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

Liverpool confirm Thiago Alcantara tested positive for COVID-19

Manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters he didn't expect to have Thiago available for selection again until the club's Oct. 17 showdown with rivals Everton.

University at Buffalo pauses football, two other sports due to coronavirus outbreak

The Mid-American Conference, which includes the Buffalo Bulls, postponed football and other fall sports on Aug. 8 because of the health crisis but reversed course last Friday.

Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson recovered from coronavirus

Anderson became the second FBS coach behind Florida State's Mike Norvell to disclose he tested positive for the virus. 

NHL confirms zero coronavirus cases in playoff bubbles

Ahead of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars, the NHL confirmed that zero individuals tested positive for COVID.

Jets' Adam Gase says he won't bench QB Sam Darnold

Darnold was also responsible for a play of the week candidate in the loss at Indianapolis.

Italian Serie A club Genoa dealing with coronavirus outbreak

Italian Serie A club Genoa confirmed via an official statement that it currently has 14 COVID-19 cases.

Indiana's Marcelino Ball lost for season with torn ACL

Ball's older brothers Marcus and Reggie Jr. both played in the NFL.

Yankees' Kyle Higashioka to catch Gerrit Cole vs. Indians

Aaron Boone announced on Monday afternoon that Kyle Higashioka will catch Gerrit Cole in Game 1 of the postseason series against the Indians.

Report: Three-time All-Pro safety Earl Thomas likely to sign with Texans

The Ravens terminated Thomas' contract in August after he allegedly struck teammate Chuck Clark during an altercation.

Clippers part ways with head coach Doc Rivers

According to ESPN, Rivers is the only NBA coach in history to lose three playoff series after taking a 3-1 lead.

LaMelo Ball on father LaVar: 'I'm my own man'

Future NBA guard and potential first overall draft selection LaMelo Ball isn't bothered by the idea that outspoken father LaVar Ball may think his son wouldn't be a good fit with the Golden State Warriors.

Flyers name recently retired Chris Stewart player development coach

He last played with the Flyers during the 2019-20 season.

Report: Colorado Rapids dealing with coronavirus outbreak

At least two players and nine staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since last Thursday. 

Unnamed women's doubles player pulled from French Open due to coronavirus

An unnamed women's doubles player was removed from the French Open main draw because she had contact with a coach who tested positive for COVID-19.

Premier League confirms 10 positive coronavirus test results

This is the highest number of positive results for any round of Premier League testing since the pandemic first halted football leagues around the world in March.

Titans OLB coach Shane Bowen in coronavirus protocol

Mike Vrabel told reporters on Monday that he called defensive plays without having Bowen on the sideline.

Boomer Esiason: Bradley McDougald missed tackle 'on purpose' in Jets' loss to Colts

Halfway through the third quarter of Sunday's blowout, Indianapolis rookie running back Jonathan Taylor found the end zone from a yard out after he evaded McDougald.

Mike Norvell to coach Florida State Saturday after COVID-19 absence

Norvell nearly two weeks of in-person work due to testing positive for COVID-19.

Bears confirm RB Tarik Cohen is out for season with torn ACL

Cohen suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the Atlanta game as he was attempting to return a punt. He could put no weight on his right leg before he was helped off the field. 

Serena Williams cruises to French Open first-round win

Williams next plays Tsvetana Pironkova, whom she defeated 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 at the US Open.

Report: Broncos Pro Bowl DT Jurrell Casey likely out for season with biceps tear

Across three games with Denver, Casey tallied 14 total tackles and three passes defended.

Browns returner JoJo Natson out for season with torn ACL

Natson appeared in all three of Cleveland's September games and returned a total of three punts and a single kickoff.

North Carolina to play Western Carolina on Dec. 11

To account for the lost Sept. 19 game versus the Charlotte 49ers, the North Carolina Tar Heels announced on Monday that the program will host the Western Carolina Catamounts.

White Sox's Eloy Jimenez likely to miss weekend series with sprained foot

Jimenez has had a great season for the Pale Hose.

Saints All-Pro WR Michael Thomas (ankle) won't play vs. Packers

As was expected, the New Orleans Saints officially ruled All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas out for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers.