The Top 5 Cockiest Men in Professional Sports

This image is somewhat misleading. Being one of the humblest men ever to grace center court at the world-renowned Wimbledon tournament, Andy Roddick was so genuinely gracious in a gut-wrenching, soul-sapping defeat.

However, he was distraught, having fought through an epic, deciding fifth set—consisting of 30 nerve-wrecking games, only to lose to the most unforgiving and brutal of opponents.

As Rodger Federer accepted his unprecedented 15th Grand Slam title, he couldn't help but kick his exhausted, down-trodden opponent while he was down.

As if I needed more inspiration to register my disgust in an article that documents the names of the five most arrogant athletes. They pollute our television screens and corrupt our sporting venues with unmitigated conceit.

Roddick will most definitely not be named among the top five. He is by no means arrogant. The picture is merely a tribute to the tragic end of his Wimbledon campaign.

So...here they are.

No. 5 Muhammad Ali

One of the most gifted and influential athletes of all time, he had a pain threshold that was simply superhuman. Ali combined that with a punch that closely resembled the kick from a horse—he is undoubtedly the greatest boxer to ever grace the canvas.

However, he knew he possessed the unrivaled footwork and lighting-fast jab similar to that of a lightweight—he never, EVER, let his opponents forget about it. Whether it was in the ring or at a press conference, he made sure he humiliated and degraded his opponent, always.

Although his cynical comments spewed of a somewhat legendary humor, it does not make light if his arrogance.

It breaks my heart to put one of my most revered and respected celebrities on the list, but, guys, he earned it.

No. 4 Kobe Bryant

An amazing player with a sweet shooting stroke, accompanied with a deft defensive prowess makes him one of the greatest players in the game. After winning his fourth NBA title, I am positive that we will never hear the end of it.

Maybe it was adrenaline, perhaps it was happiness; but whatever compelled Bryant to boast and big himself up after winning Finals MVP this year, did not exactly help his already tarnished reputation.

Having made a name for himself for his infamous on-court antics, such as trash talk and flailing elbows, Bryant earns the No. 4 spot on my list. He simply loves himself too much, and never lets basketball fans forget it.

Memo to Kobe: You cannot hold a candle to Michael Jordan, and LeBron is the reigning MVP. You're good, but not the best.

No. 3 Didier Drogba

After earning a hefty fine for simply "expressing his opinions" after a soul-destroying loss to Barcelona in the semi-final of this year's Champions League, Drogba affirmed his status as one of the angriest men in sport.

That's not arrogance though. However, claiming he is the best player in the world after a goal-less, title-less season just about covers that aspect of his disgusting character.

His slimy, immature, and unprofessional attitude towards colleagues has lost him much respect and tolerance throughout his career, and the public have simply grown tired of his pathetic shenanigans.

No. 2 Rodger Federer

As he remained lip-locked with an inanimate trophy for minutes while his distraught opponent fought back a flood of tears, I thought: Could this man be any more despicable?

From reputation I knew this man was hateful. Heck, after seeing him "congratulate" his previous competitors I already knew what to expect after Andy Roddick gave his heart-warming speech in defeat.

His voice was dripping with arrogance. A frost spread throughout center court as Rodger Federer's sly, inaudible remark to his colleague sent a shiver down the spines of onlookers as Roddick looked hurt, offended, and could only conjure up the meekest of replies.

Another record set, Rodger. Another stadium of viewers left disgusted. All in a day's work.

No. 1 Cristiano Ronaldo

The one and only, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year deservedly earns the top spot as the cockiest athlete in today's professional sports.

Of course Ronaldo needs no introduction to those who have lived about ground for the past three years. Weeks ago his record-breaking £83 million, which is about $160 million, transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid confirmed what we already know.

He is the most sought-after footballer on earth, and possibly the most disgusting.

His years of disgracing the game by jumping to the ground after minimal contact, and pleading with referees that he was fouled after bottling an unnecessary piece of trickery, has sickened soccer fans globally.

So too, have his four word interviews, "I am the best."

You may be Ronaldo, however it's quite difficult to be a celebrity when you have lost nearly all fans through ridiculous antics, consistent boasting, and deserting the team that made you.