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

Report: NFL player suspended after placing $1,000 prop bet

The league has made it as clear as possible that players aren't allowed to bet on the NFL, yet somehow not everyone received the message.

J.J. Watt announces role at CBS this season

J.J. Watt is joining what looks like a crowded crew as he announced a multi-year deal to join "The NFL Today" on CBS this fall. 

Former tennis No. 1 unretires, announces return at 2023 U.S. Open

After retiring in 2020, Caroline Wozniacki will make her return to professional tennis at the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 28 in New York. 

Victor Wembanyama official height revealed by Spurs

Victor Wembanyama is already a very tall man. He's only getting taller.

Simone Biles to return to competition for first time since 2020 Summer Olympics

Her return at the U.S. Classic on Aug. 5 comes a year before the 2024 Summer Olympics, paving the way for Biles to make a trip to Paris next year to add to her illustrious career.

New Orleans Saints ceiling and floor for 2023

Here's our best guess at the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Saints in 2023.

Can Brian Kelly become third second-year coach to win title at LSU?

LSU head baseball coach Jay Johnson followed women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey's lead in leading the Tigers to a national title in his second year in charge. Kelly will have an opportunity to keep the streak going.

Atlanta Falcons ceiling and floor for 2023

The Falcons doubled down on their rush offense in the draft and are going all-in on Desmond Ridder at quarterback. Whether those decisions prove to be the right ones or not will help determine if Atlanta reaches its ceiling or hits the floor in 2023.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers ceiling and floor for 2023

No Tom Brady spells big problems in Tampa Bay. The question surrounding the Bucs isn't whether the team suffers a decline but how steep their fall is. Ceiling: 7-10 No one should expect the Bucs to be any better this season than in 2022 when they went 8-9 with Tom Brady.

Carolina Panthers ceiling and floor for 2023

A franchise-record fifth consecutive losing season ushered in the next era of Panthers football. Head coach Frank Reich and QB Bryce Young are the fresh faces expected to bring Carolina out of its rut, which is certainly possible. 

LSU pitcher ties CWS record with 17 strikeouts in Game 1 win

It took longer than expected, but LSU made sure it didn't waste a historic outing from pitcher Ty Floyd on Saturday.

Potential MLBers to watch in Florida-LSU Men's College World Series Finals

Florida and LSU meet on college baseball's biggest stage for a best-of-three series beginning Saturday night, and several of the players featured this weekend will have a chance to play on a bigger stage in MLB. 

ESPN's 2024 NBA mock draft predicts landing spot for Bronny James

What next year's draft lacks in top-end talent, it more than makes up for with the intrigue of where Bronny James lands and its effect on where his father finishes his career.

Early 2024 mock draft shows Wizards started their rebuild a year too late

The Washington Wizards' rebuild is beginning one year too late. ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have an early look at the 2024 NBA Draft, one in which Washington should feature prominently after trading its two best players in the past week.

Happy Gilmore commits to Ball State

Sometimes life really does imitate art. On Friday, high school senior Landon "Happy" Gilmore (no relation to the Adam Sandler character of the same name) committed to Ball State where he'll continue his golf career.

City of Philadelphia asked NASCAR track to help with I-95 repairs

Plans to re-open Interstate 95 in Philadelphia hit a snag when rain hit the area. That's when officials at Pocono Raceway saved the day.

Former Celtics guard Marcus Smart thought he would retire in Boston

If you woke up Thursday morning surprised by Boston's three-team trade for Kristaps Porzingis, you aren't alone. So was Marcus Smart.

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers calls for psilocybin decriminalization

Aaron Rodgers was a featured speaker at the Psychedelic Science 2023 conference in Denver on Wednesday and suggested more states should join Colorado in decriminalizing psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms."

Report: Projected trade between Celtics, Wizards, Clippers falls apart

For a couple of hours on Wednesday, multiple reports suggested the Celtics, Clippers and Wizards were on the precipice of a major trade. Late Wednesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski through water on the flame by reporting the deal fell apart.

NFC South one-hit wonders

While some players turn outstanding seasons into lengthy and impressive careers, others simply fade into obscurity. Here are notable one-hit wonders for each NFC South team.

Rumored three-team trade would solve Celtics' biggest problem

With All-NBA players Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum on the roster, Boston isn't far from hoisting another championship banner in the rafters of TD Garden. This potential trade would get the Celtics a lot closer.

Three reasons why the Patriots should sign DeAndre Hopkins

Wideout DeAndre Hopkins, perhaps the biggest name available in NFL free agency, has no shortage of potential suitors. 

Oldest professional league ballpark to host MLB regular-season game in 2024

Major League Baseball announced its 2024 plans to honor Negro League baseball by playing a regular season game in America's oldest ballpark, Rickwood Field, which was at one time the home of the Birmingham Black Barons.

Watch: Diamondbacks outfielder builds sandcastle during 9-1 rout

Arizona's win against Milwaukee on Monday was the equivalent of a day at the beach for outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. In the top of the eighth inning of an easy 9-1 win, cameras caught Gurriel building an impressive sandcastle.

Marlins' Luis Arraez joins elite company after 5-for-5 night at the plate

Luis Arraez recorded his third five-hit game in June on Monday, putting the Marlins star in historic company.