THE ROOTS OF ROSS: SNOWBOARDER TO INK FIRST SPONSOR DEAL

          Ross Rebagliati is expected to announce his first major
     sponsorship deal with Roots Canada this morning, according
     to Justin Kingsley of the CP.  Roots spokesperson Raymond
     Perkins: "We're signing up Ross as a spokesperson -- we'll
     use posters and develop a line of Ross Rebagliati snowboard
     wear."  Rebagliati's rep, IMG's Nathalie Cook, said five to
     six "non-equipment companies" are interested in Rebagliati,
     as are "three goggle and board companies" (CP, 3/11).
          THE GREAT ONE: In Toronto, Steve Buffery reports that
     Wayne Gretzky contacted IMG about representing Rebagliati. 
     Nathalie Cook: "Literally, Wayne went straight to [his agent
     Michael Barnett] and said, 'You've got to talk to this kid.' 
     And that's how we got him."  Cook, on Rebagliati: "Kids
     think he's cool for two reasons -- he told the truth and he
     stuck up for his friends.  And kids can smell somebody who's
     not being honest.  His message to the kids is, 'You know you
     make decisions in life and those decisions have consequences
     and be aware of that'" (TORONTO SUN, 3/11).