Mike Tyson is not a stranger to controversies. However, during a peculiar incident aboard a JetBlue flight from San Francisco to Miami in 2022, the boxing icon became involved in a physical altercation. Tyson unexpectedly threw punches, hurting an individual by the name of Melvin Townsend III, a 36-year-old with a notably diverse criminal record.
In a clip from the altercation that went viral, Townsend can be seen messing with Tyson provoking him to act. As a result, the encounter eventually turned violent. However, Tyson now finds himself in thick soup with Townsend and his attorneys demanding that Tyson pay them $450,000 to settle a possible lawsuit against him. Now, Stephen A. Smith has added his two cents on the matter in his show.
Stephen A. Smith shows his support for Mike Tyson
In the show, Smith starts by referencing Mitch Green, a boxer from the 80s. Tyson had given Green a black eye and a stitch on the forehead in their street fight in 1986. Smith goes on to say how going to court even after getting a $450k settlement is not a smart move at all. Smith mentions how Mike Tyson’s lawyer explains the situation the best.
In Smith’s words, “‘There will be no Shakedown payment.’ You are damn right. You are damn right. Cause Mike Tyson was on Jet Blue minding his own damn business trying to get some sleep and you agitated him.” The journalist understands Tyson’s stance on this matter.
While it is not right to thrash someone in a plane, it is also wrong to interrupt someone minding his own business. Especially meddling with someone as huge as ‘Iron’ Mike is bound to have consequences. While Tyson’s lawyer has denied any form of other shakedowns, only time will tell how the events unfold. Let us delve into what Joe Rogan had to say on this matter.
Joe Rogan on Mike Tyson’s Jet-Blue Incident
Joe Rogan on his podcast episode with Dan Soder, commented on the incident when it happened. As Rogan said, “That dude was a dou*hebag. He was annoying one of the baddest motherfu**ers that’s ever walked the face of the earth”. Dan Soder described the fact that the victim must have thought Tyson would not react, there was no way he could harm him.
“This Was the Setup”: Mike Tyson Wins Public Support as Man Getting Punched In JetBlue Flight Demands $450K
The duo also went on to say how the guy was boozed up. Rogan referenced ‘The New York Post’ to say how the guy who got punched had a long criminal history. “If you find yourself having Mike Tyson reaching over the back of an airline, punching you in the face. You’ve probably earned it,” said Rogan.
