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

ACC to make teams forfeit if they can't play due to COVID-19

The ACC is the latest conference to make football teams and other athletic programs forfeit during upcoming seasons if they're unable to compete because of COVID-19 issues and/or concerns. 

Jason Terry to become new head coach of G League's Grand Rapids Gold

The Grand Rapids Gold, G League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets, are set to have a new head coach. 

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger to play Saturday vs. Lions

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn't specify how much Big Ben will play but said he's willing to adjust any plans "based on what it is we see in-stadium." 

Arsenal confirm Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette tested positive for COVID-19

Additionally, Alex Runarsson and Willian also tested positive for the coronavirus.

Washington State coach Nick Rolovich to follow COVID-19 vaccine mandate

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday that employees working in educational roles throughout the state must be vaccinated.

Packers QB Jordan Love unlikely to play vs. Jets with injured shoulder

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur previously said he planned to give Love "every opportunity" to play against the Jets, but that's no longer the case. 

Lionel Messi won't make Paris Saint-Germain debut Friday vs. Brest

Messi will now be on track to debut for PSG on Aug. 29 at Stade de Reims.

Report: Falcons cut two unvaccinated players to get to 100% COVID-19 vaccination rate

Both the NFL and NFL Players Association have repeatedly said since the spring that players cannot be forced to get vaccinated against the coronavirus to keep their roster spots.

Newcastle's Joe Willock receives online racist abuse 'every day'

Willock admitted he contemplated quitting all social media because of such hate-filled messages but added he doesn't want to lose touch with fans who show love.

Nick Saban: 'All but one' Alabama player is vaccinated against COVID-19

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said last month that "pretty close to 90%" of his players were vaccinated against COVID-19 even though he wasn't

2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen goes unclaimed, becomes free agent

2018 first-round draft pick Josh Rosen is now able to sign with the franchise of his choosing. Whether or not any team wants to take a flier on the quarterback is unknown.

Packers' Aaron Rodgers doesn't want 'farewell tour' during 2021 season

Aaron Rodgers said he isn't considering the upcoming campaign one long goodbye to the only NFL home he's known since the 2005 draft. 

Giants' Anthony DeSclafani exits game vs. Mets early with ankle discomfort

The San Francisco Giants began Wednesday afternoon's home game against the New York Mets holding a four-game lead over the second-place Los Angeles Dodgers

Head coach Vic Fangio 'pretty damn close' to naming Broncos starting QB

Denver opens the regular season on Sept. 12 at the New York Giants, so Fangio theoretically could wait until Labor Day weekend to publicly announce his starter for that contest. 

Harry Kane could feature for Tottenham vs. Wolverhampton on Sunday?

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo didn't rule Harry Kane out for Sunday's domestic showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

Report: Mets 'leaning towards' shutting ace Jacob deGrom down for season

Jacob deGrom has dealt with six separate injury issues since the start of the campaign.

Packers' Jordan Love misses practice again, will get 'every opportunity' to play vs. Jets

The Packers re-signed backup quarterback Jake Dolegala on Tuesday as Jordan Love continues to recover from the shoulder injury he suffered in the first preseason game.

Mets' Luis Rojas on Steve Cohen's criticism: 'We all gotta be held accountable'

Mets owner Steve Cohen raised eyebrows on Wednesday when he took to Twitter to voice his displeasure over the team's lack of offensive production.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields has groin injury, could still play vs. Bills

Earlier this week, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy vowed to give veteran and current starting quarterback Andy Dalton additional snaps in this Saturday's exhibition game against the Buffalo Bills.

Frank Reich: Carson Wentz 'very antsy' to return from foot surgery

Reich added the Colts won't "push" Wentz "too soon, too fast."

Kings' Davion Mitchell, Nets' Cam Thomas named co-MVPs of NBA Summer League

Mitchell averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 rebounds per contest while shooting 47.1% from three-point land and 42.3% overall from the field.

Bears' Andy Dalton on competition with Justin Fields: 'Right now it’s my time'

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback and first-round draft pick Justin Fields impressed many during this past Saturday's preseason debut against the Miami Dolphins.

Mike McCarthy: Dak Prescott 'probably won't play' in preseason

As of last week, the plan was for Prescott to take the field for this Saturday's matchup against the Houston Texans. It appears, however, the situation has changed. 

Dominic Thiem out for U.S. Open, rest of year with wrist injury

Thiem suffered the initial injury while facing Adrian Mannarino in the Mallorca Open in June. Later that month, he confirmed he would need to wear a wrist splint for at least five weeks.

Big 12 to force forfeits for teams unable to field squads due to COVID-19, other issues

While a matchup can be forfeited at any time before kickoff, the Big 12 wants programs to make such a decision before a visiting team travels for what ultimately becomes a scrapped game.