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

ESPN delivers strong response to Big 12 cease-and-desist letter

The Big 12 sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Worldwide Leader demanding that it end “all actions that may harm the conference and its members and that it not communicate with the Big 12 Conference’s existing members or any NCAA conference regarding the Big 12 conference’s members, possible conference realignment or potential financial incentive or outcomes related to possible conference realignment."

Nationals ace Max Scherzer seemingly says goodbye amid trade speculation

Scherzer seemed to understand he's currently worth more to the Nationals as a trade asset than an active player.

Dak Prescott won't throw for at least a few days due to shoulder strain

Prescott said last week he wants to participate in some preseason games, and Stephen Jones seemed optimistic that could happen despite this latest issue. 

Police: Pelicans' Jaxson Hayes subdued with taser after resisting arrest

Police say Hayes met with responding officers in the front yard of a residence and then attempted to prevent them from entering the home.

19 NFL teams have at least 90% of players vaccinated against COVID-19

In a new positive twist to the data, seven teams report that 95% of players are vaccinated. 

No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson finally signs rookie contract with Jets

The second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft was the last first-round selection to sign.

Amanda Nunes tests positive for COVID-19, fight vs. Julianna Pena postponed

The bout will be rescheduled once Nunes is feeling better and healthy enough to adequately train and compete.

Tom Brady jokes about lack of speed, rating in 'Madden NFL 22' ad

In a video released Thursday that also features former teammate and wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, Brady is seen attempting to bolster his speed rating for the upcoming "Madden NFL 22" video game. 

Mets ace Jacob deGrom to throw bullpen session Thursday

Jacob deGrom will throw a bullpen session Thursday and is "feeling better and better each day" as he works to recover from the forearm tightness that has him on the injured list.

Report: 76ers want All-Star, draft picks, pick swaps for Ben Simmons

An unnamed NBA team executive said in late June that the perception exists that Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons is "so broken" coming off the 76ers' ignominious playoff exit, but that isn't stopping the Sixers from putting a high price tag on the young star.

Saints wish WR Michael Thomas would've had ankle surgery earlier

Michael Thomas will miss the start of the upcoming regular season after he underwent ankle surgery in June. Understandably, some wondered why Thomas didn't have the procedure done earlier in the winter or spring.

Nationals have COVID-19 outbreak, game vs. Phillies postponed

Roughly two weeks after the New York Yankees had six players test positive for COVID-19, the Washington Nationals are dealing with an outbreak.

Restraining-order hearing for Dodgers' Trevor Bauer pushed back again

Bauer was first placed on paid administrative leave by MLB on July 2.

UFC's Chris Weidman needs another leg surgery after setback

Weidman's potential return was already up in the air even due to the seriousness of the original injury, and it seems unlikely he'd be cleared to compete in the UFC before late next spring at the earliest. 

Portsmouth release three players over alleged discriminatory messages

According to a Sky Sports report, the messages were linked with England's loss to Italy on penalties in the final of the UEFA European Championship earlier this month.

Broncos' Drew Lock 'motivated' by competition with Teddy Bridgewater

The Broncos acquired Bridgewater via trade, which, intentionally or not, said plenty about what those running the club thought about Lock's ability to win future games.

Cowboys 'not concerned' Dak Prescott has sore throwing arm

According to Rob Phillips of the club's website, Prescott was merely dealing with some discomfort in his throwing arm that shouldn't alarm anybody.

Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard: Bradley Beal hasn't requested trade ahead of 2021 NBA Draft

Keeping the duo of Beal and Russell Westbrook happy must be Washington's top objective for at least the next few months.

Kraken sign Philipp Grubauer to six-year, $35.4 million deal

The Kraken had previously acquired Joey Daccord, Chris Driedger and Vitek Vanecek in the expansion draft but couldn't pass on Grubauer.

All-Pro WR Davante Adams won't give Packers a discount to keep Aaron Rodgers

ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested Monday that Rodgers showing up to work could help the Packers keep Adams past the 2021 season, but it appears that's only happening if the team makes Adams the league's highest-paid receiver. 

Aaron Rodgers considered retirement while away from Packers

While Rodgers will be under center for Green Bay come September, he left little doubt for every other team that his services could be up for grabs as soon as March 2022.

Marlins trade Starling Marte for A's prospect Jesus Luzardo

The Oakland Athletics are acquiring some pop for their lineup as they chase the Houston Astros in the American League West standings.

Report: 18 NFL teams have at least 90% of players vaccinated against COVID-19

On the same day reports surfaced that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time since last fall, there's

Texans taking Deshaun Watson situation 'one day at a time'

Both the Houston Police Department and NFL are investigating what the league called "serious allegations."

Washington's low COVID-19 vaccination rate has Ron Rivera 'beyond frustrated'

According to Rivera, the entire Washington coaching staff is fully vaccinated.