PHOENIX (AP) -- Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of drug possession and driving under the influence of drugs.
Tyson spoke only to give his name and his birth date during the brief hearing before Maricopa County Superior Court Commissioner Lisa Vandenberg, who entered the plea on Tyson's behalf. Tyson stood with his arms crossed while Vandenberg spoke to his attorneys. He didn't speak to reporters after the hearing.
One of Tyson's four lawyers, David Chesnoff of Las Vegas, said Tyson is seeking professional help "for whatever problems he has" and would fight to stay out of prison.
"Drug addiction is a victimless crime," Chesnoff told reporters. "We believe this is the kind of crime where you shouldn't go to prison."
Tyson was indicted earlier this month on felony drug possession and paraphernalia possession counts and two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence of drugs. If convicted of all four charges, he could be sentenced to up to 7 1/2 years in prison.
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas has stated multiple times to the media he would pursue prison time for Tyson (often even vowing it very publicly).
Tyson is due back in court Feb. 26.
Chesnoff, who previously represented celebrity homemaker Martha Stewart on charges of lying about a stock sale, said Tyson's celebrity has brought unfair attention to his arrest by the public and prosecutors.
"Mike provided a lot of thrills and excitement," Chesnoff said. "He made a lot of people rich. He's concerned about this. He's a sensitive guy. This is not a game to him."
Open Letter By Alex Ramos: I am the founder and president of the Retired Boxers Foundation. Our mission is to assist retired professional boxers in the transition from their glorious days in the ring, to a dignified retirement. We are writing this letter of support for Mike Tyson, who is a friend. Needless to say, public perception of the retired champion is based on what they read or what they see in the media. Having been in the fight game for over twenty-five years, I can tell you with confidence, that much of what is said in the press is said to promote a fight or the fighter. Most of it is fiction. Granted, there are facts that cannot be over looked, but there are also many factors that lead to the ugly side of a messed up fighter. I know from my own personal experiences as well as the experiences of the hundreds of retired fighters we have helped.
