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

Tyreek Hill restructure caps incredible 24 hours for Dolphins WR

A day after being named the NFL's best player by his peers, Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill received a massive raise.

Watch: Trinity Rodman scores winning goal against Japan in extra time to send USA to semis

Forward Trinity Rodman saved the day for Team USA in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Three important decisions the Buccaneers must make before regular season

The Buccaneers entered their second week of training camp on Wednesday, and the three-time defending NFC South champions have some questions to answer. Here are the three most important decisions Tampa Bay must make before its kicks off its regular season on Sept. 8.

Breanna Stewart is cementing her legacy at 2024 Paris Olympics

The two-time WNBA MVP is seeking her third gold medal.

Three important decisions the Saints must make before regular season

The New Orleans Saints have some big decisions that they must make as they try to escape NFL purgatory.

Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr. just completed one of the best months in MLB history

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. put the cherry on top of an epic July on Wednesday, helping Kansas City win, 10-3, over the hapless White Sox.

Three important decisions the Panthers must make before regular season

The Carolina Panthers have to be better this time around. Right?

Watch: Top Orioles prospect hits grand slam for first career home run in return to majors

Orioles rookie second baseman Jackson Holliday wasted no time making the most of his second MLB stint.

NFL's new kickoff, Tyson Bagent and more to watch in Hall of Fame Game

Here are three things we're looking forward to during the first game of the 2024 preseason.

Massive 'College Football 25' sales shows players were grossly underpaid

Electronic Arts' massive sales figures for its hotly anticipated "College Football 25" video game were revealed on Tuesday, and it's a glaring reminder of how grossly underpaid athletes were for this year's edition.

Three important decisions the Falcons must make before regular season

NFL training camps are in full swing, and teams have plenty to figure out over the next month. Here are three decisions the Falcons must make before they kick off their regular season on Sept. 8.

Former All-Star SS traded from White Sox to Royals mid-series

While the Royals are set at shortstop with MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr., the new addition could play meaningful innings at third base, where he's played 11 times this season. Per Baseball Reference, Kansas City is 22nd in third basemen wins above replacement (WAR).

Watch: Paul Skenes reaches incredible MLB milestone in 13th start

Skenes had four strikeouts and allowed no earned runs in his first four innings against Houston, dropping his ERA for the season to 1.83.

Dodgers acquire infielder ahead of trade deadline for the second time

While Monday was trade deadline eve for most of MLB, it was "Groundhog Day" for the Dodgers.

Guardians rewarded for strong season with Nationals trade

The Guardians' front office rewarded the team for its unexpectedly strong start with a trade ahead of Tuesday's 6 p.m. ET deadline.

A'ja Wilson shows why she's the face of women's basketball in dominant Team USA win

The WNBA's best player was dominant in a 102-76 win over Japan, Team USA's first game in the group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wilson had 24 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks on 10-of-16 shooting, picking up where she left off at the WNBA midseason break.

French Rugby star Antoine Dupont adds to illustrious career with rugby sevens gold medal

French rugby star Antoine Dupont helped lead the host country of the 2024 Paris Olympics to gold in rugby sevens with a dominant win over Fiji on Saturday.

Watch: Fans go wild as Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice

Ravens fans were treated to a welcome surprise during the team's Saturday training camp practice.

Watch: Victor Wembanyama casually makes half-court floater in warmups before Olympic debut

It's safe to say Victor Wembanyama is already comfortable at his first Olympic Games.]

Diamondbacks trade raises bar for contenders in NL wild-card race

Let the deals begin. With the MLB trade deadline on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, the Diamondbacks made the first significant move by an NL wild-card contender.

72-year-old Mack Brown fires back at rival coaches who are critical of his age

Mack Brown offered a sharp rebuke to critics who questioned his age.

Falcons are already mismanaging Kirk Cousins

The Falcons are potentially taking another misstep in their brief union with quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Saints need to honor five-time Pro Bowler's request

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara isn't asking for the moon and he's not asking to leave, making him something of a rarity in the modern era of NFL players who are in contract flux.

Tom Thibodeau extension extends Knicks championship window

Tom Thibodeau's contract wasn't the only thing the Knicks extended on Wednesday.