Professional athletes are known for their competitive nature and impressive earnings, but some also display a penchant for extravagant and unusual purchases. From NBA legends to NFL icons, these high-profile sports figures have made headlines for their unconventional spending habits.
This listicle explores some of the most peculiar and lavish purchases made by athletes, showcasing their unique personalities and sometimes reckless financial decisions.
15. Warren Sapp’s Eclectic Luxury Items
NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp filed for bankruptcy in 2012, revealing some unusual assets. Among his possessions were 240 pairs of Jordan athletic shoes and a large painting of a naked woman. These eccentric items highlighted the extravagant spending habits that contributed to his financial downfall.
14. Kobe Bryant’s $21,000 Champagne Splurge
Kobe Bryant once spent $21,000 on champagne at a Las Vegas nightclub just to outdo poker champion Antonio Esfandiari. The Lakers legend ordered 15 bottles of Cristal in a competitive display of wealth, showcasing his infamous “Mamba Mentality” even off the court. This extravagant gesture highlighted Bryant’s relentless drive to win in all aspects of life.
13. Ellis Coleman’s Flying Squirrel
Olympic wrestler Ellis Coleman, nicknamed “The Flying Squirrel” for his signature move, took his moniker to heart. He purchased an actual pet flying squirrel while training in Colorado Springs, keeping it in a cage and feeding it apples. This quirky purchase solidified his unique persona in the wrestling world.
12. Terrell Owens’ Bingo Hall
NFL star Terrell Owens invested $2 million in an Alabama electronic bingo casino, only to lose it all when the venture failed. The ill-fated investment was part of a larger scheme that cost NFL players a total of $43 million. Owens later sued his attorney for encouraging the risky venture.
11. Rollie Fingers’ Pistachio Farms and Arabian Horses
Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers lost $8 million investing in unconventional ventures, including pistachio farms and Arabian horses. These ill-fated investments, along with wind turbines, led to his 1992 bankruptcy filing. Fingers’ financial meltdown serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of exotic investments for professional athletes.
10. Joe Johnson’s Massive Sneaker Collection
NBA star Joe Johnson amassed an incredible sneaker collection worth over $1 million. His custom-built 500-square-foot closet housed around 1,000 pairs of rare and limited-edition sneakers, including player-exclusive Jordans and custom-made shoes. Johnson’s passion for sneakers led him to create a climate-controlled space just for his prized collection.
9. Arian Foster’s Segways for Teammates
In 2012, Houston Texans running back Arian Foster gifted each of his offensive linemen a Segway for Christmas. Foster, known for his love of the two-wheeled transporters, wanted to share the joy with his teammates. The gesture not only showed appreciation but also created a unique team-bonding experience as the linemen zoomed around together.
8. Michael Vick’s $85,000 Fish Pond
Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick made headlines for his extravagant spending, including an $85,000 fish pond. This lavish aquatic feature was part of Vick’s $3.6 million spending spree just before his 2007 imprisonment for dogfighting charges. The costly pond exemplifies the financial missteps that led to Vick’s bankruptcy filing in 2008.
7. Chad Johnson’s $100,000 Semi Truck
Former NFL star Chad Johnson, known for his extravagant purchases, bought a Freightliner semi truck for $100,000 as a birthday gift to himself. The massive vehicle, complete with “Ochocinco” badges, was an unexpected addition to Johnson’s collection of luxury items, showcasing his penchant for unique and attention-grabbing acquisitions.
6. Novak Djokovic’s Donkey Cheese Supply
In 2012, tennis star Novak Djokovic reportedly bought the world’s entire supply of donkey cheese for his restaurant chain. This rare Serbian delicacy, known as pule, costs around $500 per pound. However, Djokovic later clarified that he didn’t purchase the whole supply but was exploring a partnership with the farm.
5. DeShawn Stevenson’s Personal ATM Machine
Former NBA player DeShawn Stevenson installed an ATM in his kitchen, holding $20,000 and charging a $4.50 fee per transaction. He refilled it 4-6 times a year, turning his home into a mini-bank for friends. This unusual purchase exemplifies the extravagant spending habits of some professional athletes.
Read More: 10 Signs You’re Overspending and How to Stop
4. Marquis Daniels’ Diamond Head Necklace
Former NBA player Marquis Daniels took self-expression to new heights with a custom necklace featuring a 3D replica of his own head. This extravagant piece was crafted from 1,300 grams of 14k gold, adorned with white and cognac diamonds. The unique pendant showcased Daniels’ flair for unconventional jewelry, making it one of the most memorable athlete purchases in recent years.
Read More: The Craziest Purchases Lottery Winners Have Made
3. Darnell Dockett’s Pet Alligator
Former NFL defensive lineman Darnell Dockett made headlines in 2011 when he purchased a pet alligator named Nino. Dockett claimed he paid $500 for the reptile and even attempted to bring it to Cardinals training camp. The purchase sparked controversy, with PETA criticizing Dockett for keeping a wild animal as a pet.
Read More: 8 Convicted NFL Players Who Went from Hero to Villain
2. Gilbert Arenas’ Shark Tank
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas installed a massive shark tank in his $3.5 million Virginia mansion. The aquarium, which housed multiple sharks, was a centerpiece in the home’s entryway. Arenas later removed the tank during renovations when trying to sell the property in 2014.
Read More: 20 Pricey Products You Won’t Regret Splurging On
1. Mike Tyson’s Bengal Tigers
Mike Tyson famously owned three white Bengal tigers, spending $70,000 on each. He allocated $200,000 annually for their care and maintenance. One tiger, Kenya, even shared Tyson’s bed. However, he later regretted keeping wild animals in captivity and surrendered them due to legal and ethical concerns.
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