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Iron Mike denies drug charges

22/01/2007

Mike Tyson has pleaded not guilty to possession and driving under the influence of drugs.

The fallen boxer spoke only to give his name and date of birth at the brief hearing before Maricopa Superior Court in Arizona.

He was indicted earlier this month on felony drug possession and paraphernalia possession counts and two misdemeanour counts of driving under the influence of drugs.

Tyson, 40, was arrested in Phoenix on December 29th and was stopped by officers after nearly hitting a sheriff's vehicle.

He was pulled over after leaving a nightclub and an officer allegedly found bags of cocaine in his back pocket.

According to court records, officers also found another package in a packet of cigarettes in his car.

Tyson is due back in court on February 26th and if convicted, the former heavyweight champion faces up to seven years in prison.

David Chesnoff, a member of Tyson's legal team, said the controversial fighter had begun to seek help for his problems.

"Drug addiction is a victimless crime. We believe this is the kind of crime where you shouldn't go to prison," Chesnoff told the Associated Press news agency.

"Mike provided a lot of thrills and excitement."

"He made a lot of people rich. He's concerned about this. He's a sensitive guy. This is not a game to him."

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