Knievel pal recalls rapper’s shooting

One more Evel Knievel story from his Vegas days with buddy Joey Battig.

They were riding in a limo with dates after attending the Mike Tyson-Bruce Seldon fight on Sept. 7, 1996.

The limo was heading eastbound on Flamingo Road and was about to pull into the driveway of the Maxim Hotel (now the Best Western), where Knievel lived in the penthouse.

"Michael Jordan's limo was in front of us," Battig said. "All of a sudden we heard about six loud pops and Evel said, 'Those are gunshots, hit the floor.'"

The car in front of Jordan's limo had come under fire. Rapper Tupac Shakur, who was riding with music mogul Suge Knight, died from injuries he received in the shooting. The slaying went unsolved.

Knievel's funeral is Monday in Butte, Mont. The motorcycle daredevil died Nov. 30 at age 69.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

TV food personality Rachael Ray signs copies of her new book "Just in Time" at Sur la Table from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort.

It is a ticketed event, with tickets going to those who buy a book.

SIGHTINGS

Boxing star Oscar De La Hoya, hosting Friday's 10th anniversary party at Studio 54 nightclub (MGM Grand). Also in attendance: Actor Will Ferrell, musician Kid Rock, music star Tyrese and boxing champions Lennox Lewis, Bernard Hopkins and "Sugar" Shane Mosley. ...

At Tryst nightclub Friday inside Wynn Las Vegas: Former NBA star Charles Barkley, former NFL standout Eric Dickerson, boxers Zab Judah and Antonio Tarver, and baseball stars Ryan Howard (Philadelphia Phillies), C.C. Sabathia (Cleveland Indians) and Kenny Lofton (Cleveland Indians). ...

At LAX nightclub Friday inside Luxor: Pamela Anderson, illusionist Hans Klok, adult entertainment star Jenna Jameson and boyfriend/UFC fighter Tito Ortiz, boxer Joe Calzaghe and former Olympic gold medalist Dan Jansen. Jansen also dined at Company American Bistro (Luxor). ...

Dickerson, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, former NBA star Charles Oakley and actor Chuck Zito, checking out the High Limit lounge Saturday at Planet Hollywood Resort. ...

Actor Sylvester Stallone and Planet Hollywood Resort creator Robert Earl, having lunch Saturday at Planet Dailies restaurant (Planet Hollywood Resort). The pair then went shopping in the Miracle Mile Shops, where they drew a large crowd of people. ...

Actor Jeremy Piven, having a prefight dinner Saturday at Koi restaurant (Planet Hollywood Resort). ...

At Pure nightclub Friday inside Caesars Palace: Auto racing star Helio Castroneves, who recently won this season's series of "Dancing with the Stars," boxing champion Miguel Cotto, Playboy Playmate Jordan Monroe (Miss October 2006) and NBA star Oakley. ...

Actors Samuel L. Jackson, Rachael Bilson and Hayden Christensen, attending the world premiere trailer screening of their new movie, "Jumpers," on Friday at the Luxor. Jackson was also spotted at LAX nightclub (Luxor). ...

San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, dining Friday at Social House (Treasure Island). ...

Comedian Andy Dick, attending Venetian headliner Wayne Brady's show, "Making It Up," on Friday. ...

Former NBA star Barkley and Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott, checking out Blush Boutique Nightclub on Friday at Wynn Las Vegas. ...

Actor Zito, celebrating his friend's 30th birthday Friday at the Living Room (Planet Hollywood Resort). Also at the Living Room: "Punk" from VH1 reality TV show "I Love New York," and celebrity tattoo artist Mario Barth, who is planning to open a shop at Mandalay Bay.

THE PUNCH LINE

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Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.