AN EDITORIAL VIEW ON MIKE TYSON By George Elsasser

Read with interest the Sara and Aladdin editorials on Mike Tyson ... both definitely scored from opposite sides of the spectrum ... and since all bases were covered I would like offering a third view from a different angle.

There is no defending Mike in some of the outside the ring escapades ... rape conviction of the knocking on the door beauty contestant caper ... the road-rage incident ... not to mention the one that clearly caught the eye of the today hypocritical media ... you know, the bite off the other guy's ear when all else fails bit of trickery.

I believe Tyson served a short sentence at a Indiana youth facility for the rape ... a fine for the road rage and a one year sit down for munching when he should have been punching in the Holyfield fite ... as I see it, end of story ... well chapter, anyway.

As for the choreographed but failed pre-fite, hype the fite, promo-media face down, I couldn't care less about Mike's participation in the grabbin', bitin', hair pulling ... and if that latest incident was indeed the final straw there is others that should also be getting spanked.

As in ignorance is no excuse ... the Tyson management, the Lewis management, both promoters, Showtime and HBO - and if Tyson, then also Lewis, who is no stranger to pre-fite in your face venial sins. And the press ... gimme a break ... would be more professional had they simply taken notes and when the allotted time permits, question the fighters about things like strategy, etc ... but never help incite a mini-riot by shouting suggestions about straight-jackets.

It is very obvious today that all too many hangers on are permitted up close and personal during the pre-fite circuses, not to mention inside the ropes during ring announcements and immediately after a fight ... all of the above can only cause to ignite an ugly scene. I have followed Tyson's' pro career since he appeared ready to rewrite heavyweight boxing history ... but then, with help from Don King, he dumps Cayton and then Rooney ... and from that point on the corner took on the appearance of a group of high school cheer leaders ... and it was fine until that evening in Tokyo ... and Douglas reaching into the trick bag for a final roundup ... and suddenly the corner more resembled a beaten fighter surrounded by mutes.

His own doing perhaps, but still a sad scene ... and then that night when Holyfield went into the trenches ... took all Tyson had to offer ... and then turned it up a notch ... and then what happened is history ... and old news.

Finally, it is agreed that the big bite and a half should have been the straw that breaks the camel's back ... but it didn't ... and it says here, the only thing at this point that should keep Tyson outside the squared circle is if his residence is at some iron pagoda.

P.S. Anyone in the room that has never been involved with a road rage ... maybe a finger-waving gesture accompanied with a tad of naughty adjectives ... please raise your hand. I thought not.

Semper fi,

Geo El