On the line: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and lawyers for the NFL arrived at federal court this morning for a settlement conference in Vilma’s lawsuit seeking to overturn his season-long suspension in the Saints bounty investigation. Flanked by his attorneys as he headed into federal court, Vilma told reporters he was “hoping we can get something accomplished.” The conference was closed to the public. More details on the potential deal should emerge this afternoon.
Get well soon: Derek Gordon, CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, has notified the council’s board of directors of his medical leave, resulting from complications following recent eye surgery and is currently on hiatus from his official duties, the board says. Kathy Scherer is serving as acting director while Gordon is on medical leave, a move the board says it unanimously approved at its July 19 meeting.
Happy Birthday to you! LSU’s beloved live mascot Mike VI is celebrating his seventh birthday today. Hailing from the small town of Idaville, Ind., Mike VI arrived on the LSU campus in 2007 when he was 2 years old. “Happy Birthday to me! I’m 7 today. Hope Tigers everywhere have a great day! Geaux Tigers!,” Mike tweeted this morning, providing no immediate details on how he plans to celebrate.
