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

Jared Veldheer to make some unusual postseason history

Veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer isn't widely recognizable among even passionate football fans, but his name will be in the record books forevermore following this week.

Heat add seven more players to health and safety list

The Miami Heat were unable to play against the Boston Celtics on Sunday due to the NBA's COVID-19 protocols. 

76ers fined $25,000 for violating NBA injury-reporting rules

League rules prohibit teams from making last-second shifts on injury reports. 

Attorneys: Raiders Pro Bowl RB Josh Jacobs won't face DUI charges

It's unknown if the ball-carrier could face discipline from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or the Raiders.

Pete Carroll: Seahawks need to run the ball more in 2021

Carroll also said he expects offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will remain with the club through the offseason. 

WWE champion Drew McIntyre tests positive for COVID-19

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com, multiple wrestling brands that have national television deals are currently dealing with COVID-19 issues. 

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa tops jersey sales among rookies

On the rookie list, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sat second behind Tagovailoa.

Steelers player tests positive for COVID after wild-card loss

For yet another week, fans and personnel associated with the Cleveland Browns will be holding their breaths waiting for the results of COVID-19 tests, but this time it's the Steelers who appear to be at serious risk.

Buccaneers activate Devin White, Steve McLendon from reserve/COVID-19 list

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Washington Football Team 31-23 this past Saturday night and will have revenge on their minds as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay's defense should be more whole for that matchup. 

Browns' Kevin Stefanski on track to coach vs. Chiefs

Stefanski has lost his taste and smell while battling the coronavirus but explained that he's mostly dealt with mild symptoms.

Mets to approach Francisco Lindor on long-term deal in 'next few weeks'

Lindor has already spoken with Alderson, Cohen and general manager Jared Porter and added that he's open to signing an extension with the Mets but only before or after the campaign. 

Rams activate DL Michael Brockers off reserve/COVID-19 list

On Wednesday, the Rams activated star wide receiver Cooper Kupp off the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Penguins HOF play-by-play announcer Mike Lange opts out of season start

The Penguins confirmed on Friday that Hall of Fame radio play-by-play announcer Mike Lange has opted out of the start of the campaign due to risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

George Washington men's basketball remains idle, now due to COVID-19

George Washington confirmed on Friday afternoon that it is temporarily pausing basketball-related activities following the discovery of a positive COVID-19 test result among a Tier 1 staff member within the traveling party.

Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. in NBA protocol, out indefinitely

The case of Denver Nuggets young forward Michael Porter Jr. gets more curious with each day. 

Saints' Trey Hendrickson out against Bears with neck injury

The Saints added that guard Nick Easton is also ruled out with a concussion. 

Cowboys part ways with DC Mike Nolan, DL coach Jim Tomsula

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones suggested in mid-December that McCarthy would have to alter his defensive staff following the disappointing campaign.

No. 19 Clemson postpones two games due to COVID-19

Clemson's games against the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday and versus the Syracuse Orange next Tuesday have been postponed.

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan agree to contract extension

Harbaugh holds a record of 49-22 across his six seasons at Michigan, but his inability to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes coupled with other lackluster results had many believing he and the Wolverines would part ways.

UFC Fight Island events to allow 'limited' number of fans

For the first time since the UFC temporarily halted its schedule last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the promotion will hold shows in front of a limited number of paying fans. 

Ohio State, Alabama traveling to Miami for national title game

ESPN's Holly Rowe announced she won't participate in the game's broadcast after she tested positive for COVID-19.