

And he’s pleased with that development, reflecting on his second season: “It went really well. The first goal is always winning, but just as a personal season it went well. I feel like I can maximize my potential a bit more, but I had great teammates and great coaches around me. I’m excited to keep growing and keep moving forward.”

The Saints are going to ask a lot of him in 2024. Olave is going to draw even more targets with Michael Thomas expected to be released into free agency in March. His fellow third-year wideout Rashid Shaheed will return as an exclusive-rights free agent, and second-year draft pick A.T. Perry made some great plays down the stretch in 2023. It’ll take all of them to get New Orleans to the Super Bowl this time next year.

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Saints select Foster Moreau for Ed Block Courage Award

The New Orleans Saints recognized tight end Foster Moreau with the 2023 Ed Block Courage Award after he overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma:

This is cool: The New Orleans Saints recognized tight end Foster Moreau as their recipient for the 2023 Ed Block Courage Award after he overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This award, the Saints said in a statement, was “created in honor of the former head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts to annually recognize one player from every NFL team who best exemplifies a commitment to sportsmanship and courage.”

All 32 teams select a recipient for the award via vote, and Moreau was an easy fit. His perseverance in the face of adversity is inspiring. That he was able to overcome a battle with cancer and quickly return to the field is mighty impressive.

Moreau, 26, is a New Orleans native who starred at Jesuit High School before his four-year run with the LSU Tigers. He was teammates with Saints quarterback Derek Carr on the Raiders and teamed up with him again this season, catching 18 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown.

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New Orleans high school G.W. Carver cancels remainder of 2023 season

G.W. Carver from New Orleans will have its season cancelled due to rule violations.

G.W. Carver (New Orleans, La.) will not be playing any more football this fall, with the school announcing that a rule infraction is the cause for this move.

Already on probation for rules infractions from the previous year, Carver indicated that an “eligibility violation” is at the center of the cancellation of the football season. The ruling came down from the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), which has oversight in these matters.

The school said that it will be education as usual in light of Thursday’s news:

“Football scholars interested in playing another sport will have the opportunity to try out. We will also continue supporting players with strength training and conditioning in preparation for spring football. Study hall and ACT tutoring after school will still be heavily promoted.”

The eligibility issue happened during Carver’s season opener. They are currently 0-3 on the season.

The cancellation of the football season will not impact other sports, per a release from the school, but student-athletes affected by this decision are allowed to transfer, provided they do so during a timeframe set by the LHSAA.

6 Jurassic Park filming locations you can visit in real life

Life finds a way!

Venture into the land of dinosaurs! Or, at least, get as close to it as you can in the modern day. Explore the magical places where crews filmed the “Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic World” movies. Hawai’i served as the backdrop for most “Jurassic Park” scenes. The state’s gorgeous waterfalls, parks, and hiking trails helped build a sense of wonder in the movies. Additional filming locations took crew members from California to Louisiana.

If you’re a diehard dino fan, you can visit all of these fascinating locations. Start your tour of “Jurassic Park” filming locations by checking out this list of six enchanting destinations.

Pelicans exploring trade options for PG Kira Lewis Jr.

Former Alabama PG, Kira Lewis Jr, may be on the Pelicans trade block

Kira Lewis Jr. was the New Orleans Pelicans’ first-round selection (No. 13 overall) in the 2023 NBA draft, but it appears as if the young point guard may be on the move in the coming days. Lewis spent two seasons with the Crimson Tide basketball program before foregoing his remaining eligibility. Alabama fans have got to see Lewis playing alongside Herb Jones for the past few years, but it appears as if that is coming to an end.

Lewis had seen his minutes and role diminish each of the past three seasons and the Pelicans have seemingly decided it was best for his future to get a fresh start. Lewis only averaged 9.4 minutes a game in 2023, so I think he would agree that getting a new opportunity with more minutes is crucial for his development. It isn’t known yet who the potential trade suitors could be, but I imagine there will be a handful of teams interested in the 22-year-old.

Through three seasons in the league, Lewis has averaged 14.4 minutes a game and averaged 5.8 PPG, 1.4 RPG and 1.9 APG. He had also spent some time with the Pelicans G-League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, this past season.

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Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

New Orleans Pelicans decline Herb Jones team option for the 2023-24 season

Former Alabama stand out, Herb Jones, set to be a restricted free agent this summer

The New Orleans Pelicans have opted to decline Herb Jones’s team option for the 2023-2024 season. At first glance, it might seem like bad news, but the move is set up in a way that Jones will be a restricted free agent this summer and both Jones and New Orleans can towards a long-term extension.

If the Pelicans would have picked up the team option for the upcoming season he would be unrestricted after the next season, so they needed to protect and pay him

Jones was selected out of Alabama in the 2021 NBA draft with the No. 35 overall selection in the second round. Jones has been an absolute steal for the Pelicans as he has been a massive asset for the team, especially on the defensive end. Jones was an NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022 but took a big step forward in 2023 averaging 29.6 minutes a game with 9.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 2.5 APG. However, Jones really made his mark in the play-in game when he played 39.1 minutes and posted 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.

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Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Brandon Ingram leaves game against Jazz and will not return

New Orleans Pelicans PR: Brandon Ingram (head injury) will not return to tonight’s game vs. Utah. He is being evaluated for concussion-like symptoms. Source: Twitter @PelicansPR What’s the buzz on Twitter? Oleh Kosel @ OlehKosel You know, with …

New Orleans Pelicans PR: Brandon Ingram (head injury) will not return to tonight’s game vs. Utah. He is being evaluated for concussion-like symptoms.

Source: Twitter @PelicansPR

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
You know, with Brandon Ingram out, the Pelicans have been riding Zion Williamson much more than usual.
All of these reps could jolt him into regaining his dominating ways faster, maybe as soon as tonight. – 8:54 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Trey Murphy starts the second half in Brandon Ingram’s place. – 8:25 PM
Ryan Miller @millerjryan
Brandon Ingram (head injury) will not return tonight, due to concussion-like symptoms. He had 10 points on 4/5 shooting in 11 minutes. – 8:20 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Star forward Brandon Ingram is being evaluated for a concussion and will not return – 8:19 PM
Sarah Todd @NBASarah
Brandon Ingram will not return, is being evaluated for a concussion. – 8:19 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Pelicans say Brandon Ingram will not return to tonight’s game. He is being checked for concussion like symptoms. Official word is head injury. – 8:18 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Brandon Ingram will not return, Pelicans say. Being evaluated for concussion-like symptoms. Scored 10 points in 11 minutes in the first half. – 8:17 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pelicans announce Brandon Ingram is done for the night with a head injury.
He’s being evaluated for concussion-like symptoms. – 8:17 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Brandon Ingram suffered a head injury and is OUT for the remainder of the game tonight. – 8:17 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Brandon Ingram (head injury) will not return to tonight’s game vs. Jazz. He is being evaluated for concussion-like symptoms – 8:17 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of the 1st half: Jazz 63, Pelicans 53
Williamson 12 pts & 4 rebs
McCollum 11 pts & 4 assts
Ingram 10 pts
Pels trail by double digits after a sloppy half on both ends. Still waiting on an update on Brandon Ingram after he left the game in the 2nd quarter. – 8:13 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Following a CJ McCollum 3-pointer at the 7:47 mark of the 2nd quarter, the Pelicans were outscored by a 28-13 margin. Jazz lead 63-53 at halftime and Brandon Ingram is on everyone’s mind. – 8:12 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Brandon Ingram walks back to the locker room. Got hit in the eye in the first quarter. – 7:55 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Brandon Ingram just checked himself out the game and is headed back to the locker room. – 7:54 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Looked like Brandon Ingram might’ve gotten poked in the eye there or taken a shot to the nose when he and Naji went up for that steal.
Pelicans call a timeout to let BI get checked out by trainers. – 7:31 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Naji Marshall and Brandon Ingram collided while coming up with a steal on a long up-the-court pass. Looks like some of Naji’s fingers caught BI in the face. Pelicans had to call a timeout. – 7:31 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pelicans starters:
CJ McCollum
Herb Jones
Brandon Ingram
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 6:42 PM

More on this storyline

New Orleans Pelicans: When asked about Kevin Durant complimenting him before the game, Brandon Ingram joked: “I think he was trying to butter me up a little bit so I would come out there a little soft” Ingram appreciated the praise from KD, and called him “probably the best player in our league” -via Twitter @PelicansNBA / October 20, 2022
Clutch Points: KEVIN DURANT WITH THE NASTY REJECTION ON BRANDON INGRAM 😱 pic.twitter.com/xfsQbbJpP0 -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / October 19, 2022
Jim Eichenhofer: Brandon Ingram, Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance Jr. are all available tonight vs. Hawks in Birmingham -via Twitter @Jim_Eichenhofer / October 14, 2022

Pelicans, CJ McCollum agree to extension

Adrian Wojnarowski: New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum has agreed on a two-year, $64 million extension that’ll take him through 2025-2026, his agent Sam Goldfeder of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. New deal ties McCollum to Pels for four years and …

Adrian Wojnarowski: New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum has agreed on a two-year, $64 million extension that’ll take him through 2025-2026, his agent Sam Goldfeder of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. New deal ties McCollum to Pels for four years and $133M.

Source: Twitter @wojespn

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum has agreed on a two-year, $64 million extension that’ll take him through 2025-2026, his agent Sam Goldfeder of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. New deal ties McCollum to Pels for four years and $133M. – 12:39 PM
Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Updated with #Pelicans guard CJ McCollum of GlenOak HS also at the game: #Cavs‘ Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland serve as Cleveland #Browns Dawg Pound captains beaconjournal.com/story/sports/p… via @beaconjournal – 7:40 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
NBPA President CJ McCollum on Robert Sarver’s decision to sell: “We thank Mr. Sarver for making a swift decision that was in the best interest of our sports community.” – 5:32 PM
Baxter Holmes @Baxter
Statement from @TheNBPA President @CJ McCollum:
“We thank Mr. Sarver for making a swift decision that was in the best interest of our sports community.” – 5:31 PM

More on this storyline

Malika Andrews: Statement from NBPA President CJ McCollum on Robert Sarver selling the Suns: “We thank Mr. Sarver for making a swift decision that was in the best interest of our sports community.” -via Twitter @malika_andrews / September 21, 2022
How is it actually trying to guard him? Well, New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum has an answer.  “It’s very tough,” McCollum said plainly during the Warriors’ final summer league game. McCollum also mentioned how the Warriors’ system, Curry’s ability to create his own shot and stretch to the defense all the way to halfcourt, and his stamina are what make him special.  Additionally, McCollum shared what opposing teams’ defensive gameplans are when playing Curry and the Warriors. “You have to throw different bodies at him; this isn’t a guy you can just guard with one person,” he said. “He’s a galaxy, he’s a planet, he’s a solar system. Everything revolves around him.” -via NBC Sports / July 17, 2022

Notre Dame announces nonconference schedule for 2022-23 season

Notre Dame is eager to build on the success it had during the 2021-22 season.

Notre Dame is eager to build on the success it had during the 2021-22 season. It won two NCAA Tournament games, and [autotag]Blake Wesley[/autotag] became the program’s first one-and-done player after being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. For the 2022-23 season, the Irish are returning most of their players and have another freshman with high expectations in [autotag]JJ Starling[/autotag]. We now know how their season will start in that they have released their nonconference schedule.

After everything the Irish accomplished last year, opponents will know not to take them lightly. [autotag]Mike Brey[/autotag] has recaptured his old magic, and that means a team that should continue to get better. All of this means some quality basketball will be played, and that means a product worth the money paid by the fans who come out to see them. After a Nov. 2 exhibition against New Orleans-based NAIA opponent Xavier, here’s who the Irish will face before playing an ACC schedule that promises even more excitement: