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

Jim Rutherford stunningly resigns as Penguins GM

Patrik Allvin, who was promoted from director of amateur scouting to assistant general manager last November, becomes interim general manager.

Alija Merdeeva, Sofia Dmitrieva banned for life over match-fixing scandals

Merdeeva was found guilty of two counts of match-fixing, while Dmitrieva was found guilty of six counts and failing to cooperate with an investigation into the matter. 

No. 10 Arizona remains paused, postpones two more games due to COVID

The women's basketball team of the Arizona Wildcats, ranked No. 10 in the nation, will remain idle through the end of the month. 

Alabama's DeVonta Smith, Tua Tagovailoa have discussed reuniting with Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa could receive 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, wide receiver, and former Alabama teammate DeVonta Smith as a new weapon in the Miami offense via this year's draft. 

No player elected for 2021 Baseball Hall of Fame class; Curt Schilling wants off ballot

There will be no new members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame for 2021.

Eli Manning: Tom Brady still bothered by Super Bowl losses to Giants

While Brady is a six-time Super Bowl victor and widely viewed as the NFL's G.O.A.T., Eli Manning told a reporter that the 43-year-old is still somewhat haunted by those two losses to Big Blue. 

South Carolina forward Alanzo Frink out for season due to medical reasons

South Carolina coach Frank Martin has tested positive for COVID-19 on two occasions during the health crisis.

Bulls' Wendell Carter Jr. out at least a month with quadricep contusion

The Chicago Bulls confirmed on Tuesday that an MRI revealed Wendell Carter Jr. is dealing with a severe right quadricep contusion.

UMass pauses basketball activities, postpones VCU game due to COVID

The UMass Minutemen men's basketball team is going on pause for the second time this season.

Rams GM Les Snead doesn't commit future to QB Jared Goff

Those running the Los Angeles Rams don't sound sold on committing to Jared Goff as their starting quarterback for the 2021 season. 

Officials: COVID-19 vaccine had no role in death of Hank Aaron

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's office has confirmed that it appears Atlanta Braves and MLB legend Hank Aaron died of natural causes. 

Darren Till-Marvin Vettori bout planned for April 10 UFC Fight Night

It's unknown if this Fight Night card will occur at the Fight Island site on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas or a different location.

Phillies, J.T. Realmuto agree to five-year, $115.5 million deal

Realmuto is a two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner who turns 30 years old shortly before Opening Day and is widely viewed as one of the best catchers in all of baseball.

Michigan State expects to return Thursday at Rutgers

The Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team hasn't competed since suffering a 55-54 loss to the Purdue Boilermakers on Jan. 8 because of COVID-19.

Heisman winner DeVonta Smith declines height, weight measurements at Senior Bowl

Smith suffered a finger injury in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game held on Jan. 11 and won't be participating in Senior Bowl practices or the contest.

Hurricanes' Jordan Staal back at practice after COVID-19 diagnosis

The Hurricanes haven't competed since notching a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Jan. 18 and have had four straight games postponed due to COVID-19 complications.

ESPN wants La Liga TV rights for United States?

ESPN already possesses Serie A, Bundesliga, FA Cup and English Football League Championship rights within its ESPN+ catalog, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for additional properties. 

Indians re-sign second baseman Cesar Hernandez to one-year deal

Hernandez, who turns 31 in May, spent his first seven MLB campaigns with the Philadelphia Phillies before he joined Cleveland in late December 2019. The switch-hitter impressed in his American League-debut year.

Paula Badosa slams Australian Open quarantine, fears she will miss tournament

Spain's Paula Badosa made unfortunate headlines last week when she became the first tennis player to return a positive COVID-19 test during the mandated 14-day quarantine in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open. 

Blackhawks' Alex DeBrincat, Adam Boqvist on NHL COVID-19 protocol list

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Monday that forward Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Adam Boqvist have been placed on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list.

Could NBA hold All-Star Game in March?

Despite the NBA running a pandemic-shortened campaign, the league scheduled a midseason break for March 5-10. 

Clippers' Kawhi Leonard, Paul George out Tuesday due to COVID-19 protocols

The Los Angeles Clippers are starting the final full week of January hoping they're staring at a COVID-19 inconvenience rather than a coronavirus-related crisis.

Virginia Tech guard Tyrece Radford suspended indefinitely after arrest

Radford was recently arrested and charged with one count of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and one count of concealed weapon carry.