The 10 Most Disliked Sports Figures: An Analysis

Several days ago, Forbes Magazine released a list of the most disliked people in sports.

The list was compiled by polling 1,100 people on which athletes they disliked the most. These coaches and athletes have dominated the headlines of the sporting world in recent years.

I will break down their list by analyzing each player, and saying why or why not they deserved to be on the list.

10. John McEnroe

This was the oddest person on the list. "Johnny Mac" hasn't been a truly relevant figure in sports for many years; McEnroe retired from tennis in 1992. McEnroe was known as being the "bad boy" of tennis in the 1980s, and is remembered as one of the all time greats.

On and off the court, his antics and temper became legendary. But in recent years he has seemed to mellow out. It seems that he's made effort to restore his image by making many cameos in film and television.

My final take, Mac should not be on this list.

9. Nick Saban

Nick Saban has garnered his fair share of fan disapproval. He left LSU after winning a National Championship, the Miami Dolphins when the team started to sink, and it seems like it's only a matter of time before he bails on Alabama.

A nickname among his detractors is "Nick Satan." Does he really deserve to be on this list?

Yes.

Saban obviously is not familiar with the term loyalty, a quality that every college football coach wants to be synonymous with.

8. Stephon Marbury

Why is Stephon Marbury on this list? Could it be attributed to the fact that he tattooed his own logo on his head? Is it his unsportsmanlike attitude? Because he broadcast himself online for 24 hours and ate Vaseline?

All valid points.

But Starbury is basically a mosquito. He's not the most disliked person, but he's just annoying enough to make this list.

7. Isiah Thomas

Thomas leaves basketball fans with a mixed legacy. He is generally thought of as one of the best players in NBA history.

However, his coaching career was less than stellar. His tenure with the New York Knicks was short lived, finishing fourth and fifth in the Atlantic Division.

Thomas has also faced sexual harassment and racism allegations.

Thomas seems to have dropped off the radar in recent months, but I do not disagree with this pick.

6. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson has been disliked since the days of high school. He was arrested in 1993 for an altercation in a bowling alley that included allegations of racism. He was later granted clemency by ex-Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder.

Like Marbury, Iverson is disliked for his selfish style of play. Whether it's from marijuana possession, dress code violations, or urinating in a casino trash can, there are plenty of reasons to dislike Iverson.

5. Kobe Bryant

Bryant is one player that, although in the headlines a lot, does not get much negative press.

Oh wait, maybe people are still soured by the whole rape trial.

Another reason for not liking Kobe is because he is so damned good. He is arguably the best and most exciting player in the NBA.

I think Kobe is the only other person who should not be on this list.

4. Terrell Owens

T.O. is obnoxious, self-centered, vain, and egomaniacal. Although a talented NFL receiver, T.O. is infamous for being a QB killer.

Garcia, McNabb, and Romo have all been left in his wake. His off-field antics are equally annoying.

Do you have to work out in front of your house for the cameras?

There will always be a debate on whether or not TO is worth the hassle, but one thing is for certain; T.O. should be on this list.

3. Alex Rodriguez

A-Rod has been a polarizing figure in baseball. He has long been thought of as a terrific player, and future Hall of Famer. But some fans don't think he has the best work ethic, and teammates coined the nickname "A-Fraud."

In early 2009 it was revealed that A-Rod at one point tested positive for steroids. It only added to the negative press that Rodriguez was receiving.

His personal life, which has been one similar to a socialite, has been plastered all over tabloid covers.

2. Manny Ramirez

"Manny being Manny" was a term coined to describe Manny Ramirez's rather obnoxious behavior. Manny was the most beloved player in Boston...until he showed his displeasure for playing for the Sox.

He was warmly embraced by the Los Angeles Dodgers..until he was caught for using banned substances.

Manny has shown no remorse for his steroid use. What's not to dislike about this guy?

1. Michael Vick

Is anyone actually surprised by the No. 1 pick? For two years, Michael Vick has been the most highly criticized athlete in sports. Ironically, Vick hasn't played a down in that length of time.

Some people have said that Vick should be unconditionally forgiven, whereas others have said he should be fed to rabid dogs.

Do you think we can meet somewhere in the middle?

Vick could rescue 101 Dalmatians from Cruella de Vil and he'd still have detractors.