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Exclusive: Mike Tyson Calls Lance Armstrong 'An Awesome Human Being'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It goes without saying that no one envies Lance Armstrong right now.

After the candid interview in which Armstrong confessed one lie after another to Oprah Winfrey, the disgraced American icon doesn't have many supporters these days.

But one athletic legend, whose controversial career included a prison stint and biting off a chunk of a competitor's ear, is coming out in support of his friend Lance.

Making an appearance on WLNY-TV's The Couch Tuesday morning, famed boxer Mike Tyson said he thinks Armstrong will make it to the other side of the scandal.

"He is an awesome human being," Tyson said. "We're all human beings, we're all going to make mistakes. We're not perfect, and neither is Lance."

More: Mike Tyson Says Prison Not A Low Point, Admits To Boxing With Gonorrhea

Hesitant to label Armstrong a "cheater," Tyson said what's important is that others join him in supporting the cyclist, who was stripped of all seven Tour de France titles.

"I think that people that are his friends, should still be his friends," Tyson said. "He's going to get bashed for awhile, so if you're truly his friend, try to help him absorb the blows."

After facing a long history of hardships himself, Tyson said as long as Armstrong remains resilient, he will be okay.

"He's gonna come out, he's gonna stay strong, and he's going to get over this," Tyson said.

To see the full interview and hear Tyson's comments on Armstrong, check out the video below. Let us know what you think: Is Tyson right to come out in support of Lance Armstrong?

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