Strip still getting Jackson’s star

A month before he died, Michael Jackson had committed to attending the unveiling of his ceremonial star on the Strip.

Organizers plan to go ahead with the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, possibly in front of the MGM Grand or Caesars Palace in October or November.

"He had been approved, and we were notified that he was going to come," said Pablo Castro Zavala, vice president of public relations and Hispanic affairs for the Walk of Stars.

The location of the 180-pound polished granite star will be determined in a few weeks, said Zavala.

Jackson, who was 50 when he died June 25, performed in Las Vegas with the Jackson 5, recorded what might be his last album here and lived here part-time in recent years.

Expenses for the star were going to be shared by "sponsors in show business," Zavala said.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Let's hope a full accounting is demanded of Steve Wyrick's ill-planned "Death Drop" last Saturday in front of Planet Hollywood Resort. Just because it's "magic," he shouldn't be allowed to tell authorities what he told reporters: "I can't talk about it." This was concocted for reality show ratings, and it nearly turned deadly. ...

Fresh off the grapevine: Dr. Tohme Tohme, the mystery man who made many trips to Michael Jackson's Las Vegas home in the past year and became his manager, will be among the first wave of inner circle departees. The family wants him out. ...

Check out Jeremy Piven's wingman at UFC 100 on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden. That's the real "Ari." Ariel "Ari" Zev Emanuel is the Hollywood talent agent that Piven's Ari Gold character is patterned after in "Entourage." Emanuel is the brother of President Barack Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel. ...

Review-Journal sports reporters Ed Graney and Steve Carp are teaming up, starting Monday, on "Sports Scribes," a 2-hour late-night radio show on KDWN-AM, 790. Graney said, "Sports will drive the show but it won't be just man- talk." The 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. call-in show will "cover the spectrum of topical news." Their producer will be UNLV senior Carrie Sullivan. ...

Karen Raider, company manager of the "Crazy Girls" topless revue at the Riviera, says there is nothing to rumblings that the show is closing.

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

The NBA Summer League, with 21 teams participating and up to 24 of the 2009 first-round draft picks playing, begins a 10-day, 55-game run today. Games are being held at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. General admission: $25; seniors and children (3-12) are $15. Ticket information: 702-739-FANS, through UNLVtickets.com or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office and UNLV Ticket Outlets.

SIGHTINGS

Carmen Electra, going topless as a special guest performer in "Crazy Horse Paris" (MGM Grand). ... Still alive in the World Series of Poker's main event: Jason Alexander of "Seinfeld," actor Lou Diamond Phillips of "La Bamba" fame, cricket legend Shane Warne, French actor, singer Patrick Bruel, Jordan Farmar of the Los Angeles Lakers and Hollywood writer-producer Sam Simon. Knocked out early: actress/poker star Jennifer Tilly, former star pitcher Orel Hershiser, wrestler Torrie Wilson, former NBA player John Salley, actor Marlon Wayans, music video producer Joseph Kahn, actor Ray Romano, musician Sully Erna, actress Shannon Elizabeth and actor Brad Garrett.