Newsmakers

Leaving Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett declared for April’s NFL draft on Thursday. Mallett led the Southeastern Conference in passing this season, throwing for 3,592 yards and 30 touchdowns. Mallett finished as the school’s career leader with 62 touchdown passes.

• Defensive end J.J. Watt will leave Wisconsin early to enter the NFL draft. In a letter to Badgers fans posted on a school website, Watt said his dream is to play in the NFL.

• Virginia Tech’s Darren Evans is also entering the NFL draft. The redshirt junior missed the 2009 season after surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He returned this season as a part of a three- tailback rotation, starting nine games.

Staying All-America wide receiver Ryan Broyles is coming back to Oklahoma for his senior season, saying he believes he can get himself “better prepared for the NFL.” His decision comes one day after linebacker Travis Lewis announced he would return to Oklahoma next season with the goal of pursuing a national championship.

Operated Rockets center Yao Ming underwent surgery in Houston to repair a stress fracture in his left ankle, a procedure he said may end his career. He has been out since Nov. 10, and played in only five games this year before the team declared him lost for the season.

Declared Never a fan of labels, figure skater Johnny Weir is giving himself one: He’s gay. The figure skater comes out in his new book, “Welcome to My World,” but said in an excerpt published in the Jan. 17 issue of People magazine that being gay “is the smallest part of what makes me me.” Weir’s autobiography will be released Tuesday.

Ended Brazilian soccer player Ronaldinho reached an agreement with Italian club AC Milan to end his contract, clearing the way to return to Brazilian soccer. Three clubs remain in contention to sign the former two-time FIFA player of the year, including his former team, Gremio.

Sidelined Montreal Canadiens defenseman Josh Gorges will miss the rest of the season with a right knee injury. General manager Pierre Gauthier said Gorges will undergo surgery next week. The 26-year-old Gorges had one goal and six assists in 36 games this season.