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

Washington Football Team removes former branding from facility

Among the phrases removed was a slogan that included the name and the #HTTR hashtag. 

Penn State star LB Micah Parsons opts out of season to prepare for NFL Draft

Parsons tallied 109 total tackles, five sacks and four forced fumbles during his final year at what's affectionately known as "Linebacker U." 

Presidents' Trophy-winning Bruins can't earn top playoff seed

After losses to the Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning during the round-robin portion of the 24-team format to crown a Stanley Cup champion, the Bruins can no longer earn one of the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

76ers star Ben Simmons' knee injury worse than first thought?

It was confirmed on Thursday that Simmons is suffering from a subluxation of the left knee cap and is out indefinitely.

Penn State football won't allow fans due to coronavirus pandemic

PSU football season ticket holders can convert their purchases into tax-deductible donations, shift tickets to the 2021 campaign or request full refunds. 

Report: MLB had zero positive coronavirus results in latest round of testing

Amid outbreaks within the Marlins and Cardinals, MLB has reported no new coronavirus cases from Tuesday.

Nationals ace Max Scherzer leaves game vs. Mets after one inning

Nationals ace Max Scherzer exited Wednesday's game versus the Mets at Nationals Park after only a single inning of work.

76ers star Ben Simmons' knee injury not expected to be serious

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons departed the Wednesday afternoon game versus the Washington Wizards in the third quarter due to a knee injury, but early indications are Sixers fans shouldn't panic. 

Raiders assistant told players Jon Gruden had coronavirus as motivational tool?

This wasn't a prank or a joke, but, rather, was meant to remind the players that anybody could become infected at any time.

Cincinnati Reds troll Cleveland: 'So nice, LeBron left it twice'

During pregame preparations, the Reds Twitter account decided to fire an opening shot.

WNBA star rookie Sabrina Ionescu seeing specialist about ankle sprain

Liberty star rookie Sabrina Ionescu, the first overall pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft, is seeing a foot and ankle specialist in New York to evaluate the Grade 3 left ankle sprain that she suffered just three games into her pro career. 

NCAA Division II cancels fall championships due to coronavirus pandemic

Division II will not postpone fall competitions to January or the spring because doing so was deemed not feasible "while prioritizing the health and well-being of student-athletes."

Giants CB Sam Beal opts out of 2020 season

The New York Giants will be without cornerback Sam Beal once again.

European Tour disqualifies American John Catlin for breaking coronavirus protocols

The European Tour announced that American golfer John Catlin was withdrawn from this week's English Championship because he violated the competition's coronavirus health and safety protocols.

College Football Playoff changes schedule; championship game still on Jan. 11

The College Football Playoff Management Committee announced on Wednesday that final rankings for the 2020-21 season will be revealed on Dec. 20.

American Athletic Conference approves '8 + 4' football schedule

Non-conference games can be scheduled per the preferences of each school, which league play set to begin Sept. 19. The conference's championship game will be either Dec. 5, 12 or 19 and held at the regular-season champion's stadium. 

Does Rob Manfred blame Marlins, Cardinals for coronavirus outbreaks?

Manfred spoke with ESPN.com Wednesday morning and said that individuals veering from health and safety guidelines caused the outbreaks.

NCAA Division III cancels all fall championships due to coronavirus pandemic

On Wednesday, the NCAA announced the cancellation of all Division III fall sports championships for 2020-21 due to the worsening coronavirus pandemic. The Division III Presidents Council cited "administrative and financial challenges" related to the pandemic for the decision.

Report: Louisville coronavirus outbreak linked to off-campus party

At least 29 student-athletes have returned positive coronavirus test results. Others who were potentially exposed to infected individuals are quarantining and self-isolating.

Michigan State DE Jacub Panasiuk opts out of college football season

Panasiuk is the first Michigan State player to declare he's opting out.

Big Ten football players form unity group, lay out demands to play amid pandemic

In The Players' Tribune, a group using the #BigTenUnited title laid out demands for playing.

Dolphins' Albert Wilson opts out, joins fellow WR Allen Hurns

In 13 games last year, Wilson tallied 43 catches on 62 targets with 351 receiving yards and a single score. He also gained 45 rushing yards on five attempts. 

Real Madrid leave Gareth Bale out of squad for Champions League clash with Manchester City

Bale has lifted the Champions League Trophy on four occasions while representing Los Blancos. He nevertheless remains out of favor as it concerns Zidane's latest selections.

No timetable for Terry Francona return to Indians following medical tests

Terry Francona remains away from Cleveland as he continues to undergo examinations for a gastrointestinal issue, and it's unknown when he'll return to the team.