Newsmakers

Suspended Boise State officials say two football players have been suspended from the school for violating university rules. The discipline creates uncertainty for the futures of safety Lee Hightower, who started the first seven games last season, and Hayden Plinke, a tight end who played in six games last year. Officials did not specify the rules violated or if either player would be allowed to return to school. Both players were suspended by coach Chris Petersen for violating team rules in the run-up to the Oct. 27 game at Wyoming. Retired The 2006 N.L Cy Young winner, and one of the top pitchers in baseball before being beset by injuries, Brandon Webb, is retiring. The 33-year-old Webb hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2009 because of shoulder problems.

Agreed The Detroit Tigers have agreed to a one-year, $6,725,000 contract with right-hander Max Scherzer and avoided salary arbitration. Scherzer was 16-7 last season with a 3.74 ERA and struck out 231, a total that trailed only teammate Justin Verlander. Scherzer was 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in the postseason, helping Detroit reach the World Series. Scherzer has had a winning record in each of his three seasons with the Tigers and is 52-42 in his career.

Appeal Former slugger Barry Bonds’ appeal of his felony obstruction of justice conviction will be heard by three federal judges who were each appointed by a different Democratic president. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unveiled its February schedule, which showed publicly for the first time the three judges assigned to Bonds’ case. Senior Circuit Judges Mary M. Schroeder and Michael Daly Hawkins along with Judge Mary H. Murguia will hear oral arguments on Feb. 13.

Acquired The Oakland Athletics have acquired infielder Jed Lowrie and right-hander Fernando Rodriguez from the Houston Astros for first baseman Chris Carter and two minor leaguers. Right-hander Brad Peacock and catcher Max Stassi also went to Houston in the deal.

Traded The New York Red Bulls have traded leading scorer Kenny Cooper to FC Dallas for allocation money. Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh announced the trade, saying the money and the salary cap relief will allow the team to make necessary moves. Cooper had a team-high 18 goals and three assists .

Activated Rookie linebacker Brandon Joiner has been activated by the Cincinnati Bengals after completing a prison term. The Bengals signed Joiner out of Arkansas State as an undrafted free agent last year, knowing he would be going to prison over a robbery.