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

Eagles cornerback James Bradberry discusses decisive holding penalty in Super Bowl loss

Super Bowl LVII ended not with a bang but with a whistle. While fans were quick to blast officials for a late defensive penalty against Philadelphia cornerback James Bradberry, the seven-year veteran defensive back took a different approach when talking about the decisive play after the game.

Watch: Rihanna delivers career-spanning medley at Super Bowl, reveals pregnancy

Rihanna's halftime performance at Super Bowl LVII was full of hits. But what Rihanna didn't say drew perhaps the biggest response online.

Watch: Nick Bolton returns Jalen Hurts fumble for TD in second quarter

Patrick Mahomes doesn't need much help, but his defense gave him some anyway. Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton scored a 36-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery in the second quarter of Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles.

Eagles fans boo Walter Payton Man of the Year Dak Prescott before Super Bowl

One of the most prestigious awards in the NFL is the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which honors an NFL player's contributions away from the football field. 

Donna Kelce shows support for both sons ahead of Super Bowl

One of the biggest subplots of Super Bowl LVII is Jason and Travis Kelce becoming the first brothers to play against each other in a Super Bowl. Their mom, Donna Kelce, threw her support behind both the Eagles and Chiefs in an unorthodox way.

Report: Sean Payton interviews current ESPN analyst for Broncos' DC position

The Broncos and new head coach Sean Payton landed in the news on Super Bowl Sunday.

Nets super team flop brings to mind 2011 Eagles

Kevin Durant's trade to Phoenix marked the end of one of the most disappointing super teams in NBA history. But the Brooklyn Nets aren't the only organization to put together a roster that looked a lot better on paper than it did in reality.

In pursuit of Derek Carr, Saints must jettison players

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New Orleans is the frontrunner to land Raiders QB Derek Carr. Linebacker Demario Davis told reporters he'd welcome the "game-changing quarterback" to the team's locker room.

What to know about Rob Gronkowski's 'Kick of Destiny'

Rob Gronkowski is known for getting his kicks off the field. On Sunday at the Super Bowl, the retired NFL tight end hopes to get his kicks on the field.  Well, at least one kick.

Robin Lopez offers amusing take on Brooklyn's surprise trade

The ramifications of Kevin Durant's trade to Phoenix will be discussed at length over the next 24 hours, but center Robin Lopez offered the hard-hitting analysis basketball fans crave early Thursday.

Timberwolves are the only loser of the massive three-team deal

The Lakers and Jazz both won their three-team trade that also featured the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Minnesota is the only one that looks like a loser.

Roger Goodell takes surprising stance on state of NFL officiating

Ask an average NFL fan about the biggest problem with today's game and chances are officiating would be high on the list. But when asked about the state of league officiating Wednesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell offered a different sentiment.

Most recent Lakers trade rumors have Russell Westbrook soon becoming a free agent

With the Lakers attention fully on how to improve their roster now that LeBron James has the all-time scoring record, the Russell Westbrook era appears close to ending.

PFF predicts a new home for Jimmy Garoppolo in 2023

Despite calls to the contrary, Jimmy Garoppolo likely already played his last down with the 49ers.

Cowboys legend Michael Irvin pulled from Super Bowl coverage

In a statement to the NY Post, the NFL Network said, "Michael Irvin will not be part of the NFL Network's Super Bowl LVII week coverage."

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares thoughts on LeBron James breaking his points record

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar set the record straight on his feelings about LeBron James surpassing him as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

A surprising first candidate emerges for Raiders QB Derek Carr

A potential move to New Orleans fits the Saints' win-now model but not the team's budget.

LIV Golf attorneys paint ugly picture of league's finances

LIV Golf is in dire straits financially, according to court records.

WNBA great Candace Parker makes history, will call NBA All-Star Game

Candace Parker will make history as the first woman to act as a color commentator for the NBA All-Star Game in its 72-year history.

New mock draft has surprise at No. 1 overall

The 33rd Team's latest mock draft has a curve ball at the No. 1 overall pick and highlights what may be the deciding factor when it comes to which QB is drafted first April 27.

Unimpressive former QB is unimpressed with modern NFL QBs

While taking a shot at the current state of the NFL, Dilfer pointed to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers as QBs he "loves" but doesn't find impressive.

Patrick Mahomes is already a Hall of Fame lock

Patrick Mahomes has bigger things on his mind than thinking about his legacy, but that legacy has become astonishingly secure in an incredibly short period of time.

Report: Kyrie Irving to sit as Nets explore trade

Kyrie Irving has demanded a trade from the Nets and was held out of the team's Saturday night game. It sounds like he will continue to sit until the team finds a deal for the mercurial guard.

Could this be the year the NFL changes its punt rules?

For years, data has shown there's a greater risk of injury for football players on punts than on standard NFL plays. The league failed to come up with a safer alternative for years, but according to ESPN, it's possible the competition committee makes a change to the rules this offseason.

Magic Johnson urges Lakers to trade for Kyrie Irving

Lakers legend Magic Johnson chimed in Friday on Nets guard Kyrie Irving's trade demand, saying he wants to see him in purple and gold.