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: 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. 

Yankees' Aaron Judge, Kyle Higashioka return from COVID-19 IL

New York Yankees star slugger Aaron Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka all landed on the COVID-19 injured list earlier this month

Nationals' Stephen Strasburg to have season-ending neck surgery

Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg hasn't pitched since June 1 because of what was first reported to be a neck strain and won't return until some time next year.

Texans' Deshaun Watson has 'no restrictions' amid sexual assault investigations

The Texans reportedly are willing to listen to trade offers for Watson, but nothing in the league's latest update on the matter guarantees he won't be on the commissioner's exempt list before Week 1 of the regular season in September.

'Big chance' Carlos Carrasco makes Mets debut Friday?

The New York Mets are reportedly in the market for some pitching help ahead of Friday's trade deadline but could add an arm to the rotation that same day without losing anything in the process. 

Brewers' Christian Yelich, Jace Peterson go on COVID-19 IL

In corresponding roster moves, Milwaukee activated outfielder Lorenzo Cain from the injured list and recalled utility player Pablo Reyes from Triple-A Nashville. 

Packers cut Blake Bortles after Aaron Rodgers reports to training camp

The news isn't surprising, as Bortles joined the Packers in May via a minimum-salary deal that included zero guaranteed money so he could get in some work behind Jordan Love.

Dodgers' Trevor Bauer has administrative leave extended again?

His future with the Dodgers remains unclear heading into August. 

Blues sign Pavel Buchnevich to four-year, $23.2 million deal after breakout season

In 2020-21, he recorded 20 goals and 28 assists for a career-best 48 points in 54 contests.

Ravens RB Gus Edwards tests positive for COVID-19

Edwards will miss at least the first 10 days of camp due to the league's coronavirus-related protocols.