The 20 Most Awkward Sports Moments

My Dad can watch bad Sci-Fi movie after bad Sci-Fi but he can't watch The Office or Meet the Parents. Something about watching a person with no self-awareness makes him uneasy. I'm not immune to it, but I embrace it. I've seen Meet the Fockers at least a dozen times and The Office is one of my favorite shows, but I cringe when I hear a reporter ask a terrible question. It's one of my pet peeves. I guess I wish I was "The Most Interesting Man in the World," (and who doesn't) who "once had an awkward moment, just to see what it felt like."

20: Freudian Slip

What an exceptional sign off. I like how the reporter catches himself and tries to say success but "sex" comes out again. Having said that, your expectations can't be too high for an ESPN Plus reporter.

19: You Can't Say That

What's worse than an ESPN Plus reporter? An ESPN U broadcaster. You probably couldn't help but giggle if you were in a room full of your buddies and somebody said, "your hands can caress the ball." However, on quasi-national television, you can't say, "that's kind of gay."

18: "Boom Goes the Dynamite"

We've found somebody worse than ESPN's C-list announcers. Initially I felt bad for him, but I've stuttered through enough speech classes to know I can't be a broadcaster. I bet if you asked his high school speech teacher, off the record, he or she would've told you it would end up on Youtube.

17: You Knew Craig Sager Would Make an Appearance

Now we transition from a third-rate sports broadcaster to someone who dresses like one. I'm sure they edited this out, but maybe Sager should spend more time practicing his craft than shopping at any number of Broadway costume shops.

16: Just Stop Interviewing Popovich During the Game

The only coach who actually takes in-game interviews seriously is Phil Jackson. Gregg Popovich, on the other hand, not only thinks you're wasting your and his time but makes you aware of it. Tough go of it, Ric Bucher. My suggestion would be to ask him close-ended questions so you can get it over with as soon as possible.

15: Mark Sanchez Clowns Mark Brunell

You know you've got charisma when you can pick your nose on national TV, wipe it on your backup and remain the leader of your team. That's the biggest Mark Brunell moment is 10 years.

Side note: How are Mark Brunell and Charlie Batch still on NFL rosters?

14: The Nose Picking Continues

If you're a starting quarterback, don't pick your nose. If you're a starting quarterback on a team in the BCS National Championship, don't pick your nose. Better yet, just listen to your mother and stop picking your nose when you're a child.

13: And the Nose Picking Ends

As a life-long Husker fan, I take extreme pleasure in embarrassing any Missouri Tiger. Chase should change his first name to Spalding, as in Spalding from Caddyshack.

Another side note: Where are all these Texas Tech and Missouri quarterbacks who apparently are NOT system quarterbacks? Take note, NFL general managers who are thinking about drafting Blaine Gabbert in the first round.

(Also, watch Nebraska vs. Missouri game tape from the past three years.)

12: Larry Merchant Is the Man

I've watched multiple Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fights, and they're only as entertaining as his opponent. Larry Merchant makes a great argument, at which point Floyd starts insulting him. He dodges punches almost as well as he dodges fighting Manny Pacquiao.

11: Shaq Knows What He Said and Doesn't Care

For the record, Shaq got fouled five times as hard as Dwight Howard ever has or will be. Maybe that's because Shaq's low-post game was actually effective.

10: Iron Mike Wants You to Turn Your Station off

I don't know why you would even try to interview Iron Mike after the Evander Holyfield fight. He ends interviews better than the "Continued Good Sex" guy.

9: They Hate Each Other

Tiger and Phil like to dismiss their hatred for each other, but it exists. Just look at Phil's authentic "eff-you" smile and then look at Tiger's "I just died inside a little bit" smile. I attended a sports banquet a couple years ago where a prominent ABC/ESPN broadcaster (it was off the record so I won't name him) confirmed they do, in fact, despise each other. Also, how is this jacket ceremony not on Youtube?

8: The Decision

Kudos to Cleveland fans for having lighter fluid and LeBron's jersey ready for incineration. Everything about "The Decision" was awkward. Jim Gray's first 20 minutes of questions were terrible. No one cared about how his summer was or if he still bites his nails, we just wanted to know where he's playing basketball. I think LeBron's lack of self-awareness rivals Michael Scott's. I could have told LeBron every city outside of Miami would hate him after he left in this despicable fashion.

Side Note: Cleveland beat Miami last night.

Side Note: I love side notes.

7: Lionel Would Be Disappointed

If you interview a *bleep than expect a *bleep's answer. Who hurt you Lionel? Who hurt you? I think it was Nicole.

6: The Fired Guy Interviews the Hired Guy

I lived in Nebraska during the Bill Callahan years, so I know a dead coach when I see one. If it wasn't blatantly obvious he was going to fired during any one of their drubbings last year, than crying and reciting Josh Groban lyrics made it crystal clear. Hey Rich Rod, maybe you shouldn't have screwed over your alma mater. *Karma

5: Incest Will Get You in the Top 5

The only thing more disturbing than a brother-on-sister kiss is a brother-on-brother kiss.They are very good centers, though.

4: It's Not About You, Jim Gray

Jim Gray is the ultimate "look at me" reporter. If Youtube had footage of Gray telling Dustin Johnson's caddie, "You're going down!" it would be on the list. Unfortunately, the Golf Channel pulled it—after they pulled Gray.

3: Jim "Chris" Everett

The only thing more awkward than Jim Rome continuing to goat Chris Everett is Rome's face without his patented goatee. This clip makes me hate Jim Rome a little less.

2: Tom Brady

This is tough to watch. Has Gisele been spiking his drinks with some kind of Brazilian mind control? I understand that soccer players have hair that looks twice as bad as Brady's ponytail, but they're South American or European—they can get away with that.

1: Drunk Joe Namath

There's not a smart ass comment that hasn't been made already. Just watch the clip and cringe.