‘Iron Mike’ ready to shake off rust

Dean Juipe

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1998 | 10:26 a.m.

He jumped through the hoop.

And, as a result, the Nevada State Athletic Commission figured Mike Tyson deserved a reward. So it relicensed the wayward former heavyweight boxing champion Monday, paving the way for his return to the ring after having his license lifted 15 months ago for biting the ears of Evander Holyfield during a bout at the MGM Grand Garden.

The MGM is also the likely site for Tyson's comeback fight, although his primary boxing adviser said the Dec. 5 target date for that fight is premature.

But Tyson will be back in the ring shortly, and it's with the NSAC's blessing.

"It's been a serious ordeal," Tyson said after his request for a license was granted following a three-hour hearing at the Clark County Government Center. "The stress was pouring on me and my family. I'm very happy to have it over with."

Bolstered by the presence of Muhammad Ali and Magic Johnson, Tyson and his lead attorney, Jim Jimmerson, lobbied the NSAC for reinstating him as per the recommendation of a team of psychologists from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Those five doctors testified and were unanimous in their agreement that Tyson was not an unsafe risk to repeat the foul that led to his disqualification loss to Holyfield and to Nevada lifting his boxing license.

The testing had been mandated by the NSAC.

"We know how much pressure was on the commission," Jimmerson said. "I'm very pleased they came back with this result. I think everyone came away feeling Mike earned the right to be relicensed."

At least four of the five commission members agreed, with Dr. James Nave casting the lone dissenting vote.

Those favoring Tyson may have been swayed by a written statement allegedly prepared by Ali and read by Ali's wife, Lonnie. The most captivating line was one borrowed from a proverb: "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

The insinuation was that Ali would make himself available to Tyson for informal counseling.

Johnson also presented himself as a willing adviser to Tyson.

"Money management, that's what I'm bringing to Team Tyson," he said. "Mike knows money but he doesn't understand money. Hopefully, I can teach him.

"I'd like to take on that role for him, and just polish up his life skills."

The NSAC attached no stipulations on Tyson's relicensing. While it had been presumed it would require him to continue receiving regular therapy (from Dr. Richard Goldberg) and perhaps require him to answer more detailed questions in the event he is found guilty of assault on charges pending in Maryland, the commission did not address those issues in its relicensing motion.

The NSAC appeared satisfied to have Tyson before it, acting contrite and accepting admonishments like one delivered by commission chairman Dr. Elias Ghanem.

"Most of your problems were of your own making," he told Tyson. "Ultimately, you are responsible for what happens to you."

Tyson seemed to agree and offered that he would continue receiving therapy, although he initially believed it would be part of his ongoing requirements.

"Please let me go to therapy," he said, as if a vote in his favor mandated his continuing therapy. "I would love to go through therapy. That would be great."

During the hearing, Tyson's wife, Monica Turner, also addressed the commission.

"He wants to do the right thing," she said of her husband. "I know he's sorry for what happened (with Holyfield). He's funny, he's smart and he has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever seen.

"I think he deserves a license."

She also testified that she did not see Tyson strike either of two men who allege he struck them following an Aug. 31 traffic accident in Maryland. Tyson, too, denied striking the men.

"I didn't really hit anybody," he said of the incident. "I was irate. I was mad. I was crazy. I really said some things I shouldn't have and I wanted to give an equal amount of tongue lashing to all of them ... but I can't believe my freedom's on the line for a traffic violation."

Tyson did let his guard down and swore, using the f-word to describe losing control in the ring with Holyfield. NSAC members appeared to accept the remark and did not ask him to expound.

"I f---ed up," Tyson said. "But I am who I am. Sometimes it's offensive."

Those in the audience who disagreed with the commission's decision to relicense Tyson were given cursory time at the conclusion of the hearing to express their complaints. The commission, however, did not seem to be concerned and -- more to the point -- those celebrating Tyson's return had already taken their impromptu party outdoors.

"I have a lot of people I have to call," Tyson said before he was ushered away, leaving his new representatives to speak for him.

"A great day, a fantastic day," Johnson exclaimed, speaking in the bright afternoon sun before a horde of reporters.