Yardbarker

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Most recent Lakers trade rumors have Russell Westbrook soon becoming a free agent

With the Lakers attention fully on how to improve their roster now that LeBron James has the all-time scoring record, the Russell Westbrook era appears close to ending.

PFF predicts a new home for Jimmy Garoppolo in 2023

Despite calls to the contrary, Jimmy Garoppolo likely already played his last down with the 49ers.

Cowboys legend Michael Irvin pulled from Super Bowl coverage

In a statement to the NY Post, the NFL Network said, "Michael Irvin will not be part of the NFL Network's Super Bowl LVII week coverage."

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares thoughts on LeBron James breaking his points record

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar set the record straight on his feelings about LeBron James surpassing him as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

A surprising first candidate emerges for Raiders QB Derek Carr

A potential move to New Orleans fits the Saints' win-now model but not the team's budget.

LIV Golf attorneys paint ugly picture of league's finances

LIV Golf is in dire straits financially, according to court records.

WNBA great Candace Parker makes history, will call NBA All-Star Game

Candace Parker will make history as the first woman to act as a color commentator for the NBA All-Star Game in its 72-year history.

New mock draft has surprise at No. 1 overall

The 33rd Team's latest mock draft has a curve ball at the No. 1 overall pick and highlights what may be the deciding factor when it comes to which QB is drafted first April 27.

Unimpressive former QB is unimpressed with modern NFL QBs

While taking a shot at the current state of the NFL, Dilfer pointed to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers as QBs he "loves" but doesn't find impressive.

Patrick Mahomes is already a Hall of Fame lock

Patrick Mahomes has bigger things on his mind than thinking about his legacy, but that legacy has become astonishingly secure in an incredibly short period of time.

Report: Kyrie Irving to sit as Nets explore trade

Kyrie Irving has demanded a trade from the Nets and was held out of the team's Saturday night game. It sounds like he will continue to sit until the team finds a deal for the mercurial guard.

Could this be the year the NFL changes its punt rules?

For years, data has shown there's a greater risk of injury for football players on punts than on standard NFL plays. The league failed to come up with a safer alternative for years, but according to ESPN, it's possible the competition committee makes a change to the rules this offseason.

Magic Johnson urges Lakers to trade for Kyrie Irving

Lakers legend Magic Johnson chimed in Friday on Nets guard Kyrie Irving's trade demand, saying he wants to see him in purple and gold.

Chances for Texas, Oklahoma to make CFP in 2024 increase with realignment news

Texas and Oklahoma aren't expected to join the SEC in 2024, a development that could be the best thing for both programs in what will be the first year of the expanded College Football Playoff.

Ticket prices skyrocket as LeBron James approaches all-time scoring record

LeBron James is on track to pass Kareem Abdul Jabbar for basketball's all-time scoring record next Tuesday, and ticket prices are soaring.

ESPN plans to celebrate 'Michael Jordan Day' on February 3

ESPN has declared February 3, 2023 "Michael Jordan Day," and the network will air "content and highlights" of Jordan's career throughout the day.

Jerry Jones makes ludicrous claim about Eagles when defending Cowboys

As Jerry Jones tells it, the reason the Cowboys haven't won a Super Bowl in nearly 30 years is that Jones is concerned about the big picture.

Deion Sanders shares video of tour of Colorado locker room with Lil Wayne

Colorado is leveling up its football program, and Deion Sanders is leading the charge. He gave rapper Lil Wayne a tour of the team's facilities, including a stop at the locker room. Lil Wayne's reaction was great.

Saints appear ready to move on from Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston signed a two-year deal to remain in New Orleans last offseason, but he may not be around for the final year of the deal.

Don't count on this mythical Tom Brady-led powerhouse going undefeated

The 33rd Team wondered if an offense built around Brady's best talent in New England and Tampa Bay would go 20-0, seemingly regardless of the defensive talent on the mythical team.

With Tom Brady's retirement, QB questions dominate dreadful NFC South

Tom Brady retired Wednesday after spending the past three seasons in Tampa Bay. With his departure, each team in the dreadful division now has questions at QB. 

Greg Olsen could be the hottest offseason acquisition

Two Sundays from now, Greg Olsen will call the Super Bowl on Fox alongside Kevin Burkhardt. While all eyes will be on the field, the story unfolding in the broadcasting booth is compelling in its own right.

Remembering Tom Brady's worst play in the NFL

When it comes to throwing a football, there aren't many quarterbacks who did it better than Brady. When it comes to anything else on the field, whether it be attempting to catch a pass or block for a teammate, it's hard to find anyone worse.

DeMeco Ryans is the perfect hire to help change the Texans' image

The Houston Texans have one less problem after making a home-run hire at head coach with DeMeco Ryans.

Senior Bowl flush with talent at running back

Need a running back? Look no further than Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl. The running back group at the Senior Bowl includes five players who had more than 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2022.