Miscellany

Alabama businessman Elliot Maisel has withdrawn his offer to buy the Ottawa Rough Riders.

Canadian Football League spokesman Mike Murray said Maisel pulled out of a tentative agreement to buy the financially troubled franchise after reviewing the team’s extensive debts.

Mexico has withdrawn from the competition to host the 2002 World Cup, leaving only South Korea and Japan in the running. The 1998 tournament will be played in France.

The National Hockey League entry draft will be held July 8 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the league announced.