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

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.

Giants call Brian Flores' claims 'disturbing and simply false' in new statement

Flores alleges, among other things, that the Giants only spoke with him to comply with the Rooney Rule, but the organization denies that notion and went one step further with a new statement released Thursday.

MLBPA 'unlikely' to accept MLB offer of federal mediator to help with lockout?

The MLBPA must agree for a third party to get involved, but fans shouldn't hold their figurative breaths.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow initially wanted to play RB or WR

Burrow admitted he didn't want to be a signal-caller when he was younger.

Bengals practice indoors to prepare for Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium

The Cincinnati Bengals had never practiced indoors under head coach Zac Taylor over the past three seasons and recently won three consecutive outdoor playoff

Danielle Goyette to become first woman to serve as assistant coach in ECHL

Former player and current Toronto Maple Leafs director of player development Danielle Goyette is set to make some history on Thursday. 

Texans view Brian Flores as finalist for head-coaching vacancy?

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores and current Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon are also finalists for the gig along with former NFL QB Josh McCown.

Manchester United focusing on Middlesbrough match after Mason Greenwood arrest

While the 20-year-old remains unavailable for selection "until further notice," his teammates must prepare themselves for Friday's FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough.