Athletes…we either love them or loathe them. Sometimes we loathe them until our compassion kicks in and realize there is a method to their madness. Other times, it’s merely because they were never held as a child (read below). Still, whether or not their actions were legal, justified or down-right insane, it drew the attention.
A lot of superstars , in their respective sport, are becoming villains instead of the heroes. Some of them were born evil and some turned bad because of their new found fame. These athletes, in their own sinister way, drew a lot of attention to make their respective sport popular. Was it right or wrong? You decide…
MIKE TYSON
“How dare these boxers challenge me with their primitive skills? It makes me angry. They’re just as good as dead.” – Mike Tyson
He was known as “The Baddest Man on the Planet”. He was boxing’s most entertaining fighter to date.
He was convicted of rape and served time in jail. He bit a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear and he said he would eat Lennox Lewis’ children.
TONYA HARDING
“One thing I like about boxing is that I will not have to deal with the same kind of politics that I had to in skating.” – Tony Harding
She became notorious for allegedly conspiring with ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, to attack her competitor Nancy Kerrigan at a practice session.
During the 1994 Winter Olympics, she almost failed to appear on the ice because of a broken shoe lace.
DENNIS RODMAN
“Fifty percent of life in the NBA is sex. The other 50 percent is money.” – Dennis Rodman
A member of the Detroit Pistons Bad Boys team, Rodman was always in the heat of things. He knows how to take you out of your game with his antics.
With the Spurs, he headbutted John Stockton and with the Bulls he headbutted referee Ted Bernhardt. He also kicked a cameraman in the groin where he was fined and suspended.
RON ARTEST
“That’s gonna be fun…I love the tension. I love when everything’s going wrong…In the NBA, they don’t promote guys like me. They like guys who like Cheerios, good guys. But I find a way to promote myself.” – Ron Artest
He holds the record for the longest non drug related suspension in the NBA. Ron Artest was involved in a brawl with Detroit Pistons fans.
MIKE DANTON
“Not once was I ever read a book at night and I can’t remember ever receiving a hug or kiss.” – Mike Danton
He is now serving time at FCI Sandstone for conspiracy to commit murder. He was found guilty of hiring a hitman to murder his agent, David Frost.
ROBIN FRIDAY
“I’m half your age and I’ve lived twice your life.” – Robin Friday
The English footballer gained notoriety when he kicked Mark Lawrenson in the face and defecated in his bag. How bad is that?
TERRELL OWENS
“Like I always said, if I’m one of the top players in the game, pay me like I’m one of the top players in the game.” – Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens, in an interview with Playboy Magazine, called Jeff Garcia a homosexual. With the Eagles, he had a reputation of being one of the greediest player in league history. He asks for nothing but more money.
JAMES HUNT
“My first priority is to finish above rather than beneath the ground.” – James Hunt
He was a notorious racecar driver. James Hunt was an outrageuos playboy and extremely flamboyant. He wears a badge on his racing overalls that reads “Sex-the breakfast of champions.”
JOHN DALY
“It was a rough night last night. I’m glad I went late today.” – John Daly
John Daly had all the the troubles and problems of life. He was an alcoholic and ventured into drugs. He was also a heavy gambler and his marriage was in shambles.
ANTON FERDINAND
“It was hard leaving West Ham because I have been there for 16 years but after meeting Roy Keane I knew it was time for a change.” – Anton Ferdinand
He once fooled his management team that he was visiting his sick grandmother but he was partying in the US instead. He also had a court case after he got involved in a fracas in a nightclub.