Top Sports Scandals Of The Decade

From Kobe and his rape trial to Tiger Woods and his faulty pimpin | we look at the top sports scandals of the decade.

Tiger Woods: Faulty Pimpin' - Oh, Tiger. The biggest shocker out of all the sports scandals this decade has to be the promiscuous ways of Tiger Woods. Woods has more mistresses than major golf championships and a marriage that’s hanging on by a thread. Without a Woods sighting in nearly a month, and an indefinite leave from the sport of golf, who knows when we will ever see Tiger again.

1 / 20

Tiger Woods: Faulty Pimpin' - Oh, Tiger. The biggest shocker out of all the sports scandals this decade has to be the promiscuous ways of Tiger Woods. Woods has more mistresses than major golf championships and a marriage that’s hanging on by a thread. Without a Woods sighting in nearly a month, and an indefinite leave from the sport of golf, who knows when we will ever see Tiger again.

First Of Many? - Kobe Bryant won his first Most Valuable Player Award during the 2007-08 NBA season averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.

2 / 20

Kobe's Indiscretion - Before Tiger Woods, the all-American athlete who could do no wrong was Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. But Bryant found himself in the middle of a sexual assault case in 2003. While in Colorado for an operation, Bryant had a sexual encounter with Katelyn Faber, a hotel employee. Bryant claimed it was consensual, but Faber felt otherwise. The case was dropped after she refused to testify and the two sides settled on a civil suit out of court.

Ray Lewis Charged For Murder - Following Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, Ray Lewis and two other men were involved in an altercation outside an Atlanta nightclub where two men were stabbed and killed. Lewis was indicted for murder and it appeared the Baltimore Ravens linebacker would spend the rest of his life behind bars. He would testify against the two other individuals he was with in return for pleading guilty to obstruction of justice. Remarkably, Lewis not only avoided jail but also a suspension from the NFL.

3 / 20

Ray Lewis Charged For Murder - Following Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, Ray Lewis and two other men were involved in an altercation outside an Atlanta nightclub where two men were stabbed and killed. Lewis was indicted for murder and it appeared the Baltimore Ravens linebacker would spend the rest of his life behind bars. He would testify against the two other individuals he was with in return for pleading guilty to obstruction of justice. Remarkably, Lewis not only avoided jail but also a suspension from the NFL.

Barry Bonds Linked To BALCO - The poster boy of the steroid era in Major League Baseball, Barry Bonds started raising red flags following his 73 home run season in 2001. He was linked to Victor Conte and the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO), which allegedly provided Bonds performance-enhancing drugs for years. He admitted to using substances from trainer Greg Anderson but contends he didn’t know the items were illegal. Despite wanting to play in 2008 and 2009, none of the 30 MLB teams signed the home-run hero.

4 / 20

Barry Bonds Linked To BALCO - The poster boy of the steroid era in Major League Baseball, Barry Bonds started raising red flags following his 73 home run season in 2001. He was linked to Victor Conte and the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO), which allegedly provided Bonds performance-enhancing drugs for years. He admitted to using substances from trainer Greg Anderson but contends he didn’t know the items were illegal. Despite wanting to play in 2008 and 2009, none of the 30 MLB teams signed the home-run hero.

Marion Jones Stripped and Jailed - Taking steroids prior to the 2000 Summer Olympics is bad enough, but lying to authorities is what will land you in jail. Such is the case for Marion Jones, who denied the use of performance-enhancing drugs provided by BALCO. Prior to serving six months in prison, Jones was stripped of all five of her Olympic medals dating back to September 2000.

5 / 20

Marion Jones Stripped and Jailed - Taking steroids prior to the 2000 Summer Olympics is bad enough, but lying to authorities is what will land you in jail. Such is the case for Marion Jones, who denied the use of performance-enhancing drugs provided by BALCO. Prior to serving six months in prison, Jones was stripped of all five of her Olympic medals dating back to September 2000.

ADVERTISEMENT
Seeking New Trial - O.J.'s lawyers plan to launch an immediate appeal in his case. They're seeking a new trial and asking the court to grant Simpson a release on bail while awaiting the possibility of a new trial. Simpson was sentenced Friday to up to 33 years in prison for his armed effort to get back some memorabilia he said belonged to him.

6 / 20

"The Juice" Gets Squeezed - “The Juice” might have escaped murder charges in 1995, but he was no match for the Nevada District Attorney. Simpson along with a group of armed men broke into a Las Vegas hotel room in an attempt to retrieve memorabilia that was stolen from him. Thirteen years to the day after he was acquitted for the murder of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman, Simpson was found guilty on 12 charges and sentenced to 33 years in jail.

Charles Barkley Jailed For DUI - On New Year’s Eve 2008, Charles Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Ariz., for driving under the influence. If that wasn’t bad enough, the TNT announcer and ex-NBA star told officers that he was in a rush (officers pulled him over for running a stop sign) to get oral sex from his female passenger. Barkley took a two-month hiatus from his job at TNT after spending three days in jail.

7 / 20

Charles Barkley Jailed For DUI - On New Year’s Eve 2008, Charles Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Ariz., for driving under the influence. If that wasn’t bad enough, the TNT announcer and ex-NBA star told officers that he was in a rush (officers pulled him over for running a stop sign) to get oral sex from his female passenger. Barkley took a two-month hiatus from his job at TNT after spending three days in jail.

No Means No, Isiah - If destroying the New York Knicks roster wasn’t bad enough, Isiah Thomas managed to cost owner James Dolan and Madison Square Garden $11.6 million for sexually harassing Anucha Browne Sanders. While Thomas maintains his innocence, a jury felt otherwise. Somehow that wasn’t enough for Thomas to lose his job, as the former Detroit Pistons point guard remained with the Knicks front office until 2008.

8 / 20

No Means No, Isiah - If destroying the New York Knicks roster wasn’t bad enough, Isiah Thomas managed to cost owner James Dolan and Madison Square Garden $11.6 million for sexually harassing Anucha Browne Sanders. While Thomas maintains his innocence, a jury felt otherwise. Somehow that wasn’t enough for Thomas to lose his job, as the former Detroit Pistons point guard remained with the Knicks front office until 2008.

A-Rod on 'Roids? - Add another name to the list of baseball stars tainted by allegations of steroid use. And it's a big one: Alex Rodriguez. The New York Yankee star joins Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens on the list of stars publicly accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs.

9 / 20

A-Rod Likes The Cougars - Alex Rodriguez taking performance-enhancing drugs was nothing compared to his alleged relationship with Madonna. Rodriguez and his wife, Cynthia, divorced in 2008, after rumors swirled that he and the 51-year-old pop singer were more than just friends. Back on the market as a single man, A-Rod dated actress Kate Hudson this summer before the two broke up in December.

$168 Million Reasons To Stay Married - The saying “It’s cheaper to keep her” would apply in the case of Michael Jordan and his ex-wife, Juanita. After the two decided to divorce in 2006, Juanita received $168 million, which is the largest celebrity divorce settlement in history.

10 / 20

$168 Million Reasons To Stay Married - The saying “It’s cheaper to keep her” would apply in the case of Michael Jordan and his ex-wife, Juanita. After the two decided to divorce in 2006, Juanita received $168 million, which is the largest celebrity divorce settlement in history.

ADVERTISEMENT
Free By July? - Michael Vick could be set free on July 20, 2009. According to paperwork filed this week, the ex-NFL star will plead guilty to state dog-fighting charges in Virginia to qualify for an early release from prison and into a halfway house.

11 / 20

From NFL Star To Holding A Clipboard - No NFL player has gone from the penthouse to the basement as fast as quarterback Michael Vick. The former $100 million man was involved in a dogfighting ring that occurred in four states, in which he and others tortured and killed pit bulls that didn’t perform well. Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison, and since his release he has managed to bounce back as a backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Plaxico Is Not Handy With A Handgun - There’s nothing like accidentally shooting yourself in the thigh at a nightclub, as Plaxico Burress can attest. But just when you think that’s punishment enough, you find out New York City has some of the toughest gun laws in the country. The Manhattan District Attorney aggressively prosecuted Burress, resulting in a plea deal that landed the New York Giants wide receiver behind bars for two years.

12 / 20

Plaxico Is Not Handy With A Handgun - There’s nothing like accidentally shooting yourself in the thigh at a nightclub, as Plaxico Burress can attest. But just when you think that’s punishment enough, you find out New York City has some of the toughest gun laws in the country. The Manhattan District Attorney aggressively prosecuted Burress, resulting in a plea deal that landed the New York Giants wide receiver behind bars for two years.

Time To Serve - Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy is now wearing a different uniform. It's a prison outfit. He has reported to a federal prison camp to begin his 15-month sentence in a gambling scandal. Donaghy said he took thousands of dollars from a professional gambler in exchange for inside tips on games, including games he worked.

13 / 20

Tim Donaghy Proves Refs Are Crooked - Every NBA fan has questioned the officiating by referees, but never did we expect an official to be involved in controlling the point spread. Tim Donaghy did just that, placing bets on games he officiated and using his power to control the outcome. After an FBI investigation, Donaghy pleaded guilty to two federal charges and was sentenced to 15 months in jail.

Duke Lacrosse: The Lost Season - An exotic dancer at North Carolina Central University turned the lives of the Duke lacrosse team upside-down in 2006. Crystal Gail Mangum falsely accused three players of rape at a house party. The charges against the three individuals were eventually dropped but not before the lacrosse program canceled the remainder of its season and the reputation of the students were tarnished.

14 / 20

Duke Lacrosse: The Lost Season - An exotic dancer at North Carolina Central University turned the lives of the Duke lacrosse team upside-down in 2006. Crystal Gail Mangum falsely accused three players of rape at a house party. The charges against the three individuals were eventually dropped but not before the lacrosse program canceled the remainder of its season and the reputation of the students were tarnished.

The Vikings Purifiy Lake Minnetonka - Lake Minnetonka won’t ever be the same after the Minnesota Vikings love boat. In October 2005, 17 members of the Vikings rented two boats and flew in prostitutes to perform sexual acts with the players. Defensive back Fred Smoot was allegedly the ringleader and several of the players were found guilty of disorderly conduct.

15 / 20

The Vikings Purifiy Lake Minnetonka - Lake Minnetonka won’t ever be the same after the Minnesota Vikings love boat. In October 2005, 17 members of the Vikings rented two boats and flew in prostitutes to perform sexual acts with the players. Defensive back Fred Smoot was allegedly the ringleader and several of the players were found guilty of disorderly conduct.

ADVERTISEMENT
To the CFL? - Adam "Pacman" Jones is close to returning to pro football — north of the border. According to reports, Jones has signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Jones, 26, last played for the Dallas Cowboys and was recently kicked off the team. He was suspended for behavior-related problems in 2007 for fighting with a security member. He then spent the following year on the sidelines.

16 / 20

"Pacman" Makes It Rain - Adam “Pacman” Jones is worthy of his own scandal flipbook, but the one that stands out in the minds of fans is the incident at a Las Vegas strip club during All-Star weekend. After “making it rain,” Jones allegedly slammed a dancer’s head onto the ground, leading to a member of Jones’ entourage allegedly firing a gun in the club, injuring three people. Jones accepted a plea deal for conspiracy to commit disorderly conduct and is currently out of the NFL.

Sammy Sosa's Corked Bat - Long before we knew Sammy Sosa would be linked to performance-enhancing drugs, he was caught with a corked bat during a Chicago Cubs-Tampa Bay Devil Rays game in 2003. Sosa claimed it was an accident and the rest of his bats were tested and came up clean. However, Major League Baseball suspended the slugger for eight games.

17 / 20

Sammy Sosa's Corked Bat - Long before we knew Sammy Sosa would be linked to performance-enhancing drugs, he was caught with a corked bat during a Chicago Cubs-Tampa Bay Devil Rays game in 2003. Sosa claimed it was an accident and the rest of his bats were tested and came up clean. However, Major League Baseball suspended the slugger for eight games.

Michael Phelps Isn't Perfect Outside Pool - For such a world-class swimmer, Michael Phelps has had his share of problems outside the pool. In 2004, at the age of 19, Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence and was ordered to serve 18 months probation. In early 2009, photos were released of Phelps using a bong at a house party, resulting in a three-month suspension by USA Swimming.

18 / 20

Michael Phelps Isn't Perfect Outside Pool - For such a world-class swimmer, Michael Phelps has had his share of problems outside the pool. In 2004, at the age of 19, Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence and was ordered to serve 18 months probation. In early 2009, photos were released of Phelps using a bong at a house party, resulting in a three-month suspension by USA Swimming.

Murder Of Patrick Dennehy - What started as an accident, turned into a murder cover-up when Baylor University’s Carlton Dotson shot and killed teammate Patrick Dennehy. At target practice, Dotson fired two shots after Dennehy had pointed a gun at him. Dennehy’s gun jammed but it didn’t stop Dotson from pulling the trigger. After he was ruled incompetent to stand trial, Dotson finally pleaded guilty in 2005 and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

19 / 20

Murder Of Patrick Dennehy - What started as an accident, turned into a murder cover-up when Baylor University’s Carlton Dotson shot and killed teammate Patrick Dennehy. At target practice, Dotson fired two shots after Dennehy had pointed a gun at him. Dennehy’s gun jammed but it didn’t stop Dotson from pulling the trigger. After he was ruled incompetent to stand trial, Dotson finally pleaded guilty in 2005 and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

The 14-Year-Old Little Leaguer - You knew it was too good to be true. Danny Almonte, the so-called 12-year-old Bronx Little League phenom, was blowing away the competition in Williamsport. After the Bronx team received the key to the city from New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, an investigation revealed that Almonte was actually 14. He was declared ineligible and the “Baby Bombers” had to forfeit all of their wins.

20 / 20

The 14-Year-Old Little Leaguer - You knew it was too good to be true. Danny Almonte, the so-called 12-year-old Bronx Little League phenom, was blowing away the competition in Williamsport. After the Bronx team received the key to the city from New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, an investigation revealed that Almonte was actually 14. He was declared ineligible and the “Baby Bombers” had to forfeit all of their wins.