Life Inside Locker Rooms

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Sep 17, 2010

Life Inside Locker Rooms

For better or worse, locker rooms have been in the news lately. So what really goes on in the inner sanctum? Here's a look, starting with a 23-year-old Cal Ripken Jr. at spring training.

Texas Tech coach Bob Knight crashes after a Texas Tech win in 2002.

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron, wearing goggles for some odd reason, gets iced down after a U.S. Olympic game in 2008.

Tamika Catchings, the 2002 WNBA Rookie of the Year, talks to reporters before the All-Star Game in Washington, D.C.

Patriots defensive back Jonathan Wilhite works on his dexterity before practice.

The Oakland A's share a team meal.

Jason Kidd, then with the Phoenix Suns, talks with reporters after a game.

Former president Bill Clinton gives the Buffalo Sabres a pep talk.

What else would you expect the Harlem Globetrotters to be doing in the locker room?

Gerald Green, the 18th pick in the 2005 draft, writes in his diary at the Celtics' training facility during his rookie year.

Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Kate Husdon and then-Warrior Baron Davis have a chat after the Warriors' win against Dallas in Game 6 of the 2007 Western Conference quarterfinals.

Mariano Rivera looks dejected after the Yankees lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series.

T.C. Williams' High School (Va.) band members march through the football locker room before heading to the field.

Michael Jordan files his nails before a game against the Washington Wizards in 1998.

LeBron James, of St. Vincent-St. Mary, sits in the locker room as his friend Maverick Carter (now his business partner) pokes fun at the future King.

Jamal Mashburn gets examined ...

... and stretched out by the Charlotte Hornets training staff.

Arnold Palmer places his ball and glove in his locker after playing his final round at Augusta National.

Rafael Nadal embraces his French Open trophy after upending Roger Federer in the 2008 Final.

Mascots have to get loose too.

Shaq ices his ankles.

After winning his first title in the Outback Champions Series in 2008, tennis legend John McEnroe spoke with Boston Globe reporter Barbara Matson.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu plays pool in the locker room of the Steelers practice facility at the University of South Florida.

Peter Forsberg (left) plays ping-pong against Tomas Vokoun in the Nashville Predators' locker room.

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the 2005 All-Star Rookie Team watch the weekend's celebrity game on TV.

New Zealand team players perform their Haka after winning their rugby test-match against France in 2004.

Peyton Manning, who looks like he's 12, poses in the Tennessee locker room in 1995.

Broncos quarterback John Elway hangs out while Steve Deberg and teammates catch up on their reading.

George Allen, looking ever-so-stylish, talks to the Redskins. Notice the plaid carpet. Pretty amazing.

Georgetown coach John Thompson gives his players a pep talk after practice. In 1984, Thompson became the first African-American head coach to win a major college championship when his Hoyas defeated Houston for the NCAA title.

The Kentucky Wildcats share a quiet moment before taking the court for their 1978 Final Four game against Arkansas. Kentucky won and went on to claim its fifth national championship with a 94-88 win over Duke.

TCU Coach Othol "Abe" Martin talks to his team before their game against Syracuse in 1957.

North Carolina basketball coach Frank McGuire poses with his Tar Heels before the 1956 Dixie Classic. The 1956-57 Tar Heels were dubbed "McGuire's Miracle" after they completed a 32-0 season and captured North Carolina's first NCAA championship.