15 Great Mic-Drop Moments in Sports

Was Jonny Gomes' World Series victory speech a great mic-drop moment, or what? What about the immortal bat flip from Jose Bautista?

The following are 15 recent mic-drop moments in sports. In general, this won't include on-field actions, like walk-off homers, but an exception must be made for the bat flip some called "the new mic drop."

No, today, dropping the mic means saying (or tweeting) something so impactful, so poignant, it's hard for anyone to match it. Some mic drops are funny, and some are serious. Some involve flying bats (OK, that's just one).

Whether readers agree or disagree with the sentiments involved, one common thread runs through all the following examples. The speaker/doer/tweeter in question left no room for any type of comparable response. Oh, some tried, but when someone drops the mic, responses never measure up.

Let's do it.

Kirk Cousins: 'You Like That?'

Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins was walking away as he yelled, "You like that," to reporters after a big win, literally leaving no opportunity for response. The QB faced some performance-related criticism early in the season, but on that day, he led his team to a comeback win.

Of the moment, Cousins later said, "I mean, I just get really fired up after we win, that's all it is, just fired up," per John Keim of ESPN.

Aaron Rodgers to the 'Crybaby'

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is an eloquent guy, something he proved after his team's loss in Week 10.

Sometimes that eloquence is put to use in more serious situations, and other times, it's on Twitter, shutting down a "crybaby" media member.  

In March, Rodgers sat courtside at a Wisconsin March Madness game. Harmless enough, right? Well, it's not harmless if you ask CBS Sports writer Dennis Dodd. Dodd ripped off a series of tweets regarding his displeasure with Rodgers' presence on the court, which he tweeted should be for "credentialed media only."

Rodgers got to him soon enough. The QB tweeted, "To the biggest twitter crybaby of the night, I had a pass to be on the court. Send your complaints to the A.D. #quitcrying #youreajoke."

Ouch.

Robert Kraft on Deflategate

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Deflategate turned into an ongoing saga that lasted for months and made itself impossible to ignore. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was over it from the get, though, and he was quick to defend his team.

Leading up to Super Bowl XLIX, and just a week-ish after allegations of deflated footballs were made, Kraft spoke to the media. Per Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News, he said:

"

Many jumped to conclusions about our coach, quarterback and staff. If the (Ted) Wells investigation is not able to definitely determine that our organization tampered with air pressure of footballs, I would expect and hope the league would apologize to our entire team and in particular coach Belichick and Tom Brady and what they've had to endure this past week.

"

Now excuse me while I go win a Super Bowl. 

Dubs' Shirts

Some great mic-drop moments require no spoken words at all.

NBA legend and broadcaster Charles Barkley has long stated his belief that jump-shooting teams can't win championships. One notable jump-shooting team you might be aware of is the NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

Before the Dubs' title run, Barkley told Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle, "They've had a terrific season. But I don't like jump-shooting teams. I don't think you can make enough jumpers to win four series in a row. I've said that for 25 years, not just now. I think you physically manhandle them inside."

You know the rest. The Dubs did win a title. Months later, the players unveiled these shirts at their home opener, effectively dropping the proverbial mic on Barkley. 

Barkley, true to form, was a great sport about it.

Jim Harbaugh: 'Stop Yourself'

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Coaching rumors are like death and taxes. Still, Michigan head man Jim Harbaugh doesn't seem to appreciate having his name thrown into the ring for possible NFL gigs. In October, he said it was "disrespectful" to mention his name in conjunction with jobs at the pro level, per Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press.  

Later, a reporter had the gumption to ask him about it again, this time in reference to the Indianapolis Colts specifically.

Per Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com, Harbaugh said, "Stop. Just stop yourself. No comment."

Well, alright then.

Cam Newton: 'Don't Let Me In'

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton came under fire for celebrating a fourth-quarter touchdown with an elaborate end-zone dance in Week 10. 

His score added to the lead in what would become a 27-10 win for the Panthers. Many Tennessee players and fans didn't exactly appreciate Newton's moves. 

In response, Newton said, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, "I heard somebody say we're not going to allow you to do that. But I'm a firm believer if you don't like me to do it then don't let me in."

Later, the Charlotte Observer published an open letter to Newton written by a Tennessee mother. She was disappointed her daughter had to see him celebrating and urged him to take his status as a role model more seriously.

Despite the letter, Newton's original comments, as they related to the Titans players, were certainly mic-drop-esque.

Coyotes Fan's Epic Rant

In June, the city of Glendale, Arizona, discussed breaking its lease with the Arizona Coyotes at a city council meeting. The discussion was part of an ongoing legal dispute between the two sides.

One Coyotes fan, Ronda Pearson, told mayor Jerry Weiers exactly how she felt about that idea, and him. To say she didn't hold back would be an understatement. 

To close, Pearson said, "What you're doing is childish and it's pathetic and it's disrespectful to the citizens who voted you in office. And for all of us who spent so much time and energy supporting this team when you never did," per Andrew Joseph of AZCentral.com.

The good news? The dispute was eventually settled.

Rafael Benitez on Sam Allardyce

PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/Getty Images

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce released a book called Big Sam: My Autobiography in October. In said book, he criticized former Liverpool (and current Real Madrid) manager Rafael Benitez, or rather, stated Benitez deserved no credit for Liverpool's Champions League Final win in 2005. 

According to the Press Association (via the Guardian) Benitez fired back with the following: "Do you know who Sam Allardyce is? Do you know how many trophies he has won? Well that's my answer. It is what happens when someone has a book to sell. His opinion does not have a lot of value."

Cardinals vs. Browns

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

It's so great when Twitter spats end with virtual mic drops. Such was the case with a July sparring match between the Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals official team accounts.

The two sides jabbed back and forth regarding their Nov. 1 matchup (that the Cards eventually won, by the way). The culmination came when the Browns mentioned their victory at the teams' last meeting, in 2003.

The Cardinals countered with this: "@Browns Wow. Ok. And since then?

Postseason Games:

#AZCardinals 7

#Browns 0"

Nailed it.

Jeff Van Gundy on Dallas Fans

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

This mic drop was a little more serious in nature, so let's keep this short and stick to the facts.

In the recent past, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy has been a name of frequent mention in conjunction with domestic violence issues. Some Cowboy fans, and the team owner, continue to support him, according to Amanda Guerra of NBCDFW.com.

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan was all set to sign with the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason, but he changed his mind at the last minute. Some Mavs fans are (still) upset with him because of that decision to renege. 

During the highly anticipated (to some) matchup between the Clippers and Mavericks in Dallas, broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy said this, per Cindy Boren of the Washington Post: "I would also, Mike, like the Dallas fans to acknowledge the sheer lunacy and absurdity that they're booing DeAndre Jordan tonight, and they'll be cheering someone like Greg Hardy on Sunday. That, to me, is absurd. All this guy did was change his mind."

John Terry Burns Robbie Savage

Robbie Savage is a former footballer and current media member, doling out opinions on European soccer.

Chelsea captain John Terry didn't happen to like some of those opinions. Per BBC Sport, Savage once suggested Terry's time as a player might be coming to an end soon. He, along with other media members, have also criticized Chelsea for its poor start to the 2015-16 season.

According to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian, Terry said he can take criticism from exceptional players, but maybe not so much other folks. He said:

"

When certain other people speak, maybe not. Maybe I don't listen. When players have not had a 'career', or have played at a really bad level throughout their career and come for people who have achieved what I've achieved in the game ... Robbie Savage being one. He's dug me out a couple of times. As a footballer, as an individual, I'll take it from the very best, the Rios, Carraghers and Nevilles. All day long. Other people? No.

"

Kobe Bryant, Basically All the Time

Issac Baldizon/Getty Images

Kobe Bryant is pretty much the king of mic drops, and ever since he started using Twitter, the world has gotten to see a lot more of it. For instance:

• On how he deals with criticism: "I don't."
• On people who think he's selfish: "Count to 5."
• On the DeAndre Jordan saga: A trophy emoji

There are virtually countless examples, but one great moment came in early November when a reporter asked Bryant if he'd consider playing for another team.

Per Baxter Holmes of ESPN, Bryant said, "I've said it so many times. I'm here, I'm a Laker for life. I'm not playing anywhere else, no matter what. It's just not going to happen. I bleed purple and gold, and that's just how it's going to be."

The Bat Flip

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista pulled off one of the most epic mic drops you'll ever see during the American League Division Series.

After a bizarre play put his team down 3-2 in Game 5, Bautista answered with a three-run shot that secured his team's eventual win. Before he took a lap around the bases, he flipped his bat in such dominating fashion, some started calling it "the new mic drop."

LeBron James: 'Best Player in the World'

After a Game 5 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, a reporter asked LeBron James about the level of pressure on him. Per James Herbert of CBS Sports, the reporter wanted to know if James felt less pressure because the team was "undermanned" and dealing with injuries.

James responded, "Nah. I feel confident because I'm the best player in the world. It's simple."

What's anyone going to say to that?

Jonny Gomes' Mic Toss

Warning: Video contains some borderline NSFW stuff. 

Jose Bautista flipped the bat, and Jonny Gomes flipped the mic.

The Kansas City Royals outfielder/designated hitter didn't make his team's postseason roster, but he saved his best moment for last.

During the Royals World Series victory parade, Gomes gave an epic speech and ended it with a totally warranted mic toss.

Per Andre Vergara of Fox Sports, a few of his lines were as follows: "Guess what? Cy Young winner—not on our team. Beat him. Rookie of the Year—not on our team. We beat him. MVP of the whole league—sorry, guys, not on our team. But we beat that guy too!"

Don't worry, there's more.