Sports news briefs for August 21, 2003

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 | 10:38 a.m.

Security heightened for terror attacks

Security was heightened around World University Games venues in an around Daegu, South Korea, following reports today that the event could be a target for chemical terror attacks.

Police increased surveillance around venues and stepped up checks on transportation around team accommodations, the Environment Ministry said in a news release.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service received information that the University Games venues might be possible targets of Islamic extremist groups, said South Korean news agency Yonhap.

Suh Young-tae, an Environment Ministry official, said there have been no signs of terror and the government's action was precautionary.

The World University Games opened today in Daegu, South Korea's third largest city, with more than 7,000 athletes and officials from 170 nations participating.

Sprite signs LeBron

LeBron James has signed a six-year marketing deal with Powerade and Sprite. A company spokesman said the deal is "unrelated to Kobe Bryant's situation." Bryant's Sprite ads have been pulled since he was charged with sexually assaulting a woman in Colorado.

UNLV fills staff

UNLV head baseball coach Buddy Gouldsmith announced the hiring of Chuck Hazzard as the team's volunteer assistant coach. Hazzard's primary responsibility will be working with infielders.

Gladiators tryout

The Las Vegas Gladiators' first free-agent tryout camp for the 2004 season will be Sunday at Sam Boyd Stadium. All candidates will participate in offensive and defensive drills and will complete at one of the following positions: K, QB, WR/DB, OL/DL or FB/LB. Registration begins at 7 a.m., practice at 8:30 a.m.

Peru beats Mexico

Claudio Pizarro scored a goal in the first 15 seconds and Roberto Palacios added two assists as Peru beat Mexico 3-1 in a game marred by a bench-clearing brawl.