Jurisprudence

The Rev. Leroy Dinkins of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Indianapolis, a supporter of Mike Tyson, said he did not believe Desiree Washington’s account of how she was raped by Tyson, which she told in an interview with Barbara Walters on ABC’s “20/20” Friday night.

“I feel as though she was lying,” Dinkins said. “She was too rehearsed. This girl is being protected all the way. She is being shielded.”

Added Dinkins: “Why has she said she is not after any money but has said she hasn’t decided on whether to file a civil suit if she isn’t looking for money?”

Washington, of Coventry, R.I., expressed dismay and sadness at support for Tyson among some black churches in Indianapolis and around the country. “No matter what I say to them, they aren’t going to believe me anyway,” she said.

ABC reported that Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, whose celebrity clients have included socialite Claus Von Bulow and evangelist Jim Bakker, would represent Tyson in his appeal.

The Indianapolis Star reported than the FBI continues to investigate Washington’s charge that she was offered a $1-million bribe to drop charges.