The Worst $100 Million Contracts in Sports History

Behind all the glamor and controversy involved in the sports world is a collection of number-crunching businessmen looking to build a dynasty. And the potential superstars they scout.

Unfortunately statistical analysis isn't always clear-cut. We're intrigued to find out which athletes became the biggest mistakes. And not just mega mistakes, but $100-million mistakes.

Nine zeros makes things just a bit more risky.

Let's see which athletes failed their teams, coaches and fans after signing life-changing, $100-million deals.

Try not to smash any screens while viewing this presentation.

15. Jermaine O'Neal, NBA

Contract: Seven years, $126 million

During his first four years in Portland, Jermaine O'Neal was a single-digit scorer with a sloppy game. But after he requested and received a trade to Indiana, O'Neal became a double-double star, eventually getting this mega deal in 2003.

By 2007, O'Neal was averaging 13.6 and 6.7. Solid, but not worth $18 million per year.

He wasn't pleased to later hear Isiah Thomas was fired either.

14. Kevin Brown, MLB

Contract: Seven years, $105 million

A mid-30s pitcher isn't routinely worth such a price, but Kevin Brown was coming off a season in which he finished 18-7 with a 2.38 ERA. The Dodgers were sold.

The first player in MLB history to sign a contract over $100 million, Brown is now remembered more for absorbing cash and averaging nine wins during the seven years than he is for actually prospering during the first three years of the contract. 

His last two years on the deal were spent failing with the Yanks, sporting a 4.95 ERA.

13. David Beckham, MLS

Contract: Five years, $250 million

Including salary and commercial endorsements, the world's most famous footballer was ready to earn every dollar of the biggest contract in sporting history.

13 goals in 88 games doesn't seem worth over $50 million per year.

And fans haven't quite fallen for him the way we expected.

12. Albert Pujols, MLB

Contract: 10 years, $240 million

Whoa, whoa, whoa... a little early, no?

Nope, we'll take any crack we can at the current King of Pop (literally), and after signing such a ridiculous contract with every incentive known to man, we expected a bit more from Albert Pujols.

11 home runs and a .259 average won't cut it.

11. Alex Rodriguez, MLB

Contract: 10 years, $252 million with the Rangers, 10 years, up to $305 million with the Yankees.

Call this one an in-hindsight choice.

The youngest player ever to hit 500 home runs and a future Hall of Famer, Alex Rodriguez was signed by the Texas Rangers to the most lucrative contract in history at the time.

But during the shortstop's time in Texas, the Rangers finished no better than fourth in the AL West.

It would become a tenure that featured steroid use and a lack of winning, eventually leading to A-Rod's move to New York, where he went on to win a title in 2009.

The Yanks eventually extended his contract, on December 13 of 2007 to be exact. But despite being seemingly the only suitors, the Pinstripes paid several continents worth of dollars to one man. And he is easily less valuable than their captain shortstop.

10. Joe Johnson, NBA

Contract: Six years, $119 million

Sure he's a potent scorer on an above-average Atlanta Hawks club, but Joe Johnson isn't quite worth more than LeBron James, who got a six-year, $110 million during the intensified 2010 free agency period.

18.8 points last year and 18.2 the year before won't justify earning more money than the reigning MVP.

9. Alfonso Soriano, MLB

Contract: Eight years, $136 million

Since being made a rich man by Cubs brass in 2006, Alfonso Soriano hasn't disappointed.

But he hasn't fully impressed either, with an unspectacular .266 average and 146 home runs in 713 games. Not worth the green.

Conclusion: Occasional beast with a long swing.

8. Michael Vick, NFL

Contract: 10 years, $130 million

Leading the Falcons to just the third division title in franchise history was all Michael Vick needed to convince owner Arthur Blank he was the truth in 2005.

But the 2001 first-overall pick would transition from franchise quarterback to global pariah following dog-fighting charges.

Matt Ryan was a solid rebound as the third pick in 2008 out of Boston College.

7. Allan Houston, NBA

Contract: Six years, $100 million

Fans may verbally tear Isiah Thomas to shreds for the damage he did to the Knicks franchise more often than not, but the harsh reality is that things weren't much better when Scott Layden ran the show. Especially after Allan Houston was signed to a max contract in 2001.

He played 70 games from 2003-05 and then missed the final two years while still being paid an exorbitant amount.

The NBA eventually offered all teams a chance to remove their largest contract off the books, and it was perfectly named the "Allan Houston Rule." But the Knicks actually used it on Jerome Williams instead.

6. Vernon Wells, MLB

Contract: Seven years, $126 million

After winning his third straight gold glove, Vernon Wells got the extension every athlete dreams of.

Since then he's yet to reach triple-digit RBI and even batted .218 last year. And no Gold Glove Awards. Unacceptable.

5. Barry Zito, MLB

Contract: Seven years, $126 million

After making three All-Star appearances and winning a Cy Young during his four seasons in Oakland, southpaw hurler Barry Zito was signed by the eager Giants.

But across the Bay has been a different story, as Zito has gone 49-66 with a 4.49 ERA. A truly solid investment.

4. Gilbert Arenas, NBA

Contract: Six years, $111 million

In one of the more honorable failure stories of all time, Gilbert Arenas took the ironic route and gave back $16 million of the hefty 2008 offering.

What a champ. All he's done since being the man is battle knee issues and bring guns into the locker room.

He scored 4.2 points per game last season with Memphis.

At $18.5 million per year, he better at least be a legendary bench warmer.

3. Mike Hampton, MLB

Contract: Eight years, $121 million

After winning MVP of the 2000 NLCS and helping the Mets reach the eventual Subway Series, Mike Hampton cashed in on the largest contract in sports history at the time.

During his two years in Colorado, Hampton finished 21-28 with a 5.75 ERA. But he did hit 10 home runs.

2. Rashard Lewis, NBA

Contract: Six years, $118 million

After scoring a career-high 22.4 points per game during the 2006-07 season, athletic small forward Rashard Lewis cashed in—big time.

But as Dwight Howard's sidekick, Lewis' points decreased and fans began to truly realize his lack of defensive prowess (or effort).

From 18.2 points per game during the 2007-08 season to 7.8 last year with the Wizards (ironically he was traded for Gilbert Arenas), Lewis' fall has been quick and painless.

He now finds himself on the Hornets with a hefty wallet and a lacking resume.

1. Albert Haynesworth, NFL

Contract: Seven years, $100 million

Arguably the most dominant defensive tackle in the league from 2007-2008 (during which time he was a two-time All-Pro), Albert Haynesworth eventually signed a deal to become the new face of the Redskins.

Naturally injuries and laziness made this the worst signing in gridiron history.

Twelve games started and 6.5 sacks in two seasons, Haynesworth quickly became the typical Dan Snyder failure.