11 Athletes Who Refused to Play For the Team That Drafted Them

The world of professional sports is filled with drama, especially when athletes refuse to go to a team they’re drafted to.

Whether due to geographical preferences, contract disputes, or concerns about team performance, several high-profile athletes have refused to play for the team that drafted them. Here are 11 athletes who simply refused to play for the team that drafted them:

Steve Francis

Steve Francis was drafted second overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1999 but refused to play for the team, citing personal and professional concerns. He was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets.

Danny Ferry

Danny Ferry was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1989 NBA Draft but refused to sign, opting to play overseas in Italy. The Clippers later traded his rights to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jim Kelly

Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1983, Jim Kelly initially refused to play in Buffalo, opting instead for the USFL. However, when the league folded, Kelly joined the Bills and became a key figure in their four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.

Rafael Palmeiro

Rafael Palmeiro was drafted by the New York Mets but refused to sign. He re-entered the draft and launched a stellar MLB career with the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles.

John Elway

John Elway was drafted first overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1983 but made it very clear he wouldn’t play for them, citing the team’s instability and poor management. Elway’s refusal forced a trade to the Denver Broncos, where he became a Hall of Famer and won two Super Bowl titles.

Eric Lindros

Eric Lindros was chosen first overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1991 NHL Draft but refused to play for the team due to its location and financial instability. After a year-long standoff, Lindros was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Bo Jackson

After being drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1986, Bo Jackson refused to sign with the team. He cited a lack of trust and turned his attention to baseball. The following year, Jackson re-entered the draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Raiders.

JD Drew

JD Drew refused to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies after they selected him second overall in the 1997 MLB Draft. Drew’s agent, Scott Boras, demanded a higher signing bonus, and Drew spent the year playing independent baseball before being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1998.

Eli Manning

Eli Manning’s refusal to play for the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft is one of the most famous cases in sports history. Despite being drafted first overall, Manning’s camp demanded a trade to the New York Giants, where he went on to win two Super Bowls.

Francis “Frank” Viola

Frank Viola was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1978 but refused to sign. He re-entered the draft and was selected by the Minnesota Twins, where he won the Cy Young Award and a World Series title.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft but refused to play for the team. His agent then orchestrated a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Bryant built a legendary career and won five NBA championships.