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

PGA stars receive backlash, hate after 'Blackout Tuesday' posts

PGA stars Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler had their comments flooded with pushback for their posts.

Report: MLS owners, MLSPA 'cautiously optimistic' on avoiding a lockout

With states reopening despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis, there were hopes a tournament that could keep MLS clubs in Florida for 6-8 weeks could precede teams returning to their home venues to play standard matches without fans. 

UFC champ Jon Jones protects Albuquerque from looters amid protests

The man seen by many as the greatest professional mixed martial arts fighter in history finished his night, per his Instagram, by leading a prayer circle that included officers and members of his entourage.

Floyd Mayweather to pay for George Floyd's funeral

Former world champion and semi-retired professional boxer Floyd Mayweather will pay for the funeral of George Floyd.

Rumors: MLBPA to reject MLB owners' 50-game proposal

Another round of proposals from both sides were met with strong resistance.

Report: XFL bidder 'very capable' of restarting league

Their appears to be optimism that the league could be salvaged.

Jon Jones cleaning up following demonstrations relating to George Floyd

The ongoing protests in the United States have inspired some athletes to get involved, such as Jones.

Clemson's Justyn Ross out for 2020 due to career-threatening spinal issue

The 6-foot-4 20-year-old was projected to be a high draft pick for 2021 following another standout year.

MLB wants 50- to 60-game season with prorated salaries?

Talks between owners and players seemingly hit a standstill heading into the final weekend of May regarding a March agreement between the two parties that involved owners paying pro-rated salaries for a shortened season. Owners contend that deal was contingent on fans attending games. 

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews shares powerful post about death of George Floyd

Along with sharing a video of a powerful conversation between two African-American men, Toews added a lengthy statement.

Tom Brady speaks at college preparatory virtual graduation

The coronavirus pandemic has led to postponements and cancelations of a broad variety of events, including high school and collegiate commencements.

MLS players skip training after lockout warning

The MLSPA agreed players will journey to Orlando for a tournament that will include all 26 clubs and serve to restart the campaign that halted after only two matchdays because of the pandemic.

NBA small-market clubs want full league resumption?

Owners understandably want their teams to play as many games as possible in any season. However, convincing players to participate in what they deem to be meaningless games during a pandemic may prove to be a difficult task.

DeSean Jackson wants players mic'd up if fans can't attend games

Sports competitions such as the UFC and the German Bundesliga returned to action in May behind closed doors and without fans in attendance amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Would Lance Armstrong recommend PEDs to his son?

Lance Armstrong was asked what he would tell his son about using performance-enhancing drugs.

Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen: 'It's everyone vs racists'

Athletes across the globe continue to weigh in on the George Floyd death and protests occurring in America.

USC revokes tickets, membership from booster who advocated shooting protesters

USC athletic director Mike Bohn said that "racism and hate speech will not be tolerated."

Islanders captain Anders Lee: 'I stand for the justice of George Floyd'

The Islanders released a club statement earlier in the day.

Memo says MLBPA 'weighing the timing and substance' of response to MLB owners' proposal

The final weekend of May couldn't begin without just a little more drama between MLB owners and the MLB Players Association it seems no economic proposals were exchanged between the two sides.

Jon Jones asks for UFC 'release' in NSFW Twitter thread

Dana White should have known better than to pick a fight with Jon Jones.

Report: NFL bans Barstool's Dave Portnoy from watching 'MNF' with Roger Goodell

After Portnoy trespassed to protest Tom Brady's Deflategate suspension, there was no way he'd ever be allowed in the same room as Roger Goodell.

Report: NBA owners to approve return-to-play plan on Thursday; 22 teams may be invited

It's not known which other clubs will receive invites other than the 16 teams holding postseason berths in the standings when the league suspended play on March 11 because of the virus outbreak.

Sports world continues to react to killing of George Floyd

The killing of George Floyd, an African-American man who died while in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, has elicited reactions throughout the sports world.

Power 5 conferences seek federal law for college-athlete compensation

While California has already passed a law prohibiting the NCAA and universities from banning players to make money through endorsements and similar endeavors, that doesn't take effect until 2023. 

FA Cup quarterfinals set for June 27-28, Final for Aug. 1

The highest level of EPL play is scheduled to return in June, with the FA Cup quarterfinals set to resume late in the month.