Mike Tyson will not face any charges for hitting a co-passenger on the flight. Last month, a video surfaced of him hitting a disruptive passenger on the head on a flight. The victim gave the police limited specifics about the confrontation and refused to participate in the inquiry. Therefore, due to “the circumstances surrounding the confrontation,” the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue the former heavyweight champion.
“These include the conduct of the victim leading up to the incident, the interaction between Mr. Tyson and the victim, as well as the requests of both the victim and Mr. Tyson that no charges be filed in this case,” District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, said on Tuesday, per the AP. “It is simply a case that does not belong in the criminal court. If they want to sue each other, that’s their business.”
Mike Tyson praised the district attorney’s decision
Tyson is shown repeatedly pounding the unknown guy in the head, in a video released on April 20. The video was first released by TMZ, which claimed it was shot on a JetBlue Airways flight destined to Florida. The second traveler can be seen on film leaning over Tyson’s seat, raising his arms and speaking excitedly while the former boxer sits quietly. One of the passengers on the flight informed me about seeing the victim at the bar earlier. “When I boarded the flight, I thought, ‘Oh, no, that drunk guy is on our flight,” Burchfield told the media outlet.
In 1987, Tyson, only 20 years old, became the world’s youngest heavyweight champion. He had 50 wins in his career, 44 of which were knockouts. Tyson was convicted of rape in the 1990s and sentenced to three years in jail. In that matter, he has insisted on his innocence. After biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a match in 1997, Tyson was temporarily banned from boxing. Ever since his retirement, Tyson has worked as an actor, podcaster, and cannabis entrepreneur.