DATE: Friday, July 11, 1997                 TAG: 9707110016

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  122 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR -THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

BOXING

A real champion?

Not this guy

In just two minutes of the third round of his recent fight, Mike Tyson set professional boxing back 100 years.

What does a punk street fighter do when he is cornered? He gouges, kicks, pulls hair and bites. Perhaps later he might come out with some lame-brain apology.

How does Tyson apologize for trying to destroy boxing or apologize for trying to punch out two police officers who were simply doing their job?

How about the fans at the MGM Grand who paid $1,500 per seat?

How about the pay-for-view fans who paid $50 per tube.

Most important, how do you apologize to the millions of kids who look to sports figures as heroes?

Mike Tyson never has been - nor will he ever be - a champion in the tradition of Joe Lewis, Floyd Patterson and Muhammed Ali.

Hasn't this guy done enough damage to the sport of boxing? I say the WBA should retire Mike Tyson, and do it now.

Bill Sexton

Virginia Beach, July 2, 1997

Tyson's out of control

The tragedy of the Mike Tyson ear-munching episode is that the one place he seemed to manifest some control in his tumultuous life was in the ring. One could ignore his nouveau riche entourage of thugs, his Lamborginis and expensive jewlery as he displayed power and simplicity practicing his craft. As this became harder to do, he broke all the rules and regressed into the former street fighter he once was.

Several minutes after the debacle he manipulatively voiced concern about ``raising his children.'' He has more than enough money to do that. Indeed, he has enough to decrease the famine in Africa. But I want to know one thing: How will father Tyson react if one of his babies bites him?

Mike Tyson has grotesquely vulgarized the noble art that created him.

Timothy Wood

Virginia Beach, July 3, 1997

Try this penalty

With regard to the recent ridiculous outcome of the fight between Tyson and Holyfield: I believe that barring Mr. Tyson from ever fighting again is too harsh a penalty. A better solution is simply to require Mr. Tyson in all future fights to wear a muzzle.

Robert B. Lindemann

Norfolk, July 1, 1997

Ear-biting set stage

for lucrative rematch

Bravo to Mike Tyson's Oscar-worthy performance in the ring. If I didn't know better, I'd say his barbaric action was a last-ditch attempt to put his dying career on life support. This has ``rematch'' written all over it!

Imagine the buzz after Tyson gets a fine and suspension from boxing, then gets in the ring again for ``The Fight of the Century.'' What a field day for the media, advertisers and sports fanatics. Weren't seats for the last fight going for $1,000 up?

Everyone stands to make money from this fiasco. Although fans are outraged now, I'd be hard-pressed to find one who wouldn't pay to see Holyfield's revenge.

Karl Curles

Chesapeake, July 5, 1997

SMITHFIELD FOODS

``Clean room'' for pork,

pollution for others

Smithfield Foods has for a number of years operated a state-of-the-art ``clean room'' where it processes fresh pork in preparation for shipment to Tokyo 12,000 miles away. Only recently did it connect to a 17-mile link that would send its plant effluents to a wastewater-treatment plant.

The first project was voluntary and made to enhance shareholder value. It was at least partially responsible for the 400 percent increase in stock valuation in recent years.

The second project was mandated by government. After spending a decade in courts and paying millions in legal fees, Smithfield faces further court proceedings that charge thousands of clean-water violations and submitting false documentation to environmental authorities.

Unlike editorial-page editor Keith Monroe (column, June 27), I find no reason to admire Smithfield Foods for its in-your-face attitude.

Walter Zadan

Virginia Beach, July 5, 1997

RECREaTION

Jetski responsibly

The other day we were fishing and enjoying the beach at Lynnhaven Inlet. Sharing the water is not a problem for us, but apparently it was for a jetskier. In a no-wake zone, he blazed across the water 20 feet from shore, catching our lines. This was potentially dangerous for himself and for two young children who were swimming just down the beach.

We have plenty of water in this area for everybody to enjoy. Please be responsible, and we can all get along.

Helen Hay

Eric Tower

Virginia Beach, July 1, 1997

PORTSMOUTH

Family-run business

sets a good example

This month one of Portsmouth's oldest and best businesses, Norfolk County Feed & Seed, celebrated its 50th anniversary in the same manner it does business - that is, in a plain, simple and friendly way with family, friends and loyal customers.

In July 1947, John and Ellen Heath opened Norfolk County Feed & Seed on the same spot that it occupies today. This was a big risk, since the location was out in the country then. Most shopping was done in the Middle Street section of Portsmouth.

The business has flourished and today is run by second-generation Tommy Heath and third generation Rick Heath.

When you walk into the store, it is almost like stepping back in time. In a world of hurry and rush, there is a relaxed country atmosphere. Those of us lucky enough to be called friends can even go in for a chat, a hug, advice or a little prayer, if that is what we need.

In this day and time, when values and heritage like these are rare. This family-run business is an example to us all.

Deborah Hughes Duncan

Portsmouth, July 3, 1997

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