BRIEFLY : MCNEISH, FORMER USC STANDOUT, DIES.

Byline: - Daily News Wire Services

Bob McNeish, a halfback on two of USC's national-championship football teams before serving as a Trojans' assistant, died Feb. 27 of natural causes in San Marino. He was 86.

McNeish was a three-sport star at Van Nuys High before playing at USC, where he was regarded as one of the best defensive backs in school history. He played on the Trojans' 1931 and 1932 national-title teams that won the Rose Bowl under head coach Howard Jones.

HOCKEY: Colorado right wing Theo Fleury, acquired two days ago to bolster the Avalanche's scoring, suffered a sprained knee in his first game with the team and will be sidelined indefinitely.

FOOTBALL: Steve Atwater, an eight-time Pro Bowl player, signed a three-year, $8.3 million contract with the New York Jets after he was cut by the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos two weeks ago. His deal includes a $1.8-million signing bonus.

BASKETBALL: Penny Hardaway of the Orlando Magic was fined $7,500 by the NBA for criticizing officials following a loss to the Miami Heat last weekend.

Weber State's Harold Arceneaux was named the Big Sky Conference most valuable player and was unanimously voted to the all-conference team by the league's head coaches.

HORSE RACING: Patrick Valenzuela, the troubled former jockey with a history of substance abuse and suspensions, was charged with allegedly robbing a cab driver of $150 at gunpoint in Rosemead.