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

Brandin Cooks: Contract extension with Texans a 'blessing'

Brandin Cooks spoke with reporters Tuesday about staying put, potentially for the foreseeable future. 

Could Mets ace Jacob deGrom return in late June?

It seems unlikely New York would rush the 33-year-old back without having assurances he's fully healthy.

Women suing Deshaun Watson disgusted by contract from Browns

Deshaun Watson received a record-breaking deal shortly after the Browns traded for him in March, and two women who alleged the QB committed acts of sexual misconduct hit out at the franchise in a portion of an interview with HBO that was leaked on Tuesday afternoon. 

Mets reliever Trevor May could soon 'ramp up' recovery from stress reaction

May began the campaign as a key setup man in New York's bullpen but admitted last month he was trying to pitch through discomfort.

Panthers' Sam Darnold 'confident' he can be one of the best QBs in NFL

Darnold's confidence is admirable, but it seems to be a matter of when, not if, he's replaced as Carolina's QB1 before preseason games get underway.

NFL owners discussing future of Pro Bowl at league meetings

The days of annual Pro Bowl games serving as actual competitive contests are well in the past. Players participating in the all-star exhibitions spend the majority of such matchups understandably avoiding injuries.

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill 'disappointed' comments about Malik Willis were 'twisted'

Tennessee Titans veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill sparked controversy when he somewhat defiantly explained earlier this month that he was "competing against" rookie and third-round draft selection Malik Willis.

Packers HC Matt LaFleur: QB Aaron Rodgers absent from OTAs but in 'great spirits'

Rodgers is expected to report for mandatory minicamp that begins June 7.

Tottenham owners plan to spend big in transfer window

Tottenham could be looking to sign multiple defenders, two midfielders, a striker who can serve as a backup to England captain Harry Kane and a goalkeeper who may ultimately replace veteran Hugo Lloris after next season. 

Mets' Tylor Megill starts throwing off flat ground

New York Mets right-hander Tylor Megill has missed the second half of this month with biceps tendinitis in his pitching arm that landed him on the injured on May 12 but Friday brought good news.

Doctor not worried about 'arm fitness' of 49ers' Trey Lance?

"Unless there is some arm injury we don’t know about, I wouldn’t worry about it at all," said Associate Professor of UCSF Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Sports Medicine at Benioff Children’s Hospital, Dr. Nirav Pandya.

Yankees expecting bad news on Chad Green and Luis Gil?

Manager Aaron Boone admitted on Friday there's "fear" that Green is dealing with a long-term issue. 

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch out of Friday's game at Guardians with non-COVID-19 illness

The good news is that Hinch tested negative for COVID-19, meaning he could potentially rejoin the club for Saturday's matchup in Cleveland.

Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo signs one-year deal to stay with Blue Jackets

Korpisalo has put pen to paper on a one-year contract to stay with the Blue Jackets and avoid unrestricted free agency.

Chiefs' L'Jarius Sneed's car damaged in shooting, but police say CB not involved

TMZ Sports reports that Sneed's Ford Bronco was "shot up" in Minden, Louisiana. Nobody was injured as a result of the shooting. 

Report: 'Consensus' is that Panthers are 'most likely destination' for Baker Mayfield

"The consensus is that Carolina remains Mayfield’s most likely destination if he is released," Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times wrote.

Guardians star Jose Ramirez starts Friday's game vs. Tigers after injury scare

Following that defeat, Guardians manager Terry Francona told reporters that Ramirez would undergo X-rays and other tests on his shin. It appears everything came back clean.

Red Sox reinstate Michael Wacha from IL to start vs. Mariners

Wacha began the campaign as one of Boston's top starters, as he accumulated a 3-0 record, a 1.38 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP across five starts. 

49ers' George Kittle still has 'no idea' if Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance will start

As long as Garoppolo remains attached to the 49ers, some will continue to doubt that Lance will receive a majority of meaningful reps later this year. 

Women suing Deshaun Watson to be featured on HBO’s 'Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel'

A press release shared by Dan Mennella of Audacy Sports states the women "detail the alleged abuse they suffered and share their reactions to Watson’s record-breaking $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns." 

Flames cancel outdoor viewing party for Game 2, change Game 3 plans due to winter weather

For Sunday's Game 3 in Edmonton, the Flames are opening the Scotiabank Saddledome to fans for an indoor viewing party that will be free to attend.

Mets-Rockies snowed out, will try for Saturday doubleheader

Weather could prevent the clubs from playing on Saturday, as well.

English Football Association to investigate worrisome pitch invasions

Arguably the biggest topic in English football throughout the midweek was not the results of key matches but instead the actions of some fans inside stadiums.

U.S. Open champ Emma Raducanu ready for French Open after back injury

Reigning U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has gone through a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs since her historic victory in New York last summer.

Kylian Mbappe torn between staying at Paris Saint-Germain and joining Real Madrid?

It is understood Mbappe will publicly confirm his future plans at some point this weekend.