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

No. 11 Oregon women's basketball pauses, has two games postponed

Oregon confirmed on Friday that it is going on pause due to unspecified COVID-19 issues affecting the team. As a result, Friday's game at the Utah Utes and Sunday's contest at the Colorado Buffaloes are postponed.

Packers parting ways with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine

Pettine's departure had been rumored throughout the week after his defense surrendered four touchdowns in less than two-and-a-half quarters of action versus Tampa Bay last Sunday. 

Could Rams pursue Matthew Stafford as Jared Goff replacement?

The Rams parting ways with Goff during the upcoming offseason might be easier said than done, but Stafford would be an upgrade under center for the L.A. team.

Tigers sign two-time All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos

The Mets signed James McCann to replace Ramos last month. 

Chris Weidman-Uriah Hall UFC fight postponed, could be part of UFC 261?

UFC boss Dana White currently intends to shift the fight to the UFC 261 event on April 24.

Friday's St. Louis-Richmond game postponed due to COVID-19 concerns

Saint Louis has had seven consecutive games postponed and then dropped to 7-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play with a 76-71 loss to the Dayton Flyers this past Tuesday. Before that contest, the Billikens hadn't competed since Dec. 23. 

Kevin Durant won't play Friday in Nets-Thunder game

Durant sits second in the NBA with 30.5 points per game and fifth with a player efficiency rating of 26.68.

Could New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long join Liverpool?

Long has been a mainstay in New York's defense since 2017 and won Major League Soccer Defender of the Year for the 2018 season.

Temple legend, Hall of Fame coach John Chaney dies at 89

Chaney guided Temple to five Elite Eight appearances and 17 NCAA tournaments while serving as the program's coach from 1982 through 2006.

Bucks executive Alex Lasry 'got lucky' to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Lasry was given the shot on Monday afternoon at Milwaukee's Ovation Chai Point Senior Living Center after his wife, Lauren, received a call from her uncle, the center's rabbi. The rabbi informed the couple the center had unused vaccine doses that may otherwise go to waste.

Chiefs rookie LB Willie Gay Jr. out for Super Bowl after knee surgery

Gay suffered the setback during a Thursday practice.

Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George cleared to return vs. Magic

The Los Angeles Clippers were without stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for only a brief part of their ongoing road trip.

Three-time All-Star Daniel Murphy retires from MLB

Three-time All-Star infielder Daniel Murphy, who made his name with the New York Mets  and became a Mets folk hero during the '15 postseason that included a World Series run, won't be joining a new team this offseason. 

Kentucky men's basketball pauses, game vs. No. 5 Texas canceled

Kentucky confirmed on Friday that Saturday's showdown with Texas is canceled due to positive COVID-19 test results, contact tracing, and subsequent quarantines impacting the Wildcats. 

NC State leading scorer Devon Daniels out for season with torn ACL

Daniels ends his campaign leading the Wolfpack with 16.5 points per game and tied for team leads with 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 19 three-pointers.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane out 'a few weeks' with ankle injuries

Tottenham Hotspur and England superstar striker Harry Kane was subbed off at halftime of Thursday's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool. Manager Jose Mourinho later told reporters that the 27-year-old forward suffered injuries to both of his ankles. 

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger willing to restructure contract

Bringing Roethlisberger back and reducing his cap hits in the process should prevent the Steelers from shopping for one of the many proven veteran quarterbacks set to be available this offseason. 

Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera is cancer-free

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera was unable to guide his club past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a Jan. 9 playoff game. He nevertheless is a big winner as the end of the month approaches. 

William & Mary women's basketball enters quarantine, postpones four games

The William & Mary Tribe women’s basketball team announced on Thursday that it is pausing all activities due to COVID-19 issues.

Three-time WNBA All-Star Chelsea Gray signs with Las Vegas Aces

Gray spent the past five seasons with the Sparks and was part of the team that won the 2016 WNBA championship.

Lakers' Anthony Davis out vs. Pistons with bruised quad

Anthony Davis was visibly favoring his right leg during Wednesday's 107-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Lakers have accordingly ruled Davis out for Thursday's game at the Detroit Pistons due to a bruised right quad.

Is Josh McCown the coach-in-waiting for Texans?

David Culley is expected to add McCown to his staff as quarterbacks coach with the belief that the to-be retired signal-caller will eventually become offensive coordinator.

Tom Brady reflects on 'magical' Patriots run ahead of Super Bowl LV

While the relationship between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick "soured" by January 2020, the 43-year-old signal-caller reflected fondly on his Patriots