The Most Infamous Sports Quotes of All Time

In sports, there are a lot of sayings and quotes that have stuck with us fans over time.

While a lot of them are generally associated with sports commentators who have turned them into catchphrases, like Dick Vitale's, "That's awesome, baby!" or the legendary Stuart Scott's, "As cool as the other side of the pillow," athletes have proven they have a few of their own that have remained timeless.

With plenty to choose from, I had the task of not only choosing the most memorable athlete quotes ever, but to rank them, too—so see if you agree.

"I'm Too Sexy for My Cat" (Metta World Peace)

Quite possibly, the most charismatic player in the NBA over the past couple decades, former baller Metta World Peace had a tendency to say some interesting things.

One of his most famous? Quoting a Right Said Fred song by responding to a reporter's question with, "I'm just too sexy for my cat."

Near complete silence followed, except for a few awkward laughs from those who knew MWP is about as unpredictable as anyone in sports history.

"I Am Not a Role Model" (Charles Barkley)

At least basketball Hall of Famer and one-time NBA MVP Charles Barkley didn't try to sugarcoat what he wanted his persona to be.

Sir Charles was—and still is—one of the most outspoken athletes in the past 25-plus years, so seeing him proclaim that he wasn't a role model shouldn't be all that surprising.

"Unbelievably Believable" (Robert Griffin III)

Winning a major individual award in sports has to be a little nerve-wracking.

Sure, it's a chance to join previous winners and become part of a fraternity of athletes who have done it before, but it's not easy giving a speech on the spot.

Former Baylor Bears and current Washington Redskins signal-caller Robert Griffin III found that out, as he used the phrase, "unbelievably believable" during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech in 2011—which became a motto that described his journey to the top of college football that year.

"A Virgin" (Peter Crouch)

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Hands-down, one of the wittiest sports phrases that an athlete has ever had to answer a question.

Back in 2010, when former English international team member Peter Crouch was asked what he would be had he not been a pro soccer player, the lanky Crouch simply said, "a virgin," which earned him the funniest one-liner by an athlete that year in a fan poll.

"Ball so Hard University" (Terrell Suggs)

While all of his Baltimore Ravens defensive teammates stick to the script and introduce themselves to the millions of fans watching on TV, linebacker Terrell Suggs went a little improv on kids.

Calling himself "Sizzle," followed by, "Ball So Hard University," Suggs gets by nod as the best badass intro ever seen in sports history—especially since the guy, well, balls so hard, while on the gridiron.

"They Don't Think It Be Like It Is, but It Do" (Oscar Gamble)

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This one might be long, but it's one of the funnier things that an athlete has ever said.

Describing the dysfunctional and circus-like atmosphere in the New York Yankees clubhouse during the mid-'70s, former outfielder Oscar Gamble said these famous lines, which went to in infamy as some of the legendary ever muttered by an athlete.

Someone put this in a damn hip-hop song.

"My Sloppy Seconds" (Sean Avery)

If you're a human being, you've heard of the saying, "sloppy seconds."

Sure, it's immature and sophomoric, but it's a message that no person ever wants to hear from someone else, as the truth comes out about old stuff that happened.

And when former NHL player Sean Avery used it to describe the situation with one of his exes and other NHL players, he was taking a jab at all those who were following his lead with the ladies—and he wasn't happy about it.

"I've Got a Family to Feed" (Latrell Sprewell)

ANN HEISENFELT/Associated Press

Famously rejecting a three-year, $27 million contract from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the start of the 2004 season, former NBA All-Star Latrell Sprewell actually had the audacity to say this.

Sprewell made more than $97 million in just contract cash during the 13 years he played in the Association, so you would think he has plenty of dough to buy food for his family.

After his mistake of turning down the $27 million from the T-Wolves, though, the dude never again played in the league.

"Who Are You, Karim Garcia?" (Pedro Martinez)

There might not be a more demeaning question to someone who believes they're on the same level as you than, "Who are you?"

It belittles the person who thinks they have it as good as the other person, with the questioning dude quickly squashing that thought by proving he has no time for minions.

And the tone that recent Hall of Fame inductee Pedro Martinez asks it with makes it about as perfect an insult I've ever seen.

Sorry, Karim Garcia, you've been owned. Go home.

"I Wanna Kiss You" (Joe Namath)

New York Jets Hall of Famer Joe Namath had two, very distinct, things that made him extremely famous from his football career.

The obvious one was his guarantee prior to Super Bowl III, when he said his underdog Jets would beat the favored Baltimore Colts.

His second, though? That he was quite the ladies man.

So when Namath found himself on the sideline being interviewed by Suzy Kolber, he dropped some hard mack in order to score a smooch.

It's a train wreck to watch.

"See the Ball, Hit the Ball" (Pete Rose)

Al Behrman/Associated Press

Oh, Pete Rose, if it was really just that easy, we would all be able to bat .303 over a 24-year MLB career that ended with the most hits in the league's history.

Unfortunately, it takes a little bit more skill to hit a baseball thrown by a pitcher on that level. But, thanks for making us all feel as if we could do it, too!

"Because I'm Rich" (Mario Balotelli)

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Not one to bite his tongue, mercurial Italian national team star Mario Balotelli has had his fair share of hilarious sayings over the years.

But, the one that is, without a doubt, his best, is the one he told police following him crashing his Audi in 2010.

Patted down to make sure Balotelli wasn't drunk or on drugs, the cops wondered why he had nearly $7,500 of cash in his back pocket.

The brash Balotelli simply replied, "Because I'm rich."

Don't you ever change, Mario.

"Tell Me How My Ass Tastes" (Shaquille O'Neal)

How does one punk out someone else? By asking how their ass tastes, of course.

That was the message sent from former NBA big man Shaquille O'Neal toward his old Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant during an impromptu rap in 2008, creating a hilarious catchphrase that happens to work as one hell of a diss.

"Soft Like Charmin" (Kobe Bryant)

He may have muttered the words to his teammates, but the point was made by five-time NBA champ Kobe Bryant—step up your game, kids.

After being called out once by the aforementioned Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant has done the same a handful of times to his mates, doing so earlier this season in a profanity-laced outburst that included him describing his fellow Lakers as being, "soft like Charmin."

Being called soft in any sport sucks. Hearing it from a top-10 player like Kobe is an even tougher pill to swallow.

"I Wanna Eat His Children" (Mike Tyson)

A bad, bad man when he was still boxing, former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson knew that part of his intimidation came from the craziness of what his mind told his mouth to say.

And, in all honesty, if a man as strong and powerful as Tyson said that he would eat my children—as he did to Lennox Lewis—I would just about crap my pants and rethink stepping into a ring with him.

The dude was nuts as a fighter, and this proved it.

"I Consider Myself, the Luckiest Man, on the Face of the Earth" (Lou Gehrig)

One of the most prolific hitters to ever play the game, Lou Gehrig might have been known as "The Iron Horse," but even thoroughbreds age.

Having to retire due to the ALS  disease, Gehrig delivered one of the most powerful speeches in both sports and American history, reminding everyone just how lucky he was for everything he had accomplished—even if he was sick and forced out of the game he loved.

"Child Please" (Chad Ochocinco)

You think you're better than me or you have a good idea? Child please!

That's what former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco used to say to anyone who might have thought they had a leg up on him, quickly putting them back in their place for even pondering it.

No. 85 wasn't shy when it came to talking, and this is a phrase that is both hilarious and understood.

"I Want to Thank the Good Lord for Making Me a Yankee" (Joe DiMaggio)

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Known as The Yankee Clipper, Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio is, arguably, the most notable and revered player to ever where the pinstripes of the New York Yankees.

Finishing with three league MVPs and a ridiculous nine World Series titles in his 10 seasons in the big leagues, it's no wonder DiMaggio wanted to thank the good lord for making him a Yankee—he ended up with a lot of jewelry and some girl named Marilyn Monroe for a while.

"To Be the Man, You Got to Beat the Man" (Ric Flair)

Who's the man? You are—assuming you beat the man who held that title prior to you getting it.

That's the message that iconic wrestler Ric Flair reminded everyone of before one of his heavyweight title fights years ago, unwilling to give up the distinction easily.

It's just about one of the coolest catchphrases in sports history and something that every dude should use at some point in their life to feel like a badass.

"Yo Soy Fiesta" (Rob Gronkowski)

There might not be a more fitting athlete catchphrase on this list than Rob Gronkowski's.

Replying to a Spanish reporter following a playoff game a few seasons ago, Gronk showed that he was a little bit more focused on football than he was on learning a foreign language, replying with, "Yo soy fiesta," making everyone wince a little bit—but remembering that this is Gronk, he does these things and gets away with them.

"You Can Run, but You Can't Hide" (Joe Louis)

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One of the top fighters to ever step foot into a boxing ring, Joe Louis wasn't afraid of anyone—but he knew there were plenty of opponents who feared him.

With a career record of 66-3-1, Louis reminded anyone silly enough to knock gloves with him that they could dance around and do whatever they could to hide from his massive punches, but, at some point, they're hiding wouldn't work, and Louis would find them and knock them out.

Coming from a massive dude like Louis, these words are scary as all hell.

"Can't Wait" (Bart Scott)

We've probably all heard the saying, "Haters gonna hate." But when former NFL linebacker Bart Scott heard talking heads on numerous shows and others in the media doubt his New York Jets against the New England Patriots in 2010, he wasn't laughing at the doubters, he was ready to fight them all.

Lesson learned, Bart, because your message came across loud and clear.

"It Ain't over Till It's Over" (Yogi Berra)

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In case you need a reminder, nothing is over until it's over—or, until we decide it is.

Known for giving some of the most quirky quotes in sports history, New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra said as much during an interview with a reporter, restoring hope for teammates, fans and media who may think that an outcome is decided early.

As Yanks fans found out in 2004—when the team blew a 3-0 lead in the American League Championship Series—Berra's famous catchphrase was proved in the worst way.

"I'm Gonna Take My Talents to South Beach" (LeBron James)

By no means did LeBron James coin the term, "taking my talents," but he sure as hell made it popular among all the kids.

In announcing that he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavs for the Miami Heat in 2010, James used those very words, not only shocking the world by joining forces with fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but having the phrase in which he said it becoming trendy as all hell.

"I Wanna Rage…right Now" (Brian Wilson)

Some athletes might want to go to Disneyland after winning a championship and some might just want to rage...right now.

The latter is what former San Francisco Giants party boy Brian Wilson wanted to do following a World Series win with the club in 2010, putting him in the conversation as the dopest athlete ever.

Partying with Wilson for a night would be like going on a date with a supermodel, intimidating and expensive—but well worth it.

"Anything Is Possible" (Kevin Garnett)

After winning his only NBA title while with the Boston Celtics in 2008, future Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett let his emotions run wild during the postgame interview.

Sure, KG might have been instructed to yell, "Anything is possible," from Adidas—a brand who sponsors him—but he even did that wrong, making this a moment that will stick with Garnett forever.

"The Only Thing He Can Eat Is Leftovers" (Floyd Mayweather Jr.)

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Everyone might enjoy leftovers following Thanksgiving dinner, but, when called out for only fighting the remaining pieces in sports, it's a pretty deep insult.

And there isn't a better talker in sports than undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. right now.

Saying that Manny Pacquiao only fought guys who already lost to him, Money Mayweather started the war of words with Manny years ago, providing a lot of bad blood for their May 2 fight this year.

"I'm a F*ckin' Soldier" (Kellen Winslow II)

You could just see this one coming, couldn't you?

Doing the best he could to hold back just letting loose on a profanity-laced tirade by using PG-13 versions of words to express himself, when tight end Kellen Winslow II was with the Miami Hurricanes in college, he wanted everyone to know it was all about the U.

And he did so in a frighteningly famous way.

"Getcha Popcorn Ready" (Terrell Owens)

Known to be one of the biggest self-promoters in sports history, former wide receiver Terrell Owens knew that there's only one way to enjoy a good event—with popcorn.

With that in mind, Owens wanted to make sure that anyone watching him play had their popcorn ready, because he was always under the mindset that he would be doing something special—and he often did, so hopefully fans had some buttery goodness to eat during the T.O. show.

"I'm Here so I Won't Get Fined" (Marshawn Lynch)

In the history of sports, has there ever been so much attention given to an athlete who said so freakin' little?

Not one to talk to the media, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch knew that, to avoid a fine from the league for not giving something to reporters during this year's Super Bowl media day, he had to fulfill five minutes of his time.

And what gold it was, with Beast Mode going Repeat Mode, saying the exact same phrase for those 300 seconds.

"That's a Clown Question, Bro" (Bryce Harper)

You know those moments when someone asks a stupid question and all you want to do is tell them off? Yeah, athletes can't really get away with that.

So the next best thing is to come up with something that is both clever and, just a little bit, demeaning to put the person who asked the question in their place.

With a reply like, "that's a clown question, bro," I would say that Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper accomplished that.

"You Cannot Be Serious" (John McEnroe)

It doesn't matter if it was on the court while arguing with a chair umpire or in commercials promoting something with his bad boy persona, former tennis player John McEnroe will forever be remembered for this saying.

Famously yelling, "you cannot be serious," during the 1981 Wimbledon final, Johnny Mac actually ended up winning the match and his first title at the All England Club—but his outburst is what is remembered most.

"Ball Don't Lie" (Rasheed Wallace)

There might have been a number of questionable calls over the history of sports, with the duty to make the right one assigned to a human.

Naturally, there will be some missed ones because of human error.

But, former NBA baller Rasheed Wallace put it simply when there was a call in question, famously saying, "ball don't lie," letting the hoops gods decide if the whistle should have been swallowed or not.

"He Hate Me" (Rod Smart)

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For you youngsters who might not remember, back in 2000, weird things were happening in sports.

One of those bizarre things came in the form of a B-level pro football league called the XFL, which was started by WWE mogul Vince McMahon, which was supposed to compete with the NFL because of its extreme culture.

With athletes allowed to have nicknames on the back of their jerseys, no player became more famous than Rod Smart, who had the words "He Hate Me" across his back, which became his personal motto from then on.

"Not One, Not Two, Not Three, Not Four, Not Five..." (LeBron James)

He has since been forgiven—a bit—but when former Miami Heat star LeBron James was first introduced to the South Beach crowd after signing with the team in 2010, he went bold as hell on everyone.

At the time, James had not won a ring, so his overzealous mind began just counting up...and up...and up, believing he and his new teammates would win a title in every year they played together.

Seeing as how the squad did go to four straight NBA Finals and won two, maybe James just meant how many trips they'd make the league's final round?

"I'm Just 'Bout That Action, Boss" (Marshawn Lynch)

I mentioned Seattle Seahawks' Pro Bowl runner Marshawn Lynch's memorable repetition from this year's Super Bowl earlier, but the soundbite he gave during media day in 2014 was even better.

Hiding behind anything he could to avoid reporters, Lynch tried to disguise himself as best he could, hoping no one would notice.

When the NFL Network's Deion Sanders did get to him, though, Lynch gave one of the best replies as to why he doesn't like to talk, declaring that he's, "just 'bout that action, boss."

God, dude is cool.

"Manny Being Manny" (Manny Ramirez)

He may have been one hell of a baseball player, but former big league slugger Manny Ramirez was also a little bit out there.

Whether it was hiding behind the Green Monster's scoreboard to relieve himself of some fluids in his bladder or cutting off a throw from his outfield mate, Johnny Damon, Man-Ram gave us a bunch of memories that made us simply say, that's just Manny being Manny—and we all love him for it.

"It Ain't Braggin' If You Can Back It Up" (Dizzy Dean)

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Brash and outspoken, MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Dizzy Dean believed that he was the best pitcher in the world anytime he stepped onto the mound.

As one of the last MLB pitchers to win 30 games in a season, he was probably right too.

So as confident as he was, the guy known as "The Great Man" knew that, anything he was saying could be backed up, so go ahead and hate him for bragging—while walking back to the dugout after he struck you out.

"I Love Me Some Me" (Terrell Owens)

There have been tons of athletes that have adored everything about themselves. But were there any who loved themselves as much as former NFL wideout Terrell Owens?

As if his me-first persona wasn't enough, T.O. actually coined—and trademarked—the term, "I love me some me," absolutely defining his entire career.

Owens was a beast, though, so when you can back it up, it ain't braggin'.

"Ya Gotta Believe" (Tug McGraw)

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It was a tough decision, but rather than go with former Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets closer Tug McGraw's, "I dunno? I never smoked any Astroturf," quote, his ambitious, "Ya gotta believe," is McGraw's most famous catchphrase.

Yelling it out to then Mets chairman M. Donald Grant while the exec was hoping to encourage the team during the 1973 season, the phrase became associated with everything Tug did, with a foundation started in his honor after McGraw's death bearing the same name.

"Straight Cash, Homey" (Randy Moss)

When you're rich, who really pays with anything but cash?

Asked a variation of this question, former NFL wide receiver Randy Moss replied with one of the most badass sayings any fan has ever heard, declaring he would pay the league his $10,000 fine with, "straight cash, homey."

Since then, you can't tell me you haven't used the phrase a handful of times yourself.

"I'm Back" (Michael Jordan)

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Recently celebrating the 20th anniversary of Michael Jordan's famous fax to the NBA league office that the game's greatest player, Michael Jordan, was, in fact, returning to the league after a short hiatus, these famous words still hold weight.

Rather than go the traditional route of a formal press release, MJ did the unconventional, writing, "I'm Back" and faxing it to David Stern, putting the entire league on edge as Jordan would lead his Chicago Bulls to another three-peat beginning in 1995-'96.

"Bo Knows" (Bo Jackson)

OK, so former two-sport star Bo Jackson might not have come up with this phrase himself, but it's still related to him thanks to a marketing campaign by Nike.

In fact, the term "Bo Knows" is so synonymous with, arguably, the greatest athlete ever that Nike continues to use it in commercials today.

Jackson's career may have been cut short due to injury, but the legend of Bo will forever live on.

"We Talkin' 'Bout Practice" (Allen Iverson)

Former NBA league MVP Allen Iverson might have been one of the greatest players in his era, unafraid of going up against guys who were much bigger than he was, but he was also against authority.

Butting heads a few times with his then-head coach Larry Brown while with the Philadelphia 76ers, we've all seen A.I.'s rant about practice, reminding everyone that, "we're talkin' 'bout practice, not a game."

Iverson must not believe in the theory that practice makes perfect.

"Let's Play Two" (Ernie Banks)

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Recently passed, former 11-time MLB All-Star Ernie Banks was the most symbolic figure of the Chicago Cubs' longtime franchise.

Aptly named "Mr. Cub," Banks embodied what it was like to play for the baby bear, enjoying each of his 19 seasons on the North side.

Always flashing a smile, Banks coined the term "Let's play two" after believing any day which involved baseball was a good day, so why not stay on the field till someone kicks you off?

"Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee" (Muhammad Ali)

Who else but the greatest talker of any athlete to sit atop this list of the catchiest of catchphrases?

The way that former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali ran his mouth and intimidated his opponents was a gift that nearly no other competitor could match.

Ali changed the game into something much more psychological and not just physical, with this classic line becoming his most famous calling cards.