Tyson Awaiting Decision

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has scheduled a hearing for Friday to consider any disciplinary action against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson for his foul that ended Saturday night’s fight against Orlin Norris.

According to a knowledgeable source, the worst the commission is expected to do is fine Tyson after releasing his $10-million purse, which has been temporarily withheld.

Tyson’s latest crisis came at the MGM Grand Garden Arena where his fight against Norris was halted at the end of the first round after Tyson hit Norris after the bell. Norris was unable to continue because he injured his right knee when knocked to the canvas by Tyson’s blow. Referee Richard Steele ruled the foul accidental.

The Nevada commissioners could do anything, from revoking Tyson’s license to denying him his entire purse. But that seems unlikely based on the reaction of Marc Ratner, executive director of the commission, to a review of the fight tape Monday.

“It looked pretty much the way I thought,” Ratner said. “There was a definite foul. I thought Richard Steele handled it appropriately.”

Meanwhile, a sexual battery lawsuit filed in Los Angeles against Tyson by a female photographer has been settled out of court.

Ladywautusa Je’s Superior Court complaint against Tyson was scheduled to go to trial Monday, but the parties settled the matter last week, according to the court clerk for Judge Paul Boland.