Tyson Sentenced to 1 Day

Mike Tyson was scheduled today for a 1-night-only appearance—in the Phoenix slammer. The ex-heavyweight will serve 24 hours in jail and begin 3 years’ probation tomorrow after pleading guilty to cocaine possession and DUI charges stemming from a 2006 traffic stop, the AP reports. Tyson avoided a 4-plus-year sentence by "becoming a role model," the judge said.

Since his arrest, the troubled ex-champ has checked himself into rehab, passed 29 consecutive drug tests, spoken with LA County Jail inmates, and made plans to help disadvantaged Phoenix youth. "He did it because it's part of his recovery and he wants to help others," his attorney said. Prosecutors had sought a harsher sentence, citing Tyson’s previous convictions. (More Mike Tyson stories.)