[naviga:h3]Heisman finalists officially named[/naviga:h3]

NEW YORK — Alabama’s Derrick Henry and Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey are hoping to return to the Heisman Trophy to the running backs. Clemson’s Deshaun Watson can keep it with the QBs.

The two star running backs with very different styles and the dual-threat quarterback of the No. 1 team in the country are headed for New York after being named Heisman finalists.

[naviga:h3]Sarkisian filing suit against USC[/naviga:h3]

LOS ANGELES — Steve Sarkisian sued the University of Southern California, alleging the school breached the football coach’s contract and discriminated against him on the basis of a disability — namely alcoholism — when it fired him this fall.

Sarkisian’s attorneys also alleged wrongful termination and invasion of privacy in the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Court. Sarkisian contends he is owed at least $12.6 million left on his USC contract, along with other damages for “extreme mental anguish.”

[naviga:h3]OSU coordinator new Rutgers coach[/naviga:h3]

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers officially hired Chris Ash as its new coach, giving the Ohio State defensive coordinator a five-year contract at $2 million annually.

Rutgers’ board of governors approved Ash’s contract to replace Kyle Flood, who was fired following a 4-8 season defined by troubles on and off the field.

[naviga:h3]Chapman deal to L.A. placed on hold[/naviga:h3]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As baseball’s annual winter meetings began, the proposed trade sending Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman to the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to be on hold after Yahoo Sports reported that police investigated an accusation of domestic violence involving the pitcher.