Coyotes recall Murphy from Portland

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Phoenix Coyotes recalled defenseman Connor Murphy from Portland of the American Hockey League on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Murphy has a goal, seven assists and 10 penalty minutes in 26 games for the Coyotes this season. He has 11 assists and 46 penalty minutes in 34 games for Portland.

The Coyotes are at New Jersey on Thursday night.

NLRB says college athletes can unionize

CHICAGO (AP) — In a stunning ruling that could revolutionize a college sports industry worth billions of dollars and have dramatic repercussions at schools coast to coast, a federal agency said Wednesday that football players at Northwestern University can create the nation’s first union of college athletes.

The decision by a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board answered the question at the heart of the debate over the unionization bid: Are football players who receive full scholarships to the Big Ten school considered employees under federal law, thereby allowing them to unionize?

Peter Sung Ohr, the NLRB regional director, said in a 24-page decision that the players “fall squarely” within the broad definition of employee.

Former Viking Allen to sign with Bears

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears replaced one accomplished veteran pass rusher with another when they agreed to terms with Jared Allen on a four-year contract.

A person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press that Allen will get $15.5 million guaranteed on a deal that could be worth as much as $32 million. The person requested anonymity because the terms have not been announced.

The 31-year-old Allen spent the previous six years with the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings. He will take over for Julius Peppers, who signed with Green Bay.

Jim Kelly to undergo chemotherapy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Doctors treating Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly said he will not immediately undergo surgery for a recurrence of cancer.

Instead, the longtime Buffalo Bills star will likely first be treated with chemotherapy and radiation, according to a statement from Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Kershaw to miss first U.S. start

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw will miss his scheduled start for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres this weekend because of an inflamed muscle in his back.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner had an MRI that showed the swollen muscle in his left upper back. Kershaw had complained of tightness while throwing at a workout on Tuesday.

The team said Kershaw’s next start will be decided by his progress while throwing in the next week.