Mike Tyson fails GED exam; will try again in 90 days

Jet, April 11, 1994

"If at first you do it succeed, try again' is the motto of former heavy weight champion Mike Tyson, who recently failed to pass the high school equivalency exam that could have earned him an early release.

Tyson said, "I'll be well prepared to pass it the next time around." Serving a six-year sentence for rape at the Indiana Youth Center in Indianapolis, Tyson will be eligible to take the test again in 90 days, according to Phil Slavens, assistant superintendent of operations at the facility.

The Rev. Charles Williams, president

of Indiana Black Expo and a close friend of Tyson, said, "It's not unusual for people to have difficulty the first time they take the GED test. This is the first time Mike has taken the test in years." Williams noted, "The GED is a very difficult test ... he fell short by a few points. He needs to brush up on his math and science."

Tyson, who is scheduled to be released in May 1995, could have three months deducted from his sentence when he passes the exam, making him eligible for parole next February.