The Most Entertaining Athletes of This Generation

This one is a tough one, because how do you define entertainment?

To me, the most entertaining athletes are the ones who you can't take your eyes off.

Whether they are doing something great on the field, saying something funny on the sidelines or making news in some other way.

So the way I see it, these guys are the ones that even if they don't play for your team, if you hear that they are going to be performing, you stop in and check them out.

These are the ones that fit that bill...

10. Nate Robinson

This Slam Dunk champion is the definition of playing with a chip on your shoulder.

He's listed anywhere from 5'6 to 5'9 but doesn't let that stop him.

He gives great interviews (Shrek and Donkey, anyone?), can jump out of the gym and is fearless.

Yes, he might drive his coaches and teammates crazy, but he means well.

At his height, he has had forty point games and he blocked Yao Ming's shot.

Nate gives you a little of everything.

9. Brett Favre

Say what you will about him, and we do, but the guy is great at what he does.

He is exactly what fans look for in their quarterback, a gunslinger.

And that's why wherever he plays his fans love him.

Plus, he likes to portray himself as an "aw shucks" good ole boy, who just happens to play football at the highest level and that's also endearing.

And not being able to make up his mind?

That just makes him more human.

8. Dwight Howard

What other Defensive Player of the Year do you know smiles as much as Howard.

He probably whistles on his way to work.

Yes, he has a pleasant disposition but he is also great at what he does.

What's wrong with enjoying life and enjoying your work?

7. Steve Nash

He is one of the toughest little guys in the NBA. It seems like every year in the playoffs, he breaks something, but keeps on playing.

When he was backing up Jason Kidd, Sam Cassell and Kevin Johnson, there was no way of knowing he would someday be a two-time league MVP, but he is.

And as a true measure of his point guard skills, compare the stats of his former teammates after they part ways with him.

As far as his sense of humor goes, it's just a little off. If you've seen any of his vitamin water commercials, you'll know what I mean.

6. LeBron James

Everyone acts as if "The Decision" wipes away all the great, entertaining and funny stuff James has done in his career.

Absolutely not.

The guy has done some fantastic things on the court and some really funny commercials off of it.

This time next year, everything will be back to normal and James will be making hilarious commercials again.

And as I have said before... "Stop looking at my lemonade!"

5. Manny Ramirez

Remember when Manny cut off Johnny Damon's throw from the outfield by laying out for it?

Remember when he disappeared inside the green monster and almost missed the next pitch?

Manny can wear out his welcome on any team, but he will always be appreciated by the press and the fans.

4. Chad Ochocinco

He is the master of Twitter and he is a master of the "Riverdance."

Chad has changed his name once and says he will do it again.

And now, he is teammates with T.O., so it might get  even more interesting.

But the funny thing is Chad does have talent.

He is a Pro Bowl wide receiver and apparently a pretty good field goal kicker.

Who knew?

3. Ron Artest

Ron Ron is the epitome of the guy that you want to keep your eye on.

You never know if he is going to hug you or swing at you.

He has produced on the court and in the studio (he is a part-time rapper).

But the one thing that we didn't know he could be was a winner.

As a singer, his Michael Jackson tribute will bring tears to your eyes.

2. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is that guy that you snickered at in high school because you thought he was a nerd.

Then he ends up taking your woman.

He used to be sneaky funny but now the cat is out of the bag.

If you have seen him on SNL, you know this guy could carry his own sitcom.

1. Shaquille O'Neal

Here's the thing with the big guy, we won't appreciate how funny he has been until he is gone and someone else tries to fill his shoes.

Other guys on this list are funny, but are they consistent?

We've seen Clinton Portis dress up as different characters and say funny things and we chuckle.

But are you ready for a sports world without Shaq?

That day is coming soon.