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

Juventus VP: Cristiano Ronaldo 'can't be touched' despite Real Madrid rumors

Amid rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo could look to return to Real Madrid during the upcoming summer transfer window, Juventus vice president Pavel Nedved seemed to close the door on such speculation when speaking on Wednesday. 

Yankees' Aaron Boone will encourage players to get COVID-19 vaccine

Aaron Boone told reporters on Wednesday that he was recently vaccinated against COVID-19 and will encourage his players and staff members to get their shots when they are eligible. 

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov to miss second straight game with injury

The Florida Panthers took the ice for Tuesday night's game at the Chicago Blackhawks without captain and forward Aleksander Barkov in the lineup after the 25-year-old was scratched with a lower-body injury following his participation in warmups.

Abilene Christian NCAA Tournament run worth over $120 million?

Debates may continue for years on how the NCAA should've handled competitions throughout the pandemic, but it's a safe bet Abilene Christian officials will forever fondly remember this year's edition of March Madness. 

Former No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney visits with Browns but doesn't sign

Perhaps playing up front with an All-Pro such as Myles Garrett would help Clowney reclaim his top form. 

Chelsea could prevent USMNT star Christian Pulisic from playing in Olympics?

The 22-year-old star wants to play at the Tokyo Olympics that were rescheduled from 2020, but that doesn't mean he definitely will.

Patriots OL Justin Herron helps thwart attempted sexual assault in Arizona

Herron and Phoenix resident Murry Rogers swiftly jumped into action and held the alleged assailant until police arrived.

Super Bowl hero, 2020 opt-out Damien Williams joins Bears on one-year deal

Running back and Super Bowl LIV hero Damien Williams officially won't be returning to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Could Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew head to 49ers?

One-time NFL darling Gardner Minshew has seemingly played his last meaningful down as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Four-time Pro Bowl WR T.Y. Hilton returns to Colts on one-year deal

There are concerns among observers that Hilton's best days are behind him. The veteran has missed nine regular-season games over the past three seasons, and his production dipped by his standards across his last 25 contests.

Capitals star Alex Ovechkin returns to practice, may play vs. Devils

Ovechkin previously missed a pair of skating sessions and Tuesday's practice with a lower-body injury he picked up in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers.

Some Lakers players to receive COVID-19 vaccine this week?

HIPAA regulations prevent those associated with the franchise from unveiling who is planning to receive a shot.

Cristiano Ronaldo open to Real Madrid return?

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane raised eyebrows last week when he suggested that current Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Spanish giants perhaps as soon as during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Geno Auriemma to rejoin UConn women's basketball team on Wednesday

Auriemma, who celebrated his 67th birthday on Tuesday as UConn smashed the Syracuse Orange 83-47, announced on March 15 he had tested positive for the coronavirus after receiving both doses of a vaccine.

Big Ten opens spring events, including football, to percentages of fans

COVID-19 cases are rising in pockets of the country due to spreading variants as coronavirus vaccine rollouts continue, so plans for fall football seasons are tentative at best.

Pass-rusher Benson Mayowa staying with Seahawks on two-year deal

A defensive end who began his career with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2013 isn't yet ready to end his second stint with the club.

Heat to open vaccinated-only sections for fans starting April 1

The Miami Heat may be giving North American sports fans glimpses into their futures.

Canadiens have three more games postponed due to COVID-19

The Montreal Canadiens will remain out of action through the weekend.

Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco signs with Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have themselves an elite backup quarterback to sit behind 2020 rookie Jalen Hurts on the depth chart.

Blue Jays closer Kirby Yates 'very likely' to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery

It appears closer Kirby Yates won't make his regular-season debut with the Toronto Blue Jays this year after agreeing to a one-year deal with the club this past offseason.

Padres star SS Fernando Tatis Jr. exits game with apparent injury

Everyone associated with the San Diego Padres found themselves holding their collective breaths on Tuesday afternoon.

Bengals sign 2016 first-round pick Eli Apple

The Cincinnati Bengals are the latest team to give cornerback and 2016 first-round draft pick Eli Apple an opportunity to extend his NFL career.

Lawyer: Allegations vs. Texans QB Deshaun Watson 'completely false'

Rusty Hardin, the lawyer representing Watson, maintained Watson's innocence and alleged that his client is being blackmailed by at least one accuser via a lengthy statement

Sharks' Kurtis Gabriel, coach Bob Boughner fined for pregame altercation

Gabriel was fined $3,017.24, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement, while Boughner was fined $5,000. 

Will Fuller: I took one-year deal from Dolphins 'to prove my worth'

Fuller has only played in 53 of a possible 80 regular-season games in his career due to injuries and a suspension.