CLEMSON STAR OK AFTER KNEE INJURY

clemson, s.c.» Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is confident that AllAmerica junior defensive end Shaq Lawson will play in the national championship game against Alabama in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday night.

Lawson missed most of the Tigers’ 37-17 semifinal victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl last week because of a knee injury. He leads the top-ranked Tigers (14-0) with 10½ sacks this season and leads the country with 23½ tackles for loss.

“He looks pretty good. ... I think the prognosis is good at this point,” Swinney said. “I’m very optimistic that he will be able to play.”

• Jimmy “Red” Parker, a former Clemson and Citadel coach, died in Benton, Ark. He was 82.

Parker had a 17-25-2 record as Clemson’s coach from 1973-76. He was 39-34 in seven seasons at The Citadel, and also was an assistant at Vanderbilt and Ole Miss.

Saban: DB’s suspension sticks

B tuscaloosa, ala.» Alabama coach Nick Saban said defensive back Tony Brown remains suspended after he was sent home from the Cotton Bowl last week for violating team rules.

Saban hasn’t said specifically what Brown, a sophomore, did to be suspended. “Until we get any new information,” the coach said, “he will continue to be suspended.”

Brown is a former five-star recruit who was second on the depth chart at cornerback and safety and a mainstay on kickoff- and punt-coverage teams. He has 16 tackles this season,