Yardbarker

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

EXPERTISE:

NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, MLS, US Soccer, UFC

Heat's Jimmy Butler reacts to Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami

Add Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler to the list of local pro athletes hyped for Lionel Messi to join Major League Soccer club Inter Miami this summer. 

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel offers hilarious response to Dalvin Cook rumors

Miami Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel was not going to get caught up talking about Dalvin Cook on Thursday.

Yankees star offers concerning injury update

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge sounds no closer to returning to the lineup than he was at the start of the week after injuring his toe.

Analyst criticizes Giants' Saquon Barkley for handling of contract situation

Retired quarterback and current NFL analyst Chris Simms is the latest member of the football community to criticize New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley regarding Barkley's handling of his contract situation. 

Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa takes another step to avoid concussions

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is practicing with a newly designed helmet as he attempts to avoid future head injuries. 

Xavi Hernandez reacts to Lionel Messi snubbing Barcelona for Inter Miami

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez understands why Lionel Messi decided to head to Major League Soccer and Inter Miami this summer. 

Reporter addresses Carson Wentz, Tom Brady possibly playing for Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have at least a couple of possible options if quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is worse off than feared.  For a piece published Thursday, ESPN's Paul Gutierrez linked the Raiders with free-agent signal-caller Carson Wentz.

Doctor offers possible timeline for Aaron Judge return to Yankees

It appears New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge may not play again until after next month's All-Star break. 

Mets' Pete Alonso addresses Braves fans cheering injury

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso understood why some Atlanta Braves fans cheered after he took a fastball to the wrist in the top of the first inning.

Former QB explains why he's high on Giants' Daniel Jones

Jones was already a polarizing figure among members of the NFL community even before the Giants signed him to a four-year contract.

Hall of Famer links Angels' Shohei Ohtani with NL East team

The Angels began Wednesday at 32-30 and likely will only make Ohtani available this summer if they're considered out of the playoff hunt by next month's All-Star break.

Barcelona take apparent shot at MLS amid Lionel Messi move to Inter Miami

Wednesday's developments indicate the relationship between Barcelona and the living legend remains strained even though Messi is not yet officially an Inter Miami player. 

Bears OC reveals how team wants to refine QB Justin Fields

The Chicago Bears believe quarterback Justin Fields can improve as a passer without the club eliminating what makes him special as an overall offensive weapon.

Lionel Messi confirms what he 'really wanted' amid Inter Miami move

Lionel Messi announced Wednesday he intends to complete an expected move to Major League Soccer and Inter Miami this summer but also confirmed his heart still belongs to Barcelona. 

More hints about Buccaneers' QB competition emerge

Signs continue to point to free-agency pickup Baker Mayfield starting at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over 2021 second-round draft pick Kyle

Browns' Deshaun Watson discusses offseason approach

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is admittedly in a better place today than where he was last June. 

Beat reporter confirms Jets' stance on Zach Wilson

New York Jets fans hoping quarterback Zach Wilson won't be the primary backup for Aaron Rodgers this fall should stop wasting their time.

Mets' Justin Verlander reacts to latest Jacob deGrom setback

New York Mets co-ace Justin Verlander acknowledged he doesn't quite know what Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers is going through this spring.

Rams' Sean McVay responds to Dan Campbell claim about Jared Goff

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay carefully answered a question about Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell saying quarterback Jared Goff is better now than he was under McVay.

Mets' Francisco Lindor struggling due to World Baseball Classic?

New York Mets manager Buck Showalter suggested that shortstop Francisco Lindor's participation in the World Baseball Classic is linked to his springtime struggles at the plate. 

Eagles' Boston Scott addresses controversial fair catch rule

Add Philadelphia Eagles running back and kick returner Boston Scott to the growing list of NFL personalities annoyed over the league's new rule regarding kickoffs.  "I’m not a fan of it," Scott told reporters on Tuesday, as shared by Chris Franklin of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com.

Titans' Derrick Henry speaks publicly after trade rumors

Titans running back Derrick Henry somewhat addressed his standing with the organization following conversations with general manager Ran Carthon.

Insider reveals massive update on Raiders' Jimmy Garoppolo

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday afternoon during an on-air segment that new Raiders starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo "is expected to be ready long before the start of training camp."

49ers' Kyle Shanahan shares promising Brock Purdy update

The San Francisco 49ers continue to receive positive updates on quarterback Brock Purdy.

Amari Cooper addresses Browns possibly signing DeAndre Hopkins

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper understands why quarterback Deshaun Watson wants to toss passes to former teammate DeAndre Hopkins during meaningful games this fall.  "DeAndre has been a very great player in this league," Cooper told reporters on Tuesday, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk.