OK County Veterans Diversion Program Helps Former Marine Get Life Back On Track

An American boxing legend’s son got caught, police say, with a lot of pot in the trunk of the car he was driving in Oklahoma City two years ago. A unique veteran’s diversion program however, is helping him get his life back on track. 

Keith Norton is one of the late great Ken Norton Senior’s sons. Ken Norton won the Heavyweight Boxing Title of the World in the 1970’s, and was responsible for breaking Muhammad Ali’s jaw in an epic bout in 1973. 

Keith is currently in Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater’s Veteran’s Diversion Program.  Keith, like his father, was a United States Marine. In accordance with the program, Keith Norton volunteers at the Oklahoma City V.A. Hospital and with “Honoring America’s Warriors” Honor Guard. 

“I think a lot of people who are willing to put forth and own their mistakes should be given a second chance, as long as they show they are worthy of it,” he said. 

“Honoring America’s Warriors” Executive Director Scotty Dee said Keith Norton was accepted into his organization because of his own merits, and no one else’s.

“The Lord works in mysterious ways sometimes, I mean a lot of the things this organization has been blessed with has been some sort of divine intervention,” said Dee.

Keith’s dad passed away three years ago. His older brother Ken Norton Junior was an NFL All-Pro, who currently coaches for the Oakland Raiders.