Christopher Nolan's highly-anticipated film The Dark Knight premiered this weekend and all eyes were transfixed on the late Heath Ledger's portrayal of the dynamic villain The Joker. In tribute to Ledger's devilishly mesmerizing character, I have decided to nominate the five most villainous sports figures of the past decade.
1. Barry Bonds—Bonds, 43, a seven-time MVP and eight-time Gold Glove winner who is baseball's all-time home run king with 762 dingers, is one of the greatest players to ever grace the diamond.
Unfortunately, Willie Mays' godson is also one of the most despicable and surly human beings to ever be thrust upon the world of professional sports.
In November of 2007, Bonds was indicted on four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice for lying about his use of performance enhancing drugs (including the allegation that he utilized a steroid called trenbolone, which is intended to improve the muscle quality in cattle).
Currently, Bonds is an outcast who has been essentially banished from the sport of baseball.
2. Bill Belichick—Belichick, 56, helped lead the New England Patriots to three Super Bowl championships, and is widely heralded as one of the greatest coaches in the annals of the NFL.
But, he is also a cheater—both on the field and off of it.
In September of 2007, the philandering fashion plate, who has a career record of 41-57 as a "HC" without Tom Brady at the helm, admitted that he had been illegally videotaping his oppositions defensive signals since the 2000 season.
3. Roger Clemens—Clemens, 45, won 354 games in his career and was awarded the Cy Young Award a record seven times.
But, the fat Texan also cheated on his wife, Debbie, at least 354 times, and he likely took a minimum of seven different forms of illegal performance enhancing drugs throughout his sham of a career.
Any time now, "the Rocket" could be launched to prison for lying to congress.
4. Alex Rodriguez—Rodriguez, 32, is a three-time MVP and 12-time All Star who many believe will one day be revered as the greatest baseball player ever.
Early last year, A-Rod was asked why he was such a magnet for criticism and he responded, "When people write bad things about me, I don't know if it's because I am good-looking, I'm biracial, I make the most money, I play on the most popular team."
The reasons that many dislike the purple-lipped pariah are actually because he is a pompous, robotic, and fake man who is incapable of succeeding in pressurized situations.
5. Ray Lewis—Lewis, 33, a two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV, is one of the most dominant linebackers to ever step on the gridiron.
He is also a menacing man who was charged (and later acquitted) with murder and aggravated assault after a fight in 2000 left two dead from stab wounds.
Lewis was the first MVP of the Super Bowl to not be asked to say the famous phrase, "I'm going to Disney World!" after the game. One can only assume that Lewis wasn't the image that Disney craved to be associated with their brand.
*Honorable mention: Kobe Bryant
Everybody has different vantages and varying likes and dislikes. I would be interested in hearing the opinions of others on this subject. In this case, nobody can be pronounced wrong.
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2 months ago
kobe is a d-bag. he rats on teammates and is a fake, fragile-egoed, lying, crybaby, who would rather score lots of points than win championships. i bet he wishes shaq was still winning him rings b/c kobe can't deliver in big games.
from 2 months ago
I'm getting the feeling you don't like Kobe.
Just remind me how many championships Shaq has won without a great guard on his team? Zero. Don't be nieve and think Shaq would have 4 rings if he didn't have the help of Kobe and D-Wade.
At least give Kobe credit for being one of the hardest working players in the NBA while Shaq is almost always out of shape. It's not like Shaq is the ideal role model either, he did cheat on his wife too.
However, I wouldn't put Ray Lewis on the list, I think Jared showed Kobe is more hated.
from 2 months ago
jared, you need to get your facts straight. Kobe won the mvp and took his team to the finals because he shared the ball and improved the players around him, odom, gasol, vujacic, turiaf, farmar. the whole team. he lead by example and took his team on his shoulders all the way to the finals. which means he made his team better than 29 other teams. and he's somehow on the list.
HATER!!!
2 months ago
Shaq asked Kobe "How's MyAss Tatse," Jared....
Thanks for the read, buddy!
from 2 months ago
Michael,
I actually kind of like Kobe....
My list is by nature subjective and it may have been poorly defined and flawed...That is my fault....
But, within the Big 3 sports, I think it is fair to suggest that Kobe is disliked and among the most hated (bad choice of words perhaps with villainous) in sports....
I don't hate Kobe....I don't....
Thanks for the read and giving me some of your time, Michael.
from 2 months ago
I was talking to Jared in my first comment, not you collin.
I thought the list was good other than ray lewis.
from 2 months ago
I like all of those players except Clemens.
2 months ago
I'd add J.J. Redick while we was at Duke. Obviously not now since he's been riding the bench since he's been in the NBA. I'd also put Randy Moss on the list too.
from 2 months ago
Yeah, that's right. Redick was hated at Duke, and more than normal, even for a Duke player.
from 2 months ago
Ooops, sorry....
I banged the pooch on that one...
Thanks again for the read, buddy!
from 2 months ago
Yup Randy moss, hated by any respectable Raiders fan
from 2 months ago
Yup Randy moss, hated by any respectable Raiders fan
from 2 months ago
JJ Redick would be my favorite player on that updated list list, he would replace Bonds as #1 favotite for me.
2 months ago
As far as soccer goes, Cristiano Ronaldo, with all his flopping,diving, and crying, has to be an honorable mention.
from 2 months ago
Definitely...cant stand Ronaldo
2 months ago
Kobe belongs # 2 without question. People respect him for his game, but I honestly don't know one person who like him personally. I'd also have TO as # 3.
I'd also probably add Jeremy Shockey & Curt Shilling to the honorable mention list
from 2 months ago
And you can't leave off Keyshawn, Michael Irvin, or Deion Sanders......
2 months ago
Simply, you are all right.....
Narrowing it to 5 is a nearly impossible task....
But, that's why it's fun....No one is right and, generally, nobody can be wrong....
2 months ago
Great article. It's fun discussing hated athletes because although hatred depends on whose team you root for, some players are almost universally hated.
For example, I'm biased as a Giants fan who watched a pre-'roid Bonds resurrect the organization and keep it in SF, and feel that he could've been the greatest player of all time without them. This makes it even worse that he cheated. Similarly, Belichick had tons of talent to coach, and still cheated. That's why I agree 100% with Bonds and Belichick as 1 and 2.
2 months ago
i tried to edit the article and i'll try again later, but there is no way ray lewis was a two time defensive ROOKIE of the year. easy enough slip of the fingers. good article. surprised this only has 10 comments on it
2 months ago
I like the list I agree with everyone you mentioned here. I think I might add Pedro Martinez to the list since he left Boston for New York even though it wasn't the Yankees. I also would add David Beckham. He pretty much sold out for the United States and then barely played his first year through all the hype.
2 months ago
Simple solution: Belichick isn't an athlete, he's just a cheating sack. Get Kobe on there.
2 months ago
I disagree with Alex Rodriguez. People just hate him because hes the best player on a big ball club. The same goes for Manny Ramirez (although he does do something that could tick peaople off). The only thing A-Rod did was hang out with another woman. Never did his wife say he cheated on her or anything. A-Rod proved last season he can perform in the clutch, until the postseason, when all the Yankees imploded, so you cant blame him there.
2 months ago
If there was a way to bring Ty Cobb into the present, seeing him square off against Barry Bonds - in any venue - would have been incredibly entertaining. They were (are) two of the most egotistical, standoffish, belligerent, and generally hateful people to step on a baseball field.
To add fuel to the fire of this mythical match-up, Cobb was legendary for his virulent racism.
As far as athletes that belong on this list, honorable mentions should definitely go to:
- Maurice Clarrett: I think this one pretty much speaks for itself.
- Clem Haskins: Broke God knows how many NCAA rules at Minnesota, and threatened to ruin the careers of anyone who got in his way with trumped-up charges of racism.
- Allen Iverson: Seriously, how has he avoided mention before now?
- Ron Artest: Heckle him at your own risk.
- Jim Harrick (pick one): Despite Georgia's surprise run through the 2008 SEC Tournament, that basketball program is years away from respectability thanks to the slimiest father and son sports combination in recent memory.
- George O'Leary: And I think we're just scratching the surface with this one...
2 months ago
I was surprised that Ray Lewis made the list. Of course, I am from Baltimore, so take it or leave it...
Good read, and this would be too difficult so I'm not going to try. ;)
from 2 months ago
Thanks, Brendan....Bodymore, Murdaland, huh?
I went to Loyola for a year before getting the boot...
You watch the Wire?
Anyhow, think back to 2000 when the Ravens won it and Lewis was recently acquitted of murder, he was one of the biggest villians ever in sports...
Anyhow, hope all is well, buddy...
from 2 months ago
I'm a Ravens fan and I hate Ray Ray ... and his BBQ.
2 months ago
Surprised nobodys mentioned Michael Vick yet. Not really hated for on-field stuff, but still pretty damn hated.
from 2 months ago
Bad as Michael is, what about his brother Marcus? After a redshirt freshman year he was all set to followed his brother as the starting quarterback at Virginia Tech until, according to a Blacksburg police report, he and two homies lured three underage girls -- a 15-year-old, a 14-year-old, and a 13-year-old -- into Marcus' apartment to party. the dudes fed dope to the girls until they were about ready to pass out. Then one by one a stoned jailbait juvenile was led into the bedroom to be "trained" by the men. When the "incident" became public allegedly VaTech alums paid the girls to not press charges against Vick and friends, and the Blacksburg police left punishment up to the university. Marcus was suspended for one year. The next season he again started at QB for the Hokies until the Louisville game when Marcus stomped on the face of a Louisville defensive tackle laying on the grass who had had the temerity to tackle him. I saw clips of it, and it was ugly. Even the VaTech offensive lineman were p*ssed at Vick, throwing him off of the player. Said one lineman after then game, "Sure I want to win, but not that way, by injuring an opponent. I want to beat my man because I'm better than him, not because he has had his face stomped." It was too much even for Frank Beamer, who kicked Vick off the team. His brother Michael got him signed by the Atlanta Falcons as a wide receiver, but now that Michael is history .....
from 2 months ago
Wow, pretty sure I heard about those incidents b4, but forgot all about them. Looks like Mike's not the worst Vick, but the Vick bros. could definitely top this list as a pair.
from 2 months ago
Yeah, Vick is gotta be considered, hated by football fans for the wasted talent and puppy huggers that don't even watch football.
He and Kobe might be ahead of Ray Ray, who's BBQ sucks btw.
from 2 months ago
I was waiting for Michael Vick and hoping he is not in a pennitentiary with a dog rehabilitation program--if there was one that trained police dogs to attack felons, maybe.
Oh, I really like the article and especially the title.
2 months ago
Alex Rodriguez is the best player in baseball, and anyone that hates on his performance is a total jackass. The beloved "true Yankee" Derek Jeter can't hold A-Rod's cup, offensively or defensively.
from 2 months ago
Don't think this is about performance ... obviously. Jeter...hahaha.
2 months ago
Great idea! Of course everyone has their own opinions as to who should be on this list. I scanned through the list of players that we have nominated and one guy that we have left out is Terrell Owens. Honestly, he is one of the most egotisical athletes of the past ten years that he should be on just about everyones list.
Honorable Mention: Tony Stewart
from 2 months ago
Tony Stewart?!?! Try Kyle Busch.
2 months ago
I totally agree with the list you wrote especially Belicheck and A-Rod! I'd probably also add TO and Derek Jeter to the list. When you sit down and think about the possibilities of who could be on this list, it's hard to narrow it down! Great job on narrowing it down though!! :)
2 months ago
ok i like the list but t.o. and warren sapp should have definitly been at least honorable mentions
2 months ago
Ive met tons of people who hate Vick and call him a criminal. Also T.O. is hated by so many. This is not a list shared by my thoughts just my experience w/ the media and people. Id make it similar to this.
1. Bonds- media cant stand him, fans boo him, he is blackballed by all MLB even as a basically free Left handed free agent whose OB% would still be rediculous.
2. Arod - Its not because of his talent or the team he plays for, if that was the logic then people would universally hate players like Payton Manning or Tom Brady. Its because he is an arrogant jerk. His own NYY teammates recently made a comment on why they would not attend his AllStar party. They said everything always has to be about Arod. People usually do not like it when a player goes to a team, signs a Huge contract, then demands a trade because his contract is blocking the $ to make major deals. Obviously his own wife does not like him either as the divorce is looking messy. On top of all that, he chokes during crunch time.
3. T.O.- Guy just made too many comments that got people the wrong way. I remember it was hard to find people that liked this guy and all of Philadelphia wished death upon him. Media just surrounded him like a shark waiting to publish any thing negative. T.O. has turned it around though. He has become a solid team player and backs up his QB. He doesnt say anything very controversial anymore putting his team 1st.
4. Vick - Even before the whole dog fighting scandal there were people calling Vick a Thug. I became the lone voice during his trials stating that he was getting an unfair wrap. People were yelling at me calling Vick a criminal and saying his jail sentence was much deserved.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo - Is the most hated Footballer because of his attitude and selfishness on the pitch. He also flops too often to be respected by Football purist. He almost declared war to the Entire country of England during the 2006 World Cup by diving constantly then getting Wayne Rooney his ManU teammate Red Carded. Lastly he is not winning over any new fans w/ his current inability to commit to ManU even after winning both the Premiership and Champion's League finals as he may be transfered to Barcelona if he demands it.
Honorable mentions: 1. Kobe-seems to be love hate. They neutralize each other 2.Ron Artest-had a nasty run for awhile, especially when he tried to drop that album. 3.Clemens-Im from Texas so I really do not know many people who do not like the guy but I do see the media trashing him up north. 4. PacMan Jones-this guy is an idiot who just cant seem to stay away from strip clubs. Lastly if you count Belichick you got to throw in Scott Boras/Drew Rosenhaus as fans have seen their stars hold out for more $ or have their team used as a bargaining chip to sign for more $ in a bigger market. These "super agents" are hated by all.
2 months ago
Do you cite any evidences or sources for your allegations, against Bonds and Clemens? I don't like either player, but without evidence, your claims against each of them are kind of cheap shots.
How bout Bonds soaking up enough salary to keep the team out of contention (not that it wasn't Magowan's fault), or how about earning 7 MVPs and never winning it all? How about his constant strife with the media, or his dishonorable discharge after hitting the all-time record breaking home run?
How about Clemens Cy Young in 2004, when he beat out Randy Johnson in the votes, essentially only because he played for a winning team -- throw out Win-Loss records, Johnson beats him in every category, and had a perfect game that May. How out Clemens poor sportmanship, throwing baseball bat shards at Mike Piazza, beaning batters, or selling out from the Red Sox to the Yankees?
I don't doubt some truth in your claims, but I dislike the allegations without some kind of link to a media spot, or something on file for evidence.
Good article!
2 months ago
If Kobe isn't in that top 5 then its not a real list. Outside of LA, he's hated by 90% of the country. He's selfish, arrogant, obnoxious, immature and overall a real d-bag!
I'd also mention Vick and Irvin....and Jose Reyes is really starting to climb that list with his chicken dance.
from 2 months ago
Hey, Johnny...Thanks for the read....Bonds and Clemens were both in the Mitchell report and both are on the cusp of being charged with perjury for lying to congress....
It sucks, but in this day in age, I think it is correct that you are GUILTY until proven INNOCENT when it comes to roids in sports...I know that sounds bad...But, we fans have all been lied to enough and I think we can presume as reasonably intelligent people that Bonds and Clemens were/are abusers of the stuff....
Thanks again for the read!
from 2 months ago
90 % is a little high. He was selfish but has showed the last couple of years that he's a team player. The best players are always arrogant, just like MJ.
2 months ago
Clemmens. Need I say more as to why?:)
Ray "how to commit murder an get away with it" Lewis.
2 months ago
I'm not sure I agree with A-rod. Also, if Terrell Owens hadn't shut up just a little in Dallas, he would have made the list.
2 months ago
Bill Belichick isn't an athlete...
from 2 months ago
Well, he was in the 70's.
I know...I kind of rushed this article for my other site and I shouldn't have used the word "villains" or "athletes."
If I had taken my time with this piece....It wouldn't have happened.....I would have said the"most disliked people in the world of sports."
Thanks for the read, Brian.
2 months ago
Let's not have gender discrimination. WHERE IS BILLY JEAN KING? She has constantly publicized herself for beating 55-year-old Bobby Riggs, who had never broken into men's tennis top 10, who had two bad knees, and who had been reduced to hustling rich, out-of-shape wannabe jocks at country clubs. She followed this by appearing in a pro-abortion advertisement in the NY Times in which she proudly proclaimed that she had had FIVE abortions by that time. Apparently abortion is her birth control method of choice. She followed this by admitting that she had cheated on her husband with over 400 men, women, and, one would presume, animals. She finished off a lifetime of sterling performances in life when, being sued for palimony by a lesbian mistress, she dragged her poor, pathetic husband Larry on stage so that he could proclaim that despite the countless cuckolding she had inflicted on him, he still loved her and stood by her. Maybe he's a closet voyeur. Enough to gag a maggot.
1st Runner-up: Marion Jones, currently in a federal penitentiary near Fort Worth for lying to the FBI, the Department of Justice, and various courts about ingesting different forms of illegal performance enhancing drugs at prestigious (and high paying) track meets including the Olympics. After vehemently denying the charges against her she has now admitted to them as part of her request to President Bush for sentence commutation. Bush, however, may wait until she has stopped growing facial hair and her voice has returned to soprano from basso.
2nd Runner-up: ..... Ah, there are just too, too many candidates from which to choose, although the University of South Carolina women's basketball coach who hit on her players, seduced several of them, and then increased her lovers' playing times to the detriment of those who had resisted her, is always a safe choice. She gave new meaning to the word "Gamecock".
from 2 months ago
Danica Patrick
from 2 months ago
L. J. No fair, I wanted to say Danica!
2 months ago
RE: Michael Vick. Bad as he is, his brother Marcus is worse. After a redshirt freshman year he was to follow his brother as the Virginia Tech starting QB when he was caught in an "incident". The Blacksburg police report says that Marcus and two homies invited 3 underage girls, ages 15, 14, and 13, to Marcus' apartment to party. There they fed drugs to the jailbait trio until the girls were stoned and then took them one at a time into the bedroom to be trained by the men. When this became public knowledge VaTech allegedly had wealthy alums pay off the girls to not press charges, and the Blacksburg police left punishment to the university. Marcus was suspended from the university for one year. The next season he again was the starting QB for the Hoakies until the Louisville game, when he stomped the face of a Louisville defensive lineman laying on the grass who had had the temerity to tackle him. I saw clips of the stomping, and it was ugly. Even the VaTech offensive were p*ssed at Marcus, tossing him off of the Louisville player. Said one of the lineman later, "Sure I want to win, but not that way, by deliberately injuring an opponent. I want to beat my guy because I'm better than him, not because some wimp quarterback stomped him." Even Frank Beamer had had enough and kicked Marcus off of the team. Michael got his brother on the Atlanta Falcons as a wide receiver, but now that Michael is history .....
2 months ago
Great article and good writing and I agree with the top 4.
That said, Ray Lewis over Kobe? I used to have a bad taste from Ray, but not anymore. If you know the facts of the murder case, he really didn't do anything wrong except hanging out with the wrong people. Plus, there is no way you can deny that Ray plays the game with some of the most passion of any other NFL players. The man's a beast, which I know you didn't disagree with. Just sayin.
You put him above a man that admits he cheated on his wife with one of the most lame apology-press confernces I've ever seen. Although Kobe's improved his image as of late, it's easy to tell he's still a fake ass.
If it wasn't for Packer fans, Favre could be on this list by 2010. Probably not though. I'm sure everyone will love the guy after he starts throwing bombs for Tampa Bay, Baltimore or whoever. Especially those in dire need of a fantasy QB.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the read and the compliment, Tyler....
Lewis was very hated in the early part of the decade....He really was...people just forget though because it's a while ago now...
I love Favre....I can't imagine how, in any way, anybody could really dislike him...It's unfathomable to me,.....
Thanks again, Tyler.
from 2 months ago
True Colin. I guess i did forget about how people felt about Ray.
The Fvare comment was more of a play with what's going on now. Most love the guy, but recently he's gained some negative attention.
2 months ago
I agree with the suggestion of Vick too, but the hate he's recieved didn;t come until as of late. What will be more interesting with Vick, is to see the way he's treated when he gets out. Some are going to have forgiving hearts (but not all).
from 2 months ago
I think Vick is a victim of circumstance. He trusted people around him and they let him down. We know when blood is spilled more blood must be spilled as a sacrifice and so Vick has to go to jail, So it has always been.
I don't understand the hate toward Barry Bonds and Kobe Bryant. These are two of the best players in their profession of alltime. I wrote a column on misunderstood sports figures and I have these two in there. If Bonds used an illegal substance to enhance his ability then he'll be found guilty of that and punishment will be administered. And Kobe, what did he ever do concerning the game? I suppose you can make a point that he some kind of sex fiend trolling hotels for young women but that was all settled by attorneys so it should be considered closed.
from 2 months ago
Good points, Tate, especially about Vick.
Kobe too, but I just can accept the guy as genuine. he just comes across so fake to me.
from 2 months ago
Uhh, I meant CANT
2 months ago
Kobe, Danica Patrick, Vick and Kyle Busch gotta pick one of those before you post Ray Ray. Lewis could make No.10 maybe.
from 2 months ago
Good call with Danica, LJ...
Remember, this list is from the past decade and FEW, IF ANY, have ever been as disliked as Lewis was following his acquittal in the 2000/2001 season....
Thanks for the read!
2 months ago
How bout Todd Reesing Quarterback from Kansas because since I've joined B/R I've been wanting to kill that guy.
2 months ago
are you stupid? how are you going to put Kobe on the list??? he won the mvp this year, whiich needs nba fans, players, and gms votes to win it. He took his team to the nba finals, with sub par players (not including gasol, and odom was invisible), and he also became a leader, and played by example. so get your facts straight.
from 2 months ago
Moe,
Thanks for the read...But, your intelligence level indicates that yo are one of the three stooges...
Firs of all, Kobe didn't make the list....Second of all, I don't give a fuck about his performances...Kobe is an all-time great...So is A-Rod...So is Ray Lewis...So is Clemens....So is Bonds...Belly is an all-time great coach... We are speaking about disliked persons in sports and, even though he wasn't on my list, Kobe is, without dispute, Mr. High IQ, disliked.
from 2 months ago
Koe? because we all hate him, hate him to the core.
2 months ago
Good list. I would add Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, A-Rod, Ron Artest, Mike Vick, and while were adding coaches to the list, put Coach Dick Rod formerly of WVU. The fact that I had to endure that entire saga of him going to Michigan, puts him on that list permantley.
Fun debate!
2 months ago
Oh yeah, and as a Chicago Bears fan, Id like to add the following: Curtis Enis, Rashad Salam, Cade McNown, David Terrell, Cedric Benson and Rex Grossman.
Honorable Mention goes to Brett Farve.
2 months ago
Aah, nice list mate! Now that you got "The Joker" covered as my colleague pointed to me as I left him out of my article; I guess I can rest in peace :-)
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