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

Shohei Ohtani's All-Star jersey breaks auction record

A 2021 American League All-Star jersey autographed by Ohtani closed at $130,210 on Wednesday in an auction run by MLB Auctions.

NFL threatens forfeits, loss of pay for COVID-19 outbreaks, cancellations

The NFL has gone several steps further to encourage all players to get vaccinated against the coronavirus as soon as possible. 

Reds All-Star Nick Castellanos out 'a couple weeks' with wrist microfracture?

Castellanos has mostly been a spectator since he was hit on the right wrist by a pitch during Friday's loss versus the

14 NFL teams hit 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold as rates slow

Teams that don't reach the 85% vaccination mark will largely have to follow guidelines similar to those used during the 2020 season before shots were available to all NFL employees. 

Steelers LB Vince Williams retires ahead of training camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers already lost a player one day before officially opening training camp.

Washington State coach Nick Rolovich unvaccinated, doing media day remotely

Washington State Cougars head coach Nick Rolovich announced Wednesday he will participate in Pac-12 media day next Tuesday remotely because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Knicks interested in drafting Auburn's Sharife Cooper?

The New York Knicks inevitably will be linked with big names in trade rumors now that the NBA Finals have ended, but those running the organization must first concern themselves with the draft that takes place July 29.

Bryce Harper wants Phillies to buy big before trade deadline

The Phillies trail the first-place Mets by only three games, and Bryce Harper seemed to implore the club's front office to make more than just one big move before the deadline.

Cowboys' Dak Prescott to be 'full participant' in training camp

The Dallas Cowboys were understandably cautious with their handling of quarterback Dak Prescott throughout offseason activities as he works to fully recover from the gruesome compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle he suffered last October. 

Mets trade OF Billy McKinney to Dodgers ahead of potential 'big splash'

The Mets have traded outfielder Billy McKinney to the Dodgers for minor league outfielder Carlos Rincon. The Mets also received cash in the trade.

Browns' Baker Mayfield indicates he's vaccinated against COVID-19

While speaking with reporters at his youth football camp Wednesday, Baker Mayfield indicated his vaccination situation has since changed. 

Jerry Jones 'very satisfied' with Cowboys' COVID-19 vaccination rate

Cowboys living legend Michael Irvin recently slammed his former team for not reaching the 85% COVID-19 vaccination, but owner Jerry Jones was more optimistic about the situation in comments on Wednesday.

Three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz to stay with Eagles?

Zach Ertz is expected to report for the start of training camp Tuesday after skipping the entire offseason program amid reports he wished to be traded or released.

Roger Federer, Naomi Osaka to play in US Open

Federer crashed out of Wimbledon in the quarterfinal round, while Osaka has been out of action since she withdrew from the French Open after she declared she wouldn't participate in press obligations. 

Legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden diagnosed with terminal medical condition

In total, Bowden won two national championships (1993, 1999) and 12 Atlantic Coast Conference titles throughout his Florida State tenure that lasted from 1976 through 2009.

Buccaneers' Tom Brady open to playing past 2022 season?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady has long said he wants to continue playing in the NFL through his 45th birthday. 

Inter Milan cancel preseason USA tour after Arsenal encounter COVID-19 issues

The winners of Arsenal-Inter were set to play the victors of a contest between Everton and Millonarios. Everton confirmed earlier on Wednesday they're still heading to Florida.

Orioles' Keegan Akin, Anthony Santander placed on COVID-19 IL

Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde learned about the club's coronavirus-related setbacks late Tuesday night.

ACC unsure if football teams could forfeit if unable to play due to COVID-19

The ACC's medical advisory group is expected to meet in the coming weeks to discuss protocols that could potentially lead to a team being unable to play during a week of the season.

Nick Saban: Alabama 'pretty close to 90%' COVID-19 vaccination threshold

While the legendary coach explained receiving one of the shots is a personal decision for his players, he added the vaccines are the best way to ensure his team can take the field for each scheduled game.

Mets to pursue a starting pitcher ahead of trade deadline?

Mets GM Zac Scott confirmed during a podcast appearance that he's shopping for a starting pitcher ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. 

Cardinals want WR Larry Fitzgerald back if he wants to play?

Fitzgerald recorded 54 receptions for 409 yards and a touchdown in 13 games with the Cardinals last season. 

Son of Andy Pettitte agrees to terms with Derek Jeter's Marlins

Jared Pettitte pitched for Dallas Baptist University this past season and, according to the school's website, accumulated a 5.81 ERA across 13 games and 26.1 innings.

Angels' Mike Trout completes drills, but return from calf strain still unknown

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is inching toward his return from the right calf strain that's kept him sidelined since May 17.

Deion Sanders walks out of press event after being called 'Deion'

In the end, Sanders got people talking about Jackson State football on July 20, which may be a win in itself for the coach.