In brief: Devils hire Sutter for first coaching stint

The New Jersey Devils’ revolving door of head coaches spun again Friday with the hiring of Brent Sutter, a man whose emphasis on team mimics that of his new boss.

Sutter, 45, was hired by general manager Lou Lamoriello on Friday, hoping to become the first Devils coach in three seasons to start and finish a season. This will be his first NHL coaching job. He resigned as coach and general manager of the Western Hockey League’s Red Deer Rebels – a team he owns – to take his new job.

Basketball

Nets sign Carter

The New Jersey Nets signed a deal with guard Vince Carter that will keep the eight-time All-Star in New Jersey at least through the 2010-11 season.

Carter will receive $66 million guaranteed – which includes four years plus a partial guarantee for a fifth year – and could make as much as $80 million.

“Kevin Durant shot 13 of 16 from the free-throw line and scored 32 points as the Seattle SuperSonics fell to the Golden State Warriors 85-74 in summer league play at Las Vegas.

“The Memphis Grizzlies signed forward-center Darko Milicic, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft who joins his third team. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Argentine star Luis Scola has reached an agreement in principal with the Houston Rockets.

“Larry Staverman, who was the first coach of the Indiana Pacers when they started as an ABA franchise, died Wednesday in Indianapolis after a long illness. He was 70.

Football

Colts sign Freeney

The Indianapolis Colts have signed defensive end Dwight Freeney to a long-term contract that will make him among the NFL’s most highly paid defensive players.

Freeney and the Colts agreed to a six-year, $72 million contract that includes a $30 million signing bonus.

“St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown was suspended for the first four games next season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

“Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers won’t face criminal charges following a review of an exotic dancer’s claims that he inappropriately touched her at a club in Detroit.

“Cincinnati Bengals linebacker David Pollack, who broke a bone in his neck during a game last season, isn’t expected to play this year.

Miscellany

Funny Cide retired

Popular 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide was retired, nine days after winning at a small track in upstate New York with a near-record crowd cheering him on with every stride.

“Tairia Flowers hit a first-inning grand slam to lead the United States to an 8-0 victory over China in the World Cup of Softball at Oklahoma City.

“Asafa Powell marked his return from a groin injury by running his season-best 100 meters in 9.90 seconds to win at the Golden Gala in Rome.