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

France keeping manager Didier Deschamps despite early Euro 2020 exit

It appears Deschamps will be given an opportunity to defend France's World Cup title. 

Patrick Mahomes 'feeling great' coming off toe surgery

The 25-year-old has experienced no setbacks through the first full week of July and should be 100% the next time he throws a football wearing Chiefs colors. 

Bills' Sean McDermott spoke with Cole Beasley about Twitter rant on COVID-19 vaccines, restrictions

McDermott added he trusts his guys will "make good decisions" knowing that certain coronavirus-related guidelines can be lifted if at least 85% of a team's players are fully vaccinated. 

Rangers' Joey Gallo completes field for 2021 Home Run Derby

The All-Star right fielder has 23 home runs this season.

Angels' Shohei Ohtani sets home run record for Japanese-born player

Ohtani crushed his 32nd home run of the season, which set a new record for homers hit in an MLB season by a Japanese-born player.

Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence helping Travis Etienne learn WR position

Travis Etienne explained that teammate Trevor Lawrence, the first selection from this year's draft, is acting as somewhat of a mentor as the ball-carrier works on his craft. 

Mets ace Jacob deGrom won't pitch in All-Star Game

Jacob deGrom deGrom hopes teammate and starter Taijuan Walker can take his place on the All-Star squad.

Kevin Love hoping Olympics lead to trade from Cavaliers?

Love's ability to return to form could land him a desired trade to a contender before training camp sessions open in September.

President Biden 'pleased' Navy's Cameron Kinley can attend Bucs camp

Several others received exemptions that allowed them to delay commissions for at least training camp, and Kinley will be hoping he endured little more than a minor setback over the past month or so. 

68 percent of NFL players have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot

The NFL and NFL Players Association insist no player can be cut simply because he doesn't get jabbed, but unvaccinated players will have to work and live under stricter guidelines similar to those used for the 2020 season.

Mets' Jacob deGrom becomes second-fastest pitcher to reach 1,500 career strikeouts

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom reached 1,500 strikeouts in 206 games, good for the second-fastest mark in MLB history.

Nationals' Juan Soto to compete in 2021 Home Run Derby

Heading into the Wednesday night's game against the San Diego Padres, Soto has 10 home runs and 39 RBI for Washington on the season.

Doug Pederson: Eagles didn't draft Jalen Hurts to 'undermine' Carson Wentz

Time will tell if using a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on quarterback Jalen Hurts will ultimately benefit the Philadelphia Eagles down the road.

Roger Federer on if he'll play Wimbledon again: 'I really don't know'

The eight-time Wimbledon champion stuck on 20 career Grand Slam titles and tied with Rafael Nadal for that record didn't necessarily hint at retirement in his post-match press event.

Dodgers cancel Trevor Bauer bobblehead night amid assault allegations

Additionally, the Dodgers have removed all Bauer-related merchandise from the team and online store.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan frustrated Rams got Matthew Stafford

The Niners now have to face the former Lions signal caller at least twice a year.

Roger Federer crashes out of Wimbledon with historic loss to Hubert Hurkacz

Federer lost 3-6, 6-7 (4-7), 0-6, the first time he's ever lost a set 6-0 at Wimbledon.

XFL-CFL partnership off, XFL targeting 2023 return

The XFL prematurely ended its 2020 season because of the pandemic, and WWE chairman Vince McMahon sold the league to Dany Garcia, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and RedBird Capital Partners for a reported $15 million.

White Sox's Yasmani Grandal out four to six weeks with torn knee tendon

It was a bit of bad news for the Central-leading White Sox. 

Cleveland signs two-time All-Star Wilson Ramos

Ramos could potentially provide some depth for the club as they battle for a playoff spot. 

Sha'Carri Richardson off U.S. relay team, out of Tokyo Olympics

The World Anti-Doping Agency and the United States Anti-Doping Agency ban marijuana use during in-competition periods.

Patriots QB Mac Jones signs rookie contract

According to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, Zach Wilson of the New York Jets and Trey Lance of the San Francisco 49ers are now the only signal-callers taken in the first round of this year's draft who haven't yet signed their rookie deals.

'Zero chance' Game 5 of Stanley Cup Final to be postponed despite tropical storm?

Legitimate and understandable concerns arose earlier in the day that Wednesday's Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa

Navy's Cameron Kinley granted permission to attend Bucs camp

Kinley, who is in the Navy, has been granted permission to attend Bucs camp. 

No NFL players opted out for 2021 season?

As of June 25, 65% of players had reportedly received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, and teams are hoping numbers for fully vaccinated personnel will increase before training camp sessions open later this month.