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

U.S. Open qualifying rounds closed to spectators due to COVID-19

The USTA confirmed Thursday that spectators will not be allowed to attend qualifying matches because of fears and issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

49ers to start Jimmy Garoppolo over Trey Lance vs. Chiefs

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said last week that both veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Trey Lance will see action during meaningful regular-season games beginning in September. That will also be the plan this weekend. 

Ronald Koeman: Barcelona must 'close the book' on Lionel Messi era

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman told ESPN's Martin Ainstein his club must now move on from Messi's departure heading into Sunday's La Liga season opener versus Real Sociedad. 

Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer: 'I love' Gardner Minshew

Whatever the reasoning behind Meyer's words, Minshew will have an opportunity to impress onlookers when Jacksonville opens the preseason versus the Cleveland Browns on Saturday evening. 

Andrew Copp signs one-year, $3.64M deal with Jets

Before Winnipeg confirmed the Copp contract, the forward had an arbitration hearing scheduled for Aug. 26.

Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard shoots down Lakers trade rumors?

On Thursday, it appeared Lillard shut down any idea that he could join the Los Angeles Lakers before or during the 2021-22 NBA season.

Brewers reinstate closer Josh Hader from COVID-19 list

Hader last took the bump on Aug. 1 against the Atlanta Braves, when he earned his 22nd save of the season.

Fans must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test to attend Saints games

As of now, there are no public plans for a league-wide mandate to require that fans be vaccinated or test negative for the virus to attend football games this fall. 

Jets rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore to undergo MRI for quadriceps issue

Moore, a product of Ole Miss, has received glowing reviews for his work this summer and is expected to be a key contributor playing alongside fellow rookie and quarterback Zach Wilson.

United States ranked 10th in FIFA men's world rankings

It's the first time the USMNT have landed in the top 10 since 2006. Additionally, the U.S. rose 10 spots from the previous rankings.

Sam Reinhart wants to stay with Panthers past three-year deal?

The 25-year-old led Buffalo with 25 goals and 40 points across 54 games for the 2020-21 season. In total, Reinhart has 134 goals and 161 assists in 454 career NHL regular-season contests.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence calls preseason opener 'a real game'

Lawrence left little doubt on Thursday he plans to take more than a few snaps during Saturday's exhibition opener against the Cleveland Browns. 

Manchester City preparing massive bid for Tottenham star Harry Kane

Manchester City are favored to repeat as English Premier League champions but aren't yet done bolstering their squad during the open summer transfer window. 

Sam Reinhart signs three-year deal with Panthers

The Florida Panthers acquired restricted free agent forward Sam Reinhart from the Buffalo Sabres on July 24 and have now secured his services for the next several seasons.

Cowboys' Dak Prescott planning to face Texans on Aug. 21?

Earlier in the day, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy suggested that starting quarterback Dak Prescott could make his preseason debut on Aug. 21

Former Pro Bowl safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix joins 49ers

Veteran Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has found another opportunity to resurrect his NFL career.

Heat's Udonis Haslem returns for 19th season on one-year deal

Three-time NBA champion Udonis Haslem isn't ready to call time on his playing career quite yet.

Dodgers star Mookie Betts going on IL with hip injury

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Betts' status on the IL ahead of Wednesday's outing in Philadelphia and added that right-handed relief pitcher Edwin Uceta will rejoin the active roster

Former Strikeforce champion Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza retires

Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (26-10-0, one no contest) held the Strikeforce middleweight championship and was a top UFC contender in the division during his storied career.

Texans list Deshaun Watson as fourth-string QB

What was assumed to be true was confirmed Wednesday.  The Houston Texans have listed wantaway quarterback Deshaun Watson as a fourth-stringer on their first unofficial depth chart.

Jets rookie QB Zach Wilson not afraid to make mistakes in practice

Wilson didn't seem too bothered by his early setbacks when speaking with reporters on Wednesday.

Cowboys unconcerned if Dak Prescott doesn't play in preseason?

Both Mike McCarthy and Prescott said they hope the QB will get some reps in the preseason, but Stephen Jones suggested it may not happen.

Tigers OFs Derek Hill, Akil Baddoo head to IL after scary collision

Hill is on the 10-day IL with a left rib cage contusion, while Baddoo was added to the seven-day concussion IL.

Did Jets head coach Robert Saleh take swipe at Giants over training camp brawl?

The New York Giants and New York Jets will open the preseason versus each other Saturday evening at MetLife Stadium.

Rafael Nadal out of Western & Southern Open with foot injury

Nadal, 35, withdrew from the National Bank Open in Toronto on Tuesday due to the issue after he fell to Lloyd Harris in the Citi Open held in Washington, D.C., last week.