McNeeley Arrested In Armed Robbery
By Robert Ecksel June 29th, 2006Former Tyson foe busted for driving getaway car
“I’m going to wrap you in a cocoon of horror.� – Peter McNeeley trash talk before his 1995 fight with Mike Tyson
One-time heavyweight contender Peter McNeeley, best known for his gutsy but short-lived effort against the just-released-from-prison Mike Tyson in 1995, was busted Thursday on charges that he drove a getaway car in the armed robbery of a drug store.
The 37-year-old McNeeley of Norwood, Mass. was being held without bail pending arraignment in Stoughton District Court. McNeeley’s accomplice in the alleged heist was homie Robert Perry, 47, also of Norwood, who was charged with armed robbery.
McNeeley was charged with being an accessory after the fact.
Police Lt. Thomas Murphy told the AP that the Perry entered a Stoughton Walgreen’s shortly after midnight and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk forked it over and Perry got into a car in the parking lot… with McNeeley behind the wheel.
Neighboring Canton police had been alerted and were on the lookout for the dynamic duo when they spotted the car driven by McNeeley. The cops stopped the car, the vehicle and robbers were searched, and police found $180 and no weapon.
But witnesses at the scene of the crime were able to identify Perry and Peter McNeeley.
June 29th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
I live in Norwood, Massachusetts, and bumped into Peter McNeeley a couple of times over the last couple of years.
I remember the local excitement in 1995 prior to his fight against Mike Tyson. Many believed that were McNeeley to beat Tyson, he would get a title shot. We all knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he seemed to have a real chance to win, perhaps in a decision. But after Mike Tyson beat him in one round, we realized that McNeeley wasn’t as good as his ranking and we knew that he would never again be in such a high-profile main event.
The arrest is very, very sad news because it indicates how far McNeeley had descended. Eleven years ago, he was a ranked heavyweight contendor. I only wish his life after the end of his boxing career had turned out for the better.
This should serve as a warning for all former professional athletes as well as current pro athletes nearing the end of their careers that they should plan for life after the cheering stops.
June 29th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
I don’t remember anyone who thought McNeeley had any chance to last more than a few rounds with Tyson, let alone actually win. Everyone who knew anything about boxing knew that the fight was a joke, as was McNeeley’s ranking. After he signed with Don King, McNeeley suddenly moved way up in the WBC rankings. King wanted a top-ten contender for Tyson to fight in his first fight out of prison and that is what the WBC gave him. McNeeley was never a legitimate contender.
June 29th, 2006 at 6:45 pm
Whatz’s up Peter?, go figuire?, I just don’t get these Althletes, come on get a grip. I will be praying for you. Mr. Mc Neely.
June 29th, 2006 at 10:09 pm
Peter had his fifteen minutes against Tyson and parlayed that into a pizza commercial and a loss to Butterbean. Now he’s stealing a fanny pack and $180, what a joke. To quote you, Peter, “You got a big dump in your pants.”
June 30th, 2006 at 8:14 am
How come manager Vinnie Vechionne didn’t post bail for poor Pete. I bet if Pete won millions in the lottery Vinnie would be there to collect his 50% cut. The whole thing is sad, though. I hope Pete can get it together and stop this non-sense.
June 30th, 2006 at 6:13 pm
Etinenne in jail, McNeely in chains and now Golota charged with owning illegal firearms. Tyson suddenly looks a lot more stable than some of his old foes!
The McNeely fight was a huge laugh. “Hurricane” had a really inebriated smile on his face and rushed forward just to get smashed down.
July 1st, 2006 at 10:08 am
WHATS SAD IS THAT MCNEELY HAD TO SULLY THE REPUTATION THAT WAS BUILT BY HIS FATHER