Sports briefs

BASEBALL

New allegations against

Bosox clubhouse man

Two Massachusetts men are accusing Donald Fitzpatrick, a Red Sox clubhouse attendant who died in 2005, of abusing them in the early 1990s. The statute of limitations has expired for filing lawsuits, but the men are seeking $5-million settlements from the team.

Fitzpatrick had previously been accused of sexually abusing children. In 2002, he pleaded guilty in Florida to attempted sexual battery on a child under 12. The team also settled a lawsuit with seven Florida men who said Fitzpatrick molested them during spring training beginning in the 1970s.

During a news conference yesterday, Charles Crawford, 36, said Fitzpatrick assaulted him twice in the clubhouse at Fenway Park -- once in an equipment room and once in a restroom. He was 16 at the time. Crawford's lawyer said it is believed that these are the first allegations against Fitzpatrick that took place at Fenway Park.

NHL

Realignment coming

NHL officials approved a realignment plan that will give the league four conferences instead of six divisions and guarantee home-and-home series among all teams. The plan could be put in place as early as next season. The Islanders, Rangers and Devils would be in the same conference with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington and Carolina.

COLLEGES

LSU CB among finalists

Andrew Luck (Stanford QB), Robert Griffin III (Baylor QB), Trent Richardson (Alabama RB), Tyrann Mathieu (LSU CB) and Montee Ball (Wisconsin RB) are finalists for the Heisman Trophy, which will be awarded Saturday.

Harvard No. 25

Harvard (8-0) is in The AP college basketball Top 25 for the first time, at No. 25. Kentucky (8-0) got 47 of 65 first-place votes to remain No. 1.

-- AP