Letter: NSAC should have taken all of Tyson’s purse

Friday, July 25, 1997 | 10:32 a.m.

Re: the SUN's July 1 editorial on Mike Tyson, which was reprinted in the Atlantic City, N.J., Press:

While I cringe at calling the loss of a small piece of flesh a "grievous" wound, I agree with your sentiment -- with three exceptions and one legal correction.

First, Mike Tyson's boxing license should be revoked, withdrawn and canceled, not just suspended indefinitely. The man is a menace in the ring and, according to the courts, outside it. I feel the prosecutor is being too lenient in not bringing criminal charges that would result in Mike Tyson being put back in jail for the remainder of his sentence on the rape conviction.

Second, forfeiture of the entire purse should be in addition to fines imposed for the action leading to disqualification.

Third, your characterization as "toadies, con men and camp followers" of Tyson's associates is unwarranted when applied solely to the boxing industry. These people are found in all commercial enterprises. In the newspaper industry, they can be called "publisher's assistants, reporters who get the 'big' stories and 'news groupies.' "

Legal correction: The Nevada State Athletic Commission has no power to demand that Tyson punish an employee, who has committed no crime, by firing that employee; the NSAC also has no power to demand that Tyson try to control the general public (who you call "camp followers"). The suggestion is simply unconstitutional.

E.J. Schwarzmann, Mays Landing, N.J.

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