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

Athletics exercise option to keep manager Bob Melvin through at least 2022

Melvin first took the gig as interim manager in June 2011 and has guided Oakland to six postseason trips and three American League West Division championships.

Report: More than half of NFL players have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot

Vaccines aren't mandatory but the league and teams have encouraged players to get them.

LB Brandon Marshall works out with Bears

Marshall has tallied 418 total tackles with 6.5 sacks, five forced  fumbles, and one defensive touchdown over his career that began when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

NBA might restrict unnatural shot motions meant to draw fouls?

It's unclear if these controversial maneuvers will result in offensive fouls or if they will simply go ignored by referees and not result in the shooter earning a trip to the free throw line.

Nets without Kyrie Irving, James Harden for Game 5 vs. Bucks

The bad news keeps getting worse for the Brooklyn Nets.

Royals' Andrew Benintendi on IL with fractured rib

Kansas City began Monday's action at 30-34 and in third place in the  American League Central standings, 10.5 games back of the first place Chicago White Sox.

Former Pro Bowl DT Sheldon Richardson not re-signing with Browns

Over the past two seasons, he tallied 7.5 sacks, 126 total tackles and four forced fumbles.

Kyrie Irving out for Game 5 vs. Bucks with ankle sprain

If the Brooklyn Nets are to grab a 3-2 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, they will have to do so without star guards Kyrie Irving and James Harden.

Cleveland ace Shane Bieber out at least two weeks with shoulder strain

Cleveland ace and reigning AL Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber surrendered five earned runs in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Mariners and was responsible for some reduced velocity that worried onlookers. 

Baltimore Ravens reduce mandatory minicamp to two days

The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles are also among teams that canceled minicamp. 

Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter, Vikings rework contract

Hunter made back-to-back Pro Bowl squads after he recorded 14.5 sacks in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons but missed the entire 2020 campaign because of a herniated disc in his neck.

Wimbledon cleared to have full attendance for finals

When Wimbledon gets underway June 28, attendance will initially be capped at 50% capacity due to concerns related to COVID-19. 

Former Pro Bowl DT Sheldon Richardson to return to Vikings?

Veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson could be set for a reunion but not the one some thought only a couple of months ago.

Canadian Football League to start 14-game season Aug. 5

The league canceled the 2020 season due to hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but reports surfaced in late May it was targeting the first Thursday of August for the upcoming campaign.

Jarrett Stidham wants to be starting QB for Patriots

While Stidham deserves credit for taking a positive mentality into practices, the writing on the wall hints he'll have to go elsewhere if he wants to be anything other than a backup QB in the NFL.

Head coach Bruce Cassidy hopes Taylor Hall stays with Bruins

Cassidy told reporters he hopes the impending free agent will strongly consider spending at least one full season with the organization.

Bears WR Allen Robinson to report for minicamp amid wishes for contract extension

Robinson signed a franchise tag but would like an extension. 

Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence misses team drills due to hurt hamstring

It appears the left hamstring tightness that began bothering Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence roughly one week ago isn't as mild

Denmark players lash out at UEFA about restarting game after Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest

Several Denmark players were not happy with the choices they were given by UEFA. 

Patriots QB Cam Newton to be on the field during mandatory minicamp

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton is back at work. 

Chiefs' Willie Gay Jr. fully healthy after missing Super Bowl with torn meniscus

Willie Gay Jr. was initially on track to return for training camp, but his latest comments suggest he's even ahead of schedule in the final days of spring. 

Analyst says Russell Wilson is playing his final season with Seahawks

For now, Wilson is Seattle's QB1 through February and the end of the current NFL year.

Mets GM calls Pete Alonso 'conspiracy theorist' over comments on 'manipulated' baseballs

Alonso explained Wednesday he and his peers are certain something fishy has occurred over recent years.