Top 10 Biggest Super Bowl Scandals

As big as the Super Bowl game is with drama and excitement, Super Bowl week is also just as big. There have been a number of scandals that have took place around that week, which have caused distractions. For most teams, the results hurt some teams' chances of a Super Bowl title. Here are the top 10 scandals that have taken place in the Super Bowl.
The Top Ten
Eugene Robinson arrested for soliciting a prostitute after being named Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award recipient prior to Super Bowl 33

Falcons defensive back Eugene Robinson was honored for his good character when he was named the Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award winner on the eve of the Super Bowl. However, he was forced to give the award back the next day because that night, he was arrested for soliciting a prostitute.

Robinson still played in the game, but the Atlanta Falcons were no match for the Denver Broncos, who defeated them 34-19.

Barret Robbins disappears from team during Super Bowl 37 week

The 2002 Raiders' Super Bowl appearance was marred by controversy over whether or not head coach Bill Callahan sabotaged the team's chances when he switched the game plan to make it more favorable for Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers.

But a bigger storyline was the disappearance of offensive lineman Barret Robbins, who went to Mexico to celebrate the Raiders' Super Bowl win just days prior. Later reported to be suffering from bipolar disorder, Robbins was suspended for the game, and the Raiders lost 48-21.

Stanley Wilson suspended and banned for drug use on the eve of Super Bowl 23

Bengals running back Stanley Wilson had been twice suspended for drug use before 1988. While leading Cincinnati to the Super Bowl, he documented his story about being a recovering addict.

However, on the night before Super Bowl 23, Wilson relapsed and was suspended and banned from the NFL. Wilson's absence played a role in the Bengals' heartbreaking 20-16 loss to the 49ers.

Thomas Henderson mocks Terry Bradshaw before Super Bowl 13

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson caused a stir during the week of Super Bowl 13 with his comments about some Pittsburgh Steeler players. Most infamously, he said that Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw couldn't spell 'cat' if you spotted him the 'C' and 'A'.

This motivated Bradshaw, who put up an MVP performance in a 35-31 win over Dallas. Bradshaw ended up in the Hall of Fame, while Henderson battled with cocaine addiction before getting sober.

Ray Lewis arrested for alleged murder on Super Bowl 34 night

While the St. Louis Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl 34, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was arrested in Atlanta for the alleged murder of two men. The murder charges were dropped, but Lewis pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in connection to the murders.

This incident hung over Lewis during the 2000 season, in which he led Baltimore to a Super Bowl win over the Giants and was named Super Bowl MVP. However, he was not allowed to go to Walt Disney World.

Superdome lights go out during Super Bowl 47

As the Ravens were leading 28-6 against the 49ers in Super Bowl 47, the lights in the Superdome unexpectedly went out. It took 30 minutes for them to come back on.

When they did, the 49ers had new life and made it a close game. Though the Ravens ultimately won 34-31, many wonder if the lights going out was the NFL's way of trying to get the 49ers back into the game.

Jim McMahon moons camera and is falsely accused of trashing New Orleans women before Super Bowl 20

After sustaining an injury to his buttocks in the playoffs, Bears quarterback Jim McMahon mooned a helicopter camera inquiring about the status of his injury.

But that wasn't the only controversy McMahon was involved in. He was also accused of calling New Orleans women "sluts." This claim was denied by McMahon and was later determined to have been fabricated by a local announcer.

Len Dawson mistakenly linked to gambling scandal before Super Bowl 4

Prior to Super Bowl 4 between the Chiefs and Vikings, Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson, who had an emotional season with injury as well as the loss of his father, was linked to a gambling scandal involving an organization run by Donald Dawson (no relation to Len). While Len was acquainted with Donald, he was not implicated in the matter.

Dawson went on to win Super Bowl MVP as the Chiefs defeated the Vikings 23-7.

Seattle screwed by referee's calls in Super Bowl 40

Super Bowl 40 should be remembered as Jerome Bettis retiring as a champion for the Steelers in his hometown of Detroit or for Bill Cowher winning his first title as a head coach.

But for many fans, it's best remembered for Seattle being affected by a few controversial calls, which potentially ended their chances of becoming Super Bowl champions.

Adrian Awasom arrested for DUI before Super Bowl 42

In the week leading up to Super Bowl 42, backup Giants defensive end Adrian Awasom was arrested for DUI while the team was in Arizona. He was sent home and did not participate in the historic upset of the Patriots.

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