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

England to permit full capacity crowds July 19

It's great news for soccer fans as the Premier League season approaches. 

Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. scratched again due to back issue

Star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. was scratched from Thursday's home game against the Mets because of mid-back tightness.

Report: Jaguars fined for contact violation during OTAs

Eyes were raised when it was learned the Jaguars were fined $200,000, and Urban Meyer was hit for $100,000. Now we know why.

Dolphins not close to signing TE Mike Gesicki to extension?

The Miami Dolphins may not be sold on paying tight end Mike Gesicki past the upcoming season.

Raptors' Jalen Harris banned from NBA for one year for violating anti-drug program

Harris, who just completed his rookie season, can apply for reinstatement next summer.

Dodgers ace Trevor Bauer to pitch Sunday despite assault allegations

The Dodgers plan to send Bauer to the mound for his next scheduled start. 

Jaguars, Cowboys, 49ers fined for OTA violations

Urban Meyer earned his first fine as an NFL head coach. Additionally, the Jaguars were hit with a $200,000 fine, while both the Cowboys and 49ers received $100,000 punishments. 

Patriots QB Cam Newton working out with WR Jakobi Meyers, TE Jonnu Smith

Newton recently said that he "feeds off" criticism he sees and hears but apparently realizes he'll need to do more if he wants to remain the starter in New England.

Owner Hal Steinbrenner on Yankees' struggles: 'Majority of the responsibility lies with the players'

Steinbrenner added he believes the squad that left spring training was good enough to compete for more than just a winning record. 

Roger Federer becomes oldest man in 46 years to reach third round of Wimbledon

Federer turns 40 in early August and booked a third-round meeting with Great Britain's Cameron Norrie via his Thursday victory.

Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons: Broncos 'really close' to contending

Simmons hopes to be a cornerstone for what becomes a championship roster.

Giants TE Kyle Rudolph expects to be ready for Week 1 after foot surgery

The New York Giants signed two-time Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph early in free agency but then learned he required surgery to repair a previously undiagnosed foot problem.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo out for Game 5 vs. Hawks with hyperextended knee

Antetokounmpo went down with over seven minutes to play in the third quarter of Game 4 after he contested an alley-oop attempt and landed awkwardly.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner confident in Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman

Earlier this week, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman offered a fresh vote of confidence for manager Aaron Boone. The owner did the same for both Cashman and Boone.

New Tottenham manager to try to convince Harry Kane to stay?

It was reported that Kane informed Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy of his desire to leave the club this summer to pursue titles elsewhere, but Nuno understandably will want to at least try to change the mind of the three-time EPL Golden Boot winner.

Nationals' Trea Turner ties record with third career cycle

Turner notched his other cycles against the Colorado Rockies on April 25, 2017, and July 23, 2019. 

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.