MIKE Tyson, freed yesterday, after three years in prison for rape, departed for home after visiting a Muslim mosque for services in his new faith.
    The former world heavyweight champion was released just before sunrise, returning to freedom wearing a Muslim prayer cap and going directly to the nearby Islamic Center of North America.
    "I'm very happy to be out and on my way home, a statement from Tyson said. "I want to thank everyone for their support.
I will have more to say in the future. I'll see you all soon."
    Tyson, who turns 29 on June 30, served the minimum tree-year sentence for the 1991 rape of beauty pageant contestant Desiree Wasgington.
    Tyson was surrounded by bodyguards and accompanied by promoter Don King as he walked from the Indiana Youth Center to a waiting limousine.
    Only a brief glimpse of Tyson was seen and that was mainly his head, atop which was a white Muslim covering. Tyson had been baptised a Christian by Reverend Jesse Jackson.
    "As long as there's a relationship with God, that's the main thing," said Reverend Charles Williams, a Tyson confidant during his prison stay. "Whatever Mike wants, we're happy for him."
    Tyson would follow in the footsteps of Cassius Clay as a former champion forced out of the ring for three prime years of his career who converted to Muslim during his layoff. Clay was banned from boxing for draft evasion.
    Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali 25 years ago and regained his world title. Tyson reportedly will change his name to Malik Abdul Aziz. In Arabic, Malik means"king" or "ruler" while Abdul Aziz means "servant of the mighty."
    Tyson's spiritual adviser said he prayed with Muhammad Ali, rap star M.C. Hammer and Don King at the mosque.
    One of the people who attended the prayer service said about 400 worshipers were there. They said a special prayer of thanksgiving for Tyson.
    About 200 journalists from around the world flanked both sides of the main entrance to the prison to chronicle Tyson's 6:15 a.m. release. Four helicopters were following tyson's journey from the moment of his release. Tyson's entourage reached 110 mph (176 km/h) on interstate highways.
    Skies were clear and temperatures were near freezing as Tysonered the limousine. He bypassed an outdoor prayer vigil across the street from the prison, which quickly dispersed once it was clear tyson was not going to appear.
    Tyson spent about 45 minutes at the mosque and was then driven to nearby Indianapolis International Airport. He caught a private jet for Southington, Ohio, and his mansion estate there.
    "The man has paid his dues and it's time to welcome him home." said Ruth Bernard, a neighbor of Tyson's in the Cleaveland suburb where yellow ribbons adorned trees in anticipation of Tyson's homecoming.