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

Lionel Messi becomes free agent amid Barcelona contract rumors

Lionel Messi officially became a free agent upon the expiration of his Barcelona contract.

Mets RP Dellin Betances having season-ending shoulder surgery

It's been a rough go for Betances since joining the Mets. 

NCAA student-athletes can start earning money via name, image and likeness deals

The NCAA announced every collegiate student-athlete in the country can begin cashing in on endorsements and other agreements linked with their names, images and likenesses when the new month begins on Thursday. 

Panthers WR Ventell Bryant suspended two games

Bryant has been suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2021 season for an unspecified violation of the league's policy on substances of abuse.

American tennis star Sofia Kenin won't compete at Tokyo Olympics

Sofia Kenin confirmed on Wednesday she's opting out of playing in the Olympic tournament. 

Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo has 'no structural damage' to injured knee, but return unknown

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't suffer a "severe" ACL injury as previously feared, but it's unknown when he can be cleared to return.

Former Mets GM Jared Porter on ineligible list through 2022

Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Wednesday that Porter has been placed on the ineligible list through at least the completion of the 2022 season following a league investigation.

Cleveland's Josh Naylor to undergo leg surgery Friday

Cleveland Clinic foot and ankle specialist Dr. Mark Berkowitz confirmed Naylor is dealing with multiple fibula fractures and torn ligaments that will require him to go under the knife.

Colts GM Chris Ballard encourages players to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Ballard also noted the Colts have followed in the footsteps of other teams and had medical experts speak with players about the safety of the shots. 

NBA team executive: 76ers' Ben Simmons is 'so broken right now'

The latest trade speculation involving Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard included an unnamed individual taking somewhat of a shot at much-maligned Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons. 

Cubs catcher Jose Lobaton on 60-day IL with shoulder sprain

Lobaton was visibly in quite a bit of pain shortly after the play, and Cubs manager David Ross told reporters Tuesday night the injury was "pretty serious."

Titans' Bud Dupree says coaches will decide when he returns from torn ACL

Dupree signed with the Tennessee Titans in March on a five-year agreement that could be worth up to $82.5 million, largely because he tallied 19.5 sacks across his last 27 regular-season games.

Jerry Colangelo: LeBron James likely done playing in Olympics

James didn't play in the 2016 Summer Games, and he opted out of the upcoming tournament.

Lightning's Alex Killorn out for Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final vs. Canadiens

Killorn is tied for second on the Lightning with eight goals and is fourth with 17 points in postseason play.

Serena Williams 'heartbroken' after injury forces her out of Wimbledon

Williams previously confirmed she isn't playing at the Tokyo Olympics, and her status for this summer's U.S. Open is obviously in question following Tuesday's events.

Nets assistant Jacque Vaughn staying with Brooklyn for next season

Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Jacque Vaughn won't be joining the New Orleans Pelicans or any other franchise this summer.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman gives Aaron Boone another vote of confidence

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman found himself defending manager Aaron Boone in April following the team's 5-10 start to a campaign that hasn't yet gotten out of hand.

Giants RHP Gregory Santos suspended 80 games for PED use

The 21-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with a 5.17 ERA in 14 relief appearances for the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, and he surrendered six runs and three home runs in his three MLB relief opportunities this spring before he was sent down. 

Roger Federer 'lucky' Wimbledon opponent withdrew with injury

He will face France's Richard Gasquet in the second round. 

Washington's Jon Bostic suggests offense is already better with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick is Washington's QB1 until further notice or unless the club makes a shocking splash for a star such as disgruntled Green Bay Packers starter Aaron Rodgers.

Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard not considering trade demand?

Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard raised eyebrows earlier this month after the club's elimination from the playoffs after he responded, "I

Orioles' Trey Mancini confirms he will compete in 2021 Home Run Derby

The 29-year-old missed the entire pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign after he was diagnosed with colon cancer but officially returned to the big-league club in April and was greeted with multiple standing ovations.

Rams four-time Pro Bowl LT Andrew Whitworth to retire after 2021 NFL season?

Whitworth turns 40 years old in December and realizes he's coming to the end of the road.

Serena Williams pulls out of Wimbledon due to injury

Serena Williams' pursuit of a 24th Grand Slam title will have to wait.