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

LSU dominates Kentucky after seven-hour rain delay

A seven-hour rain delay was the only thing to slow down LSU in its Super Regional against Kentucky on Saturday.  The Tigers won 14-0, jumping out to an early lead on a Tre' Morgan first-inning home run.

Determining the best fit for DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins is the top wide receiver on the market and has several suitors. Among the teams, which one should Hopkins choose? Here's a guide to help.

Iga Swiatek first repeat women's French Open champ since 2007

Iga Swiatek showed why she's the best player in women's tennis by defending her 2022 French Open crown on Saturday in a competitive three-set final against Karolina Muchova.

Is Saudi investment in NFL next?

In stunning news Tuesday, the PGA Tour announced a "merger" with the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Golf Tour, which is funded by the country's wealthy Public Investment Fund. Former NFL executive Andrew Brandt believes the NFL will eventually be targeted by the Saudis, too.

Injury bug hits Panthers' 2021 draft pick again

The Panthers sustained their first setback this offseason when it was reported starting cornerback Jaycee Horn suffered a leg injury that will sideline him until at least the start of training camp.

Atlanta Falcons Hall of Shame: Worst breakup and more

After celebrating the Falcons by noting their players who one day could be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we flip the script to give you Atlanta's Hall of Shame.

Jaguars could be pushed out of Jacksonville for two years

For the Jaguars to stay in Jacksonville long-term, the franchise might first have to leave the city.

Why Bills QB Josh Allen could buck the 'Madden curse'

Bills QB Josh Allen was named the cover star of "Madden 24," becoming the 10th different quarterback to appear on the cover. Buffalo fans might be worried about the so-called "Madden curse," but that is largely overblown.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Football Hall of Fame watch

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023 will be inducted on Aug. 5. Here are members of the 2023 Buccaneers who could be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday.

Soccer shocker: Lionel Messi picks new home

Lionel Messi, one of the most decorated soccer players of his generation, is joining Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.

PGA Tour golfers punished for their loyalty in merger with LIV Golf

 When PGA Tour executives calculated the financial ramifications of its merger with LIV Golf, it failed to account for how poorly the move would be received.

LIV Golf wins in its controversial merger with PGA Tour

In the battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed golf league and its players won.

Five potential Madden 24 cover stars

EA Sports announced on Monday that the cover star of "Madden 24" will be unveiled on Wednesday. 

Report: Kyrie Irving has shocking trade request for Mavericks

Kyrie Irving hasn't found much team success without LeBron James as his running mate. He apparently realizes that.

Carolina Panthers Pro Football Hall of Fame watch

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023 will be inducted Aug. 5. Here are members of the 2023 Panthers who could join the immortals in Canton someday.

New Orleans Saints Pro Football Hall of Fame watch

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023 will be inducted on Aug. 5. Here are players on the 2023 Saints who could be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday.

Atlanta Falcons Pro Football Hall of Fame watch

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023 will be inducted on Aug. 5. Here are players on the 2023 Falcons who could be inducted someday.

Watch: Nikola Jokic goes coast-to-coast as part of 18-point third quarter

Nikola Jokic took over during the third quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals with 18 points. His final field goal of the quarter came when he went coast-to-coast to give the Nuggets an 82-75 lead over the Heat.

Heat's Kyle Lowry offers high praise to Nuggets duo

The Nuggets are only three wins from an NBA title. If, or, more likely, when Denver finishes Miami off, it won't be due to the Heat giving the Nuggets bulletin board material.

Manchester City on brink of continental treble after FA Cup win

Manchester City is a Champions League final win away from completing a rare continental treble for England, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season.

SEC finds temporary fix to future conference scheduling

The SEC found a temporary solution to its scheduling conundrum once Texas and Oklahoma join the conference next year.

Adam Silver opens up about timeline for Ja Morant punishment 

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that he does not want to overshadow the NBA Finals by announcing the punishment for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.

Where a Heat Finals upset would rank this century

Examining just where a Heat upset in the NBA Finals would rank for the 21st century.

Cheez-It out, Pop-Tarts in this college football bowl season

A change so big to college football is coming that we can literally taste it.

New Orleans Saints stock up, stock down

With the Saints in the middle of voluntary offseason workouts, here are players whose stocks are either rising or falling.