Top 10 Stupidest Stunts by Pro Athletes
OK, athletes are physically better than everyone. But are they mentally better? Aside from Hollywood starlets, they commit some of the dumbest acts ever. O.J. murdering his wife, Mike Vick's dogfighting, Pacman at strip clubs. The list goes on.
What do you think are the top 10 dumbest acts ever committed by an athlete?
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O.J. Simpson's Book "If I Did It'
In 2006, O.J. Simpson wrote a hypothetical account titled If I Did It, describing how he might have committed the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The book caused widespread controversy and was initially canceled by its original publisher. It was later released by the Goldman family, who were awarded the rights as part of a civil judgment, reigniting debate over Simpson's acquittal and public image.
Way to stay innocent, big fella. I wonder if Bill Clinton should write a book called, "If I Did Sleep With That Woman."
If I WOULD HAVE KILLED HER, this is what I would have done. How stupid are we?
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Mike Tyson's Ear Bite Incident
During a 1997 heavyweight championship rematch against Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson bit off part of Holyfield's ear during the third round. The incident resulted in Tyson's immediate disqualification from the fight. He was later fined $3 million and temporarily lost his boxing license.
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Michael Vick's Dogfighting Ring
NFL quarterback Michael Vick was convicted in 2007 for operating an illegal dogfighting operation known as Bad Newz Kennels. Investigators uncovered extensive evidence of animal cruelty, including the killing of underperforming dogs. Vick served 21 months in federal prison before later returning to professional football.
Vick also got suspended, but unlike Warne, he got arrested. Warne missed a few matches, but Vick missed a whole year and possibly another one.
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Chad Johnson's "Michael Phelps is Overrated" Comment
In 2008, NFL receiver Chad Johnson publicly stated that Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was overrated. The remark came during Phelps's record-breaking performance at the Beijing Olympics. Johnson's comment drew backlash for dismissing one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic history.
Now that is just plain stupid.
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Allen Iverson's "Practice" Rant
In 2002, Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson delivered a press conference in which he repeatedly questioned the importance of practice after being criticized for missing team sessions. The rant became one of the most quoted moments in sports media history. Iverson later clarified that his comments reflected frustration with injuries, team struggles, and relentless media scrutiny.
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Shane Warne's Text Messaging Scandal
In 2000, Australian cricketer Shane Warne became embroiled in controversy after sending explicit text messages to a British nurse during a tour of England. The incident led to his removal as vice-captain of the Australian team. It was one of several off-field issues that followed Warne throughout his career.
Shane Warne, the most prolific spin bowler in the history of cricket, couldn't stay off his mobile phone. It caused him a divorce, match suspensions, and he even lost points in a recent poker match for using his phone during the game.
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Kobe Bryant's Rape Allegation
In 2003, Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a hotel employee in Colorado. The criminal case was dropped after the accuser declined to testify. A civil lawsuit was later settled out of court, and the case had a significant impact on Bryant's public image at the time.
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Ron Artest's "Malice at the Palace" Brawl
In 2004, Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest was involved in a violent brawl with Detroit Pistons fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The altercation began after a fan threw a drink at Artest, prompting him to enter the stands. The NBA suspended Artest for the remainder of the season, one of the longest suspensions in league history.
Granted, he was provoked by getting a drink thrown at him, but you've got to show a little restraint.
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Brock Lesnar's Botched Shooting Star Press
At WrestleMania XIX in 2003, professional wrestler Brock Lesnar attempted a high-risk Shooting Star Press but landed on his head. The failed maneuver caused a severe concussion. Despite the injury, Lesnar finished the match and won the WWE Championship.
Nobody will forget this stunt that almost ended his career. WrestleMania 19!
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Ugueth Urbina's Machete Attack
In 2005, Venezuelan pitcher Ugueth Urbina attacked five workers at his family's farm with a machete and attempted to set them on fire. He was convicted of attempted murder in 2007. Urbina served more than seven years in prison before being released.
The MLB pitcher chased a man down with a machete, tied him up, and attempted to set him on fire. He is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence in Venezuela.
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Tom Watson's Attempt to Fire Gary McCord
During the 1994 Masters Tournament, golfer Tom Watson objected to CBS commentator Gary McCord's on-air remarks about Augusta National's greens. Watson wrote a formal letter requesting McCord's removal from future broadcasts. CBS subsequently stopped assigning McCord to Masters coverage.
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Bill Gramática's Celebratory ACL Tear
In 2001, Arizona Cardinals kicker Bill Gramática tore his ACL while celebrating a successful field goal. The injury occurred when he jumped in excitement and landed awkwardly. It ended his season and became a frequently cited example of celebration-related injuries.
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Ken Williams's Trade of Aaron Rowand
In 2005, Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams traded center fielder Aaron Rowand to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a deal for Jim Thome. The move shocked many fans given Rowand's key defensive role in the White Sox's recent World Series win. The trade ultimately paid off, as Thome became a central power hitter during Chicago's competitive run.
Sox fans miss him so much.
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Ryan Leaf's Tirade Against a Reporter
In 1998, San Diego Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf verbally confronted a reporter in the team's locker room after being questioned about his poor play. The incident became emblematic of Leaf's ongoing struggles with media and team relations. His career soon unraveled due to injuries, inconsistent performance, and off-field issues.
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Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" Goal
During the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, Diego Maradona scored a goal against England using his hand. The referee allowed the goal after missing the handball violation. Maradona later admitted the infraction, famously calling it "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."
You're not supposed to play soccer with your hands.
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Shaun White's Half Pipe Mishap
At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, snowboarder Shaun White failed to medal after an uncharacteristic showing in the halfpipe final. He fell during one of his runs, ending his streak of Olympic dominance in the event. White later rebounded by winning gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
He came out of the pipe by accident and hit someone. Ouch!
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Pacman Jones's Las Vegas Strip Club Incident
In 2007, NFL player Adam "Pacman" Jones was linked to a shooting outside a Las Vegas strip club following an altercation inside. The incident left three people injured, and police reports connected Jones to the events that preceded the gunfire. The NFL suspended him for the entire 2007 season.
After multiple incidents, including a shooting that left a bouncer paralyzed at topless bars, Pacman Jones had to go to New York to discuss his punishment with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The night before his meeting, he decided to spend the evening at a topless bar in New York and was seen there by the media. He explained his visit by saying, "What wrong, I was just there for the food."
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Bob Burnquist's Grand Canyon BASE Jump
In 2016, professional skateboarder Bob Burnquist BASE jumped from a helicopter over the Grand Canyon while standing on his skateboard. The stunt was completed successfully as part of a promotional video. It reinforced Burnquist's reputation for blending skateboarding with extreme sports risks.
OMG, he could have killed himself. Somehow, he managed it.