Tyson Arrested for Knocking Out Paparazzi: A Tribute to Iron Mike (Video)

The former heavyweight champion of the world Mike Tyson was arrested yesterday and charged with battery after he allegedly punched a photographer at Los Angeles' LAX airport, reportedly leaving the photographer bleeding profusely. Tyson claims that the photographer got too close, even bumping into Tyson, and that he was acting to protect his family, including his young daughter, whom he was holding at the time. Sadly this is yet another unfortunate chapter in the life of Mike Tyson, a truly tragic figure whose life represents both the best (success, determination) and worst (violence, greed) of America.

While it would be impossible to cover Tyson's extraordinarily complex life in one post, here are five videos that at the very least give a glimpse into Iron Mike's mind...if that's a place we even want to go to.

Mike Tyson in "The Hangover"

It appears like we're not going to get to see any actual footage of Tyson punching the photographer (at least until LAX releases their security tapes), but in an eerie case of life imitating art, we've already got a pretty good idea of how the punch may have gone down via Tyson's hilarious appearance in "The Hangover" - you know, minus the Phil Collins.

Mike Tyson Backstage at a Run DMC/Beastie Boys Concert

In the 80's everyone wanted to be like Mike (Jordan and Tyson), especially rappers. Here's some rare 80’s footage of Mike along with Eric B., Mr. Magic, LL, Whodini and Flavor Flav backstage at a Run-DMC/Beastie Boys show. Peep Tyson saying, "Rap music is taking the world by storm." Man, this video is a great insight into hip-hop before it was even remotely on the level it is today. Also, LL Cool J looks like he's 12.

Mike Tyson's Greatest Knockouts

The younger generation can't possibly understand just how feared Tyson was in his prime. Other boxers were literally afraid for their lives when the stepped in the ring with Tyson. Boxing has never seen a fighter with such raw, deadly power before, and I have to believe it never will again.

Mike Tyson Flips Out at Lennox Lewis Press Conference

During a press conference promoting his upcoming fight with Lennox Lewis Tyson starts an all out brawl, and then spends the next 10 minutes telling the assembles press to suck his nuts. In other words, absolutely anything could happen at a Mike Tyson press conference.

Mike Tyson on Oprah

Tyson's...um....unpredictable behavior has served to unfortunately dehumanize the man in the world's eyes, but he's an actual human being, a deeply conflicted man who appears to be making every attempt possible to get his life on track and make amends for past mistakes. If anyone could get Tyson to cry you know it was going to be Oprah.