Tyson’s troubles with law tamed by time spent fighting his own demons

Once his primary focus was on beating opponents in the ring, but these days it seems former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson spends much of his time trying to beat the rap in a courtroom.

He should count himself fortunate to have won a narrow decision this week before an Arizona judge.

Tyson, 41, faced up to 41/2 years in prison on felony cocaine possession and misdemeanor DUI charges. Instead, the former Las Vegas resident received just one day in jail, 360 hours of community service and three years' probation after illustrating to the court's satisfaction that he had not only cleaned up his act but had sincerely attempted to help others avoid the trouble he's courted for so long.

Las Vegas attorney David Chesnoff said he was reluctant to take the case, especially if Tyson had no intention of turning his life around.

"I told him the only way I would take his case is if he got help," Chesnoff said. "To his credit, he took the bull by the horns and sought treatment."

Always a big headline, Tyson was headed for trouble after a 2006 police stop found him drunk and in possession of cocaine. With his previous felony convictions, Tyson wasn't in line to catch a break from the Maricopa County district attorney's office.

But he went into rehab, saw a psychiatrist, passed his drug tests and even started paying visits to at-risk youths and various groups attempting to beat their addictions.

If Tyson is putting on an act, it was enough to persuade a seasoned judge to cut him some slack.

It surely helped Tyson that former champions Sugar Ray Leonard and George Foreman, along with several HBO executives, wrote letters of support on his behalf.

It all sounds hopeful, even promising, for the former champ. But what are the odds we have heard the last bad news with Tyson's name on it?

BROADWAY LAS VEGAS: News that "The Producers" is scheduled to close in February at the Paris Las Vegas will doubtlessly once again raise the issue of whether Broadway hits can make it for long on the Strip.

I also noticed that tickets for "Mamma Mia!" went quickly when offered in a two-for-one special.

Is it the theme of the show? The show's quality? The price of the ticket? Or, is it possible the market for theatergoers is just smaller than the experts want to believe?

AN IMPORTANT RACE: Democratic presidential candidates made big news in Las Vegas with their recent debate, but there is a way for them to make a real impression on locals. Even if they've been naughty, they can do something nice by dressing in Santa suits and joining the legion of would-be Kris Kringles in the Great Las Vegas Santa Run on Dec. 1 at the Fremont Street Experience.

Proceeds from the 5K run and 1-mile walk will benefit Opportunity Village, an organization that gives adults with developmental challenges a chance to work and learn valuable life skills. (Sign up for the race at Opportunityvillage.org)

In addition to raising a sack of charitable cash, there will be an attempt to set a world record for the most Santas in one place.

For a $45 early entry fee for adults and $25 for children, you receive a Santa suit and a stack of goodies valued at more than $100. That might be more than candidate Mike Gravel has raised to date.

SECURITY-FREE FLIGHTS: At diminutive Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Vision Air flights to Las Vegas have been taking off without a hitch, and without a security check. Arizona reporter Tim Vetscher of KNXV-TV reports the small airline at the small airport often enjoys even smaller security scrutiny.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Denny Voreck's name was misspelled in a recent column. He was part of a hearing-impaired group that discussed the Democratic presidential debate. ... Say the words "County Commission" and "turkey" in the same sentence these days and you're bound to generate a laugh. But for the fourth straight year, District D Commissioner Lawrence Weekly has dished up hundreds of Thanksgiving dinners to his neighbors and constituents. Weekly's efforts prove there are legitimate ways for local politicians to serve the people.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@ reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295.