Tyson Became Criminal to Buy Nice Clothes After Childhood Humiliation
"Some guys took me to this neighborhood dance and everybody said, 'Yo, John, hey Winky, this your friend? He got shit on him.' And everybody started laughing at me. Ever since that, I became a criminal and I only bought nice clothes. I became a criminal to buy nice clothes so nobody would ever laugh at me again."
About this episode
Theo Von hosts boxing legend Mike Tyson in one of the most raw and revealing conversations of Tyson's career, covering everything from childhood trauma to Hollywood scandals to active addiction. The heavyweight champion opens up about how childhood humiliation drove him to crime at age 11, how legendary trainer Cus D'Amato became the only father figure he ever trusted, and the chaotic years of cocaine addiction that nearly destroyed him. Tyson confirms long-rumored stories, including catching Brad Pitt with his estranged wife Robin Givens in a car Tyson had purchased, and drops bombshell revelations about seeking medical help for cocaine addiction only to have his doctor ask for drugs, and rehab counselors who consumed his surrendered cocaine then negotiated for access to women. The conversation spans Tyson's relationship with fame, his thoughts on death and legacy, interactions with Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, and his current life with wife Kiki and their children. Tyson displays vulnerability discussing Cus D'Amato's death, his nine years of sobriety, and his philosophy that suffering made him who he is. The episode balances heavy autobiography with moments of humor, including extended riffs on poverty, wrestling heroes like Hulk Hogan, and Tyson pushing Von to say racially charged phrases. Throughout, Tyson emphasizes that his greatest achievement is ensuring his children never experience the poverty and abuse that defined his childhood.
Key takeaways
- Tyson revealed his doctor asked for cocaine when Tyson tried to quit, saying the physician requested drugs during a medical consultation about addiction.
- A rehab counselor allegedly took Tyson's surrendered cocaine for personal use then negotiated with Tyson to allow women visitors at the facility.
- Tyson confirmed catching Brad Pitt with estranged wife Robin Givens in the BMW he had bought her while they were still sexually involved during divorce.
- Cus D'Amato taught 12-year-old Tyson to only speak positively about himself because the subconscious cannot distinguish play from reality.
- Childhood humiliation over dirty clothes at age 11 directly led Tyson to become a criminal to afford nice clothing and avoid mockery.
- Tyson credits his traumatic childhood for his success, stating if he had a normal upbringing he would never have become heavyweight champion.
- Now sober nine years, Tyson says his only measure of success is that his children will never experience the poverty and abuse he endured.