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Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is an NFL, NBA, and college football superfan from southeast Louisiana. His favorite colors are black, purple, and gold. He is still haunted by the Minneapolis Miracle and 21-0. If Twitter is your thing, you can find him @eric_smithling.

Alvin Kamara's plea deal paves way for future suspension

Alvin Kamara's felony count of battery was dropped on Tuesday as the Saints running back pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor instead. While the development ends his legal saga it also means the NFL will likely issue a suspension in the not-too-distant future.

Northwestern fires Pat Fitzgerald, but questions still remain

Northwestern made the only decision it could on Monday when it fired Pat Fitzgerald, backtracking from its appallingly weak two-week suspension handed to Fitzgerald on Friday.

NBA News / Yardbarker / July 10

Portland GM opens up about timeline of Damian Lillard trade

Fans waiting to see where Damian Lillard gets traded might have to wait a while for an answer.

Tennis News / Yardbarker / July 10

American Christopher Eubanks headed to quarterfinals in first Wimbledon appearance

American Christopher Eubanks defeated No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas in five sets as he advanced to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in his first appearance at the iconic Grand Slam event.

Thunder's second-year pro shows why he can be Rookie of the Year in Summer League opener

Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren showed out well in his Summer League debut as he looks to find his footing in the NBA after sitting out his rookie campaign due to injury.

Northwestern hazing details show team dropped the ball with Pat Fitzgerald punishment

Pat Fitzgerald was suspended on Friday for two weeks without pay after an investigation into hazing within the program. Some details emerged on Saturday that suggest Fitzgerald should have been fired instead.

Megan Rapinoe announces plans to retire following NWSL season

Megan Rapinoe plans to retire following the National Women's Soccer League season.

Victor Wembanyama's disappointing debut is nothing to worry about

Wembanyama struggling in a glorified exhibition game not even a month after he played for a league title is hardly something worth getting worked up over.

NBA News / Yardbarker / July 8

Warriors secure big free-agent pickup

The Golden State Warriors made a big move on Saturday that should be a big help to the team's quest for another NBA title.

NBA News / Yardbarker / July 6

Suns-Grizzlies trade could end up haunting Phoenix

Memphis and Phoenix agreed to a trade on Thursday that won't make any noise this season but could echo well into the future.

Star WR DeAndre Hopkins reveals how long he might play

DeAndre Hopkins' next team might be in for a long union with the star wide receiver.

Surprising player named Big 12 preseason Offensive Player of the Year

Kansas, which has long been the Big 12's doormat, has a chance to make some noise this season thanks to QB Jalon Daniels, and the conference is taking notice.

NFL News / Yardbarker / July 6

Most overpaid, underpaid players in NFC South

Here are the most overpaid and underpaid players for each team in the NFC South.

Jerry Jones, 1990s Cowboys getting a Netflix docuseries

Netflix's upcoming docuseries on Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s has the potential to be great as long as the NFL doesn't get in the way.

NBA News / Yardbarker / July 3

Why Pelicans, Timberwolves are sleepers to land Damian Lillard

The Damian Lillard sweepstakes are underway and a couple of Western Conference foes might be able to offer the best packages for the star point guard.

Can one of the new Big 12 members compete for a conference title?

Which of the four newcomers has the best chance of winning the conference in its first year? Here's a look at where each team stands, in order from least to most likely to win the Big 12.

NBA News / Yardbarker / July 1

Why Philadelphia should go all-in for Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard's Stockholm syndrome finally wore off on Saturday when he requested a trade out of Portland. Unsurprisingly, the five-year, $160 million given to Jerami Grant didn't impress the seven-time All-Star much.

Shohei Ohtani's June was one of the greatest months in MLB history

If Shohei Ohtani isn't the greatest baseball player of all time, then he's certainly doing a fantastic impersonation. On Friday against Arizona, the former AL MVP—and perhaps future 2023 MVP—put a bow on one of the greatest offensive months in MLB history. 

Why surprising Pelicans move is the right one

By locking him up this offseason as opposed to waiting until later, it allows the Pels to get a great deal on a defensive cornerstone instead of him having another strong season and demanding more money on the market next year in free agency.

Report: NFL player suspended after placing $1,000 prop bet

The league has made it as clear as possible that players aren't allowed to bet on the NFL, yet somehow not everyone received the message.

NFL News / Yardbarker / June 29

J.J. Watt announces role at CBS this season

J.J. Watt is joining what looks like a crowded crew as he announced a multi-year deal to join "The NFL Today" on CBS this fall. 

Tennis News / Yardbarker / June 29

Former tennis No. 1 unretires, announces return at 2023 U.S. Open

After retiring in 2020, Caroline Wozniacki will make her return to professional tennis at the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 28 in New York. 

Victor Wembanyama official height revealed by Spurs

Victor Wembanyama is already a very tall man. He's only getting taller.

Simone Biles to return to competition for first time since 2020 Summer Olympics

Her return at the U.S. Classic on Aug. 5 comes a year before the 2024 Summer Olympics, paving the way for Biles to make a trip to Paris next year to add to her illustrious career.

New Orleans Saints ceiling and floor for 2023

Here's our best guess at the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Saints in 2023.