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

Bianca Andreescu walks back Nike criticism after U.S. Open wardrobe mishap

Wind gusts during Monday's encounter caused Andreescu's outfit produced by Nike to become a problem that impacted her play to the point that she asked the chair umpire for permission to swap clothes mid-match.

Steelers reportedly set to keep Mason Rudolph with Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett

The Steelers have been reluctant to trade backup signal-caller Mason Rudolph even though free-agent signing Mitchell Trubisky has presumably won the starting job and should have rookie Kenny Pickett serving as his QB2.

NFL executive: Browns' Myles Garrett on track to be a Hall of Famer

Garrett could bolster his Hall-of-Fame résumé with at least one Defensive Player of the Year Award. At just 26 years old, he may not yet be in the prime of his playing days. 

Insider: 49ers 'completely botched' Jimmy Garoppolo situation

It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if Garoppolo was rusty to start the season considering he's been away from the 49ers practically the entire offseason.

Falcons' Calvin Ridley reportedly a target of gang-related celebrity home robberies

Ridley, goalkeeper Brad Guzan of Major League Soccer club Atlanta United and music icon Mariah Carey are among celebrities and social media influencers who reportedly had their homes broken into as part of a crime spree that also included carjackings, kidnappings and shootings.

Lakers' LeBron James shares Sports Illustrated cover with sons Bronny, Bryce

LeBron James is once again gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated for an October 2022 issue, but the four-time NBA champion isn't alone.

Commanders Pro Bowl DE Chase Young named 'overrated' player ahead of 2022 NFL season

It goes without saying that Washington Commanders star defensive end Chase Young did not enjoy the type of sophomore NFL season he likely envisioned last September. 

Former USF guard Neena Pacholke reportedly dead by suicide

The women's basketball program of the University of South Florida Bulls sadly announced on Monday that it lost one of its own.  According to TMZ Sports, former USF point guard Neena Pacholke was found dead by Wausau Police Department officials during a welfare check on Saturday morning.

Jimmy Garoppolo to stay with 49ers as backup on restructured contract

After penning a new, team-friendly deal, Jimmy Garoppolo will stay with the 49ers to serve as the primary backup to 2021 rookie Trey Lance.

Keyshawn Johnson: Patriots QB Mac Jones 'looked like bad macaroni and cheese' during preseason

Per Fox Sports, Jones completed 13-of-21 pass attempts for 132 yards with no touchdowns and an interception during August exhibition games.

Jets' Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner plans to 'dominate' opponents during rookie season

"I think it's going to be different than how most rookie seasons are," Gardner explained.

Steelers reportedly 'reluctant' to trade QB Mason Rudolph amid Kenny Pickett rise

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Steelers have received trade calls regarding Rudolph but are "reluctant to deal him" at this time.

Pedro Martinez asked Mets aces Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer to 'get it done for me'

The right-hander took time to enter the team's clubhouse and make a special request to aces Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. 

Giants reportedly 'have gotten trade inquiries' about WR Darius Slayton

Slayton is in the final year of his rookie contract and is playing for an organization under new management with Joe Schoen serving as general manager and Brian Daboll as head coach.

Report: 'All signs' point to Mitchell Trubisky being Steelers starting QB over Kenny Pickett

Steelers QB Mitchell Trubisky likely entered Sunday's preseason finale against the Lions needing to eliminate any potential doubt had by HC Mike Tomlin regarding who should start the Week 1 matchup at the Bengals between the veteran and rookie Kenny Pickett. 

Watch: Jets' Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner signs deal with Buffalo Wild Wings

Aside from being announced as part of the Jets' Week 1 starters, Ahmad 'Sauce'Gardner will have something else to celebrate when his birthday arrives on Wednesday. 

Broncos QB Russell Wilson named 'overrated' player ahead of 2022 NFL season

Russell Wilson is on the cusp of beginning his first season as the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos following a blockbuster offseason trade from the Seattle Seahawks that caught many by surprise.

Kamaru Usman never considered running the clock out before loss to Leon Edwards

Kamaru Usman (20-2-0) lost his UFC welterweight championship when he became the victim of one of the greatest comeback knockouts in the history of combat sports after Leon Edwards (20-3-0) hit him with a high kick in the final minute of the title fight that headlined the UFC 278 show on Aug.

Report: Multiple owners didn’t want Browns' Deshaun Watson suspended for entire season

It was previously reported that owners throughout the NFL were upset that the Browns gave Watson $230 million in fully-guaranteed cash.

Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang assaulted during home burglary

Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked in transfer rumors with a potential return to the English Premier League but had his name in headlines.

Steelers QB Mitchell Trubisky: 'I think I’ve just shown I can run this offense'

Trubisky campaigned to win the starting job via public comments last week and then made a strong case for himself against the Lions, as he completed 15-of-19 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan: Trey Lance is 'as ready to go as he can be'

Shanahan is glad Lance got plenty of experience this preseason.

Steelers' Mason Rudolph reportedly attracting some trade interest 'around the league'

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph sounded like somebody who knew his days with the organization were numbered now that he's been leapfrogged on the depth chart by rookie Kenny Pickett.  "(A trade) may be so, but I can’t control it.

Charles Barkley on Nets' Kevin Durant: 'I call him Mr. Miserable'

Charles Barkley is clearly unimpressed by Durant's history of antics.

Cowboys' Dalton Schultz an 'undervalued' fantasy football TE on franchise tag?

Schultz could be an absolute steal if he's still on your fantasy-football draft boards in the sixth round.