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

Mets manager Buck Showalter first learned about reliever Drew Smith from son

Right-handed relief pitcher Drew Smith has been one of several bright spots in the Mets bullpen over the first month of the season.

Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith out for playoffs after core muscle surgery

It appears the Pittsburgh Penguins will be down to their third-choice goaltender until further notice.

Saints HC Dennis Allen: 'Certainly the plan' for QB Jameis Winston to start Week 1

The 28-year-old must first get fully healthy before he can concentrate on playing well this fall.

Bills GM Brandon Beane looking toward Week 1 ahead of potential future matchups

During an appearance on "Pro Football Talk PM" earlier this week, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane spoke on the opportunity to play at Kansas City at some point during the 2022 season.

Guardians' Franmil Reyes receives hitting advice from Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and David Ortiz

Reyes began Thursday evening with a league-worst 39 strikeouts, while batting a dreadful .157 with just two home runs and seven RBI.

Washington Commanders' band to return for 2022 NFL season

After existing as the Washington Football Team for a couple of NFL seasons, the newly-named Washington Commanders are moving forward with a fresh identity but are also happily embracing certain items from their past.

Watch: Tom Brady trolls, says 'Tuck Rule' call 'might have been a fumble'

Perhaps Tom Brady and Charles Woodson are using social media to advertise a special "director's cut" for ESPN's "The Tuck Rule" film, or maybe the 44-year-old is simply an elite Internet troll.

Twins' Luis Arraez, Dylan Bundy positive for COVID-19 amid feared outbreak

Minnesota's coronavirus situation has become worrisome.

Warriors' Draymond Green fined $25K for flipping off fans during Game 2 vs. Grizzlies

The NBA confirmed Thursday that Golden State's Draymond Green was fined $25,000 "for directing an obscene gesture toward the spectator stands." 

Chargers sign LB Kyle Van Noy after visit with team

The linebacker tallied 66 total tackles, five sacks, an interception taken to the house for a touchdown, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and 10 pass breakups in 2021

Over 30 arrests made before Eintracht Frankfurt-West Ham United Europa League semifinal

Eintracht Frankfurt defeated West Ham United 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinal last week and took that advantage into Thursday's second leg held at Deutsche Bank Park in Germany. Unfortunately, incidents that occurred before the match marred what was to occur inside the venue. 

Bruins' Jeremy Swayman to start over Linus Ullmark in Game 3 vs. Hurricanes

A Bruins team that has been outscored 10-3 over the past two contests is understandably making a change between the pipes. 

Tom Brady led NFL in merchandise sales for 2021 season

The data for such sales includes items such as jerseys, photos, shirts and basically anything else featuring a player's name, image or likeness.

49ers reportedly 'underwhelmed' by Trey Lance's development

There continue to be multiple theories put out there for why the San Francisco 49ers haven't yet traded veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Football Association insists 'Three Lions' will remain linked with England games

"It's coming home" may or may not prove to be accurate during the 2022 FIFA World Cup this fall, but spectators and television viewers, alike, can expect

Did Browns want Baker Mayfield to play poorly to justify replacing him?

The drama surrounding Mayfield and the Browns continues to make headlines.

Giants GM Joe Schoen: 'Good problem' if Daniel Jones enjoys breakout season

The truth remains that Jones will be playing for his job starting this fall and will have to show his new general manager and head coach he can avoid both injuries and costly giveaways.

Penguins' Casey DeSmith, Rickard Rakell out for Game 2 at Rangers

As had been expected since early Wednesday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be down to their third-choice goaltender Thursday night against the New York Rangers. 

Bills GM Brandon Beane: Learning from playoff mistakes will prevent repeating them

Beane believes the Bills can accomplish Josh Allen's stated goal of winning the Super Bowl as soon as next February.

Tom Brady could become first QB to start games in four different countries

Tom Brady should become the first NFL quarterback to start a game in four different countries as Tampa Bay is scheduled to "host" the Seattle Seahawks in Munich, Germany.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: 'Not necessary' for veteran QB to mentor rookie

Tomlin said he expects a "fierce" QB competition between the rookie Pickett, Trubisky and Rudolph.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: Kenny Pickett had 'no issues' with hand size at Pitt

Kenny Pickett routinely fielded questions about his varying hand-size measurements, but this was a non-issue for the Steelers.

Penguins goalie Louis Domingue likely to start Game 2 at Rangers

In Game 1, Domingue made 17 saves in sudden death as the Penguins went on to win, 4-3, in triple overtime.

Giants to release CB James Bradberry due to lack of trade interest?

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen suggested releasing cornerback James Bradberry could be an inevitable conclusion.