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

Broncos' Kendall Hinton has wristband from notorious start displayed at Hall of Fame

The Broncos were forced to start undrafted rookie practice squad wide receiver Kendall Hinton at quarterback when all of the standard signal-callers on Denver's roster were unavailable due to COVID protocols.

Travis Dermott signs two-year deal with Maple Leafs

The deal doesn't necessarily guarantee that Dermott will be in Toronto next season. 

Three USA Select Team players out of training camp due to protocols

Charlotte Hornets players Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington along with Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks were all absent from Thursday's practice at UNLV. 

Cleveland activates Zach Plesac from IL to pitch vs. Royals

Plesac suffered a reported freak non-displaced fracture in his right thumb while "aggressively ripping off his shirt" following a poor outing.

Saints were committed to Drew Brees for 2020 despite Tom Brady links

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington raised eyes when they reported in September that the New Orleans Saints viewed Tom Brady as a backup option for the 2020 season if future Hall of Famer Drew Brees retired following the 2019 campaign.

Diego Simeone signs Atletico Madrid extension through 2024

Simeone first joined Atletico in December 2011 and is the winningest coach in the club's history with 316 victories.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley still noncommittal about return from torn ACL

Jordan Raanan of ESPN wrote in June that Barkley may not face live defenses until October, and there is currently no indication he'll be in the lineup for the season opener against the Denver Broncos. 

Dodgers ace Trevor Bauer's administrative leave extended amid assault allegations

Bauer remains under investigation by the Pasadena Police Department and MLB, and it's been speculated he'll stay on paid leave at least until the police investigation concludes. 

Patrick Mahomes: 'Still early' to compare him to Tom Brady

It currently seems a certainty Mahomes and company will play on another Super Bowl Sunday and soon, but Brady's successes combined with his longevity are why he's considered the G.O.A.T. by so many.

Nets star James Harden briefly detained by Paris police

Harden reportedly was on the street as a car was stopped because police smelled cannabis, which is illegal in France.

Marlins exercise option on manager Don Mattingly

Mattingly holds the record for most career wins as a Miami manager, and he earned National League Manager of the Year honors for the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.

Astros' Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve skipping All-Star Game

Add Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and second baseman Jose Altuve to what will likely be a growing list of players skipping this year's MLB All-Star Game.

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.