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

Conor McGregor 'accepts' fight with Dustin Poirier for Jan. 23; wants it at AT&T Stadium

Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor (22-4-0) tweeted on Wednesday that he accepts a proposed fight versus Dustin Poirier (26-6-0) on Jan. 23, 2021.

Canadiens sign forward Brendan Gallagher, goaltender Jake Allen to extensions

The Montreal Canadiens announced a pair of noteworthy contract extensions on Wednesday afternoon. 

Alabama football coach Nick Saban, athletic director Greg Byrne test positive for COVID-19

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, who has guided teams to national titles on six occasions, confirmed on Wednesday that he tested positive for COVID-19. Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne also tested positive.

Clayton Kershaw likely to start Game 4 of NLCS for Dodgers

The Dodgers are expected to turn to a bullpen game if Kershaw can't throw on Thursday. 

Washington sends QB Dwayne Haskins home with illness

Ron Rivera referred to Haskins' condition as a gastrointestinal problem.

Panthers DT Kawann Short having season-ending shoulder surgery

It's yet another brutal early-season exit for Short, who missed the final 14 games of the 2019 campaign after he went down with a partially torn rotator cuff during a Week 2 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Report: Cam Newton rejoining Patriots practice on Thursday

Cam Newton is back, as it's being reported that the one-time regular season Most Valuable Player and current New England Patriots starting quarterback will return to the practice field on Thursday.

Report: Titans trading linebacker Kamalei Correa to Jaguars

Tennessee signed proven defensive veterans Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley Jr. in the offseason. They, along with others on the depth chart, made Correa surplus to requirements. 

White Sox to interview Tony La Russa about managerial opening

La Russa has held executive roles within MLB and multiple clubs since he initially retired as a manager. It's unknown if he'd accept the White Sox position if offered. 

Syracuse safety Andre Cisco opts out to enter 2021 NFL Draft

The preseason First-Team All-American suffered a lower-body injury in a collision with a teammate and subsequently missed Syracuse's last two contests before announcing his decision.

Brian Ortega vs. Chan Sung Jung named 'No. 1 contender fight' for UFC featherweight title

Dana White explained that Saturday's main-event featherweight bout between Brian Ortega (14-1-0) and Chan Sung Jung (16-5-0) will be for more than prize money and bragging rights.

Saturday's Florida-LSU football game postponed to Dec. 12 because of coronavirus outbreak

Florida-LSU is the second SEC game of the season and the week rescheduled because of positive tests and quarantines.

Dana White offers Conor McGregor Jan. 23 fight vs. Dustin Poirier

McGregor hasn't fought since he defeated Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds back in January.

USMNT, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie tests positive for COVID-19

All Serie A players who test positive for the coronavirus must quarantine for a minimum of 14 days and return negative test results before they're cleared to resume footballing activities.

Bryson DeChambeau taking month away from PGA Tour before Masters

DeChambeau does plan on making a scouting trip to Augusta National at some point before the Masters tees off.

Rams place rookie safety Jordan Fuller on injured reserve

The Los Angeles Rams placed rookie safety Jordan Fuller on injured reserve on Tuesday because of a shoulder injury.

Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza to face Marvin Vettori at UFC 256

Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza will make his return to the octagon to face Marvin Vettori (15-4-1) at the UFC 256 show on Dec. 12 after Souza became the first UFC competitor pulled from a fight due to a positive coronavirus test in May.

Report: Stan Van Gundy, Tyronn Lue finalists for Pelicans coaching job

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday that former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy and current Los Angeles Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue have emerged as two of four finalists to meet with the New Orleans Pelicans about their coaching vacancy. 

NFL unlikely to adopt bubble sites before playoffs?

NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said during a Tuesday conference call that the league isn't yet adopting any new structure for the season.

Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak could miss start of season after surgeries

Marchand underwent a sports hernia procedure on Sept. 14, while Pastrnak had a right hip arthroscopy and labral repair performed on Sept. 16.

Florida pauses team activities due to coronavirus outbreak

Saturday's showdown between the No. 10 Florida Gators (2-1) and LSU Tigers (1-2) is now very much in doubt.

Dustin Johnson tests positive for COVID-19, withdraws from CJ Cup

Johnson returned a negative on-site test on Sunday but experienced virus symptoms beginning that night. He took another test on Tuesday that came back positive.

Could Saints host games at LSU's Tiger Stadium to allow fans?

Handfuls of NFL teams have allowed spectators at drastically reduced capacities this season. Playing at LSU could allow the Saints to do the same.

Mike Tomlin wants Steelers focused on beating Browns, not Myles Garrett drama

Pittsburgh won its fourth consecutive game to open the year with a 38-29 victory over interstate rivals the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Cleveland, meanwhile, is also coming off four straight wins.

Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook 'likely' out vs. Falcons with adductor strain

Minnesota enters a bye week after Sunday and could have Cook back in the lineup for the Nov. 1 showdown with the Green Bay Packers.