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

A.J. Brown avoids scary incident while participating in Eagles bike race

Wide receiver A.J. Brown avoided potentially serious injuries on Saturday after a car failed to stop at a stop sign while Brown was participating in the Eagles Autism Challenge bike race.  He caught the incident while streaming the ride on Instagram Live.

Watch: Lee Hodges' golf ball takes a ridiculously long time to drop into the hole

Lee Hodges' par attempt on the 17th hole took its time getting in the hole. 

Heat remain a longshot at sportsbooks despite holding 2-0 series lead

The Miami Heat took a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday night but sportsbooks remain bullish on the Celtics. Per Oddschecker, Boston is -480 to win the Eastern Conference while Miami sits at +400.

Peyton Manning snubbed on Jim Irsay's all-time list

Peyton Manning was good enough to win four MVPs and a Super Bowl with the Colts, but apparently not good enough to place on owner Jim Irsay's list of top five players in NFL history.

Potential landing spots for available edge-rushers

A look at 10 of the biggest EDGE names remaining on the NFL free agent market and where they would fit best.

Report: ESPN eyeing potential move to a subscription-based model

By giving people an opportunity to purchase the channel without subscribing to a TV package, the move would likely have major ramifications on satellite, cable and internet TV providers.

Packers have interesting plan for Quay Walker after multiple dustups last year

Quay Walker's offseason began early when he was ejected in Week 18 against Detroit after making contact with someone on the Lions' sideline. It was the second such incident for Walker during his rookie season and it left head coach Matt LaFleur furious. LaFleur reveals his plans for Walker this upcoming season.

Matt Ryan willing to return to NFL 'if stars align'

Matt Ryan is holding out hope for another chance in the NFL. Earlier this week, Ryan agreed to join CBS Sports this Fall but made it clear he wasn't retiring. 

10 under-the-radar 2023 NBA Draft prospects

The 2023 NBA Draft takes place on June 22 and contrary to popular belief, Victor Wembanyama isn't the only player in the class. Here are 10 under-the-radar prospects whose stock should rise as we inch closer to the draft.

How tall is he? 10 things to know about Victor Wembanyama

After winning the NBA Draft lottery Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs earned the right to select French sensation Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the draft on June 22.

EA Sports 'College Football' series clears huge NIL hurdle

When "EA Sports College Football" returns next year, gamers might not have to play with "TEX QB #16." 

The Pistons are the biggest losers of the NBA Draft lottery

Despite Detroit’s worst effort, it wasn’t enough to get the first pick in the NBA Draft lottery. Not even close.  The Pistons received the No. 5 pick in the upcoming draft during a season they went 17-65, the worst record in the NBA.

Barclays Center to screen Jeremy Lin documentary after MSG refuses

"Linsanity" took over Madison Square Garden a decade ago but Knicks fans will have to travel to Barclays Center, home of the crosstown rival Nets if they want to see a special screening of a documentary on Jeremy Lin's breakout 2012-13 season.

LSU QB receiving buzz for 2024 NFL Draft

LSU won't sneak up on anyone in the SEC this season.  Beyond that, QB Jayden Daniels is already getting noticed by scouts, with one going as far as saying he could be a future first-round pick.

76ers fire Doc Rivers two days after conference semifinals loss

His dismissal is the third firing of a coach that led his team to the postseason in 2023. The Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer on May 4, and the Suns fired Monty Williams on May 13.

Ndamukong Suh discusses free-agency plans

Ndamukong Suh's free agency decision could have major implications for the 2023 season. But don't expect it to come anytime soon.

Players to watch in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals

Despite all the talk of parity hitting the NBA this postseason, the Heat and Celtics are meeting in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in four seasons. Here's how you can profit on this storied matchup.

WVU donor directs funds away from athletic department following Bob Huggins's radio comments

Bob Huggins received a slap on the wrist from West Virginia for his controversial comments on a Cincinnati radio show last week. Mountaineers donor Jonathan Adkins took notice.

Four NFC South players who will make the biggest leap in 2023

The Falcons, Panthers and Saints will try to supplant the Buccaneers atop the NFC South this season. Here are four players -- one for each team -- who should make big leaps and play key roles.

Another troubling Ja Morant video surfaces

When Ja Morant trends on Twitter, it usually isn't good. On Sunday morning, he was trending yet again for all the wrong reasons.

Potential flex schedule games for the 2023 NFL season

Trust us, NFL. Fans would much rather watch Tua Tagovailoa and Lamar Jackson jockeying for playoff positioning instead of Jordan Love and Kirk Cousins battling for a better spot in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Cowboys DC clarifies LB Micah Parsons' claim about position change

Micah Parsons is ready to switch positions for the Cowboys, but defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has other plans.

Key players to watch in the NBA Western Conference Finals

LeBron James and Nikola Jokic headline the Western Conference Finals, but the casts rounding out the ensembles for the Lakers and Nuggets can provide the opportunity for you to cash in on this series.

Eagles QB receives Master's Degree from the University of Oklahoma

A jack of all trades on the football field, Jalen Hurts is officially a master of one off of it. Dr. David Surratt, the Dean at the University of Oklahoma,

Tom Brady linked to the Las Vegas Raiders ownership

Tom Brady owned the Raiders as a player, so it makes sense he'd finally want some equity.