Mike Tyson: I Was an **shole, Unrestrained Piece of S**t

I imagine a lot of this is his wife and management's influence, cleaning up his public image to make him marketable again. But in terms of moving forward, Tyson's said himself that the key is not to feed his own ego or have people around doing that.

better late than never Tyson continues to be a positive role model to his children. I'm rooting for him all the way

I totally understand what you mean. The past few years, Tyson has been on a public self-flagellation spree. The coverage gets old after a while. But I must say that he appears to be sincere in his contrition. He knows more than anyone else what a despicable human being he once was. I get the feeling that Tyson loathes his fans for loving him. He has a deep-seated self-hatred and sneers at anyone that loves the image of the old "Iron Mike". Like most boxing fans, I've always found Tyson to be an electrifying fighter and an interesting (in a train-wreck sort of way) personality. But I've never had respect for him as a man, as a human being. Only in the past few years has Tyson publicly aired what I've always known to be true: he was the worst kind of animal. For what it's worth, my opinions about the man have started to change. His unrelenting torment and apparently genuine desire for forgiveness and change appeals to all but the very hardest souls. I wish Mike Tyson well. yes you're right. i was probably a bit simplistic in my post. i think tyson is a very decent guy. he had a very messed up childhood and a rollercoaster of a life BUT he's learnt what life is really about and is giving his kids what he never had (i don't just mean materially). it is something that happens in far too few cases and to be commended and respected. it's just a shame he's still not comfortable with himself and makes too frequent reference to his past and seems to be seeking validation for his present. i guess reporters might fuel this to some degree. i just think that he has more to say than what he is saying and could be promoting positive behaviours rather than lamenting negative past behaviours. not saying to forget about his past- your past is part of what makes you who you are, but who you are is far more important. and mike's a pretty damn good bloke now.

Decent interview from 2000 with Ian Darke. Mike's too hard on himself these days.

Tyson seems to have a good heart but his mind s so far gone that it's hard for him to be coherent at times, although he came across rather logical and sincere this time. Happy New Year Iron Mike!!!