Tyson faces drug charge

Former boxing champ found with cocaine

? Mike Tyson was released from jail without bond on a felony drug possession charge Friday after an early-morning arrest in which police said they found two bags of white powder in his back pocket.

“He admitted to using today and stated he is an addict and has a problem,” according to a police probable cause statement filed in Maricopa County Superior Court. “Mike admitted to possessing bags of cocaine and said he uses any time he can get his hands on it.”

Tyson was arrested early Friday, after nearly ramming a police SUV, on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of cocaine when police stopped him shortly after he left a Scottsdale nightclub. According to the report, an officer saw Tyson trying to wipe a white powder off the console of his BMW as he approached.

In court Friday, the former heavyweight champ was dressed in an oversized golf shirt, baggy jeans and tennis shoes. He said nothing, periodically tapping his feet or fingers while waiting for the judge to enter. Tyson did not enter a plea and had no lawyer. He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 16.

No alcohol was found in his system, and a DUI charge was not filed pending toxicology tests.

Under the terms of his release, Tyson must submit to drug and alcohol testing and may not drink or take nonprescription drugs while the case is pending.

The only comment he made while walking out of jail in the late morning was, “Good morning, Arizona.”

Sgt. Larry Hall said the boxer was stopped about 1:45 a.m. after his car almost struck a sheriff’s vehicle while leaving the club.

Hall said the boxer was alone in the car. Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio said Tyson ran a stop sign and almost hit an SUV driven by a deputy.

“He had to slam on his brakes and take evasive action,” Arpaio said of the officer.