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

Restraining-order hearing for Dodgers' Trevor Bauer pushed to Aug. 2

It's unknown if the Dodgers would welcome Bauer back if MLB did not extend his leave at some point this summer or fall. 

Nationals' Starlin Castro has administrative leave extended seven days

Castro's administrative leave was extended another seven days on Friday per MLB's domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. He has been on leave since July 16. 

Vikings having 'discussions' with assistant Rick Dennison over COVID-19 vaccine protocols

A report surfaced that the Vikings and assistant coach Rick Dennison parted ways after he allegedly refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but that might not be the case.

Reds All-Star Nick Castellanos on IL with wrist microfracture

There's no timetable for Castellanos' return, but it's believed he could miss a couple of weeks of action.

Patriots assistant Cole Popovich out due to COVID-19 vaccine protocols?

Earlier on Friday, reports surfaced that Rick Dennison and the Vikings parted ways because the assistant coach did not get vaccinated. Dennison is believed to be the first coach to leave a team over the league's COVID-19 policies for the upcoming campaign. 

Could Pac-12 add schools if Oklahoma, Texas join SEC?

Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff said Friday his league isn't yet recruiting new schools but also wouldn't reject discussions on the matter. 

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes expects 'no restrictions' coming off toe surgery

Mahomes was always on track to be 100% by late July, but it's understandable the health of arguably the league's best overall player would generate headlines.

Cardinals place rookie CB Lorenzo Burns on reserve/COVID-19 list

It's unclear if Burns tested positive or was deemed a high-risk close contact, and there's no known timetable for his return to training camp. Arizona begins its training camp on Tuesday. 

Cubs' Brad Wieck to have second heart procedure in two years

Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher Brad Wieck underwent a cardiac ablation procedure in February 2020 and was placed on the injured list July 9 with an irregular heartbeat.

Report: Vikings assistant Rick Dennison out after refusing COVID-19 vaccine shot

It is believed to be the first parting between coach and team over vaccinations. 

NFL doesn't believe teams will cut unvaccinated players despite threat of forfeits

Back in May, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith and NFL executive vice president and general counsel Jeff Pash offered harsh reactions

Mets reportedly trading for Rays pitcher Rich Hill

Hill, 41, holds a 6-4 record with a 3.87 ERA across 19 starts this season. DiComo notes Hill posted a 5.40 ERA over his last seven starts. 

Half of NFL teams hit 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold

Nine teams have over 90% of players vaccinated, with only five clubs having less than 70% of players vaccinated ahead of the weekend.

Pac-12 could have football teams forfeit if unable to play due to COVID-19

New Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff said he's considering adopting a policy that involves forfeits for canceled games due to COVID-related issues.

Cardinals All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins ends retirement talk over COVID vaccine

Don't worry, Cardinals fans. DeAndre Hopkins would like you to know he isn't going anywhere. 

Jets assistant coach Greg Knapp dies after tragic bicycle accident

Jeff Sperbeck, Knapp's agent, has confirmed the coach has died from his injuries after being struck by an automobile while riding his bicycle near his home.

Report: Cleveland baseball has new name, but not ready to reveal it

Cleveland has chosen a new name for the club but is not yet ready to reveal it.

NFLPA backs NFL plan of withholding pay over forfeits linked with COVID-19?

The league can make teams forfeit and can also withhold pay if clubs cannot play any game, as scheduled, because of a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated personnel. 

Cardinals All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins would rather retire than get COVID-19 vaccine?

DeAndre Hopkins apparently had second thoughts and deleted an initial tweet suggesting he could consider retiring to avoid receiving a COVID-19 vaccine shot.

Giants rookie WR Kadarius Toney placed on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Giants didn't specify if Toney tested positive for the coronavirus or has been deemed a "high-risk close contact."

Terry Bowden: Bobby Bowden has pancreatic cancer

The college football and sports communities were saddened to learn Wednesday that legendary former Florida State Seminoles head coach Bobby Bowden is dealing with a terminal medical condition. 

Florida State football 'getting closer' to 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold

Coach Mike Norvell explained that former FSU and NFL player Myron Rolle, who currently works as a neurosurgery resident at Massachusetts General Hospital, spoke with players and answered questions they have about the available vaccines. 

Big Ten undecided on potential football forfeits related to COVID-19

Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren explained during Thursday's Media Day session that league presidents and chancellors agreed last month individual schools will first determine their own policies regarding COVID-19.

Cowboys star DE DeMarcus Lawrence, WR Amari Cooper on PUP list

Lawrence underwent offseason back surgery and did not participate in offseason team activities or mandatory minicamp, while Cooper is recovering from offseason ankle surgery.