Sam Hurd and the Biggest Drug Busts in Sports History

As athletes continue to challenge their mortality with the law, it becomes clear that prowess on the field doesn't routinely translate to common sense.

These self-entitled sports stars may believe in an invincible nature, but in reality their misguided mindsets only enhance their chances of getting caught.

While the drug of choice rarely changes, the ways in which these icons are busted always catches us by surprise.

Let's take a look at the biggest drug busts in sports history.

Enjoy.

10. Michael Phelps Gets the Munchies

While he's clearly potent in the water, with 16 Olympic medals, his time on land seemingly requires a bit more relaxation.

Whether it was part of a rigorous training regimen or a "one-time lapse of judgement," Michael Phelps' run-in with marijuana was short-lived, yet significant.

Not only did he lose one of his sponsors, but the legendary swimmer was suspended from competition for three months.

9. Damon Stoudamire Leads the Jail Blazers

They may have been talented, but the squad known as the Portland Jail Blazers sure wasn't heady.

While Rasheed Wallace and Qyntel Woods were cited for marijuana possession, it was their teammate's story that causes the most heads to shake.

After police came to point guard Damon Stoudamire's house regarding a burglar alarm, they smelled marijuana and eventually found a pound of cannabis in a crawlspace.

Lucky for him, the search was seen as illegal, and the charges were dropped.

8. Ricky Williams Runs Far Away

The 1998 Heisman Trophy winner continues to excite the NFL with his prolific athleticism and sheer determination; yet, it's been a long road for the former Texas running back.

After a second positive cannabis test in 2003, Ricky Williams left the sport to undeniably find himself.

He returned in 2005, only to test positive once again. 

While his passion for marijuana has seemingly diminished, his prowess on the field has also taken a dip.

7. Shawn Kemp Leaves a Legacy

He may have been a six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA Second Team member during his 14-year career, but Shawn Kemp's legal troubles seemingly clouded his legacy.

The former Seattle Supersonic was arrested in 2005 after the police pulled over the truck he was in.

Cocaine, 60 grams of marijuana and a semiautomatic pistol were the keys to a tarnished reputation. 

6. 2006 Cincinnati Bengals Are Unstoppable

Coming off a prosperous 2005 season in which the feisty Bengals went 11-5, the team was seemingly determined to get past the illustrious first round of the playoffs.

However, with a superfluous amount of player arrests in 2006, any progress was clouded by legal issues.

While six were arrested for various other reasons, Reggie McNeal (drug possession charge for having a cigarette with promethazine in it) and Chris Henry (marijuana found in his shoe after a speeding stop) headlined a drug-related problem in the locker room. 

5. Santonio Holmes Finishes His Business

After being named Super Bowl XLIII MVP, speedy receiver Santonio Holmes must have believed he'd completed his NFL quest.

The following October, the former Ohio State star was arrested for possession of marijuana.

With his drug-selling childhood, it's safe to say a relapse was hard to fight.

4. Living the American Dream

After helping the Cowboys win their third Lombardi Trophy in 1996, colorful wide receiver Michael Irvin was arrested on charges of cocaine possession during a celebration of his 30th birthday in March of 1996.

His former teammate, offensive lineman Nate Newton, was busted with 213 pounds of marijuana driving through Louisiana in 2001 to further tarnish the Cowboys' image.

It was the tale of the '90s Cowboys.

While Irvin was sentenced to community service, ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and put on four years of  probation, Newton was given 30 months in prison for drug trafficking.

3. The Amazin' Duo

After leading the New York Mets to a World Series victory in 1986, this potent pair was seen as the next legends to take the baseball world by storm.

Cy Young winner Doc Gooden finished the season 24-4 with a 1.53 ERA, while 6'6" Darryl Strawberry patented his looping swing en route to 29 home runs—before it all went downhill. 

After beginning 1987 in a substance-abuse center, Gooden was banned from the league for the 1995 season after testing positive for cocaine twice.

Amidst a prolific career, Strawberry was continuously caught with crack and cocaine abuse.

2. Sam Hurd Makes a Name for Himself

With only 739 receiving yards during his career, it's easy to see why Sam Hurd took an interest elsewhere.

After allegedly attempting to purchase and distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana, the former Cowboys and Bears receiver was arrested, set to face federal drug charges in North Texas.

The 6'3" wide receiver has a lot of explaining to do.

1. Bob Probert Shows Kevin Stevens the Ropes

While 6'3" Bob Probert was known for his consistently-brutal fights and as one half of the "Bruise Brothers," it was his off-the-ice problems that garnered him the most attention.

14 grams of cocaine were allegedly found in Probert's underwear en route to the United States from Canada.

Former left-winger Kevin Stevens apparently felt left out. In 2000, with the New York Rangers at the time, Stevens was caught in a hotel room with a prostitute, $500 worth of crack and undoubtedly plenty of anxiety.