Athletes often enjoy fame, fortune, and adoration, but some have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, tarnishing their legacies and shocking fans worldwide. From minor infractions to serious crimes, here are 15 of the most infamous athlete arrests that sent shockwaves through the sports world.
Plaxico Burress (2008)
NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a nightclub and was then arrested for carrying an unlicensed firearm. In fact, Burress served nearly two years in prison.
Aaron Hernandez (2013)
Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and later convicted of the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd. Hernandez’s fall from NFL star to convicted murderer remains one of the darkest chapters in sports history.
Mike Tyson (1991)
Boxing legend Mike Tyson was convicted of raping Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant, and served three years in prison. While the conviction changed many people’s opinions of Tyson, he still returned to boxing.
Hope Solo (2014)
U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team goalkeeper Hope Solo was arrested for domestic violence after allegedly assaulting her sister and nephew. However, the charges were dismissed.
Tiger Woods (2017)
Tiger Woods is no stranger to controversy, but in 2017 he was arrested for driving under the influence after being found asleep at the wheel.
Kobe Bryant (2003)
NBA superstar Kobe Bryant was arrested in 2003 after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Colorado. However, the charges were later dropped after the accuser declined to testify, and the case was settled civilly.
Oscar Pistorius (2013)
South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Despite Pistorius claiming he mistook her for an intruder, he was convicted of culpable homicide, later upgraded to murder, and sentenced to prison.
Michael Vick (2007)
NFL quarterback Michael Vick was arrested for running a brutal dogfighting ring and served 21 months in prison. Despite losing millions in endorsements, he did make a comeback to the NFL.
Ray Rice (2014)
NFL running back Ray Rice was arrested after video footage came out of him striking his then-fiancée in an elevator. While he avoided jail time, he was indefinitely suspended from the league.
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O.J. Simpson (1994)
Perhaps the most infamous athlete arrest of all time, football star O.J. Simpson was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. The subsequent trial ended in a controversial acquittal, but Simpson was later found liable in a civil trial.
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Diego Maradona (1991)
Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona was arrested in 1991 for cocaine possession. While the arrest was shocking for some, Maradona continued to be an icon of the sport.
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. (2010)
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. was convicted of domestic violence and served two months in jail.
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