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

Report: Lionel Messi, Barcelona have 'very positive' contract talks

While Messi would have to agree to a pay reduction, he would, per the report, receive a two-year contract with an option for an additional year.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell offers high praise for Jared Goff during OTAs

Whether or not QB and coach will remain friendly through the fall remains to be seen, but there's something to be said for enjoying a solid start.

Report: Packers still not planning to trade Aaron Rodgers

The Packers don't seem all that interested in losing a three-time MVP and Super Bowl winner.

Maple Leafs captain John Tavares skates for first time since concussion, knee injury

Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas said Sunday Tavares' knee will keep him sidelined for at least two weeks. There remains no timetable for his return from the head injury.

World No. 2 Naomi Osaka skipping French Open press conferences

World No. 2 Naomi Osaka took to social media Wednesday to announce she won't be participating in any news conferences when the main draw of the French Open begins Sunday. 

NFL loosens COVID-19 protocols for fully vaccinated players

According to NFL Media's Judy Battista and Kevin Seifert of ESPN, the NFL is loosening health and safety protocols for players fully vaccinated against

Zinedine Zidane reportedly resigns as Real Madrid manager

Legendary footballing figure and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has resigned as Los Blancos manager.

Braves' Marcell Ozuna out at least six weeks with fractured fingers

Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters Wednesday that Ozuna is expected to miss at least six weeks of action with fractures in his left ring and middle fingers.

Maple Leafs captain John Tavares visits team after suffering concussion, knee injury

On Wednesday, Toronto captain John Tavares visited the club's practice complex as he continues to recover from the scary concussion and knee injury he suffered when he was accidentally kneed in the head in Game 1.

Mickey Callaway fired by Angels, on MLB ineligible list through end of 2022 season

The saga involving Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway has reached its inevitable conclusion.

GM: 'Everybody' wants Alex Ovechkin to retire with Capitals

Ovechkin donning another NHL uniform seems unfathomable, and it appears Washington will make sure that doesn't happen.

NFL salary-cap ceiling set at $208.2 million for 2022

The two parties haven't yet agreed to a cap floor. 

Zero NBA players positive for COVID-19 in latest testing

The league wasn't without coronavirus-related drama, though, asLeBron James and Kristaps Porzingis recently violated NBA health and safety protocols.

Ravens' Lamar Jackson on future: 'I would love to be here forever'

Most around the league believe it's a matter of when and not if Jackson will sign a lucrative extension with the Ravens.

Cowboys hire former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo as consultant

McAdoo built his resume working as an assistant and quarterbacks coach with the Green Bay Packers under current Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy.

Eagles safety Rodney McLeod: 'I have all intentions to be there Week 1'

McLeod is coming off a torn ACL he suffered in December.

Colts' Frank Reich: Carson Wentz 'a dominant physical specimen for the position'

Reich's comments make for nice headlines ahead of Memorial Day, but Wentz and the Indianapolis offense will have to hit the ground running in September if the QB is to silence critics.

Head coach Antonio Conte leaves Inter Milan by mutual consent

Head coach Antonio Conte guided Inter Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years, but that wasn't enough for him to stick around for what may have become a tumultuous summer.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic fined for financial interest in betting company

He was found guilty of violating a UEFA rule that pertains to an individual who "participates directly or indirectly in betting or similar activities relating to competition matches or who has a direct or indirect financial interest in such activities."

Browns players sent home due to positive COVID-19 test

Some Browns players looking to complete in-person work ahead of Memorial Day will now have to make other plans. 

UEFA begins disciplinary proceedings against remaining European Super League clubs

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus remain the only teams attached to the breakaway European Super League, and UEFA confirmed Tuesday it has opened disciplinary proceedings against those clubs. 

Colts, Broncos only remaining NFL teams not approved to open stadiums at full capacity

And then there were two; for now. The Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos are the only franchises not yet approved for 100% capacity, but the NFL "feels good about the path" they're on in discussions heading into the Memorial Day holiday. 

Mercury guard Diana Taurasi out at least four weeks with fractured sternum

Whenever she returns and scores six more points, she'll be the first WNBA player in history to reach 9,000 for her career. 

Aaron Jones didn't speak with Aaron Rodgers before re-signing with Packers

Jones is coming off back-to-back seasons with more than 1,000 rushing yards.

Wayne Gretzky to become hockey analyst for TNT?

The Winnipeg Jets completed their sweep of the Oilers in the first-round playoff series Monday night.