Tyson apologizes again, promises to behave

LAS VEGAS - Mike Tyson apologized once again today for biting Evander Holyfield's ears during a title bout and promised the Nevada Athletic Commission that he would behave if he is allowed to return to the ring.

He said he always seems to get into trouble because he's "an easy target."

"Basically, if anyone knows me, I'm a pretty grass-roots type of guy," Tyson told the commissioners. "I'm tired of people taking advantage of me. It's been pervasive for so many years that I'm a bad seed."

At the hearing to determine whether Tyson will regain his boxing license, lawyer Dale Kinsella began by reading a letter from the former heavyweight champ addressed to commission chairman Dr. Elias Ghanem.

"I acknowledge that I made a mistake and again I apologize for it," Tyson said in the letter. "I assure you this kind of behavior will not repeat itself. Let's put this behind us and allow boxing to be what it should be, the best sport in the world."

Tyson, who arrived on a red motorcycle wearing a leather jacket and jeans, sat in front of the commissioners as his lawyer read the letter.

Kinsella told the commission that Tyson was a changed man who has suffered "financially, massively" in the 14 months he hasn't been allowed to fight. The boxer has surrounded himself with a new set of advisers and lawyers, Kinsella said, meaning that he is no longer associated with Don King and others Tyson feels cheated him.

"He has significantly changed his life," the lawyer said.

Tyson is nearly broke and can't afford to wait another year to return to the ring, his advisers say. The commission's ban last year has cost the fighter $50 million to $65 million, and he may be forced to box outside the country if the commission rejects his request.

Kinsella presented a chart to the commissioners that showed Tyson got just $5.2 million of the $30 million he was supposed to earn from the last Holyfield fight. Most of it was lost to taxes, King's take, and a $3 million fine for biting the champion.

In addition, the Internal Revenue Service has placed a $13 million lien on Tyson for back taxes, and the boxer is facing an $8 million judgment to former trainer Kevin Rooney, which is being appealed.

While Tyson may have suffered financially, his character is also a central issue.

He's accused of assaulting two men following a fender-bender involving his wife's Rolls-Royce in a Washington, D.C., suburb. A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 2.

Because the matter is pending, Kinsella said Tyson would not answer questions about it and asked the commissioners not the raise the issue.

When commissioner Lorenzo Fertitta asked Tyson why he always seemed to be getting in trouble, Tyson said he's been an "easy target" for years.

Another issue with the commission might be Tyson's application for a license in New Jersey, which was seen as an attempt to get around the Nevada ban. The boxer withdrew that application last month, the night before the New Jersey commission was to issue its decision.

Tyson entered the meeting room, which overlooks the minor league ballpark Cashman Field, surrounded by bodyguards and an entourage of about a dozen people.

On a hill next to the ballpark stood a green, 10-foot sign that said: "Mike Tyson Is Still Our Hero." Six protesters with the National Organization for Women demonstrated outside the building.

If Tyson gets his license back he could fight again before the end of the year. Rejection would mean another year on the sidelines - at least in Nevada and the states that honor its suspension - and threaten a career that was fading even before he bit Holyfield.

Tyson reportedly has had offers from promoters in other countries to fight for lucrative purses, money he needs despite having made more than $100 million in the ring in the two years before the last Holyfield fight.

Other states have so far honored Nevada's ban on Tyson, and would probably continue to do so if he were denied a license.

Tyson tried to help his case Thursday by appearing at a luncheon honoring Ghanem and Nevada Gov. Bob Miller and shaking the hands of commission members.

Even if Tyson is allowed to return to the ring, he faces a court fight over his promotional rights first.

Tyson recently signed an updated deal with the Showtime network for future fights, and network executive Jay Larkin said he could fight as early as November.

"If he receives a favorable ruling, it's our intention and his intention and desire to fight this year," Larkin said.

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