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

Avalanche's Philipp Grubauer, Erik Johnson out indefinitely with injuries

Due to an agreement between the NHL and NHL Players' Association for the completion of the 2019-20 season amid the coronavirus pandemic, clubs are unable to provide much information on player health throughout the playoffs. 

Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis questionable for Game 5 versus Clippers

Kristaps Porzingis could be a game-time decision for the Mavericks' Tuesday's Game 5 showdown with the Clippers.

NFL reports zero positive coronavirus tests among players

The NFL cleared 77 individuals who reportedly recently tested positive for the virus. All original 77 samples were retested and came back negative.

Manager Terry Francona to miss Indians' series vs. Twins

Cleveland confirmed that Francona underwent a medical procedure on Friday that left him unable to manage over the weekend when the Tribe lost two of three to the Detroit Tigers.

Jets' Le'Veon Bell 'bans' Sam Darnold from bars after bout with mono

The coronavirus pandemic isn't the only thing keeping New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold out of bars and other social establishments.

Dolphins, University of Miami to allow fans to home openers

Arrivals and exits to the venue will be staggered, and fans will be kept socially distant while in their seats.

Luis Suarez to have Barcelona contract terminated?

TalkSport added that the Uruguayan international is set to hold talks with the club's board about what seems to be an inevitable exit. 

Mets to resume season Tuesday, play three doubleheaders in one week

In total, the Mets are set to complete nine games across six days in an attempt to remain on course to finish 60 regular-season fixtures by the end of Sept. 27.

Juwan Howard commits to coaching Michigan amid NBA rumors

In his first year as coach of the Maize and Blue, Howard led Michigan to an overall record of 19-12 before the Big Ten and, subsequently, the NCAA canceled all postseason play due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Arizona Coyotes staff members laid off, furloughed

The Arizona Coyotes are yet another professional sports franchise to have laid off and furloughed staff members because of financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

University of Louisiana-Monroe pauses CFB workouts due to COVID-19 cases

The Warhawks are scheduled to open their season versus Troy on Sept. 5.

NHL pushes start of Avalanche-Stars to Saturday night

As had been expected, the NHL moved Game 1 of the Western Conference second-round playoff series between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars to Saturday night.

Rays' Yonny Chirinos to have Tommy John surgery, likely out until 2022

Right shoulder inflammation sent him to the injured list earlier this month after he had made only a pair of starts.

Blazers' Zach Collins to undergo season-ending ankle surgery

It's a brutal end to what was a rough campaign for Collins, as he missed the majority of the regular season due to a shoulder injury he suffered in late October that kept him sidelined until the NBA returned to action in July amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Amanda Nunes-Megan Anderson to fight for featherweight title at UFC 256

UFC two-division champion Amanda Nunes will put the featherweight strap on the line versus Megan Anderson at the UFC 256 show tentatively scheduled for Dec. 12.

Iowa discontinues four sports after Big Ten postpones football, fall competitions

Per Iowa's announcement, the sports affected are men’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s tennis.

146th Kentucky Derby to run without fans due to coronavirus pandemic

After hoping to allow a decreased percentage of spectators to the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Incorporated announced on Friday afternoon that no fans will be welcomed to the event postponed from May 2 to Sept. 5.

Blazers' Damian Lillard to play in Game 3 vs. Lakers with dislocated finger

Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts confirmed guard Damian Lillard will play versus the Los Angeles Lakers for Saturday's Game 3 showdown.

Indians' Terry Francona to miss Friday's game vs. Detroit after medical procedure

Former Indians catcher and current first-base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. will continue to guide the club as interim manager.

Yankees' Gleyber Torres likely headed to injured list with tight hamstring

Torres hurt his hamstring running down the first-base line vs. the Rays and exited the contest early.

Serena Williams isolating in rental house for U.S. Open 'bubble'

Williams and others who rent temporary havens must follow strict protocols as it pertains to exiting those homes for any purpose during the tournament.

Yankees' James Paxton likely headed to IL, but no Tommy John needed

While the New York Yankees will likely be without lefty James Paxton for some time, the club nevertheless received some good news about his long-term health on Friday.

Vince McMahon showed Rob Gronkowski how to perform WrestleMania 10-foot fall

Everything worked out in the end, and neither McMahon nor Gronkowski were worse for wear. 

Parents of Big Ten football players protest in favor of season at conference headquarters

Two days after B1G commissioner Kevin Warren declared that the conference's decision to postpone fall sports is final, parents of players showed up to protest.