The 20 Most Scrutinized Players in Sports

Among the endless list of potent athletes to have electrified their surroundings is a precisely-chosen crew of phenoms, all unable to avoid the eager throng of cameramen often lingering around.

While most were the best in their field of play, it was their engaging aura or controversial personality that led to a relentless paparazzi.

As they realize their potentials on their field of play, these dissected athletes watch their microscopes widen. 

Let's take a look at the most scrutinized athletes of all time.

Enjoy.

20. Alexander Ovechkin

The first-overall pick of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Alexander Ovechkin gave Washington fans plenty to be excited about when he finished with 52 goals and 54 assists in his rookie year (first year after the lockout).

After scoring at least 46 goals annually, Ovechkin dropped to 32 last season and only 17 thus far this year, presenting the media with plenty of reasons to undeservedly hate. 

However, his new-sparked relationship with tennis beauty Maria Kirilenko has fans back on the bandwagon.

19. David Beckham

Not only was he the world's highest-paid footballer in 2004, but English footballer and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year runner-up David Beckham was Google's most searched athlete in both 2003 and 2004.

With former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham by his side, appreciatively-enjoying the couple's £125 million joint wealth, Beckham's modeling endeavors, fashion statements, and epic bends can't possibly be dismissed.

18. Bryce Harper

With the ability to hit 502-foot homerun and gun any potential base-stealer down at second base with ease at age 17, Bryce Harper was seen as arguably the most promising character ever to approach the baseball scene.

After being taken with the first-overall pick of the 2010 Draft by the Washington Nationals, the young phenom was signed to a five-year $9.9 million deal, with unreal expectations placed on his shoulders.

While he did hit .343 and slug .629 en route to helping the Scottsdale Scorpions win the 2010 Arizona Fall League Championship, it was his precisely-blown kiss at an opposing pitcher following a four-bagger that had fans questioning his future.

17. Eli Manning

While his personal life may not be as magnified as several of his peers, Big Blue franchise man Eli Manning has never been kept out of the spotlight for both his bone-headed mistakes and fourth-quarter comebacks, especially in the critical Big Apple.

His numbingly-comical expressions and constant shoulder shrugging may rub fans the wrong way, but his production on the field can't possibly disappoint.

16. Danica Patrick

As perhaps the most successful female racer ever, the adventurous Danica Patrick never ceases to amaze eager fans.

The only woman to win in the IndyCar Series, Patrick has taken her talents to modeling, advertising, and pleasing fans when she's not winning races.

Once known for its fruitful tailgates and cut-throat battles, Nascar now seems sexier than ever.

15. Lance Armstrong

While he did beat testicular cancer and win the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong's doping allegations will continue to shadow a prolific career.

With such a memorable biking prowess, it was only natural that the now-retired star garnered both hate and exuberant love.

At the end of the day, only Armstrong knows what defined his career.

14. Anna Kournikova

Amidst her prosperous lack of WTA singles Titles is a wide array of breathtaking photo shoots, vivacious music videos, and failed attempts at immortality.

While her name will always ignite a search-engine trend, Anna Kournikova's legacy will dismiss her ordinary athletic prowess.

13. Derek Jeter

As 3,000-hit man Derek Jeter attempts to avoid the relentless media, he exudes a quiet smirk after realizing he can't possibly hide.

While his elite defense and clutch hitting have earned the Yankees shortstop plenty of respect and the title of captain, it's now his personal life that has taken precedence.

Minka Kelly's beauty continues to be shoved in our faces.

12. Cristiano Ronaldo

After moving from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a transfer deal worth £80 million and becoming the richest footballer, Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo could seemingly reminisce on what a long journey it was.

Rarely bereft of beautiful European models by his side and eager cameras tracing his footsteps, Real Madrid's highest single-season goal scorer (51 goals in 2011) is essentially set for life.

11. Sidney Crosby

After the 2005 NHL Draft lottery was dubbed the "Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes," it was clear the league was preparing itself for quite the memorable entrance.

In leading the NHL with 120 points (36 goals and 84 assists) to secure the Art Ross Trophy, Crosby became the youngest player and the only teenager to win a scoring title in any major North American sports league.

His allegedly-whiny attitude in regards to referee calls and apparent lack of toughness have provided fans with plenty of fuel for the fire.

10. Alex Rodriguez

There is perhaps no picture that more-properly defines Alex Rodriguez's career than this magnificent shot.

A perennial MVP candidate and one of the best baseball stars of this generation, the Pinstripes star third baseman has never failed to attract both hate and admiration.

Despite 629 career home runs and 14 All-Star Game appearances, A-Rod is more often in the tabloids for his mass amount of conquests than he is in the sports section of New York newspapers.

9. Kobe Bryant

Some might say the five-time NBA champion brought the scrutiny upon himself, with his adulterous nature and breathtaking athleticism, but it was seemingly an accident waiting to happen.

Seemingly set to be a Laker for life, Kobe Bryant will continue to endure plenty of criticism for the rest of his time in bright and chatty Los Angeles. 

His recent divorce from longtime belle Vanessa Laine has fans eager for juicy future rumors regarding his love life.

8. Mike Tyson

As the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, the intimidating Mike Tyson garnered immediate reverence in the sports world.

However, as his career progressed, constantly-controversial comments, ruthless rants, and an affinity for ears led Iron Mike into a precipice of sorts.

Appearances in The Hangover movies have seemingly given the prolific boxer something to smile about.

7. Michael Phelps

With 16 Olympic medals (including eight golds at the 2008 Beijing Olympics), Sports Illustrated magazine's former Sportsman of the Year was seemingly expected to be perfect, without vices and hidden secrets.

While many frowned upon Michael Phelps's apparent affinity for the green plant, it may be the only way for him to sustain a 12,000-calorie diet every day.

6. Brett Favre

This gun-slinging phenomenon garnered plenty of love during his days in Wisconsin with his rocket arm and ferocious drive. 

After making spectacles of his annual "retirements," Brett Favre is now perhaps associated most with his time in the tabloids in regards to one sexy New York Jets Gameday Host.

As he screams out in defeat, all Favre can do is retrace the steps of his sketchy voicemail and attempt to make corrections.

5. Terrell Owens

While this 6'3" athletic freak is a six-time Pro Bowler and holds several receiving records, it's been his colorfully-obnoxious attitude and superfluous celebrations that have defined Terrell Owens' career.

Having created controversy on essentially every team he's played for, T.O. has yet to find a warm home that can withstand his natural affinity for the spotlight.

The NFL has formed quite the symbiotic relationship with their illustrious diva.

4. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

He may be undefeated as a boxer, but he has been beaten many times by a rightfully-cynical media and resentful fanbase.

With seven world titles, it's only natural that the chatty Floyd Mayweather Jr. would simultaneously garner reverence and dissidence.

His arrogant air and alleged lack of class have led to quite the controversial career for this fighter.

He finally realized that only one fight can change his career.

3. Tim Tebow

While his legacy may trace back to his prosperous tenure at Florida, Broncos unorthodox second-year man Tim Tebow has seemingly taken the NFL by storm with his fluttering passes and fearless runs.

His energetic nature, divine air, and constant praying have simultaneously excited and bothered baffled football fans.

As every journalist and sports analyst continues to dissect the former Heisman Trophy winner's unconventional style on the gridiron, fans search for any beautiful girl who can be linked to the pure quarterback.

2. Tiger Woods

With 71 PGA Tour wins, 16 world championships and an endless list of inconsiderate conquests, one might expect golfing legend Tiger Woods to be living the dream life.

From models to club owners, Woods' infidelities weren't as praised by ex-wife Elin Nordegren as they might have been by his pretentious golfing buddies.

Once exalted by the media for his role as an icon, arguably the richest athlete in the world now undoubtedly feels as if he's been tossed into a dirty gutter and can't climb out.

1. LeBron James

The supposed King of basketball may haven't won a ring yet, but he certainly has garnered a champion's level of media attention.

A two-time MVP and the face of the league, LeBron James will forever be dissected by the sports world for his controversial moves and remarkable prowess.

Finally he gets a shot at playing cameraman.