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

Miami Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz tests positive for COVID-19

Miami defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 25-24 last Saturday despite being without 13 players because of COVID-19 issues, but further testing and subsequent quarantines led to the ACC postponing Saturday's contest

Inter Miami-Nashville playoff game still on despite COVID-19 issues

Miami starters Gonzalo Higuain and Gonzalez Pirez, along with Gonzalo's brother Federico Higuain, tested positive for the virus and didn't travel to Nashville for the postseason fixture.

Bellator not interested in UFC legend Anderson Silva

After the 45-year-old tasted defeat for the third straight contest, some wondered if Bellator MMA would sign him on a short-term deal because the Silva name still carries value and could attract attention to the second-tier product.  That apparently isn't the case. 

Saints RB Alvin Kamara expects to play vs. Falcons despite foot injury

"I'm alright. I'll be good," Kamara said. The Saints host the Atlanta Falcons for a divisional showdown on Sunday afternoon. 

Albany men's basketball scraps first three games due to COVID-19 issues

As things stand on Thursday afternoon, Albany is now set to open the campaign versus the UMBC Retrievers on Dec. 19.

DePaul men's basketball cancels first three games due to COVID-19 concerns

The DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team announced on Thursday that it is canceling its first three games of the season and temporarily pausing activities because of positive COVID-19 tests.

Gordon Hayward declines player option with Celtics, enters free agency

Hayward enters free agency coming off his best season as a member of the Celtics.

Jaguars place rookie CB C.J. Henderson (groin) on injured reserve

Jacksonville has confirmed that rookie cornerback C.J. Henderson is going on injured reserve because of the groin injury that limited him in practice on Wednesday and sidelined him on Thursday. 

Cowboys QB Andy Dalton: COVID-19 'hit me hard'

Dalton is preparing to start versus the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Report: Rockets guard Austin Rivers opts out, will become free agent

Rivers has elected to opt out of his deal and explore free agency. He was set to earn $2.37 million during the 2020-21 season under his previous agreement. 

Lions rookie RB D'Andre Swift could miss Panthers game with concussion

Swift tallied 331 rushing yards with a team-best four scores on the ground over his first nine pro games. He also has 31 catches for 275 yards and two TDs. 

Brewers promote Matt Arnold to general manager

The Brewers have the NL's fifth-best regular-season winning percentage since Arnold and president David Stearns officially joined the organization in October 2015.

Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater likely out vs. Lions with MCL sprain

The 28-year-old has officially been limited in practice throughout the week, but the Panthers will probably wait to rule him out for Sunday's contest until at least Friday.

ESPN to air quadruple-header for 2021 MLB Opening Day

The Blue Jays, Yankees, Dodgers, Rockies, Mets, Nationals, Astros and Athletics will get the Worldwide Leaders treatment to kick off the season.

Pac-12 allowing football teams to schedule nonconference opponents

Any future non-conference opponent must follow the league's testing and COVID-19 protocols and also agree to be the road team for a game broadcast by a Pac-12 television partner.

Warriors' plan for 50% fan capacity rejected by Department of Public Health

Last week, the Golden State Warriors submitted a plan to officials to fill Chase Center to 50% capacity for home games during the 2020-21 NBA season despite concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Golden State star Klay Thompson out for season with Achilles tear

Thompson hasn't taken the court for a game since he went down to a torn ACL in his left knee in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals that Golden State lost to the Toronto Raptors.

Cardinals rookie LB Isaiah Simmons to have expanded role in 'TNF' game vs. Seahawks

Simmons has recorded 20 total tackles on the year, with eight of those coming over the past two games.

Conor McGregor signs to fight Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 in January

McGregor hasn't competed in the Octagon since he finished Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246 last January.

Broncos DC Ed Donatell returns home after COVID-19 hospitalization

The Broncos (3-6) will host the Dolphins (6-3) on Sunday afternoon. 

Seahawks RB Chris Carson likely out for 'TNF' game against Cardinals?

It's not all bad news for Seattle, however, as coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Wednesday that Carlos Hyde should return to the backfield for the first time since he hurt his hamstring in the Oct. 25 matchup. 

Report: Injured Saints QB Drew Brees out at least two weeks

Per a report, Brees will be out a minimum of two weeks, meaning the signal-caller will miss this Sunday's divisional showdown with the Atlanta Falcons and the Nov. 29 game against the Denver Broncos. 

UNLV-Colorado State football game called off; Rams could face Wyoming in rematch

The UNLV Rebels confirmed on Wednesday that they won't face the Colorado State Rams on Saturday because of positive COVID-19 tests and subsequent contact tracing, and the Mountain West could have Colorado State face Wyoming.

76ers trade Al Horford, picks to Thunder for Danny Green, Terrance Ferguson?

The transaction provided the Thunder with even more assets ahead of Wednesday evening's draft.

49ers claim DE Takkarist McKinley off waivers

The San Francisco 49ers were awarded McKinley, an Oakland native, off waivers. The Cincinnati Bengals waived the 25-year-old on Tuesday after he failed a team physical.