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

North Dakota State QB Trey Lance opts out of spring season to prepare for NFL Draft

North Dakota State Bison quarterback Trey Lance announced on Tuesday that he is opting out of a planned spring football season to prepare for the 2021

Buccaneers RB Kenjon Barner receives four-game PED suspension

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers assumed they'd be without running back Kenjon Barner for Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears. Team officials probably weren't fully aware of the reason at the start of the week. 

2020 World Series tickets sell out in roughly 90 minutes

Additionally, spectators must wear masks inside the ballpark when not actively eating or drinking and respect social distancing guidelines. 

New York Red Bulls hire Gerhard Struber as coach

Most recently, Struber served as coach of English Championship side Barnsley, a job he accepted last November.

Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo plans to play Game 4 of Finals vs. Lakers

The Heat trail 2-1 in the series following Sunday's 115-104 win, with Game 5 scheduled for Friday. 

Indians believe manager Terry Francona will return for 2021 season

Francona has reportedly dealt with unspecified gastrointestinal problems for over a year that flared up during spring training and that first sidelined him in August.

Dodgers' Edwin Rios out for NLDS because of injury?

In corresponding roster moves, the Dodgers added second baseman Gavin Lux and reliever Dylan Floro and also dropped rookie catcher Keibert Ruiz. 

Pelicans' Jrue Holiday named Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year

Holiday received 53 of 267 first-place votes and 1,041 total points to finish above Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (806 points) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Korver (796 points).

USL suspends Junior Flemmings for Championship playoffs for use of homophobic slur

The United Soccer League announced on Tuesday that Flemmings received a six-game ban which includes the entire Championship playoffs for his use of a homophobic slur directed toward  Loyal midfielder Collin Martin.

Tom Brady: Bill O'Brien firing 'doesn't make a lot of sense to me'

O'Brien served as Brady's quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator when the two were together with the New England Patriots.

Browns place WR KhaDarel Hodge (hamstring) on injured reserve

Hodge's absence could create additional opportunities for teammates such as tight end Austin Hooper and fellow receiver Rashard Higgins.

Padres to start Mike Clevinger for Game 1 of NLDS vs. Dodgers

It appears that San Diego Padres ace right-hander Mike Clevinger won't miss the entire postseason, after all.  The Padres confirmed that Clevinger will

Mesut Ozil offers to pay salary for Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus

Ozil is Arsenal's highest earner and reportedly on £350,000 per week, but the 31-year-old is nevertheless an unlikely hero in this situation since he has publicly fallen out of favor with manager Mikel Arteta.

Marlins leave injured Starling Marte off NLDS roster

Marte's availability beyond the NLDS, if Miami gets past Atlanta, was unknown as of Tuesday afternoon. 

Bam Adebayo upgraded to questionable for Game 4; Goran Dragic doubtful

Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo was upgraded to questionable ahead of Tuesday's Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Lakers.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick wears two masks for game vs. Chiefs

At least five coaches have been fined for not properly wearing face coverings on sidelines during games. Belichick is not among those five. 

Bears sign former Pro Bowl RB Lamar Miller to practice squad

Miller previously worked under Bill Lazor when the Chicago offensive coordinator had that same job with the Dolphins. 

Kamaru Usman won't defend UFC title vs. Gilbert Burns on Dec. 12

Kamaru Usman (17-1-0) won't defend his UFC welterweight championship versus Gilbert Burns (19-3-0) in the UFC 256 main event on Dec. 12.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (groin) out vs. Patriots

The Kansas City Chiefs entered Monday's previously postponed game against the New England Patriots without defensive tackle and sack leader Chris Jones.

San Jose Sharks trade for All-Star Minnesota goaltender Devan Dubnyk

Dubnyk is signed through the 2020-21 campaign. 

NFL could strip draft picks, force forfeits for future COVID-19 violations

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stressed that compliance is mandatory and the punishments for not following protocols will continue to be severe.

Houston Texans fire head coach and GM Bill O'Brien

Houston fell to the Minnesota Vikings 31-23 on Sunday to lose its fourth consecutive game.

Kentucky RB Kavosiey Smoke out at least a couple of weeks with broken rib

Smoke suffered the rib injury on a horse-collar tackle.

Dolphins' Brian Flores: 'Media pressure' won't force team to start Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores wants everyone to know he'll only play rookie rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa over veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick when he's good and ready.

Florida State names Jordan Travis starting QB for game vs. Notre Dame

The Florida State Seminoles will have a new starting quarterback for the third time in four games.