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