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

Former Seahawks great emerges as potential Shannon Sharpe replacement on 'Undisputed'

Richard Sherman shut down a lot of great receivers during his playing day but for his next role, he might be shutting down Skip Bayless instead.  On Thursday,

Best of the NFC South: QB, draft pick, fans and more

As we speed toward the start of the 2023 season, let's examine who enters the season as the best of the NFC South.

Kansas QB wears highlight-playing diamond chain at Big 12 media days

Kansas QB Jalon Daniels sported a highlight-playing watch at Big 12 media days.

Eagles TE recalls play opponents 'hated'

Tight end Dallas Goedert colorfully explained how much opponents disliked the Philly sneak that was a massive part of the team's offense.

Big 12 commissioner takes shot at Oklahoma, Texas on their way out of the conference

Whether Yormark wants to admit it or not, the Big 12 will take a massive hit once Oklahoma and Texas, two of the biggest football schools in the country, leave for the SEC next July.

Eight NFC South players with the most to prove in 2023

Whether it's a young player who has yet to live up to expectations or a veteran who hasn't matched the level of his contract, several players every year have much more to prove than others. Here are eight players from the NFC South that have a little something extra on the line in 2023.

Alvin Kamara's plea deal paves way for future suspension

Alvin Kamara's felony count of battery was dropped on Tuesday as the Saints running back pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor instead. While the development ends his legal saga it also means the NFL will likely issue a suspension in the not-too-distant future.

Northwestern fires Pat Fitzgerald, but questions still remain

Northwestern made the only decision it could on Monday when it fired Pat Fitzgerald, backtracking from its appallingly weak two-week suspension handed to Fitzgerald on Friday.

Portland GM opens up about timeline of Damian Lillard trade

Fans waiting to see where Damian Lillard gets traded might have to wait a while for an answer.

American Christopher Eubanks headed to quarterfinals in first Wimbledon appearance

American Christopher Eubanks defeated No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas in five sets as he advanced to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in his first appearance at the iconic Grand Slam event.

Thunder's second-year pro shows why he can be Rookie of the Year in Summer League opener

Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren showed out well in his Summer League debut as he looks to find his footing in the NBA after sitting out his rookie campaign due to injury.

Northwestern hazing details show team dropped the ball with Pat Fitzgerald punishment

Pat Fitzgerald was suspended on Friday for two weeks without pay after an investigation into hazing within the program. Some details emerged on Saturday that suggest Fitzgerald should have been fired instead.

Megan Rapinoe announces plans to retire following NWSL season

Megan Rapinoe plans to retire following the National Women's Soccer League season.

Victor Wembanyama's disappointing debut is nothing to worry about

Wembanyama struggling in a glorified exhibition game not even a month after he played for a league title is hardly something worth getting worked up over.

Warriors secure big free-agent pickup

The Golden State Warriors made a big move on Saturday that should be a big help to the team's quest for another NBA title.

Suns-Grizzlies trade could end up haunting Phoenix

Memphis and Phoenix agreed to a trade on Thursday that won't make any noise this season but could echo well into the future.

Star WR DeAndre Hopkins reveals how long he might play

DeAndre Hopkins' next team might be in for a long union with the star wide receiver.

Surprising player named Big 12 preseason Offensive Player of the Year

Kansas, which has long been the Big 12's doormat, has a chance to make some noise this season thanks to QB Jalon Daniels, and the conference is taking notice.

Most overpaid, underpaid players in NFC South

Here are the most overpaid and underpaid players for each team in the NFC South.

Jerry Jones, 1990s Cowboys getting a Netflix docuseries

Netflix's upcoming docuseries on Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s has the potential to be great as long as the NFL doesn't get in the way.

Why Pelicans, Timberwolves are sleepers to land Damian Lillard

The Damian Lillard sweepstakes are underway and a couple of Western Conference foes might be able to offer the best packages for the star point guard.

Can one of the new Big 12 members compete for a conference title?

Which of the four newcomers has the best chance of winning the conference in its first year? Here's a look at where each team stands, in order from least to most likely to win the Big 12.

Why Philadelphia should go all-in for Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard's Stockholm syndrome finally wore off on Saturday when he requested a trade out of Portland. Unsurprisingly, the five-year, $160 million given to Jerami Grant didn't impress the seven-time All-Star much.

Shohei Ohtani's June was one of the greatest months in MLB history

If Shohei Ohtani isn't the greatest baseball player of all time, then he's certainly doing a fantastic impersonation. On Friday against Arizona, the former AL MVP—and perhaps future 2023 MVP—put a bow on one of the greatest offensive months in MLB history. 

Why surprising Pelicans move is the right one

By locking him up this offseason as opposed to waiting until later, it allows the Pels to get a great deal on a defensive cornerstone instead of him having another strong season and demanding more money on the market next year in free agency.