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

Projecting three future Hall of Famers for the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons will forever be haunted by their Super Bowl LI loss to the New England Patriots, but that takes nothing away from the stellar careers of QB Matt Ryan, WR Julio Jones and LT Jake Matthews.

Position battles to watch in Saints training camp

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

Position battles to watch in Panthers training camp

NFL training camp season is almost here. The Panthers begin their program with rookies reporting on July 19 at Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte, while veterans join four days later on the 23rd.

Emma Navarro continues breakout season with straight-sets win over Naomi Osaka

Emma Navarro continued her breakout 2024 season on Wednesday with a win in straight sets over former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the third round at Wimbledon.

LeBron James' contract extension could open retirement door after 2024-25 season

LeBron James is taking career on a year-by-year basis at this point.

Takeaways from the Big 12 college football media preseason poll

The Big 12 will look a lot different in 2024, and on Tuesday, the conference's media members shared their thoughts on who will take home the Big 12 title in its first season with 16 teams.

A round-up of college football changes coming in 2024

Several programs, including Oklahoma and Texas, formally switched conference allegiances on Monday. That's just the start of the many alterations the college landscape will undergo this year.

OSU RB Ollie Gordon II arrested on suspicion of DUI

Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, the 2023 Doak Award winner for best college running back, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence over the weekend.

The case for and against Oklahoma as an SEC contender in 2024

The SEC formally introduced Oklahoma and Texas as its newest members on Monday. Expectations are high for the Longhorns, which rank second in Action Network's odds to win the conference, but the Sooners (ranked ninth) are somewhat flying under the radar.

Jayson Tatum's historic extension limits Celtics roster flexibility

Per Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, Tatum signed the richest deal in NBA history, worth $315 million over five seasons. The deal exceeds the one Tatum's teammate, Jaylen Brown, signed last offseason.

Dan Ige stars at UFC 303 after getting last-minute call to fight

Dan Ige didn't know he would be fighting Diego Lopes in the co-main event at UFC 303 when he woke up Saturday morning.

It's Paul George or bust for the 76ers this offseason

The 76ers' goal of acquiring Paul George just became more realistic. Whether they do or not will determine if their offseason is a success or failure.

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.