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

All Knicks players vaccinated against COVID-19

It appears the New York Knicks won't have any issues regarding COVID-19 as it pertains to personnel practicing or playing at Madison Square Garden.

U.S. Open champ Emma Raducanu parts ways with coach

Raducanu is looking for somebody with more experience at the biggest WTA Tour events now that she is ranked No. 22 in the world.

Tom Brady remarks on major anniversary of career-changing moment

It was 20 years ago Thursday when a young quarterback named Tom Brady replaced an injured Drew Bledsoe while with the Patriots.

Nets' Kyrie Irving not vaccinated against COVID-19?

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins also remains unvaccinated.

Jets QB Zach Wilson to be smarter with football after four-interception loss

After a dreadful four-interception game, Zach Wilson is vowing to play smarter going forward.

NBA to focus on eliminating 'manipulated' shooting fouls

The NBA will make officiating changes meant to punish shooters who unnaturally engage with defenders in attempts to draw fouls. 

Report: Ravens' Lamar Jackson OK to play at Lions despite illness

Jackson is dealing with a stomach issue but should be good to go for the weekend.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger 'likely' to play vs. Bengals?

Roethlisberger practiced as a limited participant on Thursday and is "likely" to start against Cincinnati. 

White Sox rout Cleveland to clinch AL Central title

It's Chicago's first AL Central title since 2008.

Giants' Jason Garrett: Kenny Golladay incident 'wasn't a big deal'

Kenny Golladay loudly and somewhat controversially vented frustrations on the sideline, and his anger was meant for Jason Garrett, who downplayed the situation.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice

Jackson wasn't mentioned on Wednesday's official injury report, but he admitted his aerial maneuver vs. the Chiefs left him with a sensitive hip.

Agent: Giants OL Nick Gates 'will be back in blue next year'

Some have compared Gates' injury to the one that threatened the career and life of former quarterback Alex Smith back in 2018, but Jon Perzley, Gates' agent, has since offered a positive update.

Cardinals 3B Nolan Arenado in lineup after back injury scare

Arenado exited Wednesday's contest batting .258 with 33 home runs. He started Thursday's action tied for eighth in all of MLB with 103 RBI on the campaign.

Colts QB Carson Wentz misses practice again, status for Titans game in doubt

For now, it seems Wentz will be a game-time decision, at absolute best, and also that Reich may not name a starter, at all, before kickoff in Tennessee.

Packers' Matt LaFleur not mad at 49ers' Kyle Shanahan over interest in Aaron Rodgers

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan admitted this past spring he called Green Bay's Matt LaFleur, his former protege, to ask about Rodgers' availability.

NFL also cracking down on ineligible player downfield infractions?

Former NFL referee and current NBC Sports rules analyst Terry McAulay says there have already been 14 ineligible player downfield penalties this season.

Penguins star Evgeni Malkin to miss at least first two months of season after knee surgery

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without both of their superstar players through the start of the regular season. One may be out until some point next year. 

Jets' Robert Saleh has received advice, suggestions from mother

Saleh probably expected to hear criticisms and even suggestions from members of the New York media, but he said that he's received some unrequested assistance from his own mom. 

Warriors owner Joe Lacob fined $50,000 for comments on 76ers' Ben Simmons

The NBA has fined Joe Lacob $50,000 for violating the league's anti-tampering rules. 

Report: Buccaneers' Antonio Brown positive for COVID-19, unlikely to play at Rams

Brown is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, meaning he can return to team activities if he stays asymptomatic and produces two negative virus tests 24 hours apart.

Cleveland ace Shane Bieber to return Friday vs. White Sox

Cleveland won't have an October to remember this time around, but reigning AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber is getting his wish to return to the mound in 2021.

Bears QB Justin Fields focused on Browns, not 'winning the starting job'

Fields replaced the injured Dalton in last Sunday's win over the Bengals and completed six of 13 passes for 60 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception with 31 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Vikings plan to play Dalvin Cook vs. Seahawks despite ankle injury

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Wednesday he's planning as if Cook will be good to go by the final Sunday of September.

Reds manager David Bell given extension through 2023

The Cincinnati Reds had their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates rained out but were nevertheless able to announce some positive news on Wednesday.

Raiders QB Derek Carr 'good to go' after ankle scare

The Las Vegas Raiders became one of the pleasant surprises of the opening two weeks of the NFL season by notching back-to-back wins, thanks largely to the play of quarterback Derek Carr.