The Most Controversial Athletes in Sports History
Sports stars are one part celebrity, one part athlete. Like so many celebrities, some sports stars are prone to scandal. These sports stars were involved some of the biggest controversies of all time, and many remain controversial figures to this day despite being retired.
O.J Simpson is perhaps the biggest controversial athlete of all time, for "not killing his ex-wife" in 1994. Remember when one of the best NBA players of all time, LeBron James, took his talents to South Beach? That was definitely a case of a sports star who caused controversy. And then, of course, there's Anna Kournikova, who has caused controversy simply for being beautiful.
Which athletes do you think are the most controversial of all time? What is your definition of controversy? Is it off-the-field antics like the domestic drama surrounding Tiger Woods, or is it on-the-court antics like John McEnroe's famous profane meltdowns?
Which is worse, steroids or biting off someone's ear? The choice is yours! Vote up the stars who've caused the most controversy and if we missed any scandalous athletes, add them to the controversial sport stars list!
- 1Age: 76
- Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills
O.J. Simpson, widely recognized for his football career and subsequent high-profile criminal trial, is an athlete whose controversial legacy cannot be understated. His exceptional on-field performances, highlighted by a ground-breaking 2,000-yard season in just 14 games, served as a catalyst to his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, his career achievements were overshadowed by his tumultuous personal life, most notably the infamous 1994 murder trial that captivated the nation and continues to be a source of intrigue.
- 2Age: 33
- Teams: New England Patriots, Florida Gators football
Aaron Hernandez, a promising young tight end for the New England Patriots, saw his life spiral out of control when he was found guilty of first-degree murder. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Hernandez's playing ability allowed him to quickly establish himself as one of the premier players in his position. Sadly, his NFL career came to a tragic and abrupt end due to his criminal actions, leaving behind a controversial legacy marred by violence and disenchantment.
- 3Age: 52
- Teams: Cycling
Lance Armstrong, once heralded as the epitome of perseverance and endurance, fell from grace when the truth about his doping methods was revealed. He forever changed the world of professional cycling with his improbable comeback from cancer and subsequent record-setting seven consecutive Tour de France titles. Yet, his storied career was stripped away and tainted forever following the revelation of pervasive doping practices, which led to the revocation of his titles and his disqualification from the sport he once dominated.
- 4Age: 52
- Teams: Ice Skating
Tonya Harding's figure skating career will always be remembered more for scandal than for her incredible talent and determination. A two-time Olympian and silver medalist at the World Championship, Harding's legacy was forever marred by her involvement in planning an attack on rival skater Nancy Kerrigan prior to the 1994 Winter Olympics. Harding's subsequent prosecution and banishment from the sport became one of the most infamous moments in sports history, overshadowing her considerable accomplishments on the ice.
- 5Age: 57
- Teams: Boxing
Mike Tyson's storied career in boxing is equal parts brilliance and infamy, with his volatile personal life mirroring his aggressive style in the ring. His devastating punching power and intimidating presence led him to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old, only for his life outside the ring to become riddled with controversy. From a conviction for rape to biting Evander Holyfield's ear in a 1997 bout, Tyson's actions thrust him into the realm of sports infamy.
- 6Age: 70
