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

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. 

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane tests positive for COVID-19

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is experiencing a week he'd likely prefer to forget.

Alabama hires Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator, QB coach

As had been expected, Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban announced on Thursday that he has hired former Houston Texans head coach and general manager

Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp: Burnley loss a 'massive punch in the face'

2019-20 Premier League champions Liverpool suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat to relegation candidates Burnley on Thursday and had their 68-match home league unbeaten streak ended in the process.

Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy: 'I do want to be a head coach'

Unless the Houston Texans choose to hire Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the man with one of the most impressive resumes among NFL assistants will once again be left without a head-coaching gig. 

Dean Pees to unretire, become Falcons defensive coordinator

Pees helped both the Patriots and Ravens achieve Super Bowl glory as an assistant. The 71-year-old is one of eight defensive coordinators in league history to coach in a Super Bowl with multiple teams. 

Vikings offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak retires again

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Thursday that offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak is retiring after 25 seasons of coaching in the NFL.

Duquesne women's basketball pauses, postpones two games due to COVID-19

As a result of the pause, Friday's game against the George Mason Patriots and Sunday's contest at the Fordham Rams are postponed.

New Jets head coach Robert Saleh does not commit to QB Sam Darnold

Saleh did speak highly of the 23-year-old signal-caller who just completed his third season.

Paula Badosa tests positive for COVID-19 during Australian Open quarantine

Spain's Paula Badosa has become the first tennis player to test positive for COVID-19 during the mandated quarantine in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open that begins Feb. 8.

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, three others out at least four games due to COVID-19

The players were in contact with an infected individual, but coach Peter Laviolette didn't say if any of the four have yet tested positive for COVID-19. 

Hornets' Cody Zeller to return Friday vs. Bulls

The Charlotte Hornets are set to get a starter back in the lineup for Friday's home game against the Chicago Bulls.

Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown a game-time decision vs. Packers

Fans will have to wait until Sunday to learn if Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown will attempt to play through his current knee injury in the NFC Championship Game at the Green Bay Packers.

Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. questionable to play vs. Suns

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is as close to playing as he's been since the night of Dec. 29.

Real Madrid won't fire Zinedine Zidane after shocking Copa del Rey exit?

Zidane has been widely criticized not only because of the team's results, but also because he has largely relied on veteran players over younger talents.

Old Dominion men's, women's basketball teams pause due to COVID-19

As a result, the men's and women's Old Dominion teams won't play scheduled games against the North Texas Mean Green on Friday and Saturday.

MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko hospitalized due to COVID-19

Born in Russia, Emelianenko rose to fame competing in the now-defunct Pride Fighting Championships, where he won the heavyweight title.

UFC star Conor McGregor: War with Khabib Nurmagomedov 'not over'

Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor in 2018, and the 32-year-old who is still recognized as the UFC lightweight champion retired following a victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 this past October.

Browns' Kevin Stefanski named PFWA Coach of the Year

Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll won 2020 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, while Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane earned 2020 NFL Executive of the Year honors.

Three additional Grizzlies games postponed due to COVID-19

In total, 20 NBA games have been postponed because of COVID-19 setbacks since the season tipped off on Dec. 22.

Pistons rookie Killian Hayes out at least eight more weeks with hip injury

The Pistons confirmed on Wednesday that Hayes will not have surgery to repair the problem and will undergo further evaluations of the injury after eight weeks of rest and rehabilitation.

Wizards cleared to resume practicing after COVID-19 outbreak

For the first time in over a week, the Washington Wizards are nearing returning to the court for competitive play following a lengthy coronavirus-related layoff. 

NHL fines Washington Capitals $100K for COVID-19 violations

The Washington Capitals are having a rough second week of the 2020-21 NHL regular season.