sportsjabber.net

Did anyone else see Mike Tyson on Conan last night?

Man, what a fascinating guy.

My life in sports has sort of paralleled Tyson’s, as far as the years involved. When I was a kid/teen, Tyson was coming up through the ranks, battering the Marvis Fraziers and Tyrell Biggses of the world.

I was riveted.

Then there was Tyson’s downfall—losing to Buster, going to jail, the various women stories, altercations, etc.

I was repulsed.

That was followed by the downfall. The two Evander fights. The tin cans. The disinterest.

I was saddened.

Now, Tyson is back. New documentary that’s earned rave reviews.

. He’s left boxing behind, and is in the midst of this cultural comeback that one has to love. The thing I’ve always felt about Tyson is that, as far as athletes go, he’s extremely bright and well thought-out. He expressed himself with an uncommon depth and insight. You hear Evander Holyfield speak, it’s pure idiocy. He sounds, to be crass, like a boxer. But Tyson always seemed to grasp his own flaws. He conveyed who he was and what he was feeling. Sometimes, he was a caged animal. Other times, he was a dignified man trying to escape. I’m convinced, beyond a doubt, that Tyson is a victim of his environs. Had he been raised with two loving parents in a stable home, he’s a college graduate doing impressive things.

I know … I know—hard to imagine. Especially with the eye tattoo.

But there’s something unique about the man.

Something we all can finally enjoy. And embrace.

More…

By Jeff Pearlman
Best-Selling Author, Columnist (si.com)
SJ Contributing Author