Editorial: Rodman fouling out in Vegas

Friday, June 12, 1998 | 11:40 a.m.

DENNIS Rodman has been known more for his flamboyant antics off the court than for his athletic prowess as a Chicago Bulls basketball player.

In the midst of the NBA finals, Rodman has been hit with two harassment suits within six days.

A craps dealer filed suit alleging that Rodman rubbed his bald head, stomach and groin with dice before rolling them in a craps game at the Mirage last October. Then a Las Vegas woman filed suit, saying Rodman grabbed her left breast and shook it on April 19 at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. Visitors come here to have fun. But there is certain behavior that should not be tolerated. Despite Rodman's celebrity, he had no right to disrespect a casino employee or anyone else in that manner -- if the alleged incidents are true.

Rodman's attorney scoffs at the suits, saying they are "the price of fame."

But you have to wonder, especially because basketball's "bad boy" has a reputation for such antics. On the other hand, you have to wonder why a suit is being filed now -- more than seven months after the alleged incident.

If the incidents are true, Rodman's degrading behavior should have been halted right there and then -- not later in a courtroom.

Las Vegas caters to its good patrons. Just don't step over the line.