The Four Horsemen of the Athletic Apocalypse: Avery, T.O., Ramirez, Marbury

Frank Deford of National Public Radio has called Sean Avery, Terrel Owens, Manny Ramirez, and Stephon Marbury the "Four Horsemen of the Athletic Apocalypse.”

This is a term used to describe four horsemen that appear in the book of Revelation, chapter six in the Christian Bible as Conquest, War, Famine, and Death.

Deford said each is a highly paid star in one of the four major organization—
and are locker room poison. They’ve each been banished by their respective team and have been brought back for another chance wearing a different uniform.

Deford labeled them as malcontents and accused them of selfishness, arrogance, narcissism, "just-don't-get-it-ism" and being a "cancer.”

The New York Knicks kicked Marbury off the team at the cost of a $22 million salary.

The Dallas Stars did not invite Avery back after he was suspended by the NHL and are still paying half his salary, despite his rejoining the Rangers.

Ramirez rejoined the Dodgers.

Owens wore out his welcome with the Dallas Cowboys.

Ramírez is one of just 24 people to have hit more than 500 career home runs, has the most career grand slams of any active player, and the second most of any player after Lou Gehrig.

Ramirez's authorized biography, Becoming Manny: Inside the Life of Baseball's Most Enigmatic Slugger, was released in bookstores this month.

Marbury's autobiography is titled The Beautiful Struggle.

Avery's comeback with the Rangers has been documented in the Sean Avery Trilogy, released online and as an e-book this month.

Terrell has written and published a number of books, including a children’s book titled Little T Learns to Share. His biography is called T. O., and another is titled Catch This: Going Deep With The NFL’s Sharpest Weapon.