Newsmakers

Declared California running back Brendan Bigelow decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. Cal’s athletic department announced Bigelow’s decision Wednesday, the final day for juniors to declare for the draft. He ran for 421 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Golden Bears.

Departed Backup quarterback Michael Brewer is transferring from Texas Tech. The school announced that Brewer, who would’ve been a redshirt junior next season, was departing with two years of eligibility remaining. Brewer was the presumptive starter going into last season but reinjured his back.

Chosen An American referee was picked to officiate at the World Cup for the first time since 2002. Mark Geiger, a 39-year-old high school math teacher from Beachwood, N.J., was among 25 referees selected by FIFA. Geiger has officiated Major League Soccer games since 2004.

Signed The Portland Timbers signed striker Gaston Fernandez and center back Norberto Paparatto, both of Argentina. The Timbers also loaned Columbian forward Jose Valencia to Argentina first-division side Olimpo de Bahia Blanca for a season.

Agreed Left-hander Neal Cotts and the Texas Rangers reached a one-year deal worth $2.2 million. The 33-year-old Cotts, who was 8-3 with a 1.11 ERA in 58 games last season, had been eligible for salary arbitration before the agreement. Extended Richard Petty Motorsports reached a three-year contract extension with Smithfield Foods Inc. as primary sponsor for Aric Almirola through the 2016 season. RPM also signed Almirola to a three-year extension.

Announced Reigning Olympic downhill skiing champion Lindsey Vonn announced on her Facebook page that she had surgery on her right knee. The 29-year-old Vonn posted that her surgery was “successful!” The knee injury has prevented Vonn from competing in the Sochi Games next month. Convicted A Romanian man has been found guilty on appeal of beating American basketball player Chauncey Hardy to death in a bar. The supreme court in Bucharest, Romania, has convicted Ionut Adrian Tanasoaia of the slaying and sentenced him to seven years in prison. The sentence is final.

Died Iowa State said defensive line coach Curtis Bray has died. He was 43. Cyclones spokesman Mike Green confirmed Bray’s death to The AP, but said no additional details were immediately available.