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

Cleveland's Roberto Perez reportedly out 8-10 weeks after finger surgery

Austin Hedges is expected to immediately replace Perez, while Rene Rivera will serve as backup. 

Eagles claim RB Kerryon Johnson off waivers from Lions

Johnson is set to earn slightly under $1.37 million on the final year of his rookie contract, so he's a potential low-risk/high-reward acquisition for a team that won only four games last season. 

NCAA men's basketball could assess technical fouls for 'flopping'

This and other potential changes could be approved by the NCAA playing rules oversight panel on June 3. 

Frank Reich says Eagles drafting Jalen Hurts didn't send Carson Wentz into 'a tailspin'

Wentz's new head coach shared his thoughts on the quarterback's disastrous 2020 season. 

Ryan Benoit off 'UFC on ESPN 24', taken to hospital due to weight-cutting concerns

Benoit was transported to a hospital after a scary scene at weigh-ins. 

NFL to permanently move schedule releases to May?

A move to May would provide several advantages to the league. 

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin remains out Friday vs. Flyers

Ovechkin continues to battle a lower-body injury. 

Report: UEFA likely to move Champions League final from Istanbul, possibly to England

The all-English Champions League final could be moving a lot closer to home. 

Zero new MLB players test positive for COVID-19 over past week

Like other leagues, MLB is not mandating players be vaccinated to participate in the season, but this latest development should encourage those who haven't yet received shots that the vaccines are effective.

Dolphins signing Jason McCourty to replace Bobby McCain?

Devin McCourty reunites with Miami head coach Brian Flores, who served as New England Patriots defensive play-caller in 2018.

Izaiah Brockington completes transfer from Penn State to Iowa State

Guard Izaiah Brockington was one of a handful of Penn State men's basketball players who reportedly entered the transfer portal less than 24 hours after news broke that Purdue assistant Micah Shrewsberry was becoming the new PSU head coach. 

Texas Longhorns LB Jake Ehlinger found dead off campus

Texas Longhorns linebacker Jake Ehlinger, younger brother of new Indianapolis Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger, was found dead off campus on Thursday. 

Avalanche's Mikko Rantanen fined $2,000 for diving

Rantanen began Thursday third in the NHL with 29 goals this season. 

Blue Jays' George Springer likely out past next week

After appearing in only four games in his first season with Toronto, however, George Springer aggravated his quadriceps and returned to the injured list retroactive to Monday.

Rangers' Pavel Buchnevich suspended one game for high-sticking Capitals' Anthony Mantha

Regardless of anybody's opinion of the NHL's handling of Tom Wilson, Buchnevich's crime would not go unpunished.

Jared Goff: 'Nice vote of confidence' Lions didn't draft a QB last week

The Lions spent the seventh selection on Ducks star offensive tackle Penei Sewell and ultimately did not draft a single new addition for their QB room, and Goff understandably was a fan of the team's picks. 

RHP Carlos Carrasco's Mets debut delayed to late May at earliest

Carrasco went 3-4 with a 2.91 ERA and 82 strikeouts across 12 starts and 68 innings of work during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season with Cleveland. 

Real Madrid's Eden Hazard apologizes for laughing with Chelsea players after Champions League exit

While some have suggested Hazard could be shown the door during the upcoming summer transfer window, the Real source told ESPN he likely will receive a "slap on the wrist" punishment. 

Lions make Frank Ragnow NFL's highest-paid center

The Lions signed Ragnow to a four-year contract extension that links him with the organization through 2026, is worth up to $54 million, and makes the 24-year-old the league's highest-paid center.

Angels release future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols

The 41-year-old who is fifth on the all-time list with 667 career home runs does not want to be a mere spectator inside dugouts this summer.

Barack Obama praises Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson on Mays' 90th birthday

Hall of Famer and baseball royalty Willie Mays, "The Say Hey Kid," turned 90 years old on Thursday and has been honored by MLB, clubs and fans.

Saints' Sean Payton hints he will start only Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston

A famous football quote teaches: When you have two quarterbacks, you have none. Payton appears fond of that mantra this spring.