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

Nick Nurse is out in Toronto but shouldn't be gone for long

Toronto fired Nick Nurse on Friday after the team's loss in the play-in tournament last week, but the 2019 NBA champion-winning coach shouldn't be out of a job for long.

Shorthanded Clippers drop Game 3 versus hot Suns team

Even without Kawhi Leonard or Paul George, the Clippers put up a valiant effort on Thursday night against the Suns. It wasn't enough, however, as they fell in Game 3, 129-124, and trail the series 2-1.

Arizona Cardinals' new uniforms another missed mark for franchise this offseason

The Cardinals unveiled new uniforms during an offseason where there have been calls for significant changes to the franchise. If the new uniforms are any indication, those other alterations will be underwhelming.

Greg Norman makes ridiculous claims in latest comments on the LIV Golf-PGA Tour debate

The legal saga between the two golf circuits will play out at its own pace, and the outcome is impossible to predict. What we know with much more certainty is that the players will be perfectly fine.

Surveying potential landing spots for top QBs in 2023 NFL Draft

With only a week until the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, the picture seems to be getting clearer for quarterbacks.

There's still beef between LSU and Iowa after NCAA title game

We're a couple of weeks removed from LSU's win over Iowa in the NCAA Tournament finals and there's still beef between the two teams.

Sacramento HC Mike Brown becomes first unanimous COY winner

Sacramento Kings HC Mike Brown was named the first unanimous Coach of the Year in NBA history.

Memphis Grizzlies offer update on Game 2 status of Ja Morant

The Memphis Grizzlies announced that they will be without star guard Ja Morant during Wednesday's Game 2 matchup against the Lakers,

Tiger Woods undergoes successful surgery after withdrawing from Masters

Tiger Woods underwent successful surgery on his right leg after he was forced to withdraw from the Masters earlier this month.

Tua Tagovailoa reveals he considered retirement after 2022 season

Tua Tagovailoa admitted on Wednesday that he considered retirement after sustaining two confirmed concussions last season.

Report: San Francisco receiving trade offers for former first-round QB

Signs are pointing toward the 49ers going with Brock Purdy at quarterback once he's cleared to return to action, a development that has led other teams to inquire about the availability of Trey Lance.

Cavaliers win first playoff game without LeBron James since 1998

Cleveland evened up its series against New York in a blowout 107-90 win on Tuesday, winning its first playoff game without LeBron James since 1998. 

Four-star CB recruit becomes 30th Texas A&M player to transfer this offseason

Texas A&M's been hit harder by the transfer portal this offseason than any other college football program. 

Former LSU star endorses Tigers' pursuit of Hailey Van Lith

When Van Lith entered the portal, the Tigers emerged as a favorite to land the star point guard, and visiting LSU's campus won't quell those rumors.

Bucks' Jrue Holiday receives praise from players in anonymous survey

The players voted Holiday as the league's best defender and then mentioned his name more than any other when discussing the sport's most underrated players.

Colts owner Jim Irsay giving away $1M in schedule contest

The Colts announced a contest where people can enter for a chance at $1M by correctly predicting the Colts' upcoming 2023 schedule.

Scott Foster, Chris Paul set to resume playoff rivalry in Game 2

The greatest rivalry in basketball resumes on Tuesday when Chris Paul once again meets referee Scott Foster in a playoff game.

Nebraska's Herbie Husker goes blond in first update in 20 years

Nebraska's Herbie Husker is going back to his (blond) roots this season. The Cornhuskers unveiled a makeover of their mascot on Monday, giving him blond hair again after spending the past 20 years as a brunette.

How Jalen Hurts' new contract could get ball rolling on Lamar Jackson extension

Jalen Hurts got a big new contract but Lamar Jackson could be the biggest winner of Hurts' groundbreaking deal.

Dominant Game 1 win proves gap is wide between Celtics, Hawks

The Celtics were two wins away from winning the NBA title last season and looked as if they had unfinished business in their win against Atlanta to begin their 2023 postseason.

Former NBA coach shares why he believes in Kings in series vs. defending champs

Per OddsChecker, six-seeded Golden State (-250) is the favorite in the series. In ESPN's playoff predictions, 16 analysts selected the Warriors while only two picked the better-seeded Kings.

Other QBs overshadow Arch Manning at Texas spring game

The QB battle in Austin this season was expected to be between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, but based on Saturday's scrimmage, the actual competition is more likely at the backup position between Manning and sophomore Maalik Murphy, who finished the game 9-of-13 for 165 yards.

Why being the favorite to open the NBA playoffs could be a bad thing

The Bucks are the favorites to win the NBA Finals this season, a label that could be more a curse than a blessing. Milwaukee looks to become the first consensus favorite entering the first round to win the NBA Finals since Golden State five years ago.

Cardinals bad offseason could potentially still get worse

 The Cardinals' bad offseason might get even worse.

Falcons continue to bolster defense by signing ex-Steelers linebacker

The Atlanta Falcons continue to remake their defense and look more like a threat to win the NFC South.