15 Former Pro Athletes Who Are So Pathetic We Almost Feel Sorry for Them

Fans around the world are in shock after being denied the opportunity to watch the most anticipated fight in recent memory.

No, not the Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather bout.

I am of course referring to the Lenny Dykstra vs. Jose Canseco fight that was to take place on November 9th. The Celebrity Fight Night event fell through because Dykstra never showed up.

Clearly, my sarcasm does not go overlooked.

However, the debacle involving two of the most laughable retired professional athletes brings to mind 15 players who are so hapless, they actually deserve a tiny slice of sympathy.

Enjoy. 

Jose Canseco

Jose Canseco is the rare athlete who makes more noise after his career than during it.

After hitting 462 home runs in his Major League Baseball Career, Canseco has been involved in several off-field incidents that have garnered much attention.

In 2005, Canseco wrote a book on steroids in which he detailed his use and the use of star players around him.

Over the past year, Canseco has been playing and managing for the Yuma Scorpions from the North American League.

The latest news surrounding Canseco is his scheduled fight with former New York Met Lenny Dykstra. The fight was supposed to pit two of the most tumultuous post-career retirements in all of sports.

But...


  

Lenny Dykstra

Lenny Dykstra decided not to show up to his much-anticipated match with Jose Canseco.

Not surprising, considering the legal and public woes that have characterized the former New York Met since the end of his career .

As recently as April, Dykstra was arrested for grand theft and a bankruptcy crime. Dykstra was also mentioned as a steroid user during his playing career in the Mitchell Report.

  

Tiki Barber

It seems not so long ago that former running back Tiki Barber was a revered figure in the sports world.

Now, not so much.

After retiring, Barber embarked on a broadcasting career with NBC Sports. That ended in an ugly fashion with Barber having an affair with former 23-year-old intern Traci Lynn Johnson.

The affair led to a divorce settlement with his ex-wife, in which Barber claimed he was too broke to pay.

Prior to the 2011 season, Barber announced a return to the NFL. However, he has yet to get the opportunity with a single team.

Pretty pathetic for a once-celebrated running back with the New York Giants. 

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson reportedly earned somewhere between $300 and $400 million during his lucrative boxing career.

Now, how could one possibly spend that much money?

Ask Mr. Tyson.

The former heavyweight champion spent three years in jail during the 1990s. Since that time, Tyson has bitten the ear of Evander Holyfield, filed for bankruptcy and been charged with numerous crimes.

Tyson was also quoted by USA Today as saying his life was "a waste." Few people would disagree, what with all of the money spent on homes, bailouts and divorces. 

Evander Holyfield

Evander Holyfield's ear is not the only thing missing from the once great boxer.

In 2008, Holyfield had to auction off his $10 million home due to foreclosure. In addition, Holyfield has sued for non-payment of child support payments to Toi Irvin, the mother of his son.

Despite several endorsements, multi-million dollar fights and a record label, Holyfield has lost around $250 million since the end of his career. 

Antoine Walker

Antoine Walker is still playing.

Surprised? I was too.

Walker plays for the Idaho Stamped in the NBA Development League.

In 2010, Walker pleaded guilty to one count of passing bad checks, stemming from failure to pay gambling debts. He also filed for bankruptcy.

To help pay the bills, Walker is toiling around in the NBA Development League. An ugly end to a career that once had much promise.

Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens is still trying to play football in the NFL.

It's just that nobody wants him.

And that is why we almost feel sorry for the former NFL star receiver.

Not a single NFL team showed up to a workout that Owens had in California. Despite looking in great shape, teams are hesitant to put up with the headache that is Owens when he doesn't get the ball enough.

TMZ also reports that Owens is in dire financial straits. So is his career.  

Rollie Fingers

Whoever advised Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers on his investments needs serious evaluation.

After retiring in 1985, Fingers decided it would be a good idea to invest in pistachio farms, Arabian horses and wind turbines.

He paid off his $4 million debt by selling baseball cards and continuing to work. While he eventually paid off his debt, Fingers lost millions on poor investment decisions. 

Latrell Sprewell

Due to fits of rage, Latrell Sprewell never reached his full potential in the National Basketball Association.

Sprewell choked coach P.J. Carlesimo on a couple of occasions during practice and was also accused of strangling a woman on his yacht.

His financial situation is similarly in shambles, losing two homes to foreclosure. In all, Sprewell's losses total over $50 million.

And it all could have been prevented with self-control and proper advice.

Scottie Pippen

More sympathy is likely afforded to former Chicago Bull Scottie Pippen, whose troubles have no affiliation with criminal activity.

Pippen lost a court battle in which he attempted to regain $27 million he lost in bad investments. Combine that with other bad financial decisions and Pippen is down about $120 million since the end of his career. 

 

Sheryl Swoopes

One of the greatest women's basketball players in history is Sheryl Swoopes. Unfortunately, her career is dragging on too long because of poor financial management.

She was called the "Michael Jordan" of the WBNA as a result of her personal Nike deal and "Air-Swoopes" brand.

In 2004, Swoopes had to file for bankruptcy. She retired in 2009.

In 2011, however, Swoopes agreed to play for the Tulsa Shock in a return to the WNBA. While she still has impressive talent, the move is like due in some part to persistent financial issues. 

Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor will go down as one of the best defensive players in NFL history. Unfortunately, his mistakes off the field will be remembered just as well.

Drug addictions and prostitution have plagued the former New York Giant throughout his lifetime. In 2011, Taylor pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute.

Taylor also filed for bankruptcy in 1998.

 

Kenny Anderson

Kenny Anderson has three ex-wives.

All three have a significant chunk of his career $60 million in earnings.

Anderson had to pay half his assets in his first divorce because of a prenuptial agreement. He also has seven children and two other ex-wives to support with his finances.

As a result, Anderson lost all of his earnings from his NBA career and is a poster-child for athletes who went broke. 

Marion Jones

If Marion Jones has just told the truth, she would not be on this list.

As it were, Jones lied about taking steroids and to the IRS. The result was a loss of about $7 million.

While she was once revered as the fastest woman in the world and an Olympic hero, Jones is now infamous for being dis-honest.

 

Jeremy Mayfield

Casual sports fans may not know everything about former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield.

Mayfield accrued five wins over a 433 race career.

In 2009, Mayfield was suspended by NASCAR indefinitely for substance abuse. Recently, Mayfield made headlines by being indicted on drug charges stemming from traces of methamphetamine being found in his home.

During his career, Mayfield appeared to be one of the more-liked drivers in the garage. However, drug problems have derailed his reputation and post-racing career.