The Associated Press reported that between 2003 and 2005, Senate Democratic Leader Harry M. Reid accepted free ringside seats to three professional boxing matches from the Nevada Athletic Commission.

Reid accepted the free tickets while that same agency wanted his influence on legislation to regulate the sport.

Senate ethics state that gifts are okay as long as they aren't associated with influencing decisions. From the Senate ethics manual: "Senators and Senate staff should be wary of accepting any gift where it appears that the gift is motivated by a desire to reward, influence, or elicit favorable official action."

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) joined Reid for one of the fights but elected to pay what his seat was worth: $1,400.

Reid defended receiving the tickets, saying that accepting them would not influence his position.

Reid told the Associated Press, "I just feel these events are nothing I did wrong."