The Most Thickheaded People in Sports

Most people want to think that they're always right. They'll argue till the death about a subject, and get heated and defensive while offering little support for their decision.

We all know that sports is no different. While coaches, media, fans, and teammates offer advice, some guys just can't change. They don't care what anyone else says, and will stick to their guns - even if it means ultimately failing.

While being stubborn can produce success, it doesn't always resonate with everyone. These are the guys in sports, for better or worse, that are the most thickheaded. 

25. Latrell Sprewell

Sprewell's choked-out his coach, clashed with teammates, and once famously turned down a contract that would have paid him $7 million a year, saying, "I have a family to feed ... If Glen Taylor wants to see my family fed, he better cough up some money." Good call man, 'cause your career ended abruptly afterwards.

24. Shaquille O'Neal

Before you get all ticked-off about Shaq making our list, we argue that as dominant as he was, he never addressed that whole free throw shooting thing. We get that he was a monster, with hands the size of a small country, but you're a pro basketball player, how do you shoot 52% from the charity stripe. There's a reason they're called "FREE" throws. They should be gimme points.

23. Manny Ramirez

Manny hit the hell out of the ball, but got busted for PED's twice. He continuously did his own thing, and bought into the whole "Manny being Manny" thing. Just because people perceive you as aloof, doesn't mean it's the best idea to portray that persona everywhere you go. 

22. Milton Bradley

An infamous hothead, Bradley had so much talent, but never wanted to listen to anyone else. It was his way or the highway, and ultimately, because of his lack of acceptance, his career declined and failed.

21. Phil Jackson

It's hard to argue with a guy that's won 10 titles as a head coach, but the fact of the matter is, Jackson never thought he was wrong. His triangle offense had proven to be successful, but he never once catered to his players strengths—oh, except for having the best players of the past two decades in his lineup (MJ and Kobe).

20. Albert Haynesworth

When Haynesworth signed that mega-deal with the Redskins back in 2009 worth $100 million, making him the highest paid defensive player in the league, did anyone believe he deserved it? He couldn't have possibly thought he was ever that good right? Oh, but he did.

19. Adam Dunn

Dude crushes the ball, but at what point do you try shortening your swing every once in awhile, and try to manufacture some runs? Dunn's pure home run numbers are great, but when you're batting .200, it's pretty much homer or bust.

18. Rajon Rondo

We personally think Rondo's the most versatile point guard in the league. He rebounds, passes, and can score when taking it to the basket. But therein lies the problem—he has no jump shot whatsoever. He's been in the league for seven years already, we're waiting for him to fix that fifth grade looking shot he's got.

17. Tom Coughlin

Coughlin's guided his Giants to two Super Bowl victories in the past five years, but like most military-type coaches, he has an extremely short leash for his players, and doesn't adapt to change. The "no respect" card can only inspire players for so long.

16. Carlos Zambrano

Has there ever been a better pairing of thickheaded guys than Zambrano and manager Ozzie Guillen? In Big Z's case, he just can't keep his emotions in check, argues with teammates, and for whatever reason, always underperforms—especially based on his contract.

15. Donovan McNabb

McNabb had a hell of a career, but never won the big one, and if you asked him today, would probably still say he's a top-10 quarterback in the league. Confidence is one thing, but thinking you deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame is another. 

14. Dez Bryant

He's got all the skills in the world, but until Dez realizes being a professional football player is a job, we'll be hearing from everyone about how "next year" is his coming-out party. If he can mature, there's no doubt he can dominate in the league.

13. Tony Stewart

For lack of a better word, Stewart's a jerk. He's smug, runs guys off the track, and will do whatever he wants to because he thinks he's the best. It's probably a bit intimidating for other racers, but it's a tired act for everyone.

12. Nick Saban

Saban's the best college football coach out there, but one can't forget about how arrogant he really is. He learned from the master of arrogance, Bill Belichick, so we probably shouldn't be too surprised, but at some point, you'd think he'd lighten up just a little bit.

11. John Daly

In his heyday, Daly could crush the ball like a real-life Happy Gilmore, but his off-the-course antics ultimately buried his career, and he refused to listen to anyone around him about trying to change, and the consequences it would have on him.

10. Steve Spurrier

The Ol' Ball Coach is enjoying a great season this year, but its taken some serious time for him to get there in Columbia. Most of it stems from his refusal to change any of his mentality, and his arrogance to think that he can turn any quarterback into a run-and-gun God. If his short tenure as Redskins coach was any indication, it obviously doesn't work.

9. Bill Parcells

He was a great head coach, and a pretty good front office guy, but does anyone really care about what Parcells has to say anymore? While we admit he's a legend and has earned respect, we're not sure he's ever admitted to being wrong before.

8. Chad Johnson

Thickheaded is probably an understatement when it comes to Johnson (Ochocinco). It doesn't matter if it's coaches, or the NFL commish, or fans, or anyone else, Chad will always do what he wants to do, no matter what the consequence.

7. Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless

We can't stand these guys. First Take used to be a decent show when they'd rotate guests every couple of days, but why did ESPN decide to just feature these whiny guys? If we really wanted to see two dudes argue about sports, we'd head down to the local watering hole.

6. Ozzie Guillen

We admire Guillen for speaking his mind, but at some point Ozzie's got to realize it does more damage than good when talking to the media every day. It puts the spotlight on him, distracts his team, and no doubt loses him respect amongst his players. Our prediction? He won't change anytime soon.

5. Bill Belichick

When it's all said and done, BB will most likely go down as the greatest coach in NFL history, but he'll never be considered the most humble. Dude's been cocky enough to go for it on 4th-and-1 from his own 30-yard-line, and blatantly gave a away two points, thinking his defense could make a stop, and believing his offense would score a TD to win. WE KNOW IT WORKED, but it's the fact he called it that's so surprising.

4. Metta World Peace

We all know about him starting the Melee at the Palace years ago, or his vicious man-bow to James Harden's face, but World Peace talks as if he's still the defensive player he used to be, when he's just a distraction in L.A.. It's gotten to the point where everyone just kind of ignores whatever he says.

3. Chris Johnson

He might be hidden in small-market Nashville, not really saying too much in the media, but this is for all the fantasy football owners out there who still had faith in CJ-far-from-2K, and drafted him in the first or second round this year. Stop dancing. Hit the hole. Run past the linebackers and secondary dude.

2. Terrell Owens

We're not sure we even have to defend this? Anywhere T.O. goes, it's always about him. He doesn't listen to coaches, he continues to put down teammates, and refuses to change his ways.

1. Any Athlete Busted for PED's

Are you seriously putting yourself above the game? Do you really think you won't get caught? For any player that's been busted taking enhancing drugs, it's just about the most selfish thing an you can do, so we'd suggest stop doing it.