The Worst Fights in Sports

As the adrenaline flows and tempers fly, competing athletes often instigate personal battles with opponents.

While most of these respected warriors can't contain their desire for victory, there are some who cause bewilderment throughout the sports world with their pathetic pleas for the spotlight.

Whether their scuffles resulted from juvenile name calling or from a lack of class, these athletes are seemingly tarnishing their reputations one half-hearted shove at a time.

Let's look back on the most pathetic fights in sports.

Enjoy.

15. Carmelo Anthony vs. Mardy Collins

Before Carmelo Anthony became a Knickerbocker, it seemed as if he was a scared little girl.

Following a scuffle involving a throng of Nuggets and Knicks back in 2006, the former Syracuse star decided to finish the fight by tossing a sucker punch at point guard Mardy Collins before sprinting away the full length of the court.

14. Miami vs. Florida

Amidst the body-slamming, stomping and jaw-dropping tosses of bodies was Anthony Reddick, slamming opponents with his helmet.

With so much padding intact, using a helmet as a weapon seemed a bit unnecessary.

13. Robin Ventura vs. Nolan Ryan

While it's rare to see a 46-year-old destroy a 26-year-old in this manner, legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan clearly wasn't afraid of his hesitant opponent.

It was clear this would get ugly as soon as Robin Ventura stutter-stepped before reaching the mound with his head down, seemingly opening himself up for a perfect headlock.

12. LeBron James vs. Quentin Richardson

As this useless shoving match began to take form (and fizzle out just as quickly), it seemed as if Quentin Richardson just wanted his name in the papers.

With the ubiquitous criticism surrounding LeBron James, a pointless fight seems like too much of a distraction.

11. An Abysmal Soccer Match

As fans sit in silence and drop their heads in defeat, it continues to become clear that soccer fights are rarely serious.

While these players can flop with the best of them, their lack of prowess during melees is quite comical.

10. Ron Artest vs. Detroit

This infamous brawl at the Palace certainly garnered worldwide attention, but it was Metta World Peace's futile attack on an angry fan that had the NBA shaking.

After getting hit with a drink, the former instigator sprinted into the stands and began tossing more than just half-hearted punches at an undersized fan.

This got ugly quickly.

9. Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield's Ear

The only part of this fight stranger than a bitten ear was the fact that Mike Tyson only got two points off for his disrespectful actions.

In a sport where punching is required, Iron Mike chose to add to his repertoire and chew off Evander Holyfield's ear.

It was the start of a dwindling career.

8. Deion Sanders vs. Andre Rison

As this hissy fit took effect, it became clear that cornerbacks and wide receivers need help with their boxing form.

More of an engaging slap attack, this bout between Deion Sanders and Andre Rison seemingly entertained more than just an eager NFL Network crew.

7. Danica Patrick vs. Milka Duno

What appeared to be the start of an epic cat fight between Danica Patrick and Milka Duno ended in disappointment for all viewers.

She may have an affinity for the provocative pose, but Patrick is far from gentle on the race track.

6. Rafer Alston vs. Eddie House

Some may believe former point guard Rafer Alston was instigating a slap fight with Eddie House during the 2009 NBA playoffs, but we believe he was respectfully adjusting his opponent's headband.

House's passionate reaction was undoubtedly in appreciation of his opponent's caring nature.

5. Neal Broten vs. Wayne Gretzky

The man they call "The Great One" clearly wasn't known for his fighting prowess.

Opponents may have feared his stick skills, but they apparently didn't worry about his fists.

At least, Neal Broten didn't.

4. Pedro Martinez vs. Don Zimmer

The rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox took a comical turn during this fight between skinny pitcher Pedro Martinez and 73-year-old coach Don Zimmer.

While we commend the future Hall-of-Fame hurler for not punching, kicking or biting his enemy, his effortless toss of his opponent was quite humorous in retrospect.

3. Jeff Van Gundy vs. Alonzo Mourning's Leg

While Jeff Van Gundy, arguably the most inspirational coach in the history of the Knicks franchise, should be commended for his effort in this fight between Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson during the 1998 NBA playoffs, his resulting performance was less than stellar.

In arguably the most humorous scuffle in NBA history, Jeff Van Gundy grabbed on to his opponent's leg for dear life and hung on until the end. 

2. Flailing About

As these two footballers engage in the art of "flailing," it becomes clear that soccer players aren't quite the toughest fighters in the world.

Perhaps they need some lessons from former NHL tough guy Georges Laraque.

1. Aaron Downey vs. Brad Norton

In one of the most intense fights in NHL history during a game between Ottawa and Montreal, these two competitors decided to switch things up.

Fighting is unnecessary when such vigorous staring is occurring.