20/20: MIKE TYSON: THE INSIDE STORY (TV)

Summary

One in this series of news magazine programs.

This installment focuses on the personal problems surrounding heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson. Barbara Walters reports on Tyson’s success as the youngest heavyweight champion in history, but notes various difficulties he faces: he has had financial arguments with his manager Bill Cayton, there have been accusations that he has physically abused his wife Robin Givens, and he was recently injured in an infamous street brawl with boxer Mitch Green. In addition, there have been problems stemming from an automobile accident and rumors that Tyson had attempted to commit suicide. He attacked an NBC news crew and was diagnosed as manic depressive. Walters interviews Tyson at his home in Bernardsville, New Jersey. They discuss such topics as: his childhood in a tough neighborhood in Brooklyn and his involvement in a gang; his time spent in juvenile delinquency centers and his initial inspiration to become a boxer; his early boxing training under legendary trainer Cus D’Amato; his sense of discipline and philosophy about boxing and competition; perceptions of Tyson as unintelligent and of his frequent mood swings; and his denial that he ever hit Givens.

Tyson’s relationship with Cayton and with his mother-in-law Ruth Roper is also discussed. Dr. Norman Rosenthal of the National Institute for Mental Health discusses the definition of manic depression and how it might apply to Tyson’s condition. Walters interviews Roper, whom some have accused of trying to exert influence over Tyson and his career. She discusses her view of herself as a “surrogate mother” to Tyson; her professed noninvolvement with Tyson’s finances; and public opinion concerning her, particularly with regards to her appearance. Cayton, Tyson’s manager, has his percentage of Tyson’s earnings decreased due to legal action from Roper and Donald Trump. Walters interviews Cayton, who discusses his own take on Tyson’s mental state and whether Tyson requires or should take medication, along with his opinions of Roper. Tyson claims that he only trusts his family, and says his relationship with Cayton is purely a financial one.

Givens joins Tyson offers her own perspective on her marriage. They discuss: the commonalities between the two of them and how they felt about each other when they first met; Givens’ belief that her marriage has been “pure hell” due to her conflict with both Tyson and the various members of his entourage; Givens’ response to rumors about her and Tyson; their lack of a prenuptial agreement; comments on Tyson’s “extremely volatile temper” and the accusations of spousal abuse; her assertion that he is manic-depressive and how this is reflected in his behavior; her professed attempts to stand up for herself to Tyson and her recollection of his automobile accident and her fears that he may have tried to commit suicide; and her assertion that Tyson is “not a bad guy” and her thoughts on his ever-changing mental health and the deleterious effects of his career.

Also included is a story about the recent launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Reporter Lynn Sherr discuss minor technical problems aboard the shuttle; the sleep patterns of the astronauts; the tests and experiments being performed by the astronauts; and the mood of the mission in light of the Challenger disaster. Includes commercials.

Details

• NETWORK: ABC
• DATE: September 30, 1988 10:00 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 0:56:30
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: B:13623
• GENRE: Magazine
• SUBJECT HEADING: Boxing; Sports; African-American Collection - Sports; TV - Magazine
• SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 1978-
• COMMERCIALS:
  • TV – Commercials – AT&T phone service
  • TV – Commercials – Bayer aspirin
  • TV – Commercials – Diet Center weight loss clinic
  • TV – Commercials – Domino’s pizza
  • TV – Commercials – Ford automobiles
  • TV – Commercials – GM automobiles
  • TV – Commercials – Lysol air freshener spray
  • TV – Commercials – Mitsubishi automobiles
  • TV – Commercials – Nuveen investments
  • TV – Commercials – Ogilve hair permanent kit
  • TV – Commercials – Pledge cleaning spray
  • TV – Commercials – Product 19 breakfast cereal
  • TV – Commercials – Special K breakfast cereal
  • TV – Commercials – Western Union financial services
  • TV – Commercials – “Cinderella” home video release
  • TV – Promos – “ABC College Football”
  • TV – Promos – “Club Paradise”
  • TV – Promos – “Liberace”
  • TV – Promos – “War and Remembrance”
  • TV – Promos – “Who’s the Boss?”

CREDITS

• Victor Neufeld … Executive Producer
• Jeff Diamond … Senior Producer
• Joseph F. Lovett … Producer, Writer
• Jessica Stedman Guff … Producer
• Rosanne Zuccoli … Producer
• Chris Oden … Associate Producer
• Michael Buddy … Director
• Nancy Skrabal … Animation
• Madeliene Devito … Animation
• Jerry Tully … Writer
• Barbara Walters … Writer
• Barbara Walters … Host, Reporter
• Hugh Downs … Host
• Lynn Sherr … Reporter
• Ted Koppel … Reporter
• Mike Tyson … Interviewee
• Norman Rosenthal … Interviewee
• Ruth Roper … Interviewee
• Bill Cayton … Interviewee
• Robin Givens … Interviewee
• Cus D'Amato
• Mitch Green
• Donald Trump