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

L.A. Galaxy denounce racist abuse directed at defender Derrick Williams

Major League Soccer club L.A. Galaxy came to the defense of one of their own after Derrick Williams was targeted with racial abuse online.

Braves SP Mike Soroka could return in 2021

It appears Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker may have spoken prematurely when he said that right-hander Mike Soroka will miss the entire 2021 season.

Packers' Robert Tonyan ready to 'win a Super Bowl whenever' Aaron Rodgers returns

The Aaron Rodgers saga has been one of the lingering storylines of the NFL offseason.

Lions' Penei Sewell on move to RT: 'It is not that easy'

The Detroit Lions always envisioned moving Penei Sewell from the left side of the line to right tackle, but the rookie admitted transition has proved to be difficult during organized team activities. 

Yankees reinstate Giancarlo Stanton from IL

Stanton missed 13 consecutive contests because of a left quadriceps strain.

Rams coach Sean McVay 'very pleased' with new QB Matthew Stafford

McVay has gotten an in-person look at Stafford during organized team activities this week and told reporters Friday he likes what he's thus far seen. 

Kentucky's Isaiah Jackson staying in 2021 NBA Draft

Jackson averaged 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game as a freshman.

Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz: Dak Prescott 'looks the same to me'

The Cowboys are understandably being cautious as it pertains to Prescott's continued recovery and aren't having him face any pass rush as he gets comfortable playing on his surgically repaired ankle and foot.

Braves SP Mike Soroka out for season due to setback in recovery from Achilles tear

Soroka dealt with shoulder inflammation in April and then required exploratory surgery earlier this month after he reported discomfort in his Achilles.

16 MLB clubs at 85% vaccine threshold for relaxed COVID-19 protocols

Over half of all MLB clubs have reached or exceeded the 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold that allows for the loosening of certain health and safety protocols.

WTA responds to Naomi Osaka: Athletes have a responsibility to speak to media

The WTA said it's willing to listen to concerns from players but also made it clear media obligations aren't voluntary.

Pete Carroll wants Seahawks to get COVID-19 vaccine shots

Carroll was sure to point out a player's vaccination status won't determine if he has a place on the roster come September. 

Orlando Brown Jr.: 'It’s been going great' since trade to Chiefs

Recently-acquired Chiefs left tackle Orlando Brown spoke with reporters Thursday and suggested he's already feeling right at home. 

Celtics' Marcus Smart says he's heard racist comments from Boston fans

Nets guard and former Celtics star Kyrie Irving generated headlines on Tuesday when he discussed hearing alleged racist comments at TD Garden in the past. Celtics guard Marcus Smart said he's also heard racist comments in Boston.

Russell Wilson working out in San Diego away from Seahawks

Similar to the Cleveland Browns, a plethora of Seattle Seahawks veteran players elected to skip the start of organized team activities this week. QB Russell Wilson is among those not in attendance, as he is working out in sunny San Diego. 

Rockies All-Star SS Trevor Story dealing with 'general tightness' around elbow

Two-time All-Star shortstop Trevor Story departed the second contest of a doubleheader early due to what manager Bud Black referred to as “general tightness” around his right elbow. 

NFL OT Jared Veldheer confirms retirement after suspension

ESPN's Field Yates reported earlier in the day that the 33-year-old Jared Veldheer was banned from participating in the first six games of the 2021 regular season.

White Sox's Michael Kopech on bereavement list after hurting hamstring

The White Sox placed Kopech on the bereavement list among several roster moves. Per MLB rules, he must miss a minimum of three days and no more than seven. 

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes 'full-go' in OTAs after toe surgery

Coach Andy Reid told reporters Thursday that QB Patrick Mahomes isn't limited at this time. 

Tiger Woods: Rehab from crash 'more painful than anything I have ever experienced'

Golf icon Tiger Woods has dealt with his share of physical setbacks during his storied career, but he admitted he's never before been through anything like this experience. 

Urban Meyer: Tebow just 'one of 90 trying to make the team'

On Thursday, Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer admitted it was maybe "awkward" to see the former signal-caller in his new position but insisted Tim Tebow has no roster spot guaranteed ahead of training camp. 

Giants QB Daniel Jones: 'It's on all 11 of us' to produce on offense

Jones added he realizes he is tasked with both improving and getting the most out of the playmakers around him. 

Yankees CF Aaron Hicks expected to be out for season after wrist surgery

Hicks last played May 12 and hit .194 with four home runs and 14 RBI across his 32 contests this season. 

Three-time Pro Bowl RB Todd Gurley visiting with Lions

During his one and only campaign with Atlanta, Gurley averaged a paltry 3.5 yards per carry and managed a career-worst 678 rushing yards on 195 attempts.