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

Browns have no new player positive COVID-19 cases; game on vs. Steelers

Cleveland's facility remained closed through early Friday afternoon, but it's hoped that players will be able to conduct their first practice of the week either later in the afternoon or at some point Saturday morning.

Nets' Kyrie Irving out vs. 76ers for personal reasons

Kyrie Irving was made unavailable on Thursday evening due to unspecified personal reasons.

Browns-Steelers playoff game still on despite potential COVID-19 outbreak

The song remains the same as it pertains to Sunday night's wild-card game between the Browns and Steelers. Cleveland continues to deal with concerning COVID-19 issues, but the NFL isn't budging over the contest's date and time. 

Hurricanes TE Brevin Jordan declares for 2021 NFL draft

Miami Hurricanes tight end Brevin Jordan has announced via Twitter that he will forego his senior year and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Six Canadian NHL teams now allowed to play in-market home games

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators have joined the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks among Canadian teams cleared to host in-market regular-season games when the campaign gets underway next Wednesday. 

Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. still in COVID-19 protocols, out vs. Mavericks

Porter hasn't taken the court since he recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds in a 125-115 loss to the Sacramento Kings back on Dec. 29.

Ohio State on track to play in national title game on Monday

Despite a rash of COVID-19 issues, Ohio State Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said the team will be ready to go for Monday's College Football Playoff title game.

Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond declares for 2021 NFL Draft

Mond walks away from Texas A&M holding the all-time program records for career passing TDs, passing yards, completions, and total offense.

No. 9 UCLA women's basketball postpones game due to lack of players

The women's basketball program of the UCLA Bruins announced that the team won't face the Colorado Buffaloes on Friday because of a lack of healthy and available players. 

Assistant coach Katie Sowers, 49ers part ways

It's believed Sowers is looking for an expanded role with a different NFL organization. 

Red Sox's Bianca Smith wants to be MLB manager

Smith previously worked as an assistant baseball coach and hitting coordinator for Carroll University and had also completed time as an intern with the Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers.

Three-time Pro Bowl safety Antoine Bethea retires

In total, Bethea recorded 1,333 tackles, 25 interceptions with one taken to the house for a touchdown, and 9.5 sacks throughout his career.

Browns add S Ronnie Harrison Jr. to reserve/COVID-19 list, still not practicing

Despite indications that the Browns are dealing with an apparent COVID-19 outbreak among players, the NFL insists that their game at Pittsburgh will go on as scheduled.

Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane could miss two games due to COVID-19

Zidane missed a Thursday practice session and is awaiting the results of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and an antigen test.

Alabama star Jaylen Waddle a game-time decision for national title game vs. Ohio State

Waddle led Alabama with 557 receiving yards on 25 catches with four touchdowns at the time of the injury. Waddle has also accumulated 733 punt return yards with two scores during his collegiate career.

No. 5. South Carolina women's basketball pauses, postpones game due to COVID-19

Interestingly, South Carolina's contest versus the No. 10-ranked Kentucky Wildcats remains scheduled for Sunday even though NCAA basketball guidelines recommend 14-day quarantines.

Browns-Steelers playoff crowd at Heinz Field limited to family members, friends

The Pittsburgh Steelers hoped to be permitted to welcome 5,500 spectators to Sunday evening's playoff game versus the division-rival Cleveland Browns.

Penn State men's basketball pauses, postpones two more games

Penn State has temporarily paused all team activities because of positive coronavirus test results within Tier 1 personnel. As a result, games versus the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday and against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights next Tuesday are postponed. 

Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. clearing COVID-19 protocols to play vs. Mavericks?

Porter started in each of Denver's first four games and is third on the team with 19.5 points and second with 6.8 rebounds and a 26.60 player efficiency rating.

Rams activate WR Cooper Kupp off reserve/COVID-19 list

The Rams confirmed on Wednesday that they've activated wide receiver Cooper Kupp from the reserve/COVID-19 list and expect to have him available versus the Seahawks. 

Pistons rookie Killian Hayes out indefinitely with torn labrum

Detroit confirmed on Wednesday that the 19-year-old has suffered a torn labrum and is out indefinitely. "Hayes will continue to be evaluated by team medical staff and further updates will be provided as appropriate," the Pistons added. 

George Washington-UMass men's basketball game postponed due to Washington riot

Both the George Washington Colonials and UMass Minutemen confirmed that Wednesday's men's basketball game between the two schools has been postponed due to the ongoing situation in Washington D.C.

Report: Yankees trade for Padres OF Greg Allen

The New York Yankees have reportedly obtained a new outfielder and, potentially, moved on from Brett Gardner once and for all.

Washington QB Alex Smith on injury: 'Tomorrow is going to be a telling day'

Alex Smith is still ailing from the strained calf that sidelined him for back-to-back December games, and he admitted to reporters that Thursday's practice could be the deciding factor in whether or not he is in the lineup versus the Bucs. 

Arthur Blank hints Falcons could move on from Matt Ryan, Julio Jones

Shortly after Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank parted ways with coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff following the team's 0-5 start to the season, Blank failed to fully commit to veteran quarterback Matt Ryan beyond the campaign. Now All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones may be another veteran trade candidate.