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Kevin Foote
kfoote@theadvertiser.com

May 14, 2003

LAFAYETTE — It’s supposed to happen. Most figures involved are expecting it to happen.

The bottom line at this point, however, is that nothing has been finalized.

The issue is a 3 p.m. press conference Friday at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center to announce that the New Orleans Saints’ annual Black-and-Gold Scrimmage will be held at Cajun Field on Saturday, Aug. 2.

The press conference has been scheduled, but UL Lafayette athletic director Nelson Schexnayder confirmed on Tuesday that a final agreement hasn’t been reached.

“There’s a very small split on one or two minor things,’’ Schexnayder said. “We’re hoping that everything will work out and we can reach an agreement. It’s close, but we haven’t signed a contract yet.’’

If the two sides can’t agree on the final details, the press conference would be cancelled. The press conference was scheduled in coordination with the Saints’ Western Region Caravan, which will be coming through Lafayette on Friday.

Saints’ general manager Mickey Loomis, coach Jim Haslett and players Ashley Ambrose, Darren Howard and Jerome Pathon will be available to meet and greet fans from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Acadiana Mall on Friday.

If an agreement between the university and the Saints is reached prior to 3 p.m. on Friday, the announcement will be made for Lafayette area Saints’ fans to see the rest of the team in action in the Black-and-Gold intrasquad scrimmage.

The Black-and-Gold game is an annual event that culminates the first week of training camp with an intrasquad scrimmage.

It’s a step above a normal practice, but not a regular exhibition game. A year ago, the scrimmage consisted of four drives in team drill, three 15-play, drives and four 12-play drives.

Starters are usually mixed in with reserves to reduce the risk of injury.

In addition to the game — tentatively set for 7 p.m. — there will be a full day of activities planned in and around Cajun Field.


©The Lafayette Daily Advertiser
May 14, 2003