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

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.

Here's my conversation with Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal), a legendary boxing trainer of 18 world champions, about his early days of training Mike Tyson with mentor Cus D'Amato. This was a Shakespearean, deeply human story of loyalty, betrayal, fear, greatness, and forgiveness.… pic.twitter.com/0cvoN6fPGn

— Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) December 24, 2023

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.