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

Eric Staal to center third line in Canadiens debut vs. Oilers

Staal is set to make his Montreal debut.

Jets trade QB Sam Darnold to Panthers for three draft picks

Carolina must make a decision on the fifth-year option attached to Darnold's contract by May 3. He would earn $18.8 million, fully guaranteed, for 2022 under that option. 

North Carolina to promote Hubert Davis to head basketball coach

Davis will replace Roy Williams as the head man at North Carolina.

Texans QB Deshaun Watson now facing 22 lawsuits

The lawsuits against the star QB continue to pile up.

NHL confident Canucks can finish regular season despite COVID-19 outbreak

Vancouver hasn't played since losing to the Winnipeg Jets on March 24. 

Nets' James Harden can return Monday vs. Knicks

The Nets will get a boost on Monday with the return of James Harden.

11 Nationals players in quarantine amid COVID-19 outbreak

The Washington Nationals had their season-opening home series versus the New York Mets postponed due to what was initially feared to be a "major" COVID-19 outbreak.

Attorney Tony Buzbee to hold press conference on Deshaun Watson allegations Tuesday

The Deshaun Watson sexual assault allegations continue to dominate headlines.

Mets president Sandy Alderson: 'Hesitation' among some players to get COVID-19 vaccine

Mets third baseman J.D. Davis raised eyes on Friday when he suggested he wasn't sure if he would receive a COVID-19 vaccine shot as soon as he was eligible. He apparently isn't alone.

Mets announce Francisco Lindor contract extension

The Mets confirmed four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor's 10-year, $341 million contract extension on Monday.

Raiders' Nevin Lawson, Rams' Tyrique McGhee suspended by NFL

Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson is suspended for the first two games of the 2021 season for a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. Meanwhile, Rams defensive back Tyrique McGhee has earned a five-game suspension for PEDs.

Houston Police Department opens investigation into Texans QB Deshaun Watson

Watson has denied any wrongdoing but could face fines and a suspension through the NFL's personal-conduct policy no matter the outcomes of civil or criminal cases.  

Eric Staal to make Canadiens debut Monday vs. Oilers

Montreal faces the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. 

Kevin Durant fined $50,000 for messages sent to Michael Rapaport

The league's statement adds that Durant acknowledges his actions were inappropriate.

NHL moves Senators at Jets to Monday amid Canucks' COVID-19 outbreak

Winnipeg was initially set to face the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday and Tuesday but had those matchups postponed due to COVID-19 concerns affecting the Canucks.

Braves voice displeasure over decision to relocate MLB All-Star Game, draft from Atlanta

The Braves feel the decision is unfair to the organization and fans in the state of Georgia.

Donovan Mitchell to rejoin Jazz on road trips following emergency landing

Mitchell missed Wednesday's win at the Memphis Grizzlies after he was understandably shaken by Tuesday's emergency landing ordeal.

MLB announces four new positive COVID-19 test results

Three new players and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week.

Texans could pursue Alex Smith as Deshaun Watson replacement?

Smith knows current Houston head coach David Culley from when both were employed by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in their careers.

Jets' Nathan Beaulieu out for season after shoulder surgery

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nathan Beaulieu hasn't played since March 9 and was dealing with a shoulder injury at that time when he broke his hand blocking a shot. 

Black Keys drummer to replace beloved Cleveland fan for home opener

Superfan John Adams will miss his first home opener since 1973 due to health issues and concerns linked with the COVID-19 pandemic when Cleveland welcomes the Kansas City Royals to town on Monday.

Mets 3B J.D. Davis unsure if he'll get COVID-19 vaccine

The New York Mets had their entire regular-season opening series versus the Washington Nationals postponed due to fears that the Nationals may be dealing with a "major" COVID-19 outbreak.

NFL may eliminate overtime in preseason

Preseason games are likely never going away entirely, but making them as short as possible benefits players, coaches, owners and even fans who trek to stadiums for those August exhibitions.