I really did not go to see Mike Tyson hoping to find a great orator. I also did not attend seeking any wisdom or advice on how to conduct myself as a gentleman with a lady.
On those counts, Tyson certainly delivered what I expected and then some, in what can only be categorized as an evening of profane story telling, one with few regrets and tons of laughter for those in attendance who still support him to this day.
From a troubled young man who turned to crime as a way of life to his meteoric rise as a heavyweight boxing champion brought down in shame, Tyson, augmented by a video screen projecting stills and video of his career, wove a lifetime of touching stories regarding his upbringing to his life today, in a well choreographed but poorly delivered speaking engagement that teetered between incoherent ramblings and what appeared to be half hearted confessions.
Dapperly attired and equipped with a headset microphone, Tyson nervously held court and covered a myriad of topics including his love and respect for his late trainer and mentor Cus D’Amato, his disdain for Don King, and his experiences in Indianapolis that led to a conviction for the rape of Indiana Black Expo Pageant contestant Desiree Washington.
At times, he seemed overly excited and at one point dislodged his wireless microphone power supply, pausing to pick it up and place it in his pocket. Be it from the spotlights or the frenetic pace in which he pranced about the stage, he perspired profusely and never seemed comfortable on stage.
Tyson was interrupted several times by overzealous fans in the theater, and engaged with them more often than not providing for a bizarre type question and answer session by virtue of his acknowledging many of the off color taunts and comments about women. At one point a female member of the audience made discouraging comments about his ex wife Robin Givens, suggesting Tyson was correct in physically abusing her. Sadly, a number of people applauded in a manner that undoubtedly pleased a smiling Tyson. Strangely, there were also moments of tenderness and respect delivered, especially when Tyson reflected on how he exhumed his mother from a makeshift burial to give her a proper and dignified burial that could not be afforded at the time of her death. He spoke warmly of the loss of his beloved sister and how she too was a special lady in his life. Fittingly, he briefly dismissed his guilt in the Washington case and made reference to a claim that she had accused another gentleman of rape earlier in her life. Oddly, the audience applauded loudly as if there was no possibility he could have committed the crime.
To his credit, Tyson covered just about every brush with the law he has ever had, including the infamous assault of fellow boxer Mitch Green who provoked him in a clothing store in Harlem after Tyson had readily destroyed him earlier in the ring.
While the occurrence was certainly worth referencing, Tyson rambled endlessly about the encounter as if it was a significant factor in his life, leaving the audience to wonder when the account would mercifully end.
While he spoke little about his time in prison here in Indiana, he did mention the cavalcade of celebrities that visited him while he was incarcerated, including an unlikely one, actress Florence Henderson, who he politely and respectfully referred to as the ” Lady from the Brady Bunch”.
Afterwards Tyson met privately with those who had paid three hundred dollars to sit down front and meet him afterwards in a private setting. While there were a number of people who took advantage of the opportunity, I have to wonder what they may have learned from it that Tyson did not share with them on stage.
Two things for certain, I am glad I did not pay to get in, and much more importantly, it is obvious that Tyson has not fostered the level of respect he needs to show toward women. While I was hoping he had learned from his legal difficulties, it is clear he still harbors resentment for the situation, and if truly innocent, who can blame him? Give this attempt to connect with his fans one star out of five.
Tyson would have been better served to simply do a meet and greet, sign autographs and sell boxing memorabilia to those who still worship him. Then again, that is exactly what he did, and sadly it brought back to light just how troubled he was then and still is now.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
