Sports in brief

JUDICIAL

Arrest in assault on Rangers fan

The instigator of a fight that ended with Rangers fan Neal Auricchio, a police officer, lying stunned in the middle of a Philadelphia intersection faces assault charges stemming from the altercation between rival hockey fans after the NHL Winter Classic, police said Friday. Dennis Veteri was charged Thursday with aggravated and simple assault and other counts stemming from the Jan. 2 fight. Veteri, of Glassboro, N.J., was arrested Thursday and released on bail Friday morning after his arraignment. Police Capt. Laurence Nodiff said Veteri and two other men were the clear aggressors after Rangers fans showed up at an intersection that features two of Philadelphia's iconic cheesesteak stands. -- AP

Delay in Mets theft case

The case against former Mets clubhouse manager Charlie Samuels, charged with theft of more than $2 million worth of team equipment and memorabilia, was adjourned for a seventh time Friday while lawyers continue to discuss a negotiated plea. Samuels, free on $75,000 bail, briefly appeared with his attorney, Michael Bachner, at Queens Criminal Court and was given a new court date of Jan. 31 by State Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho.

NFLFisher says he will coach Rams

Former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher has agreed to become the new coach of the St. Louis Rams, he said Friday. Fisher chose the Rams over the Miami Dolphins, who also were looking for a coach.

NBAWilliams paces Nets with 35 and 14

Deron Williams had 35 points and 14 assists to lead six Nets in double figures as New Jersey topped host Phoenix, 110-103. MarShon Brooks had five of his 20 points to cap a 9-0 run that gave the Nets a 100-88 lead with 6:58 left.

GOLFEvery early leader in Hawaii

Matt Every, who was suspended by the PGA Tour in 2010 for three months after being arrested on marijuana drug charges at the John Deere Classic, birdied his last three holes to move two strokes clear of David Hearn and Carl Pettersson in Friday's second round of the Sony Open in Hawaii. The 28-year-old fired a 6-under-par 64. -- AP