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

Stephen A. Smith apologizes for comments about Shohei Ohtani

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith received widespread criticism online from baseball supporters and others within the sports community after he suggested earlier on Monday that Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani couldn't be the face of MLB because he uses an interpreter.

Prosecutor to review death of Blue Jackets' Matiss Kivlenieks

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks tragically died July 4 at the home of Columbus goaltending coach Manny Legace in Novi, Mich., after an accident involving fireworks left him with a fatal chest trauma. 

Jacob Steinmetz believed to be first practicing Orthodox Jewish player drafted by MLB team

Seventeen-year-old right-handed pitcher Jacob Steinmetz hasn't yet appeared in a pro game but has already made some history.  According to The Associated

Broncos' Von Miller wants to play another five to seven years?

Miller thinks the Broncos will have a pretty good team this season.

Al Baker, not Michael Strahan, has most sacks in an NFL season?

Michael Strahan controversially set the official record for most sacks in a season in January 2002 with 22.5 after Brett Favre may or may not have taken a dive to the ground. It turns out Strahan's mark may be even more illegitimate than critics say. 

LeBron James wants to retire with Lakers?

James turns 37 years old in December.

Mariners reinstate Yusei Kikuchi from IL for All-Star Game

Kikuchi is 6-4 with a 3.48 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 16 starts and 98.1 innings of work on the season. 

Gareth Southgate wants to guide England into 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Southgate guided England to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and has been linked in rumors with a return to club football.

Seven NFL teams have hit 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold

In addition, 70% of NFL players reportedly have gotten at least one vaccine shot.

Report: Patriots WR N'Keal Harry will attend training camp if he's not traded

Harry underwhelmed across his first two NFL regular seasons and has recorded a total of 45 receptions for 414 yards and four touchdowns in 21 games.

England's Harry Kane to racist fans: 'We don’t want you'

Kane was clear in his denouncement of the abuse. 

Goalie Philipp Grubauer wants to re-sign with Avalanche

Grubauer could be in for a big payday after he went 30-9-1 with a 1.95 goals-against average and .922 save percentage during the 2020-21 NHL regular season.

Stephen A. Smith criticized for comments about Angels star Shohei Ohtani

Smith shared controversial thoughts on Ohtani emerging as the face of Major League Baseball. 

Zach Johnson out of Open Championship due to testing positive for COVID-19

The two-time major championship winner tested positive following the conclusion of the John Deere Classic on Sunday.

Lions announce plans for full capacity at 2021 games

The team detailed plans to fully open Ford Field for the 2021 season. 

Seahawks' Bobby Wagner: Russell Wilson drama 'overblown,' 'water under the bridge'

Anybody with inside information wants outsiders to know there's no longer any drama involving Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and those running the organization. 

Astros' Carlos Correa on IL due to health and safety protocols

Correa was placed on the injured list ahead of Friday's game against the New York Yankees due to health and safety protocols related to COVID-19.

Deshaun Watson training with Jordan Love, Justin Fields?

Deshaun Watson and personal quarterback trainer Quincy Avery were recently spotted working out with Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and Chicago Bears rookie Justin Fields:

Rangers' John King on IL with shoulder inflammation

The Rangers placed King on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Wednesday and ahead of Friday's game against the Oakland Athletics with left shoulder inflammation.

Report: Chiefs' Frank Clark facing three years in prison on weapon charge

It appears the Chiefs may want to plan for life without the two-time Pro Bowler for at least some time. 

WR Larry Fitzgerald hasn't decided if he'll retire or play in 2021

Across 13 games last season, Fitzgerald tallied 54 receptions for 409 yards and a touchdown.

Report: 95 percent of Broncos players have had at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have some competition in the race to have the most players vaccinated against COVID-19 before training camp sessions open later this month.

MLS 'approaching' 95 percent of players being vaccinated against COVID-19?

In late June, the WNBA announced that 99% of its players were considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at that time. Major League Soccer isn't quite there yet, but the North American top-flight is pretty close to matching that figure.