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

Hornets-Magic to be first NBA game with two-woman referee crew

Sago and Schroeder previously worked together in the G League. 

2021 MLS season to start April 3, MLS Cup set for Dec. 11

Major League Soccer unveiled plans for the 2021 season that will be held amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conor McGregor wants rematch with Dustin Poirier in May?

McGregor wants to complete the trilogy in May and, perhaps, fight for the championship in the process.

MLBPA preparing to start spring training, season on time

It appears the players want the MLB season to start on time, though it's unclear if that will happen.

MLBPA rejects MLB offer of universal DH, expanded playoffs?

The National League embracing the designated hitter may not be as imminent as many assumed.

Predators' Connor Ingram voluntarily enters NHL/NHLPA player assistance program

Players are able to call a confidential phone line regarding matters such as substance abuse and mental health.

Bills WR Cole Beasley played with broken fibula during playoffs

Beasley suffered the injury during the prime-time 38-9 victory over the New England Patriots on Dec. 28 and missed the Week 17 showdown versus the Miami Dolphins.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski apologizes to student reporter following heated response

Duke has lost three consecutive games and sits at 5-5 overall and 3-3 in conference play, and Krzyzewski has shared his thoughts on playing amid the pandemic.

2021 Pro Bowl to be played on 'Madden NFL 21'

The NFL has confirmed that the 2021 Pro Bowl will be a virtual experience and conducted via Madden NFL 21 due to concerns related to COVID-19.

Texas men's basketball coach Shaka Smart tests positive for COVID-19

Texas Longhorns men's basketball coach Shaka Smart announced on Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.  "I tested positive for COVID and am in isolation away from our team and my family," Smart said in a statement shared by Jeff Borzello of ESPN.

Two-time All-Star Ryan Zimmerman returning to Nationals on one-year deal

Ryan Zimmerman is re-signing with the Washington Nationals on a one-year deal worth $1 million. The first baseman has played only for the Nationals since entering the big leagues in 2005.

Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United to retire Hank Aaron's No. 44 for 2021 seasons

The NFL's Atlanta Falcons and also Atlanta United of Major League Soccer have confirmed that they will retire the No. 44 for the 2021 seasons to honor Atlanta Braves legend Henry "Hank" Aaron. 

ESPN wants Philip Rivers as analyst, 'MNF' commentator?

ESPN plans to talk with Rivers about joining the network to work as an NFL analyst and, potentially, an in-game commentator.

Nebraska men's basketball postpones fifth straight game due to COVID-19

Nebraska is next scheduled to play at the Michigan State Spartans on Feb. 3, but it's hardly a stretch to suggest the status of that game is in doubt for multiple reasons.

Patriots bringing Matt Patricia back to assist coaching staff?

Patricia first started working under Belichick in 2004 and served as Patriots defensive coordinator from 2012 through 2017 before he accepted the job as Detroit head coach in February 2018.

Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. to return, play Friday vs. Suns

Porter averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in four games, all starts, before he became unavailable. 

Texans interview QB Josh McCown for head-coaching position

McCown has some high school coaching on his resume but has never been a coordinator, QB coach, or quality control coach at a high level. 

NBA rescinds second technical foul given to Warriors' Draymond Green

The NBA has rescinded the second technical foul given to Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the second quarter of Thursday's 119-104 loss to the New York Knicks. 

Falcons undecided on futures of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones

Ryan turns 36 years old in May, and Jones turns 32 early next month.

NBC Sports Network to shut down by end of the year?

Popular competitions such as the NHL, NASCAR and the English Premier League will be featured on USA Network and NBC's Peacock streaming service after NBCSN's demise.

Buccaneers activate DT Vita Vea for NFC Championship vs. Packers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be more whole on defense for Sunday's NFC Championship Game at the Green Bay Packers.

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

Durant played over 50 minutes in Wednesday's loss to Cleveland at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse but couldn't prevent Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton from catching fire and scoring 42 points to lead his team to a surprising victory. 

Ottman Azaitar cut before UFC 257 due to bizarre violation of COVID-19 protocols

UFC undefeated lightweight Ottman Azaitar (13-0-0) began the week with an opportunity to further make a name for himself against Matt Frevola (8-1-1) at Saturday's UFC 257 show held at the Fight Island site.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes still in concussion protocol, on track to play vs. Bills

ESPN's Jeff Darlington added that the Chiefs training staff will clear Mahomes, but the 25-year-old must still receive a passing grade from the neurologist to face the Bills.  

Andy Murray out of Australian Open after positive COVID-19 test

Murray is a five-time Australian Open finalist but missed last year's tournament because of injury. He had been granted a wild-card entry for the 2021 event.