Mike Tyson was arrested early Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of cocaine after police stopped him shortly after he left a Scottsdale nightclub. According to police, Tyson’s car nearly struck a sheriff’s vehicle after he left the nightclub around 1:45 a.m. After failing the field sobriety tests, to which he voluntarily submitted, Tyson was placed under arrest. Soon afterward, police found cocaine on Tyson’s person and in his car.

If the police allegations are true, this could spell serious trouble for the former heavyweight champion. In addition to the legal issues, which are likely surmountable due to Tyson’s relative wealth and fame, a developing drug dependency will only expedite his self-destruction. Earlier this year, there were numerous rumors that Tyson checked himself into drug rehab for cocaine abuse. Today’s arrest suggests that the rumors were not only true, but that Tyson has not managed to overcome his addiction.

While drug addiction is always a serious issue, it is particularly problematic for Mike Tyson. With a history of depression, bi-polarism, rage, and reckless living, Tyson is a virtual textbook case of a self-medicating drug addict. Also, given his precarious financial position, a serious drug addiction only increases the likelihood that Tyson will lose every cent of the half-billion dollars that he earned during his career.

Let us all hope and pray for Mike Tyson’s quick and sustained recovery.