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

Joe Burrow has 'utmost confidence' in offensive line despite prior struggles

Cincinnati's offensive line play has been under question as the Bengals prepare to take on a fearsome Rams pass rush. 

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first person with 400 million Instagram followers

The news comes just two days after CR7 celebrated his 37th birthday, an occasion he commemorated via a post that has thus far received well over 14 million likes.

Joe Burrow's advice to young players: 'Work in silence,' not through social media

Burrow shared some great advice for young players hoping to follow in his footsteps. 

Penguins' Evgeni Malkin in COVID-19 protocol, doubtful to face Bruins on Tuesday

It's not the news the Penguins wanted coming out of the All-Star break. 

Bengals TE C.J. Uzomah on Super Bowl: 'I'm not missing the biggest game of my life'

The 29-year-old spoke with reporters Monday and heavily suggested the Bengals may have to hold on to his helmet to prevent him from playing this weekend.

GM Eric DeCosta: 'I would expect' Marcus Peters to return to Ravens

The Ravens would save $10 million by releasing Marcus Peters. However, general manager Eric DeCosta poured cold water on that idea on Friday. 

Jimmy Garoppolo linked with Steelers, four other teams

In addition to Pittsburgh, the Washington Commanders, the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos could all be interested in acquiring Garoppolo. 

Connor McDavid: Oilers have 'mojo back' amid 5-0-1 run

Edmonton still has plenty of work to do sitting at fifth place in the Pacific Division standings, but superstar Connor McDavid seemed confident.

Iowa coach Fran McCaffery positive for COVID-19, out for Sunday's game vs. Minnesota

Since Fran McCaffery won't be able to work Sunday's home game against Minnesota, assistant Billy Taylor will serve as acting head coach for that matchup. 

Tom Brady still on Buccaneers' roster despite retirement

If the Buccaneers ultimately place Brady on the reserve/retired list, they'd hold onto his rights because of his contract. However, Brady would be free to do whatever he wishes if the Buccaneers elected to offer him a release. 

Former Browns EVP Sashi Brown leaving Wizards to join Ravens

Brown was fired by the Browns late in the 2017 season and ultimately joined Monumental Sports and the Washington Wizards of the NBA in 2019.

Report: Nets open to trading James Harden for 76ers' Ben Simmons

It was recently reported Morey was willing to wait until the summer to receive his desired haul for Simmons, but Harden's alleged availability would understandably change the discussion.

Flyers' Claude Giroux on trade deadline: 'A lot of time left'

Giroux could offer plenty to a contender both on the ice and behind the scenes.

MLB responds to MLBPA: 'It is time to get immediate assistance' to end lockout

The MLBPA officially rejected MLB's offer for a federal mediator to get involved in settling the disputes that led to the lockout. MLB responded and insisted that help is needed.

Rams OC Kevin O’Connell focusing on Super Bowl, not Vikings job

It is widely assumed that Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell will be named the next head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

Manchester United offer to replace Mason Greenwood shirts after arrest

Manchester United have reached out to supporters and are offering to replace replica club shirts that feature Greenwood's name. 

Buccaneers' Shaquil Barrett: 'We most definitely are still going to be contenders' without Tom Brady

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has vowed "to look for the best available option" as it pertains to replacing Brady this winter or spring.

Danielle Goyette speaks about becoming first woman to serve as assistant coach in ECHL

Toronto Maple Leafs director of player development Danielle Goyette made history on Thursday evening when she became the first woman on a coaching staff to work behind the bench for an ECHL game.

MLBPA rejects MLB offer of federal mediator to help with lockout

Spring training is supposed to begin on Feb. 16, but that date will almost certainly be pushed back, at best, with the two sides still "far apart" as it pertains to coming to an agreement.

Pro Bowl RB James Conner 'would love' to return to Cardinals

Now a two-time Pro Bowl selection, Conner spoke about what could be to come. 

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam: Hue Jackson 'was never paid to lose games'

The Browns drafted quarterback Baker Mayfield first overall in 2018 but went on to fire Jackson during that season after they started 2-5-1.

Brian Flores claims Bill Belichick 'influenced' Giants in hiring of Brian Daboll

After alleging that Bill Belichick's mistaken texts tipped him off to the Giants hiring Brian Daboll, Brian Flores also claims that Belichick 'influenced' New York in hiring the former Bills OC.

Carlo Ancelotti: Copa del Rey loss can make Real Madrid 'stronger'

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti poured cold water over the idea this defeat could ultimately sink the club's thus-far impressive season. 

NBA unveils 'reimagined' Kobe Bryant Trophy given to All-Star Game MVP

In February 2020, the NBA officially named the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award after Bryant, and the Association unveiled a "reimagined" Kobe Bryant Trophy on Thursday.