He's a 'time bomb'
Maryland prosecutor recommends jail time for Tyson
Posted: Saturday January 30, 1999 09:00 AM
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Tyson has pleaded no contest to the two assault charges after a traffic accident AP |
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Maryland prosecutor recommended Friday that former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson serve jail time on charges of second-degree assault in connection with an August traffic accident.
Tyson is "nothing less than a time bomb buried in our own backyard," said Montgomery County, Md., State's Attorney Doug Gansler in a memorandum sent to District Court Judge Stephen Johnson. Gansler outlined a history of violent outbursts by Tyson in and out of the ring, adding that Tyson has not taken responsibility for his actions.
Tyson's attorney, Paul Kemp, could not immediately be reached for comment.
The former heavyweight champion has pleaded no contest to the two assault charges. The plea is not an admission of guilt. Tyson allegedly punched one driver and kicked another in the groin after a car driven by his wife, Monica, was rear-ended in a three-car collision in Gaithersburg, Md. Tyson was headed to his home in nearby Bethesda when the accident occurred.
Gansler did not specify how much jail time he thinks Tyson, who now lives in the Phoenix area, deserves.
"Given the defendant's denial of responsibility, his defiance, his comments on his character, and his predictions of future conduct, the goals of deterrence and rehabilitation may never be achieved," Gansler said.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 5.
Tyson, 32, is on probation from a 1992 rape conviction in Indiana. Authorities there have said they will wait for the conclusion of this case to decide whether he has violated that probation, scheduled to end in March.
The accident was minor, noted Gansler, calling Tyson's behavior "the flagrant and unjustified action of a bully."
"This explosion of road rage ... is difficult, if not impossible, adequately to explain or comprehend under the circumstances," Gansler said, noting Tyson's outburst was not an isolated incident.
The prosecutor cited the title bout in which Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear in June 1997. Tyson's license was suspended. It was restored in October by the Nevada Athletic Commission. He also outlined Tyson's lengthy juvenile criminal record.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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