Former CCTV sports host Huang Jianxiang signed a contract with a domestic liquor company Wednesday in Beijing to endorse its product.

Web portal sohu.com reports it will be Huang's first commercial appearance since he left CCTV earlier this month.

Huang was quoted as saying he felt flattered to speak for the company. He has also reportedly suggested the company donate 300,000 yuan (US$38,386), to accompany the 300,000 yuan he is earning from the endorsement, to a rural county in southwestern Sichuan province. Huang hopes the money will be used to build three schools there.

The commercial will be aired on Huang's ex-employer CCTV in January.

Huang Jianxiang made headlines earlier this year after making biased comments during the Italy vs. Australia World Cup match. He later left CCTV and signed with Hong Kong Phoenix TV.

(CRI December 21, 2006)