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

Istanbul gets 2023 Champions League final after COVID-19 relocations

The 2020 final was relocated from Istanbul to Lisbon after officials relinquished the rights for the contest upon learning the stadium wouldn't be filled with spectators due to the health crisis.

Tom Brady took 'moderate' risk of serious injury playing on reported torn MCL

Brady was never on the injured list with a knee problem last season, which would be a clear violation of the league's rules for reporting such setbacks.

Yankees expected to host Red Sox Friday despite COVID-19 outbreak

Thursday's series opener between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium was postponed a few hours before the scheduled first pitch due to COVID-19 issues impacting the Bronx Bombers. 

13 NFL teams hit 85 percent COVID-19 vaccination threshold as rates increase

Additionally, 73.8% of players have had at least one shot.

10th NFL team hits 85 percent COVID-19 vaccination threshold

Ten teams have now reached the 85% coronavirus vaccination threshold among players that allows for the loosening of health and safety guidelines. Additionally, 73% of NFL players have now received at least one shot. 

NFL doesn't comment on Buccaneers not disclosing Tom Brady's knee injury

The Buccaneers never once placed Brady on the injury report last season with a knee issue, which would be a violation of league rules if he and/or team officials knew he had at least a torn MCL.

Report: Yankees' Aaron Judge, Kyle Higashioka, Gio Urshela in COVID-19 protocol

All-Star Aaron Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka are among Yankees players who are in the coronavirus-related protocols.

49ers' John Lynch pledges support for Richard Sherman, wife

The NFL community continues to react with shock and concern following the arrest of free-agent cornerback Richard Sherman at his wife's parents' home near Seattle early Wednesday morning. 

Blue Jays 'trending' toward return to Toronto this season?

The Blue Jays will play home games in Buffalo through at least next Wednesday, but Canada deputy chief public health officer Dr. Howard Njoo said Thursday the club's return to Rogers Centre in Toronto is "trending in a very good direction." 

Yankees feared to have COVID-19 outbreak; game against Red Sox postponed

The Yankees reportedly are dealing with a "major" coronavirus setback, and it's led to the cancellation of Thursday night's game against the Red Sox.

Buccaneers QB Tom Brady had partial MCL tear in 2020?

Brady's legend continues to grow.

Wizards star Bradley Beal to miss Olympics due to COVID protocols

A Select Team player could take Beal's spot on the Olympic roster.

Panthers sign RT Taylor Moton to four-year, $72 million deal

Carolina selected Moton in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he hasn't missed a start across the past three seasons.

England's Bukayo Saka asks social media to combat racist abuse

England's Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were targets of online racist abuse after they missed their spot kicks during Sunday's penalty shootout loss to Italy in the UEFA European Championship final. 

Patriots' Cam Newton: 2021 season is 'put-up or shut-up time'

Newton combined eight touchdown passes with 10 interceptions and 12 rushing scores during the 2020 campaign, but he often appeared to lack the necessary arm strength to routinely compete at the highest level.

Stars won't protect goaltender Ben Bishop for Seattle expansion draft

Instead, Dallas will protect veteran goalie Anton Khudobin. 22-year-old Jake Oettinger is not eligible for the expansion draft.

Conor McGregor: UFC knew about stress fractures before loss to Dustin Poirier

Neither the UFC nor Nevada State Athletic Commission had commented on McGregor's video as of early Thursday afternoon.

Blue Jackets' Matiss Kivlenieks 'saved' Elvis Merzlikins, pregnant wife on night of tragic death

Kivlenieks and Merzlikins were reportedly attending a wedding celebration for Columbus goaltender coach Manny Legace’s daughter that weekend. 

MVP Aaron Rodgers close to returning to Packers?

Unless Rodgers is legitimately willing to sit the 2021 season out, multiple signs are pointing to him leading the Green Bay offense again this fall.

Veteran OF Adam Eaton signs with Angels

Eaton was slashing .201/.298/.344 with five home runs and 28 RBI across 58 games.

Dodgers ace Trevor Bauer has administrative leave extended to July 27

Bauer's administrative leave has been extended to July 27 amid disturbing allegations of sexual assault against the 30-year-old starter.

Yankees 'have eyes' for Rangers All-Star Joey Gallo?

As is often the case for the Bronx Bombers, they could be looking for some left-handed hitting help ahead of the trade deadline. Enter Texas Rangers outfielder and two-time All-Star Joey Gallo. 

Nine NFL teams have hit 85 percent COVID-19 vaccination threshold

Nine NFL teams have now reached the 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold among players that allows for the loosening of health and safety protocols related to the virus.

Penguins' Teddy Blueger re-signs on two-year contract

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Teddy Blueger earned a new contract with his play during the 2020-21 NHL season.