“Was it really genuine?” Mike Tyson’s former trainer questions apology after rekindling relationship

Mike Tyson’s former trainer reveals feeling conflicted about Tyson’s apology after the infamous gun incident.

“Was it really genuine?” Mike Tyson’s former trainer questions apology after rekindling relationship

Mike Tyson and Teddy Atlas (image credit- Bad Left Hook)

Teddy Atlas was Mike Tyson’s mentor and trainer during the early years of his boxing career. Atlas was the protege of Tyson’s guardian Cus D’Amato. However, their relationship quickly deteriorated when, at the age of 15, Tyson began to engage in some unsavory behavior. Furthermore, in several interviews, Atlas has recounted an incident in which he confronted the young boxer with a pistol.

Subsequently, this was after the boxer had been accused of molesting a family member who was 11 years old. In addition, Tyson tried to rekindle their relationship several decades later and even apologized to Atlas. However, Atlas doubts the genuity of the apology. This is what he stated:

Was it really genuine, or was it reflexive of that moment for him to get what he needed, or was it truly what I needed?
Teddy Atlas via Lex Fridman podcast
YouTube video

Hence, Atlas was unsure if Tyson’s apology was sincere or just part of a 12-step program for recovering alcoholics. The 12-step program, which involves self-reflection and restitution for those who have been wronged, adds another layer to the authenticity of the apology.

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However, Atlas wanted to know if Tyson apologized because he felt bad or if he apologized just because of the 12-step program. As Tyson’s journey of self-improvement continues, only the passage of time can tell us how much he has changed and how truly remorseful he is.

Mike Tyson’s apology to Teddy Atlas

The conflict that started in the 80s over personal issues took nearly 30 years to come to a potential conclusion. In 2013, at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, Atlas, now a commentator, was at an event hosted by Tyson Promotions.

Teddy Atlas and Mike Tyson (image credit- Forbes, Abstract Sports)
Teddy Atlas and Mike Tyson (image credit- Forbes, Abstract Sports)

In the middle of his broadcast, his producer quietly mentioned Tyson’s presence behind him. Furthermore, Atlas recalls his producer mentioning that Tyson wants to speak to him, apologize, and leave the matter in Atlas’s hands. Atlas was caught off guard but decided to speak to Tyson and resolve their past issues.  

Subsequently, Tyson told Atlas that he was sorry and wrong. ‘Iron’ Mike also told Atlas that he loved him. Atlas appreciated the apology and said it takes a man to admit that. However, it appears that Atlas has not completely forgiven Tyson and still doubts its sincerity.

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