No cameras, Binion lawyers contend

Tuesday, April 9, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The State Gaming Control Board today delayed a public deposition of suspended Horseshoe executive Ted Binion until Wednesday so lawyers can resolve a dispute over ground rules.

Control Board Chairman Bill Bible said the deposition was reset for 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Lawyers for Binion argued that the ground rules for the deposition, the first ever taken in public by the Control Board, were unclear. They indicated Binion was willing to testify under oath but did not want television and newspaper cameras present.

"We are here to provide testimony today," said attorney Mark Ferrario. "All we are asking for is that the rules be followed."

Rick Wright, another Binion attorney, said, "We don't want electronic media snapping pictures and disrupting this proceeding."

Deputy Attorney General Donald Haight argued that the cameras are proper and that Binion has spoken to the press in the past and "seems anxious to get his story out."

The deposition was recessed so Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Bill Curran could resolve the dispute.

Binion's lawyers had fought to block the public from attending the deposition, but Curran ruled that Binion had waived his right to a closed-door proceeding when he gave an interview to the SUN last week.

The deposition is being taken to give board members a chance to grill Binion about allegations that he violated a Sept. 15, 1994, agreement to temporarily remain drug free and stay out of the Horseshoe.

The Control Board has uncovered evidence that the 53-year-old Binion has continued to use drugs and has wielded influence, including comp power, at the Horseshoe since his 1994 suspension.