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

Dr. Fauci optimistic about more fans attending sporting events this year

More and more states, cities, and communities are opening outdoor and indoor events to paying spectators despite continued COVID-19 concerns.  During a Thursday appearance on ESPN's "First Take," National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr.

New coach David Culley hints Texans will trade Deshaun Watson?

Watson wants out. Are the Texans finally willing to entertain the notion?

'Good chance' Seattle Seahawks trade QB Russell Wilson?

Most teams in the NFL would love to have Wilson as QB1. Whether or not any will match Seattle's price remains in question. 

Roger Federer loses second match of comeback

While Federer looked like the player of old throughout the first set, he seemed to lose pace as the match continued despite putting up a valiant fight in the third and deciding set.  

Dolphins want QB Ryan Fitzpatrick back for 2021 season?

Fitzpatrick shared playing time with Tagovailoa last fall and completed 68.5% of his passes for 2,091 yards and 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions with a 4-3 record as a starter.

Gambler pleads guilty to threatening Rays players, other athletes

A sports gambler with a history of allegedly sending threatening messages to professional athletes via social media is facing up to five years in federal prison. 

Mets' Carlos Carrasco could miss start of season recovering from elbow soreness

New York Mets manager Luis Rojas said starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco might miss his first turn in the rotation due to soreness in his elbow and has temporarily stopped throwing. 

Vikings release LT Riley Reiff, save $11.75 million in cap space

The Vikings saved $11.75 million in cap space on Wednesday by releasing veteran left tackle Riley Reiff. 

Could CB Robert Alford return to Cardinals after release?

Alford agreed to a three-year, $22.5 million contract with the Cardinals in February 2019 but never played a single meaningful down with the club.

Reds six-time All-Star 1B Joey Votto tests positive for COVID-19

Votto must remain away from the Reds for a minimum of 10 days per MLB health and safety protocols.

Giants release guard Kevin Zeitler, save $12 million in cap space

Zeitler turned 31 years old on Monday and, simply stated, wasn't worth the money and cap hit attached to his contract with the league's cap figure decreasing due to financial losses endured last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dak Prescott knew he'd stay with Cowboys, vows to 'be ready when it matters'

Throughout the process of negotiating a long-term deal, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott kept the faith that "America's Team" would remain his NFL home. 

Marlins to use drone disinfectant program to clean ballpark

The Marlins currently intend to cap attendance for home games at roughly 25%. 

NHL returns to ESPN on seven-year deal

NHL games last aired on an ESPN network in 2004, although ESPN+ carries local broadcasts of games on its streaming service.

Panthers' Matt Rhule commits to Teddy Bridgewater as starting QB?

Bridgewater finished this past season 22nd with a 92.1 passer rating and 17th overall with a 64.2 total QBR.

Roger Federer wins in return after 405-day layoff

Federer underwent multiple knee operations in 2020 that, combined with COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, kept him sidelined through last month's Australian Open.

XFL, CFL exploring potential partnership

Because so little is known about discussions between the entities, it's nearly impossible to predict how a partnership that doesn't include a merger would play out.

Giants' Joe Judge backs TE Evan Engram

Evan Engram made the Pro Bowl this past season after making 63 catches for 654 yards and a touchdown.

NBA looking into Heat center Meyers Leonard's use of anti-Semitic slur

Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard appeared in only three games before he underwent season-ending surgery on his injured left shoulder but found himself

Yankees' Zack Britton out 3-4 months after elbow surgery?

New York Yankees left-handed relief pitcher Zack Britton is having a rough 2021.

NHL returning to ESPN on seven-year deal?

It's unclear which media partner, such as NBC, will share the NHL package with ESPN.