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 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.

Dream 'College GameDay' 2024 host locations

The 2024 college football season is rapidly approaching, which means the return of ESPN's beloved "College GameDay." This year's first two locations are set.

WNBA All-Star Game viewership validates complaints over pending media rights deal

The WNBA struck gold with its 2024 All-Star Game, giving credence to the idea it's undervalued in its pending media rights deal.

Oregon takes over Big Ten Media Days with gigantic inflatable duck

Oregon celebrated its move to the conference in spectacular fashion.

How NFL players could still win with an 18-game schedule

The NFL's inevitable march to an 18-game schedule became much more real on Tuesday. And it might not be entirely bad for players.

Most underrated players in first batch of NFL's top 100 players release

The NFL began releasing its list of the top 100 players ahead of the 2024 season with Nos. 100-81 revealed.

Aaron Rodgers suffers another massive drop in NFL Network's 2024 list of top players

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered another massive drop in NFL Network's list of the top 100 players in the league entering the 2024 season.

Saints add UFL champion ahead of 2024 training camp

The Birmingham Stallions wideout previously spent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad (2022) and had 15 receptions, 253 yards and two touchdowns this year.

Rashid Shaheed's extension could give Saints the NFL's best WR bargain

The cap-troubled New Orleans Saints need to save money anywhere they can and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed's new cheap extension should be a helper.

Shane Lowry's disastrous Open Championship third round means anything's possible over final 18 holes

The 2024 Open Championship is up for grabs entering the final round.

Impressive 100m-run by Team USA's Noah Lyles sets up huge Olympic showdown

The men's 100-meter at the 2024 Paris Olympics just got more heated.