The Daily Reveille 2-19-16

SATIRE: Pope Francis calls Trump the Antichrist, page 5 Tigers look to rebound against Tennessee after Alabama loss, page 3 lsunow.com/daily

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016

thedailyreveille

@lsureveille

thedailyreveille

Volume 121 · No. 24

GET BUD C U T SHIGHER EDUCATION

Students protest potential cuts with walk-out Organizers encourage students to call legislators

BY TIA BANERJEE @tiabanerjee_TDR JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ / The Daily Reveille

OPEN SEASON Poche’ toes rubber first as Tigers kick off 2016 with series against Cincinnati

BY JAMES BEWERS @JamesBewers_TDR Kramer Robertson walked out of the dugout for practice Thursday with his upper lip swollen twice its normal size.

The LSU junior second baseman removed his mouth guard — which he has to wear for 4-6 weeks — to speak to the media, revealing his teeth wired in place. He took a hard ground ball off his grill in a scrimmage Tuesday, starting “a week from hell” just four days before first pitch at Alex Box Stadium.

Medicine made Robertson sick to his stomach on Wednesday, and he isn’t thrilled about he’ll look on camera. Still, he’ll lead off a mostly inexperienced lineup against Cincinnati at 7 p.m Friday, he said.

“I’m out here ready to go,” Robertson said. “I’m going to block out everything else and focus on Cincinnati.”

Robertson isn’t the only one starting the season with a cosmetic issue. Fellow middle infielder, freshman shortstop Trey Dawson, is suffering from pink eye, leaving him questionable for tomorrow night.

If he can’t play, JUCO transfer third baseman Cole Freeman will take Dawson’s place, but Freeman’s replacement hasn’t been determined, LSU coach Paul Mainieri confirmed via text message.

Even with an ailing team, needing as many reps as possible because of the youth, Mainieri is embracing his 10th opening night as the Tiger manager.

The first game is only comparable to one other

15

LSU

OPPONENT

12 10

7 5 4 3

3

5 4

4 2

1

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

1

2 0

0

2013

2014

1

2015

opening day statistics during Paul Mainieri’s tenure total runs avg. runs total total avg. RBIs total avg SOs scored per game home runs RBIs per game SOs per game

2

18

5 6.7

52

5.8

60 9.9

see OPENING DAY, page 4 89

Nearly 100 students gathered at the Memorial Tower as the clock chimed the alma mater Thursday to participate in what is the first of many events protesting the budget cuts to higher education.

The walk-out and rally event was organized primarily by alumnus Peter Jenkins and hosted by Baton Rouge Organizing, a local advocacy group.

Jenkins said they were happy with the turnout considering the event was organized in only a week. They expect a bigger turnout for future events because there is more time to spread the word.

“This is just the beginning,” Jenkins said.

Upon arriving, students were handed a paper listing the phone numbers of state legislators and a script for what to say when calling.

At the start of the rally, organizers encouraged students to call legislators and leave voicemails. Laptops were also set up for students to email their representatives.

Some students’ classes were canceled for the rally and they were receiving extra credit for attending.

Speakers at the rally included Jenkins, 2015 Homecoming Queen Bianca Webb, LSU alumni Joan Broussard and Joseph Coco, and communications studies professor Bryan McCann.

At the rally, speakers were not focused only on the University, but the effects of budget cuts to higher education throughout the state.

“It’s a thing where we have

see WALK-OUT, page 4

The Daily Reveille

page 2 BUDGET CUTS

Friday, February 19, 2016

Higher ed expert speaks about university funding

NICHOLAS MARTINO / The Daily Reveille

Former Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, Robert Birgeneau, discusses excellence and access in public higher education on Feb. 18, in Dalton Woods Auditorium.

BY KATIE GAGLIANO @katie_gagliano Robert Birgeneau, co-chair of the Lincoln Project and former chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, presented on the challenging state of public research universities Thursday in the Dalton J. Woods Auditorium.

The Lincoln Project is sponsored by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and works to combat rampant state disinvestment in public research universities. The project analyzes the status of public research universities to assess methods of maintaining excellence and accessibility in the long term, Birgeneau said.

Public research universities are drivers of innovation and economic development in the United States. Of the top 50 venture capital and business producing universities worldwide, 20 are American public research universities, he said.

Aside from the monetary benefits, public research universities act as a conduit for lower income students to enter mainstream society and thrive, Birgeneau said.

“Public research universities are the single most effective mechanism for addressing the issue of income inequality, which

has reached crisis proportions in the United States,” he said.

“The gap between the rich and the poor is growing and growing in a way that is going to destabilize our society. We need healthy, well-functioning public research universities to have a stable and just society.”

If disinvestment continues, the danger of privatization increases, and public universities will offer less financial aid to low-income students, Birgeneau said. Lower income students will struggle to attain higher education and public research universities will no longer serve their purpose, he said.

Disinvestment has occurred for a number of reasons, he said.

Public education’s status among discretionary funding makes it one of the first areas targeted for cuts when states face financial challenges. Additionally, many state budgets are under increased pressure from programs such as Medicare, he said.

In 2013, 11 states allotted more money from the state general fund to corrections than to higher education. Corrections funding grew by 141 percent between 1986 and 2013, while higher education funding increased by 5.6 percent, according to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Disinvestment is not solely a monetary issue, Birgeneau said.

In recent decades, society’s perception of education has soured, and higher education is now predominantly perceived as a private good instead of a public good.

Louisiana has cut higher education spending by 41 percent between 2008 and 2014, the highest cuts in the country following the recession, according to a Young Invincibles report. Louisiana’s budget is facing an approximately $940 million shortfall, with higher education expecting a $70 million cut in the best-case scenario.

“I think that’s a very dangerous thing to do,” Birgeneau said.

“The best professors are very mobile, so they can leave. They can go to other states. Building a great university like LSU takes a long time.”

Physics professor Ward Plummer agrees with Birgeneau. Plummer organized Birgeneau’s visit and said he believes Louisiana’s future spending decisions will impact the value of a University degree for years to come.

“If you have a degree from LSU, what’s going to happen in the next five to 10 years is going to really determine what that degree is worth,” Plummer said. “If we go in the right direction, there’s no

doubt that an LSU degree can be worth more than it is now. If they close the University down, it will be worth nothing.”

Plummer said he thinks the state faces unique challenges compared to other universities.

The state’s dependence on the oil and gas industry, and the mishandling of deficit calculations, has plagued the state and higher education for decades, Plummer said.

Plummer said he hopes exposing Birgeneau to these challenges will help further reflect Louisiana’s situation in the solutions the Lincoln Project is developing.

Birgeneau is scheduled to meet with state legislators and the commission of higher education Friday, with Gov. John Bel Edwards possibly attending, Plummer said.

Government plays an integral role in resolving the problems facing higher education, Birgeneau said.

Educating people in positions of power who can influence budgets is one of the Lincoln Project’s main objectives. Several states have sent copies of the Lincoln Project’s publications to their legislators, he said.

The Lincoln Project recognizes the importance of politics in higher education, and has enlisted several former politicians to serve on the project’s board. Bipartisan politicians in Washington recognize the importance of discussing possible solutions, Birgeneau said.

Former Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a Republican, and former Rep. George Miller, a D - California, are helping develop federal strategy for the organization.

“Even though one is a moderate Republican and one is a fairly left wing Democrat, on education they agree,” Birgeneau said.

Duplicating this bipartisan support on a larger scale will be key in developing solutions to the crisis in higher education. The Lincoln Project is developing several strategies for improving higher education funding, including promoting partnerships between federal and state governments with foundations and individual philanthropists, he said.

CRIME BRIEFS

Man arrested for trespassing in Acadian Hall

LSUPD spokesperson Capt. Marshall Walters said Ivory Amos, 26, was arrested Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. for criminal mischief and criminal trespass at Acadian Hall and was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Amos was booked on a $5,000 bond.

Man arrested on DWI charges

Ryan Bascle, 33, was arrested Feb. 17 at 1:50 a.m. for DWI and issued a citation for a non-working tail light, Walters said. Officers conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle on Nicholson Drive. Walters said Bascle was intoxicated, placed under arrest and transported to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Student imprisoned for possession of narcotics

LSU student Kaitlyn Nix, 19, was arrested Feb. 14 at 12:20 a.m. for illegal possession of narcotics and was booked to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, Walters said. Nix was booked on a $5,000 bond.

Student arrested for running stop sign and hitting cyclist LSUPD arrested LSU student Joseph Bell, 22, on Feb. 13 at 12:51 p.m. for hit and run, stop sign violation, careless operation and simple possession of marijuana, Walters said. Walters said the victim said he was bicycling on South Stadium Road and, as he approached the intersection at South Campus Drive, a vehicle ran a stop sign, struck the bicycle and left the scene. Bell was identified as the driver and, during investigation, was found to be in possession of 2 grams of marijuana and cookies from Insomnia Cookies, Walters said. Walters said Bell was issued a summons and released.

Student arrested for puncturing tires near the Indian Mounds

Walters said LSU student Melina Jones, 20, was arrested Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. for simple criminal damage to property. Walters said LSUPD officers interviewed her for a Jan. 20 complaint of damage to property in which the victim’s vehicle tires were punctured in the Indian Mound Parking Lot. Walters said Jones was identified as the suspect, confessed and was issued a misdemeanor summons.

Reveille The Daily

B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803

Newsroom (225) 578-4810

Advertising (225) 578-6090

QUINT FORGEY Editor in Chief CARRIE GRACE HENDERSON Co-Managing Editor JOSHUA JACKSON Co-Managing Editor ROSE VELAZQUEZ News Editor WILLIAM TAYLOR POTTER Deputy News Editor MEG RYAN Entertainment Editor MORGAN PREWITT Sports Editor APRIL AHMED Associate Production Editor CLAIRE CASSREINO Associate Production Editor CODY SIBLEY Opinion Editor EMILY BRAUNER Photo Editor ARI ROSS Radio Director SAM ACCARDO Advertising Manager

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS In the February 18 article, “‘By the way, Meet Vera Stark’ to show at Reilly Theatre,” Pirronne Yousefzadeh, a woman, is referred to as “him” and “he” in the third and fourth paragraphs. The direct quote attributed to Yousefzadeh, “Blacks can’t be nominated for roles that are not there,” should be attributed to Yousefzadeh’s interpretation of Viola Davis’ speech at the September 2015 Emmy Awards. The Daily Reveille regrets this error.

ABOUT THE DAILY REVEILLE The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University.

The Daily Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and twice weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams.

Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.

Sports

page 3 TENNIS

Ready to Rally

Tigers return to action at home after layoff

BY JUSTIN TALBOT @JT15_TDR

LSU hopes to bounce back after brutal loss against Alabama

The LSU men’s tennis team will open its regular-season home slate with a doubleheader today against No. 39 Drake University at 3 p.m. and Nicholls State University at 7 p.m. at the LSU Tennis Complex.

The Tigers have been off for several week since their loss to Rice on Jan. 31, after failing to qualify for the 2016 ITA Division I National Men’s Team Indoor Championships last month.

“I think it was good to have a week or so to cool off after the match which we weren’t happy with our performances, but we are all really hungry to get going now,” said sophomore Simon Freund.

Drake is riding a three-game winning streak, including an upset win against then-No. 23 Minnesota, after starting the season 2-3.

“We’re expecting a challenge, much like when we face strong SEC teams, but there’s a lack of a familiarity because we don’t see them often,” said LSU coach Jeff Brown.

After facing the Bulldogs,the Tigers will take on Nicholls (1-2) as the second part of their home opener.

CHRISTIAN BOUTWELL @CBoutwell_TDR “Last night was definitely a bad loss for us.”

Freshman guard Antonio Blakeney knew a bad loss was coming, and he couldn’t help noticing the mass of people heading for the exits. Tiger fans started emptying out the PMAC at 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday, predicting the forthcoming 76-69 defeat against Alabama.

It didn’t bother him, he said, but it was significant enough to mention before speaking about LSU’s upcoming 4:30 p.m. matchup against Tennessee on Saturday in Knoxville’s ThompsonBoling Arena.

“I noticed it. I just kept playing, but I was seeing a lot of people walk out,” Blakeney said. “We’ve bounced back pretty well all year. We’ve just got to bounce back, again. Which, we will do.”

Through his sniffles and mucus congestion, Blakeney said he was sick for Wednesday’s game and added “a lot of people [are sick].”

“I played horrible,” he said. “I didn’t do enough to help the team win. Offensively, I wasn’t aggressive enough. I didn’t make free throws. I had lapses on defense. Just didn’t do enough.”

Blakeney, though, is not the only wounded Tiger. Freshman point-forward Ben Simmons suffered a left ring finger injury either the end of the

see BASKETBALL, page 7 EMILY BRAUNER / The Daily Reveille

LSU freshman guard Antonio Blakeney (2) passes the ball during LSU’s 81-70 victory over McNeese State University on Nov. 13.

see TENNIS, page 7

SOFTBALL

Tigers battle three ranked opponents in Mary Nutter Classic

BY JOSHUA THORNTON @JoshT_TDR The No. 4 LSU softball team will be facing its toughest test of the season yet as it travels to Palm Springs, California for the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.

LSU will begin the tournament with a doubleheader against No. 9 Arizona and Bethune-Cookman tonight at 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., respectively.

Despite dropping in the polls and suffering a disappointing loss last weekend in the Tiger Classic, the Tigers (4-1) are turning the loss into positive motivation.

“I was disappointed that we lost,” said junior third baseman Sahvanna Jaquish. “You never want to take a loss that early, but it helps us identify what we need to improve as a team. I think that’s going to help us in the long run.”

Fielding issues were one of the

reasons the Tigers lost to Pacific on Feb. 13. LSU committed six errors in the Tiger Classic, with half of them coming in the loss alone.

If the Tigers want to finish this weekend with five wins, they can’t afford to make the same type of mistakes, especially against a high-powered Arizona (6-0) offense and a well-balanced No. 8 UCLA squad.

To fix some of those defensive issues, LSU coach Beth Torina and her staff will continue to adjust the defensive lineup in hopes of finding the most consistent fielders.

“We’ve been moving people around, trying to decide what our best look is,” Torina said. “We’re always trying to be better. Hopefully, as the season gets a little deeper and we get more reps, those will go away.”

Playing in the Mary Nutter Classic will give Torina a good barometer of how her team stacks

WINGATE JONES / The Daily Reveille

LSU softball coach Beth Torina walks across the field during LSU’s 13-2 victory against University of Connecticut on Feb. 13. up against nationally-ranked competition.

The Tigers will face three ranked opponents this weekend and all three have different playing styles, from the power-hitting

Wildcats to a dynamic No. 15 University of Central Florida pitching staff.

Arizona boasts a lineup that opened last weekend hitting 14 home runs as a team and

outscored its opponents 63-12. The Wildcats will test the strength of LSU’s pitching staff with a topnotch duo of junior sluggers —

see SOFTBALL, page 7

page 4

The Daily Reveille

Friday, February 19, 2016 [Left] LSU head coach Paul Mainieri requests the ball from then-sophomore pitcher Hunter Newman (55) during the Tigers’ 10-3 defeat against TCU in the NCAA Men’s College World Series on June 14. [Below] Mainieri stands in the dugout before the the Tigers’ 5-3 victory against Cal State Fullerton on June 16 during the NCAA Men’s College World Series.

WALK-OUT, from page 1 to understand that this isn’t just about LSU, this is about Louisiana as whole,” Coco said. “If LSU goes under, if Southern goes under, if Grambling, McNeese, all these different places go under, nobody wins.”

McCann started off his address to students with a joke, saying how it was ironic that as a professor, he spoke to a group of students skipping class and talked about the role students have to play in the legislative decision on the cuts.

“It’s impossible to understate the role that student activists have to play in this current mess,” McCann said.

“Being annoying, being loud, being consistent, and continuing to show up is how change happens.”

Human resource education sophomore Jaron Bertrand said she came to the rally to support the University and her peers and because it is important to let legislators know students care.

“Something needs to be said, and we need to be heard,” Bertrand said. “I hope they don’t ignore it. I hope they actually read what we say and do something about it.”

Webb, who is graduating in May, said one of her main concerns is the future students in higher education.

“The TOPS program allows some of those kids to be able to create a better future for themselves,” Webb said. “I’m not just concerned about me. I’m concerned about the ones who are going to be basically molding and creating Louisiana’s future.”

While there may have been people who disagreed with their methods, Jenkins said they were happy with how the event turned out and that walk-outs have been used throughout the history of student activism.

McCann said while faculty and staff can play their roles, students are the real catalyst in making changes.

“History tells us the voice and organizational abilities of students, there’s no substitute for it,” McCann said. “My expectation is that when enough of those voices gather and make enough noise, it’s going to be impossible to ignore.”

photos by JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ /

The Daily Reveille

OPENING DAY, from page 1 day of the year, he said.

“There’s only two days to me every year that are really unique,” Mainieri said. “Opening day and the first day of the [College] World Series. The first day at the World Series always feels different because you’re in the big stadium, the big stage. You know what’s at stake. You feel like you haven’t played in forever because it’s been a full week since you’ve played in the Super Regional. But, outside of that, the rest of the season is just another day and let’s get after it.”

This year’s team is vastly different than the one that walked out of TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska after being eliminated from last year’s College World Series.

On its way to 54 wins last season, a potent LSU offense completed the year with a .314 batting clip, good enough for fourth in the country. An elder group of hitters outscored opponents by more than 200 runs, averaging nearly seven runs per game, and recorded a nation-leading 762 hits.

Despite sophomore Alex Lange’s dazzling National Freshman Pitcher of the Year season, perhaps the most overlooked aspect of the Tigers’ College World Series team was a pitching staff that ended the year with the second-lowest earned run average in the Southeastern Conference, which also ranked top-20 nationally. A starting rotation continuously searching for a No. 3 starter and an inconsistent bullpen clouded a banner year for Mainieri’s hurlers.

Now, the roles are reversed, as last season’s pitching staff remains mostly in tact and the batting lineup is filled with freshmen, transfers and inexperienced second-year players. For the second year in a row, junior Jared Poche’ will toe the rubber first for the Tigers, attempting to erase a two-error, six-run outing in a loss to TCU to open the College World Series last year.

Knowing Poche’s experience and mound presence, Lange is more than happy to follow Poche’ at 2 p.m. Saturday against the Bearcats.

“The way I look at it is I think Poche’ is the leader of the staff, and he’s going to go out there and set the tone,” he said. “Just like last year, I got to observe it, see how the game is going to go, try to get that atmosphere-feel of everything and really, really see how they attack — how they like to hit, where their comfort zone is, where they’re uncomfortable, what they struggle with. So, that is nice.”

A new arm also enters the fold in the Sunday starting stop at noon – senior Akron transfer John Valek III. The now-defunct Zips program featured Valek as its ace, as he recorded a 6-6 mark with a 3.25 ERA. The Parkland, Florida native fanned 62 batters in his First Team All-Mid American junior season and is referred to as a “crafty lefty” by junior center fielder Jake Fraley. “[Valek] can pitch, man,” Poche’ said. “I didn’t know much about him, obviously, coming from Akron. I just knew he threw 200-something innings in three years. Just that alone speaks volumes to the kind of competitor he is.”

While the bullpen is comprised of mostly familiar names, including Parker Bugg, Jesse Stallings and Hunter Newman, another pitcher in his first year with the Tigers could see action this weekend. JUCO transfer right-hander Riley Smith, who was originally in the mix to start on Sunday, said his shoulder soreness is fading and felt good after throwing a bullpen Thursday, leaving the possibility for him to pitch limited innings on Sunday.

“I was as accurate as you can be for haven’t had pitched a bullpen … [in] almost two weeks,” Smith said. “Offspeed was better, good changeup, fine fastball.

I rushed little things because I was excited to get out there, but everything should be on course.”

Opinion

page 5

People should become politically involved to instigate change MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL CLARKE PERKINS @ClarkePerkins Don’t wait for change to happen. Create it yourself.

Civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson joined 24 other candidates in the race to become Baltimore’s mayor, and black rights activists across the nation should rally behind him.

He joined the Ferguson, Missouri protests after police officer Darren Wilson shot and killed unarmed Michael Brown in 2014.

Mckesson grew tired of waiting for other people to change our nation, and he decided to do something about poverty, police brutality and racism.

Anyone can run for office.

You don’t have to be a millionaire or have a law degree to run for a political position.

“I’m not a millionaire. I’m not a former elected official. I’m an activist. I’m a son of Baltimore,” Mckesson said Tuesday at a forum at the Belvedere Hotel.

Being from New Orleans, I’ve heard countless young adults say something along the lines of “I can’t wait until I can get out of here” or “I’d never raise my family here.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Protester DeRay Mckesson records outside the Thomas F. Eagleton Federal Courthouse Aug.10 in St. Louis.

The city’s high crime rate is detracting people from the beautiful Crescent City.

If you’re not happy with your city’s crime rate, do something about it. Run for city council.

Vote on programs that will assist in minimizing crime. But don’t leave your community when it needs people like you to improve it.

Mckesson found similar problems with Baltimore.

“I love this city,” Mckesson said. “It’s the city where I was born and raised, where I live, where my family lives and where my family is from — and I’ve watched it continue to be a city that isn’t working for people.”

Running for city council is obviously easier said than done.

Much more goes into lowering a crime rate than joining a city council and voting, but you get the idea.

People’s mindset about certain cities exists on a state and national level as well.

College students across the state are contemplating their future in Louisiana because of the budget crisis. They’d rather not live in a state where their state-funded scholarships can be snatched away in the blink of an eye.

Instead of trying to better their state, they’d rather pack up and raise their future families in places without yearly budget fiascoes.

On the national level, many Americans are thinking of leaving up if Donald Trump wins the presidency. According to a Fusion poll, 54 percent of young Americans said they’d feel it’s time for them to leave the country if Trump were to win.

Hopefully, Mckesson will help people understand that simply leaving your community to crash and burn is a poor plan.

As much as we want TOPS and dread the possibility of Trump becoming president, we can’t just throw in the towel.

You don’t have to run for a political position to get change, although it would help. I’m a 20-year-old, full-time college student. I’m in no position to run for any form of office, yet I want to

start seeing racial equality.

Not everyone will be able to run for office for a variety of reasons, but that doesn’t mean you can just sit around.

Vote. Everyone needs to vote.

Don’t complain about income inequality and a corrupt government if you’re not aiding in the change. Aside from voting, promote a candidate who shares your values. Then when you have the ability to really step up to the plate, go for it.

I may not be able to run for office now, but when I’m in the position in my life where I have the time and resources to make a difference, I will. I don’t plan on packing up and leaving because times get too hard.

Nothing will improve if people leave. Leaving will only make it worse for the next generation. We need to stand up and create the change we want to see.

Our city, state and country can be as beautiful as we want it to be.

Be a leader. Be the person that fixes a broken situation rather than the person who flees looking for an already fixed one.

Clarke Perkins is a 20-year-old political science sophomore from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Pope Francis calls Republican candidate Donald Trump the Antichrist HARP ON IT JOHN GAVIN HARP @SirJohnGavin This article is purely satire and meant for the readers’ enjoyment.

Pope Francis declared war against American politics on Wednesday and suggested Donald Trump was the Antichrist.

“Any man who doesn’t love and respect Megyn Kelly is a man who will bring forth the Rapture,” Pope Francis said at a midair news conference following his six-day visit to Mexico.

“I do not think a political system that supports this man is one of Godly values, so the Roman Catholic Church and Vatican City are declaring war against the United States of

America,” Pope Francis added.

The war is expected to be more of a peaceful protest, considering the Vatican City State only has 840 citizens — most of whom protect the Pope.

The six-day visit to Mexico included Pope Francis visiting charities as well taking over Snaphat Mexico and posting selfies with fans in Aztec ruins.

“What can I say? I love the geofilters,” Pope Francis said of his affection for Snapchat. “I just wish they had one for God’s Heavenly Kingdom.”

Snapchat CEO, Evan Spiegel, said the social media application is working on the feature.

“It’s just difficult to get service up there, but it’ll happen,” Spiegel said.

Pope Francis also made a cameo on the popular Mexican telenovela, “Pasión y

The Daily Reveille EDITORIAL BOARD

Quint Forgey Carrie Grace Henderson Joshua Jackson Rose Velazquez William Taylor Potter Cody Sibley

Editor in Chief Co-Managing Editor Co-Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor

Poder,” playing the role of main character Arturo Montenegro’s notorious father. The bit role was Pope Francis’ acting debut.

“It was a lot of fun to play the father of a notorious criminal on television,” Pope Francis said of the role. “Hopefully I put [Montenegro] back on the path to God.” Donald Trump responded to the Pope’s remarks after the news reached him at his rally in South Carolina.

“Pope Francis is a loser,” Trump said to a crowd of thousands of angry Southern Baptists. “I’ve seen those poll numbers. Besides, if I were the Antichrist, I would’ve already become president. I wouldn’t need to speak to you losers.”

Donald Trump’s tirade against Pope Francis continued

throughout the rally. Trump eventually brought Hillary Clinton into the mix.

“You know something? I bet you Pope Francis is in cahoots with Hillary Clinton. I bet he had something to do with Benghazi,” Trump declared. “Maybe he’ll get indicted too.”

In response to Pope Francis’ war on America, Trump suggested his supporters abandon Christianity and worship him instead.

“I’ve got this idea. You all can worship my book, The Art of the Deal, instead of the Bible.

We’re going to make religion great again,” Trump said. “It’s gonna be YUGE.” John Gavin Harp is a 20-yearold mass communication junior from St. Francisville, Louisiana.

Editorial Policies and Procedures

The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Daily Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pope Francis meets journalists aboard the plane during the flight from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico to Rome, Italy on Feb.17.

Quote of the Day “Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that creates huge inequalities..”

Pope Francis

Head of the Catholic Church Dec. 17, 1936 — present

page 6

Announcements

Employment

The Daily Reveille

Housing

Friday, February 19, 2016

Merchandise

Transportation

Classif ieds

To place your ad, visit www.lsunow.com and click classif ieds

For Rent GREAT LOCATION for student...between Burbank and LSU Spacious 2 BR with office, washer / dryer, wood floor, all utilities included. $1,100 / MO. Call: 225-615-8521 or 225-8928517 _______________________________ 2 BR-Condo near LSU W/D included $700/Mon call (225)-2786622 or 278-6621. _______________________________ Seeking Terrific fml student to share large 2bdrm,private bath, w/ intelligent, educated woman,$200 /mo rent in exchange 4 pt help w/ grocshppg, convrsn, some guidance/assistance.

Muat be responsible, gdcommunicator, intelligent. No laundry/ dishes. 20” to LSU. Eliza/ Ruth225-362-2511.

Help Wanted

Services

Costs: $.40 per word per day. Minimum $5 per day.

Deadline: 12 p.m., three school days prior to the print publication date

_______________________________ Louie’s Cafe is hiring cooks, servers & dish staff. Apply in person, online or via email. louiescafe.com 3322 Lake St. _______________________________ Fat Cow is now hiring for cooks, cashiers, and dishwashers.

Come join the herd and enjoy flexible hours, best wages in the business and a great drug and smoke free work environment.

Prior experience preferred but not a must. Apply in person 4350 highland rd ste B1. _______________________________ Part-time help wanted walking around upscale community passing out literature. $14/hour.

Must have vehicle. Contact Beverly at 225-387-5931 _______________________________

Anthony’s Italian Deli is looking for general, reliable help. We can work with school schedules.

Apply in person at 5575 Government St 70806 From 2-4 daily.

Must be able to work Saturdays. _______________________________ Physical Therapy Tech needed for Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic in Baton Rouge. Must have a good work ethic and willing to learn. Kinesiology majors preferred. Call Tom 225-354-9976. _______________________________ VooDoo BBQ on Nicholson Dr. is now Hiring for Cashier/ Server and Kitchen. Located at the North Gates of LSU on Nicholson Dr. Apply in person between 2pm and 4pm. _______________________________

Boil Up

Now hiring kennel techs and receptionists. Looking for reliable, dedicated workers. Come by to fill out an application. _______________________________

FRANKIE’S DAWG HOUSE NOW HIRING CALL 805-5120183 _______________________________ LOVE CHILDREN? Children’s store on Sherwood Forest needs two helpers. No nights or Sundays. 225 291-4850

Some Interest!

Place a Classified today! lsunow.com

Friday, February 19, 2016 SOFTBALL, from page 3 infielder Mo Mercado and outfielder Katiyana Mauga — who have combined for seven home runs and 24 RBIs through six games this season.

No. 9 UCLA (4-1) features a roster that returns two NFCA AllAmericans from the Bruins’ Women’s College World Series team last season. Sophomore pitcher Selina Ta’amilo could pose problems for the Tigers lineup. Ta’amilo (3-0) has posted a 1.53 ERA and notched 16 strikeouts in 18.1 innings of work this season.

Along with strong pitching, the Bruins have consistently been able to produce offense, averaging six runs a game. UCLA has tallied

BASKETBALL, from page 3 South Carolina game on Feb. 10 or against Texas A&M on Saturday, but LSU coach Johnny Jones couldn’t recall the exact moment of injury.

On multiple attempts on Wednesday, Simmons attacked the rim dribbling with his left hand but had to switch the ball to his right to finish the shot.

Simmons was not made available to the media on Thursday to discuss any discomfort with the finger.

“It happened a couple games ago,” Jones said. “I don’t know if it was during the A&M game or at the end of the South Carolina game.”

Jones said Simmons’ hand possibly was bothering him through his 10-of-19 night from the free-throw line against Alabama.

Free throws and defensive lapses plagued the scarred Tigers all evening on Wednesday.

TENNIS, from page 3 The matchup marks the second-straight season LSU has opened its open home schedule against in-state rival Nicholls.

In 2015, the Tigers swept the Colonels, 7-0.

These matches also mark the first time the men’s tennis team play will open its season in the new LSU Tennis Complex in 2016.

“It’s pretty exciting because we’ll have a good amount of people, coming out here for the first time to support us,” said junior Justin Butsch.

“A lot more people can come out now, because at the “dub” restricted when it came to seating a bit.”

Before the new LSU Tennis Complex was built in 2015, the men’s team played matches at the W.T. ‘Dub’ Robinson Stadium since 1976.

The ‘Dub’ was named after former LSU tennis coach William Thomas Robinson, who coached the team from 19481974.

Even after the few weeks of rest, a doubleheader will provided a challenge for the Tigers’ stamina.

“We always try to focus one match at a time. We’re just worried about playing the first match

The Daily Reveille

25 RBIs compared with just four home runs this season.

UCF (4-2) are back-to-back American-Athletic Conference Champions and have an experienced team, with 14 juniors and seniors. The Knights feature one of the best pitching staffs in the country, only allowing three runs on the season and having a combined team of 1.17 ERA. “It’ll be a real good learning experience. We’re going to know a lot more about ourselves after this weekend,” Torina said. “We’re going to see a lot of different things.

UCF really has a great pitcher.

UCLA is kind of the well-rounded team. Arizona brings a huge offense.”

The Tigers’ offense has stolen

the spotlight this season. In its first five games, LSU outscored its opponents 42-5 in the Tiger Classic. The Tigers poured on runs early, scoring 22 runs in the third inning during last weekend.

Jaquish has been the catalyst for the LSU offense. The Highland, California native won SEC Player of the Week on Tuesday after hitting .692 with nine hits and nine RBIs through LSU’s first five games.

“I’m proud of the way she attacked the season,” Torina said.

“She’s still going out with something to prove, instead of living up to everyone’s expectations. She took a different mentality than some of us.”

After the Tigers play on

The team’s momentum was shot after securing a big win against Texas A&M on Feb. 13.

Saturday’s early afternoon matchup would be the ideal opportunity for the Tigers to regain focus and gain control of the SEC, but Blakeney said LSU will recoup its momentum in practice Thursday.

“Yeah, you get your momentum back in practice,” Blakeney said. “Today, we’re going to go hard and get right.”

Heading into Knoxville losing two of its last three games, LSU — a constantly shaky team on the road with a 3-5 mark this season away from the PMAC — will again face one of the SEC’s premier perimeter scorers in Tennessee senior guard Kevin Punter Jr. On three different occasions the Tigers faced off against Buddy Hield, Stefan Moody and Wednesday night against Retin Obasohan — all of which combined to average 33.3 points

against LSU this season.

“We’ve had some guards go off on us,” Jones said.

Punter ranks second in the SEC, behind Moody, in scoring, averaging 22.3 points per game.

“He’s an excellent scorer and can really play,” Jones said. “He has the ball in his hands a lot.

When Punter has the ball in his hand, he poses a big-time threat for us. We’re going to have to do a great job against him.”

Alongside Punter, Tennessee is known to be a dominant homecourt protector.

The Volunteers conquered then-No. 24 South Carolina, 7869, on Jan. 23 and then-No. 20 Kentucky, 84-77, on Feb. 2.

Sophomore forward Craig Victor II, though, is more than accepting of the opportunity to play in Knoxville.

“They play pretty good on their home turf,” Victor said.

“But, it’s a good way for us to put this loss behind us. It’s an opportunity to start over.”

F

well, getting the ‘W,’” Butsch said. “Some guys may be tired or

not but our team has great depth and a lot of guys who can step up.

page 7

WINGATE JONES / The Daily Reveille

Senior catcher Kellsi Kloss (77) speaks with coach Beth Torina on Feb. 13.

Friday, they will play another doubleheader against UC Santa Barbara and UCF on Saturday 5:00 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., respectively,

and UCLA on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

“It’s going to be a good test for us to see where we’re at,” said senior shortstop Bianka Bell.

FOR RELEASE JANUARY 19, 2016

THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Cradled in one’s arms 5 Summary 10 __ more; again 14 Fervent 15 Give the slip to 16 Actor James __ 17 Sticky strip 18 Unable to tell red from green 20 Suffix for heir or host 21 Actor Johnny 22 Acting parts 23 Wipe away 25 __-tac-toe 26 Bushes 28 Traffic citation 31 TV’s “Days of Our __” 32 Not taut 34 Mover’s truck 36 Suffix for an inflammation 37 Sales __; store employee 38 In this place 39 Mr. Severinsen 40 Flock member 41 Black-andwhite bear 42 Gathered crops 44 One who dies for his beliefs 45 ABC followers 46 3-line poem 47 Criminal 50 Acreage 51 Laundry soap 54 Indirect 57 Ice sheet afloat 58 Prefix for freeze or body 59 Mailman’s beat 60 European mountains 61 Does drugs 62 Inn 63 Recolors 1 2 3 4 5

DOWN Abhor Perón & Gabor Insincere words Ike’s initials Break in a kid’s school day

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 19 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 35

Wed on the run Actor Robert Needless fuss __ person; apiece “A diller, a dollar, a ten __ scholar...”

Tack Charlie Chaplin’s prop Finishes Adobe, for one __ at; smears on lightly Regrets Lyme disease carrier Went down a fire pole __-miss; haphazard Waterproof cover In the long run Late for school Snow toy Actor Marvin Close by

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

Monday’s Puzzle Solved

©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

37 Hotel cook 38 “__! The Herald Angels Sing” 40 Use up 41 __ for; bought 43 Handsome young man 44 Fireplace shelf 46 Terre __, IN

47 48 49 50 52 53 55 56 57

German wife Long periods Early guitar Boor Easy stride Not as much Upper limb Ghost’s remark Passing craze

The Daily Reveille

page 8

RANKED TIGERS Nataliyah Friar

Michael Cherry

Jordan Moore

Jonnie Jackson

Tied for No. 15 in longjump

No.1 in NCAA in

Tied for No. 1 in

No. 17 in weight

18th in triple jump

400 meter

60-meter hurdles

throw

Friday, February 19, 2016 TRACK & FIELD

LSU Twilight meet features NCAA top 20 ranked Tigers

BY JOURDAN RILEY @jourdanr_TDR The LSU women’s and men’s track and field teams will host the LSU Twilight today in the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse.

Field events kick off at 2:30 p.m. and the first preliminary races start at 3:30 p.m.

The meet showcases a mostly Louisiana-based field including Loyola University-New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, Nicholls State, Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern University at New Orleans and Tulane.

“We’ll need to be at our best to make sure we get that qualifying time we’re looking for when we come back here in two weeks for the Southeastern Conference Championships,” said LSU coach Dennis Shaver in a press release on Feb. 13.

Both the Tigers and the Lady Tigers roll into the Twlight ranked in the Top 25 of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s Poll at No. 4 and No. 22, respectively.

The team rankings aren’t the only standings in LSU’s sights this weekend with seven different athletes ranked in the NCAA

Top-20 in their individual events.

Sophomore sprinter Mikiah Brisco and sophomore hurdler Daeshon Gordon enter today’s in the NCAA’s Top 16 in their individual events.

Junior jumper Nataliyah Friar is tied for No. 15 spot nationally in the long jump with a mark of 20 feet, 9 inches in the long jump. She also ranks No. 18 with a jump of 42 feet, 9 inches in the triple jump.

Brisco and Gordon enter the 60-meter hurdle ranked among the NCAA Top 20. Brisco’s person-best time of 8.20 seconds.

Gordon holds the No. 16 spot with a personal-best of 8.22 seconds.

Junior sprinter Michael Cherry holds the top position in the NCAA’s 400-meter rankings with a season-best 45.78 seconds.

Junior hurdler Jordan Moore is tied for No. 1 with a time of 7.69 seconds in the 60-meter hurdle.

“I make myself believe [performance] better because I know I started at a point in life when I wasn’t so fast so I know if I can continue to keep pushing and working hard that I can get to a certain point,” Cherry said. “I know there’s way more to this than where I am at in life.”

Friday 2.19 • Open Bar 8-10 P.M.

Saturday 2.20

Fred's loves ya!

• Fred’s 2,500 lb Crawfish Boil • Open at 1 P.M. • No cover for girls if you mention this ad • Fred’s Caribbean Cruise Giveaway Win one of four, four-night Caribbean cruises for you and a friend!