Offender or hero

Offender or hero

Over the past several days, The Jakarta Post has printed detailed coverage of the recent prison release of former world heavy weight champion Mike Tyson.

Those of you familiar with the case know that Tyson was convicted of rape and subsequently served three years of a six year prison sentence. His release from prison, rumors of his conversion to Islam, an apparent split with promoter Don King, details of his probation and his reported engagement have received prominent headlines in recent issues of the Post.

Though the saga of Tyson's career is likely a newsworthy item to some interested parties and is of a journalistic value, I feel that the attention imparted on the former champion is quite inappropriate.

Mike Tyson, a one-time sports hero, is now a convicted offender and thus, should not be idolized by the public or the press. If he resumes his once illustrious boxing career and reclaims the world title, then it is only appropriate that he receive the attention and the press coverage that he dutifully deserves. His return to the top remains uncertain and in the interim, please spare your readers from the mundane details of his daily life and the eternal speculation on a dubious future.

MARCIE SCHMIDT

Jakarta