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LARRY HAZZARD
Santiago Rodriguez: What is the current status of Mike Tyson and his license and the Governor's decision?
Larry Hazzard: Mike has a license to box.
Santiago Rodriguez: The Governor has restricted Mike from fighting in any state run arenas or facilities. What are your thoughts on that?
Larry Hazzard: I do not agree with him at all.
Santiago Rodriguez: How long have you been with the Athletic Control Board?
Larry Hazzard: I have been here for 20 years.
Santiago Rodriguez: At any point, have you ever seen a case like this where the Governor steps in and restricts a fighter from fighting?
Larry Hazzard: No, never.
Santiago Rodriguez: Not even when James Butler hit Richard Grant with his bare hand breaking Grants Jaw after the decision was announced?
Larry Hazzard: Never, never ever have I seen this happen before.
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Larry Hazzard:: I know he is and I am not in favor of his treatment.
Santiago Rodriguez: What could the Governor do to keep Mike from fighting there?
Larry Hazzard: Mike can fight here as long as it's not in one of the listed arena's that the state runs and operates.
Santiago Rodriguez: So Mike can still fight there?
Larry Hazzard: Of course. I don't know what places are state run and operated this whole thing can get murky even further down the road.
Santiago Rodriguez: What do you think they would or could do to prevent him from fighting?
Larry Hazzard: Look, they shouldn't be doing what they are doing now. Mike is being singled out there. As long as Mike fights within the rules, that should be all that matters. They are looking into Mike's past conviction of rape which was over thirteen years ago and Mike did not re-offend ever since and it was questionable in the first place.
There are other athletes allowed to play here who have been charged with crimes against women. Basketball players such as Kobe Bryant who can come and team up and play.
Then there is Jason Kidd who was charged for beating his wife. Not only does he get to play but he is a New Jersey Net in addition to that the very same Governor was posing to take Pictures with Jason Kidd.
Then there is that hockey player who just hit that guy and put him in the hospital. It's been over thirteen years since Mike was charged with that crime, and he did pay his dues. He gave three years of his life.
What kind of place would this be if we didn't get Second Chances?
Santiago Rodriguez: This wouldn't be America.
Larry Hazzard: You're right. This is supposed to be the land of opportunity where you get second chances, and that is why Mike has his license. He was screened the way all fighters are and I am standing behind my decision.
Santiago Rodriguez: Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Hazzard, as always.
Larry Hazzard: Thanks again.
