Tyson: I’M Underpaid

Mike Tyson launched an expletive-filled tirade about his $30 million payday last Saturday, his imprisonment and his future that contrasted with the often religious public persona he had maintained.

Tyson’s statements came suddenly during a conference call ostensibly set up to promote tonight’s replay on Showtime of last Saturday’s title fight.

The knockout of Frank Bruno enabled Tyson to reclaim the WBC heavyweight title. It earned Tyson $30 million, swelling the total for his three postprison fights to $65 million. “I don’t believe I’ve been getting what I’m entitled to,” he said. “I think I should get more than $30 million.”

Asked to elaborate, Tyson launched into a profanity-laced monologue in which he said, in part: “I’m an ex-felon. They won’t give me endorsements. No one cares if my children starve. No one will give me a handout. Give me more money. I’ve been in prison three, three and a half years. Treat me fairly.”