COLUMN: John L. Smith

     You think Evander Holyfield is tattered and torn. That's nothing compared to the way the battered bosses at the MGM Grand are feeling.
      They put on a little pugilistic exhibition in front of a measly few million citizens of the world and look what they get?
      Mauled, trampled, gnawed to pieces.
      And that's just the carpeting and blackjack dealers in the city's largest casino in the chaotic wake of the bizarre championship bout between Holyfield and Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden before a huge pay-per-view audience equal to the population of Mexico.
      Speaking of South of the Border, Mexico may be the only place in North America Tyson will be welcome to fight in the next 18 months as he faces the revocation of his boxing license and a $3 million fine after he chewed off a piece of Holyfield's ear Saturday night.
      I've heard of guys being leg men. Apparently Tyson is a lobe man. He also is a convicted rapist; perhaps Holyfield should consider himself lucky.
      More than either fighter, the MGM has some tough questions to ponder in the coming months as it deals with the lucrative but dangerous thought of booking the final fight in its promotional contract with Tyson and Don King. Tyson is a huge draw who attracts millions in casino play.
      But the MGM experienced what witnesses agree was one of the closest calls in Las Vegas history. The crushing stampede that followed the decision to disqualify Tyson led to the rare closure of a casino and to the theft of as much as $200,000 in chips and cash, a state Gaming Control Board source said.
      Approximately 40 people filled out injury reports, and dealers interviewed said they not only feared for their lives but heard the distinct sound of gunfire. Who do these people think they are, soccer fans?
      It should be noted that a search of the premises revealed neither guns, cartridge casings or bullet holes. Numerous interviews with police failed to confirm the shooting reports.
      Security was beefed up for Saturday night's circus. As if the usual crowd weren't unruly enough, Las Vegas cops who drew the unenviable assignment of attempting to subdue Tyson were nearly clobbered by the ranting heavyweight.
      Early media reports raised the issue of whether the near-riot, chaos and cannibalism was bad for our city's precious image. The answer is, of course not. (Frankly, I've believed gambling was bad for our city's image for years, but darned if anyone will do something about it.)
      But riots are different.
      Truth is, Tyson's local fights are not the standard fight game fare. He attracts a tougher crowd, and that's saying something for boxing.
      Police sources shruggingly admit that there is an increased presence of fans associated with street gangs from major cities. The shooting death last year of rap star Tupac Shakur is the most obvious example of gang-related violence spilling blood on fight night. The latest example is the shooting death of a person attending a post-fight party late Saturday night.
      The MGM finds itself in the middle playing host to what some skeptics think has the potential for great tragedy. The potential, of course, would be just the same if fights were held at Caesars Palace, The Mirage or the Hilton.
      Knowledgeable sources at McCarran Airport report an increase in violent behavior after Saturday night's fight. That also holds the promise of trouble.
      The fight-night frenzy also is leading to litigation. Former MGM Grand cocktail waitress Lisa Huegel, through attorney Richard Segerblom, on Monday filed a complaint against the hotel for sexual harassment and sex discrimination. Huegel claims she was terminated in December after she complained of being repeatedly subjected to "physical and verbal sexual harassment by Defendant's customers who became violent and unruly after attending Mike Tyson fights. (Huegel) complained to management that the Tyson fans created a dangerous and harassing environment but MGM management refused to take any steps to protect her." As a result, Huegel claims she suffered unspecified "extreme physical injuries after the March 16, 1996, Tyson fight."
      Huegel's complaint aside, when all else fails, listen to your hired help. With some exceptions, MGM dealers hate to work on Tyson fight night. A larger percentage of the players are rude and don't toke, and some dealers have reported feeling threatened.
      Saturday's circus amounts to one of the closest calls in Las Vegas history.
      In the coming months, MGM Grand officials will have to decide whether the risk is worth one more roll.
     
     John L. Smith's column appears Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. He can be reached at John_L._Smith@lvrj.com.