Rudolph banned from Olympics

Rudolph, everyone's favourite Red-nosed reindeer, has been officially banned from the 2004 Olympics. This comes only 2 weeks after the announcement that he would be unable to take part in the Reindeer Games.

Santa, Rudolphs promoter, has called the ban a 'travesty':

"I think it's outrageous. First of all he wasn't allowed to join the Reindeer Games, a decision which I understand but don't condone. But we always thought there would be no problem for the Olympics."

"We thought we could originally draft him in as a bearer of the olympic torch - partly because we hoped he wouldn't need the torch but could just light the final flame with his nose. That thing's damned hot, by the way."

Santa went on to describe the heartbreaking process of finding out that he was banned.

"Apparently they don't like reindeer competing. Lousy human-loving freaks..."

Rudolph's future is yet to be confirmed in this years Christmas Sled Team, although he is said to be carrying a slight calf injury.