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

ACC championship game scheduled for Dec. 19

The two teams with the highest winning percentages in conference games will compete for the championship on the final Saturday before Christmas.

Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew dealing with lingering thumb injury

Minshew hasn't been all bad, according to ESPN Stats & Information, as he's responsible for the league's third-best passer rating and fourth-best completion percentage in third-down situations.

Dodgers advised to quarantine after Justin Turner COVID-19 diagnosis

MLB is investigating Turner's actions and blasted the third baseman in an official statement less than 24 hours after the Dodgers clinched the title. 

Report: Robbie Lawler off UFC 255; Mike Perry wants replacement fight

Awelterweight fight between Robbie Lawler (28-15-0, 1 no contest) and Mike Perry (14-6-0) scheduled to occur at UFC 255 on Nov. 21 is reportedly off.

WR Antonio Brown 'fantastic' in first Buccaneers workout

Veteran wide receiver Antonio Brown hasn't played in an official NFL game since September 2019, but he "won" his first appearance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers less than a week after he was initially linked with that franchise. 

Rockies move on from three-time All-Star Daniel Murphy

The Colorado Rockies are moving on from three-time All-Star infielder Daniel Murphy.

Aaron Rodgers defends Vikings coach Mike Zimmer despite 1-5 start

Despite Mike Zimmer leading a moribund Vikings squad to a 1-5 start on the season, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers thinks that Minnesota just needs to give the coach more time.

Senators sign forward Alex Galchenyuk to one-year, $1.05M contract

The Ottawa Senators announced on Wednesday that they've signed forward Alex Galchenyuk to a one-year contract worth $1.05 million. 

Mavericks assistant Stephen Silas to become Rockets head coach

Silas became the youngest NBA assistant coach when he was 27 and has spent time with a handful of franchises over the past two decades.

AHL, OHL won't start seasons before February

The AHL's board of governors approved the postponement of the season's tentative start date to at least Feb. 5. The OHL isn't expected to start its season until Feb. 4 at the earliest.

Report: NFL planning for 20 percent capacity for Super Bowl LV

Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, won't be completely filled for Super Bowl LV if fans are allowed to attend the title game. 

MLB investigating Justin Turner for violations of COVID-19 protocols

MLB announced it is investigating the circumstances involving Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner returning to the field to celebrate the club's World Series victory after he was pulled from Game 6 due to returning a positive COVID-19 test. 

Jets try to silence Quinnen Williams trade rumors

Gang Green selling Williams now would be bad business unless a buyer went beyond his first-round valuation in a proposed transaction.

Falcons looking to trade DE Takkarist McKinley?

McKinley has mostly underwhelmed over the past two seasons. He has one sack and eight total tackles this year. 

Fans banned from German Bundesliga matches due to coronavirus outbreaks

Fans will be banned from attending matches from Nov. 2 through at least the end of the month. Supporters are permitted to attend games, at reduced capacities, through the upcoming weekend. 

Browns Pro Bowl RB Nick Chubb could return for Nov. 15 game vs. Texans

Chubb was averaging 5.9 yards per carry on 57 attempts and was on pace to potentially win a rushing title before the injury.

Browns try to squash theory they're better without Odell Beckham Jr.

Heading into Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Beckham is second on the team in receptions (23) and receiving yards (319) and tied for second in touchdown grabs (3).

TJ Finley likely to start for injured LSU QB Myles Brennan vs. Auburn

Brennan is doubtful for Saturday's game against the Auburn Tigers due to the undisclosed lower-body injury that sidelined him for last Saturday's 52-24 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Tiger Woods to skip Houston Open, prepare for Masters at home

This will be the 21st time Woods will skip the tournament completed the week before the Masters.

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo to miss clash with Barcelona, Lionel Messi

A hyped Champions League group stage clash featuring Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo taking on rival and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi will have to wait.

Mississippi State RB Kylin Hill expected to opt out, prepare for 2021 NFL Draft

Mississippi State Bulldogs star running back Kylin Hill, a 2019 first-team All-SEC selection, is expected to opt out of the remainder of the college football season and begin preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft. 

2021 East-West Shrine Bowl canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic

Players selected for this year's edition will receive formal invites even although no actual game will be played until 2022 at the earliest. 

Cowboys trade Pro Bowl DE Everson Griffen to Lions

Protocols for completing the season amid the coronavirus pandemic will prevent Griffen from playing for Detroit in this Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Panthers release cornerback Eli Apple

Apple left the team's facility on Tuesday and was said to be dealing with a bad hamstring before Carolina released him.

Colorado Avalanche sign Devon Toews to four-year contract

The Colorado Avalanche confirmed on Tuesday that they've signed defenseman Devon Toews to a four-year contract that runs through the 2023-24 season.