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

Arik Armstead: 49ers, Deebo Samuel situation will 'work out' with 'a little patience'

Reports from as recently as Wednesday and even Thursday afternoon that claimed San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch were not keen on trading wantaway dual-threat All-Pro selection Deebo Samuel before or during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft proved to be accurate.

Panthers will look at 'every opportunity' for QB

The Panthers didn't use the sixth pick in the draft on a QB but it doesn't sound like they're done exploring options. 

Tottenham's Antonio Conte calls links to Paris Saint-Germain 'fake news'

Conte isn't pleased with the timing of the rumors as he looks to guide Tottenham to a spot in the Champions League. 

Capitals star Alex Ovechkin a game-time decision Friday at Rangers

If Ovechkin doesn't take the ice Friday, he'll end the regular season with 50 goals and 40 assists tallied across 77 games.

GM Joe Schoen: Giants 'really like' QB Daniel Jones despite declining fifth-year option

Jones will be tasked with fighting for his job beyond the 2022 season as soon as he's cleared for contact. A neck injury cost him the final six games of the 2021 campaign.

Cardinals' Nolan Arenado, Genesis Cabrera suspended for roles in Mets melee

On Thursday, MLB confirmed multiple punishments handed down as a result of the melee that erupted between the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets on Wednesday.

Mets believe Jacob deGrom will opt out after 2022 season regardless of health?

One might think deGrom's current health concerns would lead him to playing on a generous guaranteed salary in 2023, but it sounds like the pitcher remains steadfast in his plans to opt out of his deal after this season.

Giants still believe in QB Daniel Jones despite declining fifth-year option?

The Giants have faith that Daniel Jones will prove to be the club's franchise quarterback but still do not want to hand him the figurative keys to the kingdom this spring. 

Tiger Woods plays practice round at PGA Championship site

After notable Masters appearance, Woods takes a practice round at Tulsa's Southern Hills Country Club, the site of the PGA Championship in May. 

Kings' Dustin Brown to retire after 18 seasons

Brown will hang up the skates after one final playoff run with the Kings. 

Texans could 'be in the mix' for Jimmy Garoppolo, Baker Mayfield after NFL Draft?

Lovie Smith has repeatedly said that Davis Mills will be his starting quarterback for the upcoming season, but the Texans could bring in a more realistic option to be QB1.

Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog on track to return for Game 1 of playoffs

Avalanche star forward and captain Gabriel Landeskog hasn't played since he underwent knee surgery back on March 14, but coach Jared Bednar told reporters on Tuesday Landeskog would hopefully be back "with the group here sometime this week."

Dez Bryant thinks Deebo Samuel should stay with 49ers?

The former wide receiver suggested Samuel think twice about forcing his way out of San Francisco. 

Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger 'pretty content' with retirement

Roethlisberger admitted during an appearance on Pittsburgh's WDVE on Thursday he's "pretty content" with his decision to walk away from the NFL.

Mauricio Pochettino says he, Kylian Mbappe will '100%' stay with Paris Saint-Germain

It was said back in February that Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino and star forward Kylian Mbappe could both leave France for moves to Real Madrid following the 2021-22 season.

Darryl Strawberry suggests confrontational approach to Mets' HBP issues

The Mets are off Thursday but may find themselves in an emotional battle when they host the rival Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night.

Could Panthers trade for Baker Mayfield after first round of 2022 NFL Draft?

As of Thursday afternoon, both the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks seem to be in no hurry to trade for Cleveland Browns wantaway quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Capitals star Alex Ovechkin to miss second straight game with upper-body injury

Ovechkin has been sidelined since he appeared to injure his left arm and/or shoulder when he crashed into the boards early in the third period of this past Sunday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Cardinals pick up fifth-year option on QB Kyler Murray

Murray is now on track to earn a fully guaranteed salary of $29.703 million for the 2023 season unless the signal-caller and his employer come to terms on a long-term extension this spring or summer. 

Mets' Pete Alonso on HBPs: 'It’s dangerous and there are consequences whether it’s on purpose or not'

During Tuesday night's game between the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals held at Busch Stadium, Mets slugger Pete Alonso was struck in the helmet with an errant pitch that left him enraged.

NFL writer predicts Seahawks will acquire Baker Mayfield

One NFL writer went out on a limb in his draft predictions, going so far as to call Mayfield to the Seahawks a "lock."

MLB 'will continue to monitor' Mets' hit-by-pitch frustrations

The New York Mets entered Wednesday afternoon's game at the St. Louis Cardinals holding the MLB lead for hitters plunked by pitches this season with 18 after three different players were beaned on Tuesday night.

Panthers owner David Tepper: HC Matt Rhule has 'full support'

Rhule has had a rough first two years on the job but still has ownership's support. 

Watch: Mets, Cardinals brawl amid HBP controversy

The New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals probably won't be sending each other Christmas cards anytime soon.