THE SIDELINES : Tyson Assault Case Goes to Jury

The Mike Tyson assault case went to the jury today after the fighter’s attorney accused the woman who sued of concocting the allegations as a way to get rich quick.

Her lawyer, however, urged jurors in closing arguments to believe her version of events because she had the “courage and guts” to take on the former world heavyweight champion.

Sandra Miller, a 26-year-old computer operator from Queens, claims that Tyson grabbed her buttocks and breasts, cursed at her and threatened to punch her after she refused his advances at a Manhattan dance club Dec. 10, 1988.

Tyson, who testified during the three-day trial, acknowledges that he was at Bentley’s Disco that night but denies knowing or ever touching Miller.

Miller is seeking up to $3.5 million in civil damages for assault and battery.