"If there is no credible evidence against Don King, then he should
not be subjected to harassment", says Jackson.
Chicago, IL The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., today called on the United
States Department of Justice and Attorney General Janet Reno to play by
one set of rules and level the playing field in its treatment of boxing
promoters. Reverend Jackson expressed concern that race and national origin
must not slant the way Don King is treated compared to the manner in which
Bob Arum is treated.
Despite official reports that boxing promoter Bob Arum, a former Assistant
U.S. Attorney, has admitted under oath that he paid bribes to influence
the outcomes of World Boxing Authority fights, he has not been indicted,
nor have any penalties been assessed against him. On the other hand, the
Justice Department has moved strongly against boxing promoter Don King,
even though federal authorities have yet to produce credible evidence to
justify prosecuting King.
"I appeal to the Justice Department to play by one set of rules," said
Reverend Jackson. "Both Don King and Bob Arum must operate within the law
and be treated under the same rules. If Mr. Arum violated any laws, then
he should be indicted." Reverend Jackson also noted that based on court
testimony, it appeared that Arum had been involved in a pattern of racketeering
activity, including wire fraud, bribery, money laundering, and mail fraud.