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

Where the top three rookie quarterbacks stand in their competitions

Examining the depth-chart positioning of the top three rookie quarterbacks from the draft as team's begin to embark on OTAs.

Report: NBA looking into new way to combat flopping

While we can argue about what the solution is, everyone is in agreement that flopping is a problem the league needs to address.

Big Ten makes odd change to 2023's Penn State-Michigan State football game

The conference announced the decision on Wednesday, which ESPN's Pete Thamel described as being "part of the 'horse trading' with NBC and the Big Ten."

Could Washington's football team change its name again?

Could the stars be aligning for another name change for Washington's football franchise?

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan provides surprising Brock Purdy update

The only concern for San Francisco heading into the 2023 season is the health of QB Brock Purdy and according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, that might not be a concern at all.

Celtics' warning to the Heat prior to Game 4 sounds more like a plea

Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown sang similar refrains the morning of Boston's pivotal Game 4 in Miami. While their comments suggest all the Celtics need is one win to turn the tide in the series, they also sound like pleas for the Heat to end their misery.

Austin Ekeler, Chargers find compromise on contract stalemate

Austin Ekeler won't have his trade request honored but he could make extra money this season thanks to a re-worked deal with the Chargers.

Denver Nuggets reach first NBA Finals in franchise history

Denver waited a long time for an NBA Finals appearance. When given an opportunity to clinch a spot on Monday, the Nuggets ran with it, closing the Lakers out in a sweep with a 113-111 win.

That's all, folks: Anthony Davis's no show dooms L.A. in West finals

Davis no-showed against the Nuggets, sending the Lakers out in a sweep by losing 113-111.

Watch: LeBron James turns alley-oop into three pointer during career-best first half performance

LeBron James was hot to start Game 4 for the Lakers. So hot that even an alley-oop attempt turned into a made three-pointer. 

NFL approves schedule change on a trial basis

Fans who've already purchased tickets to some games late in the 2023 season might want to carve some extra time out of their schedules.  On Monday, NFL owners passed a measure to allow "Thursday Night Football" to potentially flex games this season by a 24-8 vote.

ESPN has a surprising pick for best college QB of the 2000s

When thinking about the best college quarterbacks this century which name comes to mind first? Is it Joe Burrow? Cam Newton? Tim Tebow? If it is, think again. According to ESPN, at least.

The next big move for each team in NFC South

All four NFC South teams aim to bounce back from an ugly 2022 season in which each finished with a losing record. Here are the moves each should make before the season. 

Watch: LeBron James accidentally busts Scott Foster's lip

Late in the second quarter of Game 3 of Nuggets-Lakers, James ran into Foster as the referee stood along the side of the court. Play stopped temporarily as medical staff tended to Foster, who received a busted lip in the collision.

Jamal Murray continues torrid stretch with unreal first half in Game 3

Jamal Murray followed his epic fourth quarter in Game 2 with an even more unreal display in the first half of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers.

Former NFL coach analyzes promising signs in Sam Howell's performance

A pending change in ownership has given the Washington Commanders a reason to be optimistic off the field. One former NFL head coach believes with quarterback Sam Howell, that level of optimism could extend to the on-field product this season.

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.