Marcus D. Smith is the Northern California sports reporter at USA TODAY. He covers a range of teams including the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants and Athletics. Marcus’ previous stops include The Sacramento Bee and the Citrus Heights Sentinel. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Southern University, where he covered sports, was a radio host and producer and editor-in-chief for The TSU Herald. Outside of sports, Marcus loves a trip to the beach, good music and staying fit.
Our journalists adhere to the USA TODAY NETWORK Principles of Ethical Conduct For Newsrooms.
My Recent Work
Where is the World Cup match between Spain and Austria being played?
USMNT boss says 'never a red card' on controversial World Cup call
USA World Cup tickets cost thousands. These siblings got in free.
USA red card for Folarin Balogun, USMNT plays with 10 men vs. Bosnia
How long is a FIFA World Cup halftime?
Kings officially introduce Darius Acuff Jr., vows to win in Sacramento
USA moves on! Gritty Americans beat Bosnia to reach World Cup round of 16
Odds to land LeBron: Which teams are favored to sign 4-time MVP?
LeBron James thanks Lakers, Jeannie Buss: 'Hope I made a few proud'
Lakers, LeBron James to part ways this summer. LA says goodbye
LeBron to Warriors? What's next with Lakers star not returning to LA?
Who's on move? Latest signings, trades, rumors as NBA free agency opens
NBA free agency live updates: Latest rumors, signings and trades
NBA free agency live updates, rumors, latest news
Where will South Africa and Canada play in the round of 32?
What's at stake between Algeria and Austria in the group stage finale
Jaylen Brown goes off on NBA insider in analytics rant
Algeria, Austria move on after thrilling draw: Score, stats, highlights
Paraguay vs Australia ends in draw: Who will advance to Round of 32?
Cubs trade for pitcher David Peterson, Mets get prospect
Golden State Warriors draft grade: How did they do?
Kings draft grades: How Sacramento aced picks for second straight year
Who is this year's 'Mr. Irrelevant' Malique Lewis? Can he be Isaiah Thomas?
Kings grab NBA Draft gold with Emanuel Sharp pick
49ers consider new practice site, unrelated to substation conspiracy
LA Dodgers pledge $1.1M to support families after ICE raids
Lakers make two trades in NBA Draft second round: What to know
Available players Warriors should consider in Day 2 of 2026 NBA Draft
Available players Kings should grab on Day 2 of 2026 NBA Draft
Kings get UConn star late in first round after trade with Cavaliers
Warriors take Yaxel Lendeborg with 11th overall pick in 2026 NBA draft
Kings shape future, select Darius Acuff Jr. with 7th pick in NBA draft
Algeria has second half turnaround to defeat Jordan in World Cup
10-man Paraguay holds on to defeat Turkey in big result for USMNT
Who is atop World Cup Group D standings? Ranking USA, Australia
Austria overpowers World Cup debutants Jordan: Highlights
Highlights from Knicks' special edition of 'Tonight Show' with Jimmy Fallon
Dog killed by LA police after pet owner celebrates Knicks championship
Padres pitcher, manager hit with suspensions, fines for intentional HBP
Warriors trade targets with LeBron, Giannis seemingly off board
Warriors get massive update in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks
Inside the 49ers split with Brandon Aiyuk timeline
Experts say LeBron James free agency will come down to Lakers, Warriors
Fernando Tatis Jr. smacks second homer of season in walk-off fashion
Giants comeback win vs. Nationals: Bryce Eldridge 1st career walk-off HR