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

Watch: Mavericks come out strong facing elimination in NBA Finals

The Mavericks aren't making it easy for the Celtics as Bosotn tries to seal its 18th NBA championship. Facing a 3-0 series deficit, Dallas jumped out to a 34-21 lead after the first quarter of Game 4.

10 MLB players who should be first-time All-Stars in 2024

With less than two weeks to go before the finalists for the AL and NL starters are set, here's a look at 10 players — five in each league — who deserve to be first-time All-Stars this season.

A pessimist's guide to the 2024 Carolina Panthers

For most NFL teams, a 2-15 season would be rock bottom. Most teams aren't the Carolina Panthers. Here are three reasons why things will go from bad to worse in Charlotte this autumn.

Why the 'Big' 12 may soon be obsolete

No, the conference isn't folding. But it is considering a lucrative deal to give up its naming rights to a corporate sponsor, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

A pessimist's guide to the 2024 Atlanta Falcons

Expectations haven't been this high for the Falcons since their run to Super Bowl LI.

Six facts you might not know about Jerry West's iconic NBA logo

Jerry West, "The Logo," died on Wednesday. For over 50 years, West's silhouette has been the defining image of the NBA, but the story behind the clean red, white and blue logo we all know is a lot messier than you might realize.

Watch: Pirates pitcher receives standing ovation on road after incredible start

Pirates rookie starting pitcher Paul Skenes threw another masterpiece on Tuesday against the division-rival Cardinals in a 2-1 road win. 

Top players to watch at the 2024 College World Series

Plenty of stars are headed to Omaha. Here's a look at eight players, one from each team, who you should know before the first pitch of the College World Series on June 14.

With Joey Chestnut out of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, there's only one thing that should happen next

What is Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut? Unfortunately, we're about to find out.

Panthers claw way to 2-0 Stanley Cup Final lead with win over Oilers

The Panthers clawed their way back from an early deficit to put a stranglehold on the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final.

Watch: Oilers get one past Sergei Bobrovsky for first goal in 2024 Stanley Cup Final

The Oilers finally broke through against Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

Watch: Sun guard mocks Caitlin Clark, hits first-half buzzer beater vs. Fever

Sun guard DiJonai Carrington stole the show in Connecticut's 89-72 win over the Indiana Fever on Monday.

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.