Best Athlete Publicity Stunts

A brief look at the stunts pulled by today's US athletes.

I Do?!!? - We were all super surprised when Darkanian got on one knee and proposed to Crystal at the Press Conference to clear the air about Crystal's affair. Crystal, now caught between two lovers (really one lover and one pretend boyfriend), has a few decisions to make.All this begs the question: What should Crystal do? Here are our predictions on what will come of this sticky situation.(Photo: BET)

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Darkanian - We all know that most athletes go to great lengths to keep up appearances. Afterall, their brand is the most valuable asset they have and protecting that brand means doing so by any means neccessary.Starting with Darnkanian of LST proposing to Crystal at a press conference to further conceal his sexuality, we'll take a peak at publicity stunts that athletes perform to save face. (Photo: BET)

Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson - Diddy isn't the only one who's made a name change...or two. In 2008, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Chad Javon Johnson legally changed his name to Chad Javon OchoCinco (while playing with the Cincinnati Bengals).In 2011, Johnson punt faked the crowd, expressing that he planned to change his name back. Johnson didn't officially change from Ochocinco until 2012, before marrying Basketball Wives star Evelyn Lozada. The couple has since gotten a divorce.(Photo: Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

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Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson - Diddy isn't the only one who's made a name change...or two. In 2008, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Chad Javon Johnson legally changed his name to Chad Javon OchoCinco (while playing with the Cincinnati Bengals).In 2011, Johnson punt faked the crowd, expressing that he planned to change his name back. Johnson didn't officially change from Ochocinco until 2012, before marrying Basketball Wives star Evelyn Lozada. The couple has since gotten a divorce.(Photo: Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Dennis Rodman

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Dennis Rodman - Probably one of the most outlandish stunts pulled by an athlete happened when Dennis Rodman asked Kim Jong-un to release US citizen Kenneth Bae. After this encounter, Rodman and Jong-un could be found catching a basketball game in Pyonqyang. (Photo: REUTERS/KCNA)

Ron Artest - In 2011, Ron Artest traded in his given name for a more positive one, deeming himself Metta World Peace ("Metta" means love, friendship and kindness). The Lakers forward told the Los Angeles Times that he changed his name "to inspire and bring youth together all around the world"(Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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Ron Artest - In 2011, Ron Artest traded in his given name for a more positive one, deeming himself Metta World Peace ("Metta" means love, friendship and kindness). The Lakers forward told the Los Angeles Times that he changed his name "to inspire and bring youth together all around the world"(Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Shaq - Shaq and Kobe have a hate hate relationship yet still managed to win championships with each other. In this 2008 incident, though, Shaq alluded to the fact that he made Bryant while rapping at a New York nightclub. According to ESPN, Shaq rapped the lyrics, "Kobe, you can't do without me."(Photo: Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images)

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Shaq - Shaq and Kobe have a hate hate relationship yet still managed to win championships with each other. In this 2008 incident, though, Shaq alluded to the fact that he made Bryant while rapping at a New York nightclub. According to ESPN, Shaq rapped the lyrics, "Kobe, you can't do without me."(Photo: Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images)

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Reggie Miller - In this 1995 stunt, Miller apparently shot a throat/crotch grab aimed at Spike Lee. Miller had just scored eight points, beating the New York Knicks. Thus the beef cake brigade began.Later, Miller expressed his gratitude for Lee after taping a movie, saying "I consider you a [pause] good friend. Thank you very much for your participation in this movie. Next time, drinks are on you." (Photo: Courtesy NBA TV)

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Reggie Miller - In this 1995 stunt, Miller apparently shot a throat/crotch grab aimed at Spike Lee. Miller had just scored eight points, beating the New York Knicks. Thus the beef cake brigade began.Later, Miller expressed his gratitude for Lee after taping a movie, saying "I consider you a [pause] good friend. Thank you very much for your participation in this movie. Next time, drinks are on you." (Photo: Courtesy NBA TV)

Stephon Marbury - Stephon Marbury went on a 24-hour video session rant. One thing was for sure, Marbury expressed his love for New York and the fact that he'd love to play for the team if they'd have him. Guess you can't hurt the man for looking out for himself, right? (Photo: Li Linlin/Sports Illustrated China/Getty Images)

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Stephon Marbury - Stephon Marbury went on a 24-hour video session rant. One thing was for sure, Marbury expressed his love for New York and the fact that he'd love to play for the team if they'd have him. Guess you can't hurt the man for looking out for himself, right? (Photo: Li Linlin/Sports Illustrated China/Getty Images)

Ryan Lochte - During the past London Olympics, swimmer Ryan Lochte of the United States wanted to celebrate his gold medal brimming with American spirit, so he sported a red, white and blue grill.  (Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

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Ryan Lochte - During the past London Olympics, swimmer Ryan Lochte of the United States wanted to celebrate his gold medal brimming with American spirit, so he sported a red, white and blue grill.  (Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Ron Artest, Again - In 1999, the baller wanted a big discount, so he applied for a job with Circuit City. We say stick to your day job. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Ron Artest, Again - In 1999, the baller wanted a big discount, so he applied for a job with Circuit City. We say stick to your day job. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

LeBron James - For several days, LeBron James promoted his potential decision to leave his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavliers, one of the most anticipated and disappointing decisions (for the fans) in the history of basketball.People were so mad that, moments after James' announcement, one of the NBA star's jerseys could be seen burning in the Cleveland streets. Wonder what fans will have to say if the Heat win another championship.(Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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LeBron James - For several days, LeBron James promoted his potential decision to leave his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavliers, one of the most anticipated and disappointing decisions (for the fans) in the history of basketball.People were so mad that, moments after James' announcement, one of the NBA star's jerseys could be seen burning in the Cleveland streets. Wonder what fans will have to say if the Heat win another championship.(Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Dennis Rodman...Again - After breaking up with Madonna in 1996, Rodman told the public that he would be marrying a mysterious woman during the tour to promote his book Bad As I Wanna Be. While in New York for the tour, Rodman arrived in a horse-drawn carriage in a wedding dress, ready to marry himself.We guess the lesson here is that no matter what the stunt, you have to be true to yourself, learning and loving yourself in the process.(Photo: REUTERS/Peter Morgan/Files /Landov)

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Dennis Rodman...Again - After breaking up with Madonna in 1996, Rodman told the public that he would be marrying a mysterious woman during the tour to promote his book Bad As I Wanna Be. While in New York for the tour, Rodman arrived in a horse-drawn carriage in a wedding dress, ready to marry himself.We guess the lesson here is that no matter what the stunt, you have to be true to yourself, learning and loving yourself in the process.(Photo: REUTERS/Peter Morgan/Files /Landov)