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

Penn State AD believes Big Ten won't reverse decision on football

While Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour has noticed criticisms directed toward those conferences, she told reporters on Monday that the Big Ten likely isn't reversing its decision.

Could Mets remove Steven Matz from starting rotation?

The 29-year-old began the pandemic-shortened campaign with a couple of decent outings but has struggled throughout August. 

Yankees activate closer Aroldis Chapman, designate David Hale

Chapman, 32 years old, tested positive for the coronavirus in July and wasn't cleared to return until the final day of that month. He hasn't yet appeared in a game this season. 

Report: Dominick Reyes vs. Jan Blachowicz planned for UFC 253

A light heavyweight fight between Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz is being finalized for the Sept. 26 UFC 253 pay-per-view card.

NCAA to announce college basketball decision by mid-September

It's possible that more than a dozen teams could form a college basketball "bubble" for non-league games in December. 

Auburn football has had at least 34 positive coronavirus tests

The Auburn Tigers football program has had at least 34 positive coronavirus test results since players and other personnel reported for voluntary workouts amid the pandemic.

SEC releases full Week 1 football schedule

SEC football fans didn't have to wait until Monday evening to view the full Week 1 campaign for a season held amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

NHL sets protocols for family members to enter bubble

The NHL and NHL Players' Association have set protocols for family members to enter the Edmonton bubble site for the conference finals.

Padres' Tommy Pham out 4-6 weeks with broken hand

Padres outfielder Tommy Pham is expected to be out 4-6 weeks with a broken hamate bone in his hand.

Barcelona sack Quique Setien after Champions League humiliation

As had been widely reported, Barcelona confirmed on Monday that the club has parted ways with first-team coach Quique Setien.

LSU defensive back Kary Vincent Jr. opts out of 2020 season

21-year-old LSU DB Kary Vincent has opted out of the 2020 college football season in order to focus on the 2021 NFL Daft.

U.S. Open Cup canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

America's longest-running soccer competition won't occur in 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As noted by Front Row Soccer, the U.S. Open Cup Committee confirmed on Monday that the tournament won't take place this year.

Simona Halep withdraws from U.S. Open due to coronavirus concerns

Simona Halep confirmed on Monday that she won't play in the 2020 U.S. Open due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Southwestern Athletic Conference announces spring football schedule

The Southwestern Athletic Conference confirmed on Monday that the league will host a springtime football season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

Report: Tottenham to sign goalkeeper Joe Hart on free transfer

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly on the verge of signing former England international Joe Hart. 

Serena Williams loses to player outside Top 100 for first time in eight years

Casual tennis viewers around the world likely didn't know the name Shelby Rogers before Friday evening, but the No. 116 player rallied from behind to topple living legend Serena Williams 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Magic's Mo Bamba to miss playoffs, undergo post-coronavirus evaluation

He appeared in only two games while in the bubble and logged fewer than 11 total minutes of on-the-court action.

Vlade Divac steps down as Kings GM; Luke Walton reportedly safe

Joe Dumars, who has worked as a special adviser for the club, is assuming GM duties and will be part of Sacramento's search for Divac's long-term replacement.

Clippers expect to have Montrezl Harrell for start of playoffs

The Los Angeles Clippers believe forward Montrezl Harrell will be available for the opening game of the club's playoff series versus the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. 

Colts' Jacoby Brissett believes he can be full-time NFL starter

"I still believe in myself. I know I'm a starter in this league," Jacoby Brissett said. "I know I can play at a high level. I did it last year."

Gerard Pique: Barcelona need 'changes' after Bayern Munich thrashing

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique spoke directly and honestly after his side suffered an 8-2 humiliation at the hands of reigning Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich in Friday's Champions League quarterfinal showdown.

Yankees place Aaron Judge on injured list with calf strain

Judge hit his ninth home run in 17 games against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday but he missed Wednesday's outing.

Indians' Clevinger, Plesac drove to Detroit before being optioned to training site

Clevinger and Plesac drove to Detroit on Thursday to meet with Indians personnel on the club's off-day ahead of a three-game series versus the Tigers. 

Miami's Manny Diaz preaches personal responsibility for college football 'bubbles'

For a wide variety of reasons, college football teams cannot place players and other personnel inside completely isolated hubs. Miami Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz nevertheless believes his players can live and exist in "bubble" formats. 

Indians option Mike Clevinger, Zach Plesac to training site after safety violations

Cleveland Indians right-handed pitchers Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger are out of the doghouse; somewhat.