New York ? Cam Newton and the other finalists for the Heisman Trophy strolled into the room together, posed for a couple of photos with the big bronze statue, then spread out to separate tables to speak with reporters.

Andrew Luck, LaMichael James and Kellen Moore looked a little lonely.

Newton, the Auburn quarterback, certainly draws a crowd these days.

Newton sat back in a leather desk chair, frequently flashed a big grin and casually answered questions from about a dozen reporters for 14 minutes Friday, the day before he’s expected to win the Heisman.

Newton said he was not disappointed in his father, even though the NCAA believes Cecil Newton tried to get Mississippi State to pay him in exchange for his son playing there. The star QB was disappointed that his dad decided not to attend the Heisman ceremony Saturday night.

“It hurts, but that’s a decision that he made,” Cam Newton said.

Newton has stayed an overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman, even though he played much of the season’s final month with a scandal developing around him.

College football

Pelini denies interview

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said in a statement Friday that he is not “preparing to interview” for the University of Miami coaching job.

“The reports that I am preparing to interview at the University of Miami are false,” Pelini said in the statement released by the school just after 1 p.m. Eastern Time. “I will not have any additional comment on this matter or any other rumors.”

The Sun Sentinel reported Thursday, citing two sources with knowledge of the search, that Pelini had spoken with Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt, but that the job had not been offered.

One source told the Sun Sentinel of Pelini, “He is in the mix.”

UK quarterback arrested

Lexington, Ky. — Kentucky quarterback Mike Hartline has pleaded not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and alcohol-intoxication charges after being arrested early Friday morning.

Hawaii joins MWC

Honolulu — The University of Hawaii is joining the Mountain West Conference for football and the Big West in other sports, abandoning the Western Athletic Conference after 32 years. School President M.R.C. Greenwood said Friday that Hawaii will make the move in 2012.

NFL

Broncos’ Cox arrested

Castle Rock, Colo. — Denver Broncos rookie cornerback Perrish Cox has been arrested for investigation of felony sexual assault.

Cox was taken into custody Thursday night following an investigation into an alleged assault reported on Oct. 28 and brought to a Douglas County jail, said Michelle Kivela, public information officer for the city of Lone Tree, which is about 20 miles south of Denver.

Favre questionable

Brett Favre still hasn’t been able to throw a proper pass in practice, and the Minnesota Vikings still haven’t given up hope their quarterback will extend his NFL record for consecutive starts against the New York Giants on Sunday.

Favre did minimal work in practice Friday for the first time all week, making a few soft tosses to test out the sprained SC joint in his throwing shoulder. He is listed as questionable on the injury report and will be a game-time decision on whether he will make his 298th straight regular-season start.

In other NFL news:

• Arizona rookie quarterback John Skelton will get his first NFL start when the Cardinals play the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

• Police raided the home of Baltimore Ravens rookie kick returner David Reed earlier this week to investigate potential drug activity. No charges have been filed.

• New York safety James Ihedigbo will not play Sunday as the Jets play host to the Miami Dolphins (6-6) because of an injured right leg.

• The NFL has suspended Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes four games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

• Philadelphia defensive end Trent Cole has been fined $20,000 by the NFL for hitting Houston quarterback Matt Schaub in the knee area. Cardinals DT Alan Branch has been docked $10,000 for roughing the passer for his hit on Rams rookie QB Sam Bradford. Lions DE Cliff Avril has been fined $15,000 for roughing the passer. He struck Chicago’s Jay Cutler in the face area. Two Bills were fined: RB Quinton Ganther $5,000 for unnecessary roughness for hitting Vikings punter Chris Kluwe at the end of a return, and guard Andy Levitre $7,500 for striking an opponent late.

• The NFL has suspended Carolina Panthers guard Duke Robinson four games without pay for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.

Baseball

Yanks, Rangers wait on Lee

The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are waiting for a decision from 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, who is contemplating offers from both teams before making a decision on where to sign.

New York offered a six-year deal to the 32-year-old left-hander on Wednesday worth $137.5 million to $140 million, then increased it to seven years the following day.

In other baseball news:

• The Los Angeles Angels and reliever Scott Downs have agreed to a $15 million, three-year deal.

• The Boston Red Sox have confirmed their agreement with speedy outfielder Carl Crawford.

• The Houston Astros have signed Aussie left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith to a one-year, $725,000 deal.

• Left-hander Scott Olsen has agreed to a $550,000, one-year contract with the Pirates that includes a club option for 2012.

• The Boston Red Sox have finished up their one-year deal with catcher Jason Varitek. The contract, which was first reported last week, will pay Varitek a base salary of $2 million in 2011.

• The Mariners have finalized a one-year contract with left-handed slugger Jack Cust to become Seattle’s primary designated hitter.

• Left-hander George Sherrill has finalized a $1.2 million, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.

• Catcher Wil Nieves has agreed to a $775,000, one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

• The Baltimore Orioles have reached agreement on a $1.5 million, one-year contract with shortstop Cesar Izturis.

College Basketball

Western Pa. coach dies

Pittsburgh — Officials at La Roche College in Pittsburgh say the head coach of the school’s men’s basketball team has died after collapsing at practice.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report school officials say coach Scott Lang collapsed during practice Friday night and died at the hospital.

UCLA freshman to transfer

Los Angeles — Freshman guard Matt Carlino will transfer from UCLA without ever playing in a regular-season game.