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

NBA returning to October-June schedule for 2021-22 season

The league hopes to return to its traditional schedule for the 2021-22 season. 

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar could miss elimination game due to 'irregular' COVID-19 test?

Goaltending coach Jussi Parkkila handled whistle duties on Thursday morning with Bednar absent.

Two-time All-Pro RB Todd Gurley shopping 'for best offer'?

It appears three-time Pro Bowl running back Todd Gurley is a fan of the adage that teaches patience is a virtue.

Bears head coach Matt Nagy encouraging players to receive COVID-19 vaccine shots

Coronavirus-related health and safety protocols will be relaxed for a team when 85% of its players are fully vaccinated. 

Jazz PG Mike Conley to miss Game 2 vs. Clippers with hamstring strain

There remains no definitive timetable for when the 33-year-old may return to the rotation, and it's assumed he'll be questionable moving forward even if he's able to play this series.  

College Football Playoff working to expand to 12 teams?

This format would include the six highest-ranked conference champions along with the six highest-ranked non-champions that would receive at-large bids.

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians: 'If you want to get back to normal, get vaccinated' for COVID-19

Arians also said the Buccaneers are holding a coronavirus vaccine drive for players and their family members, and he expects to see "a long line" of individuals getting their shots. 

Cleveland trades 1B Jake Bauers to Mariners

Interestingly, Seattle begins a three-game series in downtown Cleveland on Friday night. 

Patriots QB Cam Newton not practicing after hand injury but is 'alright'

Bill Belichick added that the setback isn't anything serious. 

Mets' Carlos Carrasco needs 'more strength' in injured hamstring; debut uncertain

New York Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco is apparently no closer to making his regular-season debut for his new club than he was at the end of May.

Mets' Pete Alonso: MLB 'manipulates' baseballs depending on free-agency classes

Much has been made about MLB allegedly "juicing" baseballs to generate an influx of home runs during the second half of the 2010s and, more recently, about top-tier pitchers potentially using illegal substances to doctor baseballs and increase spin rates. 

Inter Miami 'optimistic' Lionel Messi will join them in MLS

Miami continues to work towards an agreement with Messi and are confident a deal will get done. 

Could Giants RB Saquon Barkley miss start of 2021 season?

While Barkley hasn't suffered any setbacks, a return for Week 1 isn't a sure thing. 

Packers' Jordan Love 'definitely' ready to start if Aaron Rodgers remains away

Love is confident he can answer the call if he's the starter in Week 1. 

Hawks' De'Andre Hunter done for playoffs with torn lateral meniscus

It's a brutal end to the season for Hunter, as he worked to recover from multiple knee-related issues throughout the first half of 2021.

Texans cancel next week's mandatory minicamp

The move was made following strong participation in OTAs. 

Reds' Sonny Gray on IL with groin strain

Gray heads to the IL with a 1-4 record and a 3.42 ERA with 65 strikeouts across 10 starts and 50 total innings pitched this season.

NFL confirms intentions to hold regular-season games in Germany

Previously, Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena and Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park were mentioned as potential homes for future NFL games in Germany.

2020 Baseball Hall of Fame induction postponed to Sept. 8

Once again, the induction ceremony for the 2020 National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum class has been pushed back.

Kareem Jackson: Deshaun Watson wants to play for Broncos

Jackson is no stranger to Houston' star quarterback. The two were teammates during Watson's first couple of NFL seasons until Jackson signed with the Broncos in March 2019. 

Former teammate James Jones thinks Aaron Rodgers will return to Packers

Jones said that the supposed beef between the future Hall of Famer and general manager Brian Gutekunst isn't as significant as some think.

Rangers closer Ian Kennedy heads to IL with hamstring strain

Kennedy heads to the IL third in the American League with 12 saves.

Could Buccaneers face punishment over not disclosing Tom Brady's knee injury?

One assumes the NFL will keep an eye on the Buccaneers between now and their final game of the upcoming season to make them think twice about hiding any similar information.

Browns chief of staff Callie Brownson charged with drunken driving

Cleveland Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported late Tuesday afternoon that Browns chief of staff Callie Brownson was charged with drunken driving on May 27 in a Cleveland suburb.