AUTO RACING

Allmendinger gets released by Penske Racing

Penske Racing released suspended driver AJ Allmendinger on Wednesday, three weeks after he tested positive for a banned amphetamine.

The team said it was disappointed with the drug test results that left it with no choice.

“AJ is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time,” team owner Roger Penske said.

Sam Hornish Jr. will drive the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and “for the foreseeable future,” the team said. Options for the 2013 season will be evaluated.

Allmendinger, who was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week for the positive test in late June, apologized and thanked Penske for the support during a “difficult time” the past few weeks.

HOCKEY

NHL: Three consecutive playoff appearances earned Philadelphia Flyers Coach Peter Laviolette a multiyear contract extension.

BASKETBALL

NBA: New York signed free-agent guard Chris Smith, the younger brother of Knicks guard J.R. Smith.

• The Phoenix Suns signed forward P.J. Tucker to a two-year contract.

COLLEGES

FOOTBALL: Five men roughed up star Wisconsin running back Montee Ball near campus, inflicting head injuries serious enough to send him to the hospital, authorities said.

— From news service reports