Sports history isn’t just about big wins and great plays — it’s also about the athletes who made jaws drop for all the wrong reasons.
From wild stunts to shocking scandals, these athletes grabbed headlines both on and off the field. Love them or hate them, they made sure the spotlight never left. Here are 13 of the most outrageous figures in American sports history, where skill and controversy collide.
13. Jose Canseco: The Power-Hitting Outfielder with a Troubled Career
Jose Canseco, a former MLB outfielder and designated hitter, had a career marred by controversy. He admitted to using steroids in his 2005 book “Juiced,” detailing widespread steroid use in baseball. Canseco’s troubles extended beyond his playing career, including a jail stint for violating probation related to steroid use and a nightclub brawl. His post-retirement life has been marked by various scandals, including rape allegations and public feuds.
12. Charles Barkley: The Outspoken and Physical NBA Power Forward
Charles Barkley, known for his fiery personality and physical play, had a career marred by controversy. Notable incidents include spitting on an innocent girl in the crowd after being provoked by racial slurs in 1991, and being arrested for drunk-driving in 2009. His outspoken nature often led to heated debates and confrontations, such as threatening to hit a female reporter in 2019. Despite his on-court achievements, including being the 1993 NBA MVP, Barkley’s off-court controversies have left a lasting impact on his legacy.
11. Terrell Owens: The Flamboyant and Often Divisive NFL Receiver
Terrell Owens, known for his flamboyant celebrations and divisive personality, left a lasting impact on the NFL. With 592 receptions for 8,572 yards and 81 touchdowns in San Francisco, and a career total of 15,934 yards and 153 touchdowns, Owens was a force on the field. His off-field antics, including a driveway press conference while doing sit-ups and criticizing quarterbacks, made him a polarizing figure. Despite his controversies, Owens remains one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.
10. Mike Tyson: The Fearsome and Controversial Boxing Champion
Mike Tyson, known as “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” is a legendary boxer with a tumultuous career marked by both glory and controversy. He became the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years old and had a record of 50 wins, 6 losses, and 44 knockouts. Tyson’s career was marred by his conviction for rape in 1992 and subsequent imprisonment, as well as infamous incidents like the “Ear Bite” against Evander Holyfield in 1997. His financial disputes with promoter Don King also made headlines, culminating in a $100 million lawsuit that was settled out of court for $14 million. Tyson’s legacy remains complex, reflecting both his formidable boxing skills and his personal struggles.
9. John Daly: The Golfing Maverick Known for His Unconventional Style
John Daly, a two-time major champion, is infamous for his flamboyant style and numerous controversies. His career has been marred by suspensions, fines, and incidents of conduct unbecoming of a professional. Despite his talent, Daly’s personal problems and lack of commitment have overshadowed his achievements.
8. Deion Sanders: The Flashy and Versatile Two-Sport Star
Deion Sanders, known as “Prime Time,” is a legendary two-sport athlete who played 14 seasons in the NFL and 9 seasons in MLB. He won two Super Bowls and made a World Series appearance, becoming the only athlete to achieve this feat. Sanders played for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and others in the NFL, and for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, and Cincinnati Reds in MLB. He is now the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.
7. Carl Lewis: The Charismatic and Dominant Track Athlete
Carl Lewis, a legendary track and field athlete, won 9 Olympic gold medals and 10 World Championships medals. He dominated the 100m, 200m, and long jump events, setting multiple world records. Lewis’s 65 consecutive victories in the long jump over 10 years remain one of the sport’s longest undefeated streaks.
6. Randy Johnson: The Towering Pitcher with a Deadly Fastball
Randy Johnson, known as “The Big Unit,” was a dominant force in Major League Baseball. Standing 6-foot-10, he recorded 4,875 strikeouts and 303 wins over two decades. His perfect game in 2004 and pivotal role in the 2001 World Series, earning him World Series MVP, are legendary moments in baseball history.
5. Manny Ramirez: The Talented but Erratic Baseball Outfielder
Manny Ramirez was a baseball outfielder known for his exceptional talent and unpredictable behavior. With a .312 batting average, 555 home runs, and 1,831 RBIs, he was a 12-time All-Star and 9-time Silver Slugger. His offbeat personality and controversies often overshadowed his on-field achievements, making him one of the most outrageous pro athletes in US sports history.
4. Dennis Rodman: The Colorful and Unorthodox Basketball Star
Dennis Rodman, known as “The Worm,” was a basketball icon for his defensive prowess and rebounding skills, but also for his flamboyant personality and off-court antics. He led the NBA in rebounds per game for seven consecutive years and won five NBA championships. His unapologetic style and frequent clashes with authority figures made him a polarizing figure.
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3. Sean Avery: The NHL’s Resident Troublemaker
Sean Avery, a former NHL player, was notorious for his on-ice antics and off-ice controversies. Known for leading the league in penalty minutes twice and engaging in 102 fights, Avery was suspended by the NHL in 2008 for using a crude term about his former girlfriends now dating other hockey players. His volatile behavior extended beyond his playing career, with allegations of manipulating and hindering his wife’s career.
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2. Gilbert Arenas: The Gun-Toting, Lottery-Winning Enigma
Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA point guard, made headlines in 2009 for bringing unloaded guns into the Washington Wizards’ locker room, leading to a suspension for the remainder of the season. The incident stemmed from a heated argument with teammate Javaris Crittenton over a card game debt.
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1. Dizzy Dean: The Loud and Belligerent Pitching Legend
Dizzy Dean, a Hall of Fame pitcher, was known for his outspoken and critical nature. After his playing career, he became a sports commentator, famously criticizing the St. Louis Browns’ players in 1947, even offering to pitch for them to prove his point. His iconic status and sharp tongue made him a legend.