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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 07: Former boxer Mike Tyson attends the junior welterweight bout between Montana Love and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela at T-Mobile Arena on May 07, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 07: Former boxer Mike Tyson attends the junior welterweight bout between Montana Love and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela at T-Mobile Arena on May 07, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Mike Tyson, has never shied away from discussing the traumas of his own childhood. Iron Mike’s childhood was marked by a cycle of abuse and violence. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, he endured physical and emotional harm, leaving a lasting impact on his life.
Drawing from his own experiences, he shared his thoughts on the controversial case of NFL running back Adrian Peterson, who faced suspension for his use of corporal punishment on his young son. Moreover, his remarks shed light on the lasting impact of childhood abuse and debates surrounding disciplinary actions.
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Mike Tyson shares his thoughts on Adrian Peterson’s son being affected by corporal punishment
In a recent episode of his podcast Hotboxin, Tyson was in conversation with sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, when the latter shared his thoughts on Peterson’s highly publicized child abuse case. Expressing surprise at the controversy surrounding Peterson’s actions, Smith acknowledged that corporal punishment was a common occurrence during his own childhood and that his father was saved by the lenient laws at the time.
“Adrian Peterson, remember the football player? He got in trouble for corporal punishment. I was like, “That’s corporal punishment?”, my father, he got away with a lot of sh*t,” he said.
Moreover, Tyson also remarked that Peterson’s son may not fully comprehend the magnitude of what he got away with. According to the former champion, if the NFL star’s son had been subjected to the same treatment from his father or mother, he would still be suffering and traumatized.
“That football player’s …, son doesn’t understand how much he got away. He got away with so much because he’d be hurting right now if that was my father or mother. He’ll still be f***ed up. He’d be traumatized” said Tyson.
However, the discussion surrounding Peterson’s case brings to the forefront the critical need for a broader understanding of the effects of corporal punishment
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A deep dive into Adrain Peterson’s controversial punishment methods
In 2014, Adrian Peterson, the MVP running back, was suspended for the entire season due to felony child abuse charges. He had disciplined his 4-year-old son by beating him with a switch. Peterson expressed remorse at the time and stated that he would not use such methods of discipline again.

USA Today via Reuters
Nov 21, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Adrian Peterson (8) is thrown for a loss by Houston Texans defensive tackle Ross Blacklock (90) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
However, in an interview with Bleacher Report, Peterson admitted that he still uses physical punishment, including spanking with a belt, to discipline his children. While Peterson’s case sparked discussions about appropriate disciplinary measures, Tyson’s response added another layer to the conversation. Moreover, this underscores the need for a collective effort to educate and raise awareness about alternatives to corporal punishment, encouraging individuals to seek healthier ways to discipline children ensuring their emotional and physical well-being.
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What did you think about Tyson’s reaction to Peterson’s controversy over corporal punishment? Let us know in the comments.
Watch This Story: 5 Most Viewed Episodes Of Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson
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