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

NBA security to prohibit hugs, handshakes among players

The NBA will move security personnel into midcourt areas to remind players that they should not engage in hugs or handshakes with opponents.

Grizzlies-Blazers game postponed due to COVID-19

The NBA has confirmed that Wednesday's game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers scheduled to occur at Portland's Moda Center has been postponed due to COVID-19 issues.

Bucs' Mike Evans: Tom Brady 'the greatest player to ever play the game'

Mike Evans has never been this close to a Super Bowl berth since the Bucs drafted the dynamic wideout in 2014, and the receiver made note of the fact that the legendary Tom Brady has them both near the big game in his first season with Tampa Bay.

Browns' Odell Beckham Jr.: 'It was a bittersweet season being on the outside looking in'

Beckham's status with the Browns is up in the air and will largely depend on how he recovers from the injury.

No new COVID-19 cases among remaining NFL playoff teams

The Washington Football Team, however, is dealing with positive COVID-19 cases that are linked with a gathering that occurred after Washington's loss to Tampa Bay on Jan. 9.

Ravens' John Harbaugh 'very confident' Lamar Jackson will sign long-term deal

There's no sense of urgency between the two parties, as Harbaugh and company can utilize the fifth-year option of Jackson's contract to evaluate how he plays in future January games if they wish.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes to have 'very light practice,' remain in concussion protocol

The fact that Mahomes continues to report no symptoms and is engaging in any physical activity suggests he should be good to go this weekend as long as he encounters no setbacks.

Titans Pro Bowl WR A.J. Brown played through serious knee injury?

The second-year pro missed a pair of contests in September because of what was reported at the time to be a bone bruise in his knee.

Trail Blazers' Jusuf Nurkic out at least six weeks after wrist surgery

Jan 19., 2021 likely won't be a day fondly remembered by those associated with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Free-agent WR Corey Coleman suspended for six games?

Coleman, who hasn't registered a regular-season stat since 2018, has 61 career receptions for 789 yards and five touchdowns. 

Iowa State-Texas Tech men's basketball game postponed due to COVID-19

Texas Tech will now hope to compete at the No. 14-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers next Monday.

Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown has no serious structural damage to knee

Brown recorded 45 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns in eight regular-season appearances and also scored once in the 31-23 postseason win at the Washington Football Team on Jan. 9.

Back surgery will force Tiger Woods to miss at least two tournaments 

He remains tied with Sam Snead at 82 career PGA victories, the most ever recorded. 

Ravens officially release three-time Pro Bowl RB Mark Ingram

The Ravens will save $5 million against the 2021 salary cap by releasing Ingram.

Could NBA use COVID-19 vaccinations of players for PSA?

The Washington Wizards are currently dealing with a coronavirus outbreak that has caused the postponement of five consecutive games. In total, the NBA has called off 15 contests due to COVID-19 issues since the season started on Dec. 22.

Pacers' Myles Turner day-to-day with avulsion fracture in hand

Turner did not play in Sunday's 129-96 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers that dropped the Pacers to 8-5 overall. Indiana hosts the Dallas Mavericks (6-7) on Wednesday. 

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in concussion protocol, expects to practice Wednesday

An independent neurological consultant must clear Mahomes before he's able to resume practicing. Until that happens, it's unknown if the signal-caller will be available to play versus Buffalo. 

UFC star Conor McGregor facing multimillion-dollar lawsuit

The nature of the allegations could not be disclosed by the Irish Independent due to legal reasons. 

Barcelona appealing Lionel Messi's two-match ban for swinging at opponent

Assuming Barcelona will lose the appeal, Messi is on track to miss Thursday's Copa del Rey contest against third-tier Cornella and Saturday's La Liga match versus Elche.

Boston College-Virginia Tech men's basketball game postponed due to COVID-19

Because it's unknown how many players are currently unavailable for the Eagles, the status of their upcoming showdown with the Pitt Panthers scheduled for this coming Saturday is in doubt.

Hurricanes-Predators game postponed due to COVID-19 protocols

Each club was missing a single player for that contest because of coronavirus-related protocols.