SPORTS digest

Warren City Council to honor JFK football

WARREN

Warren’s City Council will honor the Warren JFK football team on Dec. 17 at Courthouse Square in Warren. The celebration starts at noon.

Warren JFK went 14-1 this year and won the Division VII state title, defeating Minster 24-6.

In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be moved to Warren JFK High School.

Browns rookie suspended four games

CLEVELAND

Cleveland Browns rookie receiver Jordan Payton has been suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.

The NFL announced the suspension Friday.

The fifth-round pick from UCLA has one catch for 3 yards this season.

He will be eligible to return to the Browns’ active roster Jan. 2.

James Madison routs Sam Houston State

James Madison defeated Sam Houston State, 65-7, Friday night in the FCS quarterfinals. JMU will play the winner of North Dakota State and South Dakota State, who play today at noon.

Kiffin a candidate for Florida Atlantic job

BOCA RATON, Fla.

Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is being pursued by Florida Atlantic to become the Owls’ next head coach, two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Friday night.

Kiffin and the Owls have had dialogue, said both people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because neither side has spoken publicly about the matter.

Kiffin has been the coordinator at Alabama for the last three seasons, helping the Crimson Tide win last season’s national championship and get back to the College Football Playoff with the No. 1 ranking this year.

He has been frequently mentioned for other jobs, and the former USC, Tennessee and Oakland Raiders head coach also was believed to be a candidate for now-filled head coaching openings at Oregon and Houston in recent days.

Funeral held for Heisman winner

BOULDER, Colo.

Former teammates joined family and friends to say goodbye to 1994 Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam on Friday, remembering his warm heart and peaceful spirit.

About 250 people gathered for a funeral service for Salaam at the Islamic Center of Boulder near Folsom Field, where Salaam carved his name into the University of Colorado record book from 1992 to 1994.

He was found dead Monday night in a park not far from the school at the age of 42. His mother, Khalada, told USA TODAY Sports that police said they suspect he killed himself.

The service followed Friday’s regular prayers. Some people sat on the floor while others sat on chairs brought into the center for the event. Afterward, Salaam’s simple wooden casket was carried outside and mourners, including former Colorado coach Bill McCartney, lingered to talk and hug one another.

Imam Abdur-Rahim Ali told those at the service that they will be able to hold onto their memories of Salaam.

Dexter Fowler signs with Cardinals

ST. LOUIS

Dexter Fowler is headed from the World Series champions to their biggest rival.

After helping the Chicago Cubs end their long championship drought, he finalized an $82.5 million, five-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. Fowler fills the last big hole left in the Cardinals lineup after moves made earlier in the offseason to shore up the bullpen.

His new deal calls for a $10 million signing bonus, payable in $1 million installments each July 1 and Oct. 1 for the next five years, and annual salaries of $14.5 million.

Staff/wire report