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

Position battles to watch in Falcons training camp

Here's a look at three position battles that could be the most heated during Falcons training camp.

How LeBron James' decision to opt out of contract potentially benefits Lakers

The Lakers may have just gotten a massive break from LeBron James when he opted out of the final year of his contract with the organization.

We're running out of superlatives for A'ja Wilson

The two-time league MVP shot 10-of-19 from the court and filled the box score with six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals.

Texas coach's controversial decision should end one particular complaint

His former players at Texas A&M might not think so now, but recently hired Texas baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle did them a huge favor.  Heck, any

Lakers get steal of the first round in 2024 NBA Draft after star guard's unexpected fall

While his age was a deterrent for some, the Lakers wisely saw its value.

Wizards' Deni Avdija trade another step back for the franchise

For Wizards fans who thought this past season's 15-67 record was rock bottom, think again.

Recent hot streak shows why Astros aren't done yet

The Houston Astros' season may still be alive.

NFL national TV broadcasting FAQ: What to know about Tom Brady, Al Michaels and more

NFL teams aren't the only ones who have been busy this offseason. The league's media partners have been hard at work, too.

Watch: Wild sequence saves Panthers en route to first Stanley Cup

The Florida Panthers won the first Stanley Cup in franchise history on Monday, but not before one heart-pounding sequence that could have changed the game's complexion.

Tennessee earns redemption with College World Series win

Tennessee earned redemption with its first College World Series win in program history on Monday.

Watch: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. blasts home run over Green Monster at Fenway Park

Sportsnet noted that's the longest home run of Guerrero's career and the third-longest at Fenway Park in the Statcast era (2016-present). 

Watch: Panthers, Oilers trade goals early in Game 7 of Stanley Cup Final

The Panthers and Oilers traded fireworks early in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Watch: Phillies record first triple play of the season

Everything is going Philadelphia's way.

MLB reaches decision on punishment for Mets closer Edwin Diaz

Umpires ejected Diaz before he threw a pitch on Sunday night following an inspection of his glove and hands.

JJ Redick reveals podcasting future after accepting Lakers job

The Lakers officially introduced JJ Redick as their head coach on Monday, and the former 15-year NBA vet-turned-media member revealed his plans for his podcast this season.

Eastern Michigan names stadium after Raiders DE and his wife following major donation

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and his wife, former Eastern Michigan soccer player Rachel Crosby, were honored recently by Eastern Michigan, which renamed the former Rynearson Stadium after them.

Golfer accomplishes rare PGA feat with unbelievable third round

Cameron Young had a day for the record books on Saturday at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship.

Watch: Turkey allows own goal against Portugal in Euro 2024

An embarrassing early miscue by Turkey gave Portugal a two-goal lead in the 2024 Euro's group-stage match.

Rough outing a potential worrying omen for Cubs star pitcher

After confounding hitters through the first three months of the season, Imanaga has his own riddle to solve.

Twins third baseman could be MLB's next superstar

He has quickly become one of the best shows on the diamond, and he kept up his torrid pace on Thursday. He blasted a solo home run in the third inning, his ninth in 15 games this season, in a 7-6 extra-innings loss to the Rays.

Angel Reese sets WNBA record in Sky's blowout win over Wings

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese's game has translated incredibly well to the WNBA.

NCAA could be on the verge of making a huge mistake

The NCAA might be about to make a big mistake. As Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported on Wednesday, "The NCAA moved another step closer on the journey to expand the men's basketball tournament" by an additional four to eight teams as soon as the 2025-26 season.

With Willie Mays gone, who is baseball's greatest living player?

With Willie Mays gone, who is baseball's greatest living legend?

Magic 8 Ball predictions for the 2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mattel's Magic 8 Ball has been predicting the future since 1946. We ran a few questions about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by one, and the results were less than optimal.

Magic 8 Ball predictions for the 2024 New Orleans Saints

Mattel's Magic 8 Ball has been predicting the future since 1946. We ran a few questions about the New Orleans Saints by one, and the results give us an idea of where the team is headed this season.