Top 10 Crying Moments in Sports History

LeBron James Laments

With the recent talk of Miami Heat players crying after Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bulls, the robust debate over the top 10 Crying Moments in Sports History. 

There have been many instances of emotional out-pour and anguish in the realm of sports.

LeBron James and the Heat have struggled this season against the NBA's best teams. They are 14-17 against teams over .500 and are and a wretched 1-9 against the top records in the NBA. They might have a reason to cry, but where do they rank in the top 10 Crying Moments in Sports History?

No. 10: Chis Bosh and the Miami Heat

Heat forward Chris Bosh cries following a loss to Orlando

Despite their 43-21 record, the Heat have become notorious for their late-game meltdowns. Following their most recent meltdown against the Chicago Bulls, Heat coach Eric Spoelstra revealed to the media that his players were in tears in the locker room after the game.

These recent revelations have prompted reactions around the league including Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson who remarked, "This is the NBA: No Boys Allowed" Tuesday night before the Lakers' 101-87 win over the Hawks. "Big boys don't cry, but if you're going to do it, do it in the toilet where nobody sees you."

The Heat have dealt with these issues all season. Following a 99-96 loss to the Orlando Magic - which the Heat blew a 24 point lead - Chris Bosh began to cry in the post-game press conference.

No. 9: Dick Vermeil

Coach Vermeil can't fight the tears.

The former Rams, Chiefs and Eagles coach was initially known for his over-the-top preparation which helped lead him to a 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXIV. Vermeil is an emotional man who is known for regularly crying during press conferences.

No. 8: Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson cries in homecoming press conference.

In December 2009, Allen Iverson returned to the Philadelphia 76ers after playing for the Nuggets, Pistons and three games for the Grizzlies. Iverson became emotional at the press conference announcing his return to the franchise that drafted him.

No. 7: Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky cries after being traded to LA.

"The Great One" cried in the press conference after being traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988.

Gretzky, only 27 at the time, obviously did not want to leave his native Canada. He was traded along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski from Edmonton to LA for $15 million and LA's 1st round picks in 1989, 1991, and 1993.

You can't really blame the man. Who wants to play hockey in LA anyway?

No. 6: Nancy Kerrigan

Nancy Kerrigan cries after being attacked.

This one is sad and a bit upsetting. On January 6, 1994, U.S. figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed in the right knee following practice at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Cobo Arena in Detroit.

Kerrigan was captured on camera after the attack grabbing her knee and screaming "Why, why, why".

The world came to find out that the assault was planned by rival skater Tonya Harding and executed by her now ex-husband Jeff Gillooly.

No. 5: Michael Jordan

MIchael Jordan cries on Father's Day.

After leading the Bulls to their fourth NBA Championship in 1996 and a 72-10 record, Michael Jordan wept for his father who was senselessly murdered earlier that year.

The Bulls wrapped up the series against the Seattle Sonics on Father's Day 1996 prompting Jordan to become very emotional after the game.

No. 4: Brett Favre

Brett Favre cries after his first retirement.

When Brett Favre retired for the first time with the Green Bay Packers, it was understandably emotional for him. These tears are seemingly authentic.

However, you have to wonder if he was thinking of revenge at that point in time. He came back the next year with the New York Jets, then following another retirement signed with the Packers' hated rival the Minnesota Vikings.

No one seems to be shedding any tears for the silver fox these days.

No. 3: Mike Schmidt

Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt cries when announcing his retirement.

No. 3 goes to another retirement speech, except this one was actually authentic.

Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt could not seem to hold back anything during his retirement speech in May of 1989. After 17 years and 548 home runs, he retired from the Philadelphia Phillies in an emotional press conference.

No. 2: Terrell Owens

T.O. cries for Tony Romo

"That's my teammate, that's my quarterback," Terrell Owens professed following the Cowboys' 21-17 playoff loss to the New York Giants in 2007.

Say what you will about the man, but you can not say that he lacks emotion.

No. 1: Adam Morrison

Adam Morrison is clearly upset.

Really? Yes, Adam Morrison tops the list for committing the ultimate feaux pas in sports. He actually started crying when there was still time on the clock and his team had a shot to win. After the final buzzer, he was seen lying on the court sobbing because his Zags were knocked out of the 2006 Sweet 16.

Don't cry for Mr. Morrison. He finally reached the promised land sitting on the Lakers' bench collecting a couple of championship rings thanks to Kobe Bryant and Co..

Honorable Mentions

Big Baby cries after Kevin Garnett yells at him.

A couple of Boston Celtics share the honorable mention category. Paul Pierce and "Big Baby" Glen Davis have had their signature sob moments.

Paul Pierce was crying in pain when helped off the court in game 1 of the 2008 finals against the Lakers. Prior to that he cried at the ring ceremony in October celebrating the Celtics' 2007-08 Championship.

"Big Baby" Glen Davis cried on the Celtics' bench after Kevin Garnett yelled at him for not being in the huddle. Of course giving him another nickname "Big Cry Baby".