Biggest Sports Jerks of 2011

While this roller-coaster year in sports has been flooded with temporary lockouts, underdog postseason victories and gaudy free-agent contracts, it has still been subtly shadowed by a throng of self-entitled bozos.

From baffling run-ins with the law and obviously blown calls by referees to excessive trash-talking and disrespectful mockery, their actions have naturally infuriated sports fans.

These sports icons continue to disappoint their most loyal followers.

Let's take a look at the biggest sports jerks of 2011.

Enjoy.

20. Carlos Zambrano

Once known for his loud-mouth exuberance, Carlos Zambrano is now becoming more of a quiet, condescending jerk.

In August, as if it wasn't clear already, the Chicago Cubs "star" threw too many inside pitches at Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, eventually earning himself a 30-game suspension.

Rather than battle through a rough outing, the controversial pitcher evidently preferred an ejection.

19. Darius Miles

While most fans remember Darius Miles as a player who never reached his projected stardom as the third overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, he is now garnering attention for his baffling actions off the court. 

The controversial small forward earns himself a spot on this list for his attempt at carrying a loaded gun onto a plane at Lambert Airport in St. Louis.

Not a good start on his road to redemption. 

18. Roberto Alomar

While most fans remember second baseman Roberto Alomar for his 10 Gold Gloves and two World Series rings, it was his recent theft that's garnering attention these days.

During his Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Alomar apparently liked his fans' shirt and decided to take it for a ride.

He's by far the most lovable jerk making an appearance.

17. Chris Johnson

Sure, Chris Johnson has been the NFL's leading rusher since 2008 (4,598 yards) who was set to make just a bit over $1 million in 2011, but Chris Johnson seemingly handicapped his financially-conscious team even further this past offseason.

Any player who holds out can be considered a jerk, making the speedy Tennessee Titans rusher an automatic choice for 2011.

In September, he eventually got the deal he yearned for, becoming the highest-paid running back in the league (four-year, $53.5 million contract extension).

16. Terrelle Pryor

Following allegations of the former Ohio State signal-caller selling autographed memorabilia, his legendary coach's resignation and his university's reputation being tarnished, Terrelle Pryor entered the supplemental draft.

While he was indeed eligible following his being banned from all contact with Ohio State's athletic program, it seemed like he had no need to help his alma mater.

Now on the Oakland Raiders, Pryor has a long way to rebuilding any kind of promise.

15. Mark Cuban

Unfortunately for this obnoxious NBA owner, being ranked No. 459 on Forbes' "World's Richest People" doesn't necessarily translate to a respectful aura.

While his comments regarding the media may be true, his arrogant air is still never subtle.

14. Stevie Johnson

The year of the wide receiver has clearly seen breakout performances from rookie A.J. Green and second-year players Victor Cruz and Jimmy Graham (tight end), but it has also dealt with a plethora of pompous athletes eager for the spotlight.

After a 1,073-yard 2010 season, Stevie Johnson seemed like an integral piece of the rejuvenated Buffalo Bills.

But his recent mockery of Plaxico Burress indirectly led to two crucial drops for this budding star and an eventual loss.

13. Referees During Giants vs. Packers

While the blown touchdown call was bad enough, the constantly-borderline penalties against Big Blue proved to fans that the NFL yearns for a perfect season.

It's safe to say the Green Bay faithful will experience a memorable 2012.

12. Billy Hunter

While we'd rarely take any DeShawn Stevenson comment seriously, this pick goes down as a necessary choice.

We may not understand what went on behind the scenes, but Billy Hunter clearly didn't help matters.

Even if players weren't unhappy with their union leader, considering the end of the lockout could have been found in July, fans will pick up the slack.

11. Sean Avery

While he's always been known as a notorious NHL instigator, Sean Avery seemingly crossed the line with this excessive threat.

This was seemingly the least of his worries, however, as Avery was arrested for battery on a police officer after they came to check on him following several noise complaints.

He'll never learn.

10. DeMarcus Cousins

Whether he's kicked out of practice, suspended or benched, prolific youngster DeMarcus Cousins seemingly always brings headaches to the Sacramento Kings.

Luckily he still has time to learn despite a tumultuous 2011.

9. James Harrison

While he's not a jerk for his fearless aggression, James Harrison's comments about the league and his own quarterback were a bit excessive.

We know he is furious with the lack of toughness seen in today's NFL, but bashing his own teammates seems desperate.

8. DeSean Jackson

Considering the controversial Philadelphia receiver is realistically a master of the illustrious "jerk," it's safe to say this choice makes sense.

While we're not the first to consider DeSean Jackson a jerk, something about his immature development continues to irk fans.

His constant showboating, lack of leadership and arrogant air continue to aggravate the sports world.

7. David Stern

While he does appear as a power-hungry gremlin eager to abuse his control, David Stern made a decision last night that tarnished both his and the NBA's image.

Rejecting the deal that would have sent Hornets superstar Chris Paul to the Lakers counters everything the league has fought against.

Owners wanted to relinquish the control that the players seemed to have last year in forcing trades, but in turn are just abusing their own power.

Stern made arguably the biggest mistake of his career.

6. Ndamukong Suh

After leading all rookies with 10 sacks last year and changing the image of the once-deprived Lions, Ndamukong Suh was undoubtedly seen as a savior.

While he is a prolific force, the massive defensive tackle has been fined $42,500 by the league for three violations in the first year-and-a-half of his career, begging the NFL world to question his dirty play.

His Thanksgiving Day performance yearned for the NFL's influence.

A two-game suspension was in quick order.

5. Jerry Meals

For those who despise Jim Joyce and his blown call that blew Armando Galarraga's almost-perfect game in 2010, you now have a new target.

Jerry Meals made arguably the worst call since the 2010 fiasco, stating that Braves baserunner Julio Lugo was safe during this routine play.

Considering it was the 19th inning between Atlanta and Pittsburgh, it's safe to say Meals was bored.

4. Jalen Rose

ESPN analyst Jalen Rose had some intriguing comments regarding Duke players in the ESPN documentary about Michigan's Fab Five.

With Rose publicly stating that the Blue Devils lean towards recruiting an "Uncle Tom," a war of words was sparked between Duke and Michigan alums.

His gulping opinions led to a rarely silent Skip Bayless.

3. Rex Ryan

While he's beloved by the New York faithful, exuberant Gang Green coach Rex Ryan needs to stop guaranteeing an unseen future.

He clearly didn't learn from his first two guarantees, seemingly obsessed with making another Broadway Joe-like commitment (without the production).

Take it one game at a time, coach.

2. Bryce Harper

While this baseball prodigy has yet to make the major leagues, he's already made plenty of headlines.

The 19-year-old was the first-overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, eventually signing a five-year contract worth $9.9 million with the Washington Nationals.

His self-entitled antics might consider disappearing before he faces ruthless big-leaguers.

1. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

While his interview with Larry Merchant was quite comical in retrospect, it showed fans how ridiculous Floyd Mayweather Jr. truly is.

He may be scared to fight Manny Pacquiao, but he isn't afraid to throw a cheap shot in when necessary.

There may be debate surrounding his controversial handling of Victor Ortiz, but there is no argument regarding Mayweather's defensive reaction towards Merchant.