Greatest Sports Villains

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 5, 2007

Greatest Sports Villains

Barry Bonds

Never a fan favorite because of his rudeness with the media, Bonds' image has suffered in recent years because of the allegations -- and physical appearance -- that he used steroids. His pursuit of Hank Aaron's all-time home run record has brought on even more antipathy from those who feel Bonds is not worthy of taking over the title of Home Run King.

Michael Vick

No matter the resolution of the legal case, Vick's reputation has been sullied by his alleged connection to the ugly underworld of dogfighting.

Floyd Landis

Whether or not fans in America believe his claims of innocence, Landis is viewed as a villain by many in the cycling community, mainly overseas, after an unusual level of testosterone was revealed during his Tour de France victory in 2006.

Kobe Bryant

A criminal allegation, public spats with teammates, and most recently a series of bizarre trade demands and retractions have wiped away Bryant's pretty-boy "next Jordan" persona.

Terrell Owens

Owens' 10-year NFL career has been defined by a series of incidents: he has demanded trades, insulted his quarterbacks (even suggesting one was homosexual), and engaged in controversial and public contract disputes, all the while claiming he has been unfairly portrayed.

Floyd Mayweather

Considered by some to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Mayweather has failed to endear himself to fans through a series of controversies inside and outside the boxing ring.

Ron Artest

Artest's pattern of unruly and unusual behavior came to a head when he was the central figure in the 2004 Pacers-Pistons brawl in Detroit, jumping into the stands to confront a man he incorrectly believed to be responsible for throwing a cup of beer at players on the court.

Zinedine Zidane

The merits of his behavior were debated long after the 2006 World Cup had concluded, but Zidane's headbutting of an Italian defender in extra time of the final will be the lasting image of the game's greatest player on its biggest stage.

Isiah Thomas

Thomas feuded with the ever-popular Michael Jordan during their playing careers, but he has become even more unpopular in his role as a basketball executive, causing so much distaste from Knicks fans that several Web sites have been dedicated to getting him fired.

Bob Knight

Adored by some, but hated by most, Knight has rubbed many the wrong way with his brash, old-school style of tough-love coaching.

Al Davis

The George Steinbrenner of football -- or perhaps it's the other way around -- Davis has been a source of controversy throughout his tenure as the Raiders' owner, most notably with his moving the Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles and back again in the span of 15 years.

Scott Boras

Boras has endeared himself to players by winning them huge contracts, but his hardball negotiating tactics have made him an enemy of team executives and fans alike.