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

Three takeaways from Liberty-Sun

In a battle between the two best teams record-wise in the WNBA, the defending East champion Liberty (10-2) handed the Sun (9-1) their first loss of the season.

Recent article reveals horrifying reality for 2024 NFL season

NFL officiating could go from bad to worse in 2024.

Mavericks HC gives bold Jaylen Brown take

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd offered a bold take on Celtics forward Jaylen Brown ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Why USA Basketball's Caitlin Clark Olympics decision is best for everyone

Despite outrage among fans, USA Basketball's decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the Team USA women's basketball roster is best for all parties. 

Iga Swiatek cruises to third consecutive French Open title

Iga Swiatek steamrolled to a third consecutive and fourth overall French Open title on Saturday.

Larry Allen belongs on All-NFL Hall of Fame team, but who else should make cut?

There's little doubt Larry Allen merits inclusion in an All-NFL Hall of Fame team, but who else belongs on this mythical team?

UConn HC Geno Auriemma rips into 'stupid' Caitlin Clark fans

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma came to Fever guard Caitlin Clark's defense on Thursday, ripping into fans who set the NCAA's all-time leading scorer "up for failure right from the beginning."

Iga Swiatek's clay court dominance puts her a win away from French Open elite

Women's Tennis Association No. 1 Iga Swiatek's clay court dominance was on full display in her straight-sets win over No. 2 Coco Gauff in the French Open semis.

This wild stat paints fearsome picture of Pirates' rookie pitchers

Pirates rookie pitchers Paul Skenes and Jared Jones are looking like long-term anchors of the team's rotation, and one impressive stat indicates just how fearsome the duo has been so far.

Former NBA player makes Olympic roster in another sport

Former Rockets forward Chase Budinger is headed to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. But instead of playing on the hardwood, Budinger will be on the sand at the Champ de Mars.

Watch: Sky's Angel Reese receives first WNBA ejection vs. Liberty

Sky rookie forward Angel Reese's night ended early against the Liberty when she received her first career ejection with 2:31 remaining in an 88-75 loss.

Watch: Orioles 1B Ryan Mountcastle blasts home run to center field

Ryan Mountcastle cleared customs with his second home run of the game.

Mystics get one step closer to Paige Bueckers sweepstakes with latest blowout loss

Despite the new depths, the Mystics have reason to celebrate. With every loss, they get one step closer to drafting UConn guard Paige Bueckers.

Women's College World Series finals mark an end of an era

The WCWS finals start Wednesday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), and Oklahoma plays longtime rival Texas in the teams' final head-to-head meeting as Big 12 members.

Zach Edey lands with rising Western Conference contender in recent mock draft

After playing for a national title in April, two-time men's college basketball player of the year Zach Edey might quickly contend for an NBA title, according to where he lands in a recent mock draft.

Top non-Caitlin Clark storylines of the 2024 WNBA season so far

Here are five non-Caitlin Clark WNBA storylines that deserve your attention.

Most overrated, underrated CFB teams in ESPN's 2024 FPI rankings

With 82 days until the start of the 2024 college football regular season, ESPN revealed the first update in its computer-based Football Power Index rankings, taking into account the offseason's transfer portal moves.

Six role players who could decide the 2024 NBA Finals

Celtics forwards Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum and Mavericks guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are the undeniable headliners, but the series' role players could prove just as substantial a factor in determining which team hoists another Larry O'Brien Trophy. 

Watch: Shuttered college's baseball team's magical run ends on walk-off HR

The door officially closed on Birmingham-Southern College on Sunday.

A look at the three Americans remaining at the 2024 French Open

Entering the second week of the French Open, only three Americans remain in the singles competitions. But does anyone have a chance of winning the second grand slam on the tennis calendar?

An optimist's guide to the 2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might very quietly be building toward a very strong season.

An optimist's guide to the 2024 New Orleans Saints

Here are three reasons the Saints should be optimistic about returning to the playoffs.

Takeaways from Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese's first WNBA showdown

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese renewed their rivalry on Saturday in the first WNBA meeting between the two former college adversaries.

Fever announce remarkable attendance milestone in fifth 2024 home game

It's no secret the impact Caitlin Clark's had on the Indiana Fever.

Watch: Caitlin Clark strikes first in WNBA matchup against Angel Reese

Fever guard Caitlin Clark started hot in her hyped first WNBA game with college rival Angel Reese.