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

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.

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).

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.

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.

Watch: Marlins outfielder hits longest home run of MLB season

Has Jesus Sanchez's home run landed yet?

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.

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.

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.

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.