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

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

August 10, 2024 | Washington Commanders

Commanders' preseason Week 1 inactive list puts QB Jayden Daniels at risk

The Commanders revealed their inactive list for their Week 1 preseason game against the New York Jets on Saturday (12 p.m. ET), and it doesn't bode well for Daniels' first NFL action.

August 10, 2024 | Olympics

French men's volleyball team joins rare company with gold-medal match result

The gold is staying in France. The French men's volleyball team won its gold medal match against Poland on Saturday, finishing first in the event for a second consecutive time in the Olympic Games.

August 10, 2024 | Los Angeles Dodgers

Watch: Shohei Ohtani blasts NL-leading 35th home run to straightaway center

The ball traveled an estimated 448 feet, making it Ohtani's ninth-longest home run this year, per Baseball Savant. Earlier in the day, Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna hit his 34th home run to tie Ohtani for the NL lead.

August 9, 2024 | NFL

Preseason NFL takeaways: Steelers snapping woes overshadow Justin Fields' debut

Week 1 of the NFL preseason continued on Friday night with three games. Here are five takeaways from Texans-Steelers, Falcons-Dolphins and Eagles-Ravens.

August 9, 2024 | Olympics

Brazil wins first women's beach volleyball gold in 28 years in historic match

The 2024 Paris Olympics women's beach volleyball gold-medal match was one for the ages.

August 8, 2024 | Indianapolis Colts

Nick Foles has strong case to be known as best backup QB in NFL history

The 11-year veteran has a legitimate case to be called the greatest backup quarterback of all time.

August 8, 2024 | Chicago White Sox

Firing Pedro Grifol is only the start of challenging White Sox rebuild

The White Sox dismissed second-year manager Pedro Grifol on Thursday, but now comes the hard part: finding someone to turn around the worst team in baseball.

August 6, 2024 | Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals, others unveil wild additions to 2024 stadium food offerings

The award for most unnecessary menu addition to an NFL stadium in 2024 goes to the Arizona Cardinals.

August 6, 2024 | Atlanta Falcons

Top five most valuable people for Atlanta Falcons in 2024

The stakes are high for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Per ESPN Bet, they're favored to win the NFC South, which Atlanta has not done since 2016 (don't remind Falcons fans how that season ended).

August 6, 2024 | Washington Commanders

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels moves one step closer to being Week 1 starter

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has already taken command of the Washington offense.

August 5, 2024 | Arizona Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks are looking like a threat in the NL again

The Diamondbacks are coming. Arizona, the defending NL pennant winner, is playing its best baseball of the season and looks like a legitimate contender to represent the National League in the 2024 World Series.

August 5, 2024 | MLB

Watch: Marlins outfielder hits longest home run of MLB season

Has Jesus Sanchez's home run landed yet?

August 5, 2024 | College Football

Five takeaways from college football's preseason coaches poll

College football's preseason US LBM Coaches Poll was released on Monday, less than three weeks from the start of the 2024 regular season on Aug. 24.

August 5, 2024 | Olympics

Former LSU star sets men's pole vault world record in gold medal performance

Former LSU track and field star Armand Duplantis, who represents Sweden in national competitions, set a world record in the pole vault by clearing 6.25 meters in his third attempt at that height.

August 3, 2024 | Olympics

Shot putter Ryan Crouser makes incredible Olympics history

Ryan Crouser solidified himself as the greatest shot putter in Olympic history on Saturday, winning a historic third consecutive gold medal in the event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

August 3, 2024 | Miami Dolphins

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.

August 3, 2024 | Olympics

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.

August 1, 2024 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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.