Mike Tyson has served three years in jail for rape

The 40-year-old former heavyweight boxer was arrested in Scottsdale, 10 miles (16km) east of Phoenix, Arizona, at around 0145 local time (0845GMT).

He was stopped after nearly hitting a sheriff's vehicle, Arizona police told news agencies.

He appeared in court on Friday and was ordered to be freed under supervision.

He will now have to report to officials for drug and alcohol monitoring until his next court appearance on 16 January, court officials said.

Drug problems

"He has been charged with DUI (driving under the influence of) drugs and possession of a controlled substance, cocaine," Sgt Larry Hall of the Buckeye Police Department told Reuters news agency.

"It was found on him and in his car," he added.

Sgt Hall also said that the former boxing champion was very co-operative and "acted like a complete gentleman".

"During an interview with Mike he admitted to using today and stated he is an addict and has a problem," the arresting officer said in court documents.

Mike Tyson became the youngest champion in heavyweight history when he took the title aged 20 in 1986.