National Sports

TORONTO — Moncton Wildcats director of hockey operations Ritchie Thibeau knew he would be rebuilding his team this off-season. He was just hoping to do so with a championship trophy to show the new guys.

B.C. Lions players Bryan Burnham and Micah Johnson say they feel safer north of the border than they do in the U.S. Burnham and Johnson, who are both black, made the statements during a candid video presentation on the Lions' website.

Professional sports leagues in North America are getting deeper into conversations about when and how they can resume play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CALGARY — Hockey Canada has lifted its ban on sanctioned activities and is allowing the country's 13 member organizations to individually determine when it's safe to return to action.

TORONTO — The chemistry between star point guard Kenneth (Kenny Got Work) Hailey and centre Jerry (Sick One) Knapp has helped lift Raptors Uprising GC to the top of the NBA 2K League esports standings.

NEW ORLEANS — Drew Brees apologized Thursday for comments that were “insensitive and completely missed the mark” when he reiterated his opposition to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, drawing sharp criticism from fellow

TOKYO — The Japanese public is being prepared for the reality of next year’s postponed Olympics, where athletes are likely to face quarantines, spectators will be fewer, and the delay will cost taxpayers billions of dollars.

TORONTO — The Toronto Wolfpack are looking at providing fans with disposable tracking bracelets/wristbands during games to allow for contact-tracing in case of COVID-19 once the team returns to play.

Willie O'Ree strives to make hockey more welcome to people of colour.

NEW YORK — If Major League Baseball and its players take the field for a coronanvirus-delayed 2020 season, it will be after acrimonious negotiations that resemble their labour war of a generation ago.