In the world of sports, we often witness incredible feats of athleticism and skill that leave us in awe. However, sometimes the brightest stars can fall from grace due to personal controversies and scandals. Today, we feature ten remarkable athletes whose brilliant careers were overshadowed by events off the field, court, or ring.
1. Barry Bonds (MLB)
Barry Bonds’ career was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, much like the world of professional sports itself. In his prime, Bonds was everything you could ever ask for in an MLB star. He was a rare gem, much like a restaurant with great location, delicious menu, and exquisite service, or a gaming site that offers a generous no deposit bonus, amazing games, and superb customer support. The SF outfielder and six-time All-Star ramped up seven MVPs (4 of which were consecutive) with a 1996 RBI and 762 home runs. In 2001 alone, he broke the MLB record with 73 home runs.
However, Bonds’ legacy was tarnished by allegations of steroid use. He was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the BALCO investigation.
2. Lance Armstrong (Cycling)
Lance Armstrong was once heralded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. He won the Tour de France an unprecedented seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005, all after surviving testicular cancer. His Livestrong foundation raised millions for cancer research, making him a hero both on and off the bike.
However, Armstrong’s career imploded when he admitted to using performance- enhancing drugs throughout his cycling career. He was stripped of all his Tour de France titles and banned from competitive cycling for life.
3. Mike Tyson (Boxing)
Mike Tyson was a force of nature in the boxing ring. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old, according to ESPN. His lightning- fast knockouts and intimidating presence made him one of the most feared boxers of all
time.
But Tyson’s career was marred by numerous controversies, including a conviction for rape in 1992, biting off part of Evander Holyfield's ear during a match, and struggles with drug addiction.
4. O.J. Simpson (NFL)
O.J. Simpson was a football phenomenon. He was the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. After retiring, he had a successful career as an actor and sports commentator.
However, his legacy was forever altered when he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. Although he was acquitted in the criminal trial, a civil court found him liable for their deaths. In 2008, Simpson was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas and served nine
years in prison. He died of prostate cancer at 76 in Las Vegas, as per Hollywood Reporter.
5. Tiger Woods (Golf)
Tiger Woods put the game of golf on the map. He was the youngest player to achieve the career Grand Slam and has won 15 major golf championships. His dominance on the course made him a global superstar and one of the most marketable athletes in history.
But in 2009, Woods' personal life unraveled publicly when multiple extramarital affairs came to light. The scandal cost him his marriage, numerous sponsorships, and impacted his play on the course.
6. Michael Vick (NFL)
Michael Vick was a groundbreaking quarterback known for his explosive speed and powerful arm. He was the first NFL quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and was selected to four Pro Bowls.
However, his career came to a screeching halt in 2007 when he pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a dog fighting ring. He served 21 months in federal prison.
7. Oscar Pistorius (Paralympics)
Oscar Pistorius was once known as the Blade Runner. He was the first amputee runner to compete at the Olympic Games, participating in the 2012 London Olympics. Pistorius won multiple Paralympic gold medals and was seen as an inspiration to many.
Tragically, his career and life took a dark turn in 2013 when he shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. He claimed he mistook her for an intruder, but was ultimately convicted of murder. Pistorius is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence in South Africa.
8. Tonya Harding (Figure Skating)
Tonya Harding was a talented figure skater who made history as the first American woman to land a triple axel in competition. She won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1991 and competed in the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics.
However, her career was derailed by her involvement in the attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan before the 1994 Olympics. Although Harding denied direct involvement, she pleaded guilty to hindering the prosecution. She was banned for life from the U.S. Figure Skating Association.
9. Diego Maradona (Soccer)
Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, scoring the famous Hand of God goal and the Goal of the Century in the same match. His skill on the field was unparalleled, inspiring millions of fans worldwide.
Off the field, however, Maradona struggled with drug addiction throughout his career and after retirement. He faced numerous health issues and controversies, including being sent home from the 1994 World Cup after failing a drug test.
10. Aaron Hernandez (NFL)
Aaron Hernandez was a rising star in the NFL, forming a dynamic tight end duo with Rob Gronkowski on the New England Patriots. He signed a $40 million contract extension in 2012.
However, his life took a shocking turn when he was arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013. He was convicted of first-degree murder in 2015 and sentenced to life in prison. While on trial for Lloyd's murder, Hernandez was also indicted for a double homicide that occurred in 2012.
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