North America

The violent darkside of Canada's national passion of hockey went on trial as testimony began on Monday in a rare criminal case over an on-ice attack in a National Hockey League game.

Organisers of Beijing's 2008 Olympic bid have pledged that the Chinese capital would offer clean air and ensure freedom for the thousands of foreign journalists who would flock to the Games.

Toronto Rapters? guard Vince Carter has signed a multiyear shoe deal with Nike worth $30million.

Promising a "utopia" for competitors, Toronto Olympic bid organisers have sought to rally athletes behind their campaign for the 2008 Games.

The Japanese city of Osaka has pressed its claim to stage the 2008 Olympics against current favourite Beijing, saying it could outdo the Chinese capital in experience and facilities.

The mayor of Vancouver is supporting an $80 million sports and convention project to rejuvenate the downtown area.

Leading Olympic figure Dick Pound has criticised the reduction of a ban on Cuban high jumper Javier Sotomayor who tested positive for cocaine.

China has declared that the dramatic axing of 27 athletes from its Olympic squad amid suspicions of doping has produced a leaner but meaner team that should hold its own at the Sydney Games.

Rogers Communications Inc. , Canada's largest cable company, bought an 80 percent stake in Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays for $112 million, and now has its sights on bringing a football franchise to the city. For full details see the `FEATURES? section of SportBusiness.com.

Beijing is eyeing the 2008 Olympics as a cure for problems ranging from choking smog to taxi-clogged streets, and as an image boost for the Communist capital.

Vince Carter, the NBA star who was hit with a multi-million dollar fine from sportswear firm Puma after breaking his endorsement contract, is set to enter a major money deal with Nike.

Thailand has said it would pursue its dream of hosting the Olympics despite rejection of its bid for the 2008 Summer Games.

Major League Baseball is in negotiations to start its 2001 season in Puerto Rico.

Rogers Communications Inc., Canada's largest cable firm and a fast-growing media conglomerate, has confirmed it expected to conclude a deal for Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays "within the next few weeks". For the full details, see the `FEATURES? section of SportBusiness.com.

A bid by Rogers Communications Inc to buy Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays could happen as early as this week, according to the national daily Globe and Mail .

The race to host the Olympic Games in 2008 has now begun in earnest following the announcement of the shortlist by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The owners of the Toronto Maples Leafs have moved to scotch rumours that the NHL franchise is up for sale.

Australia's world champion rugby team will stage a test match in Perth for each of the next five years under an agreement between the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the Western Australian government.