Lawmakers discuss role they should play in boxing aftermath

     Associated Press
      CARSON CITY -- Senators called Sunday for a criminal investigation into the actions of boxer Mike Tyson in his aborted heavyweight rematch against Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas.
      Senate Judiciary Chairman Mark James, R-Las Vegas, said he also has requested a bill to increase the fine that can be assessed by the Athletic Commission to 50 percent of the purse for unsportsmanlike conduct. The bill now being drafted would allow the maximum fine to be assessed against a boxer for engaging in mayhem, he said.
      The current maximum of such a fine is $250,000 or 10 percent of the purse.
      Such a measure would not be retroactive to the controversial match Saturday, however, when Tyson was disqualified in the third round for biting Holyfield on the ear for the second time.
      The contest at the MGM Grand put "a black eye on the face of boxing," James said.
      James also called for the Athletic Commission, which will hold an initial hearing Tuesday into the abbreviated fight, to pursue a criminal investigation into Tyson's actions.
      Nevada law allows the commission to conduct a criminal investigation, James said.
      Opposing any legislative intervention was Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, who said the Athletic Commission can take whatever action is necessary as a result of the controversial fight.
      "Boxing is a violent sport," he said. "It's not intended to be clean."
      Neal said the outcome of the fight would have been different if Holyfield had not butted Tyson in the head earlier in the bout.
      "I don't think this is something the Legislature should engage in," he said. "That's what the boxing (Athletic) commission is for."