Mike Tyson Arrested for 'Scuffle' in Airport With Photographer

In not-so-shocking news, Mike Tyson has been arrested for a "scuffle" at a Los Angeles airport involving photographer Tony Echevarria, according to police. Tyson, whose public behavior track record hasn't been great, was arrested and released on $20,000 bond, according to television reports.

Per usual, there are differing accounts as to exactly what happened:

The photographer told police that Tyson struck him once, airport police spokesman Sgt. Jim Holcomb said. The photographer fell to the ground and was treated for a cut to his forehead at a hospital.

Tyson's spokeswoman Tammy Brook said the boxer was traveling with his wife and 10-month-old child when he was attacked by an overly aggressive paparazzo. "Mike acted in self defense as a father protecting his child," she said.

TMZ later spoke with the photographer who claimed that blood was gushing "like a water fountain" after Tyson hit him four times, despite the fact that Echevarria claims he wasn't "disrespectful or aggressive."

Maybe Tyson did hit him -- and more than likely, you will see a lawsuit from Echevarria at some point, I'm guessing -- but there are a couple problems with this whole business.

One, it's not difficult to imagine a scenario where, if harassed, Mike Tyson could become angry. Two, who the hell are you supposed to believe here: a boxer-turned-ex-con with a violent history ... or a member of the paparazzi? (Echevarria's actions support this "stereotype," I tend to think.) Third: regardless of who's at fault, there's zero question as to who would win in a "scuffle" between a 50-year-old photographer and an ex-heavyweight champion.

And finally, with both men claiming they want to press charges for misdemeanor battery, is it really worthwhile pursuing anything criminal in this case? I say no -- and also, despite my best judgment, tend to be overly sympathetic towards Tyson in this case. Having seen no video or heard no factual witness report, this seems like a situation where Iron Mike was targeted, with the photographer knowing Tyson's predisposition to violence, and ending up with the exact outcome he wanted.