A Different Angle: 60 Photos that Show an Unseen Side of Sports History

Bernie Cabo had a successful 11-year career in the MLB, having played for 8 different teams. However, his most memorable period was when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox from 1974 to 1976. It was during this time that he participated in the prestigious 1975 World Series, although he candidly admitted to being under the influence of drugs during that event.

Throughout his career, Michael Vick has consistently found himself in trouble. While he had already faced various misdemeanors after joining the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, nothing could compare to the horrifying accusations of his involvement in dog fighting on his Virginia property. The federal government stated that Vick not only financed but also actively participated in dog fights and the subsequent executions. During a court hearing in 2007, Vick confessed to killing 6 to 8 dogs as a result of their poor performance. He was sentenced to 23 months in prison and served his time until May 2009.

Dennis Rodman is a multifaceted individual deserving of attention. On one hand, he is an accomplished athlete, boasting five NBA championships and leading the league in rebounds a remarkable seven times from 1992 to 1998. Yet, his eccentricities cannot be overlooked. At a book signing for his memoir, he arrived in a wedding dress and horse-drawn carriage, promptly announcing his intention to marry himself. Additionally, Rodman’s defensive prowess is undeniable, as evidenced by his impressive tally of nearly 12,000 rebounds. However, it is also worth noting his association with a North Korean dictator. Regardless of personal opinions on his unique persona, one must acknowledge the rollercoaster journey that Rodman has embarked upon.

Sports Illustrated proclaimed in 1988 that Todd Marinovich was destined to become a superstar. Since childhood, his father relentlessly pushed him to train, even engaging in passing drills before he could utter a word. However, the intense training and immense pressure eventually took a toll on Marinovich. By his time at USC, he had succumbed to drug use, and as the quarterback for the Raiders, he resorted to injecting “H” during halftime. Expected to be an unstoppable force as a cyborg-like quarterback, Marinovich instead crumbled under the strain, leading to ongoing struggles with rehabilitation, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

John Daly is the type of golfer who manages to attract even those who are not fond of the typically relaxed sport. He has frequently mentioned that he performs better while under the influence of alcohol, as it alleviates the pressure he feels while playing. Daly further elaborated by stating:

It is important to note that there was a time when women were not allowed to participate in the Boston Marathon, a restriction that should not have been based on gender. In 1967, the marathon was exclusively for men, so when a woman named Switzer decided to run, an official named Jock Semple took it upon himself to chase her down and attempt to remove her race number from her shirt. Thankfully, Switzer’s boyfriend was running alongside her and pushed Semple to the ground. Despite facing backlash, Switzer remained undeterred. In response to the incident, the Boston Athletic Association expressed anger, with one member even making a derogatory comment about how he would “spank her” if he were her father. However, Switzer did not let these comments discourage her and later commented:

If you are a passionate sports fan, you must be familiar with the exhilarating feeling that comes when your favorite team achieves something significant, such as winning Super Bowl XIII. In such moments, don’t you just wish you could celebrate alongside them? Surprisingly, one individual actually did. Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII, a certain fan managed to find his way into the team’s locker room and joined them in the showers. This unidentified man confidently walked into the shower area, took off his clothes, and showered alongside the Steelers. In an interview with NFL Films’ Steve Sabol, it was revealed that even legendary lineman “Mean” Joe Greene had no idea who this man was.

Marion Jones, a dual-sport athlete in track and field and the WNBA for the Tulsa Shock, achieved great successes at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. She excelled in five different track and field events, securing three gold medals and two bronze medals. Her standout performances were in the 100 and 200 meter sprints. However, her post-Olympics journey was marred by allegations of steroid and performance enhancing drug use. These claims had been lingering since her high school days, as she trained alongside coaches and athletes who had previously failed drug tests. Eventually, Jones confessed to using performance enhancing drugs during the 2000 Summer Olympics, leading her to relinquish her five medals on October 8, 2007.

Facing the scorn of a nation for losing a World Cup game is one thing, but imagine the daunting task of facing the wrath of a dictator over a soccer match. This was the reality for Natik Hashim and his team during the 1986 games, as they were under strict orders from Uday Hussein, Saddam Hussein’s eldest son, to win at all costs. Although the exact consequences for failure are unknown, it appears that the punishment was not severe, considering the team’s loss in every World Cup game and their survival to share their story. However, it is reasonable to assume that the team would have performed better if they were not burdened by the fear of upsetting an unpredictable figure like Hussein.

In the 84th Boston Marathon in 1980, Rosie Ruiz seemed to have triumphed in the female category by achieving an impressive time of 2:31:56, which was the third-fastest time for a woman in a marathon at that time. However, there were several indications that Ruiz did not actually win the race. Firstly, she appeared to show no signs of exertion such as sweating or heavy breathing, and her physical condition did not appear to be suitable for running a nearly 26-mile marathon. Additionally, Ruiz claimed to have no recollection of the marathon, and none of the other runners remembered seeing her during the race. The only witnesses who recalled seeing Ruiz were a couple of Harvard students who spotted her running out of a crowd half a mile before the finish line. In 2000, Ruiz stated, “I ran the race.”

Despite being attacked by a knife-wielding maniac at her home in the Czech Republic just before Christmas in 2016, Petra Kvitová demonstrated incredible resilience by returning to the French Open in 2017. Although she was expected to be sidelined for six months due to severe tendon and nerve injuries in her left hand, Kvitová refused to let the incident dampen her spirits. Following such a debilitating injury and a significant amount of time away from the sport, it was understandable that Kvitová would need to rebuild her reputation. However, in 2018, she defied all odds and reclaimed her position as one of the top seven players in the world.

In 1947, Jackie Robinson had already been playing baseball for two years when the LA Dodgers decided to bring him up to the major league less than a week before the season began. This meant that Robinson not only had the pressure of being the first African American player in the league, but he also had to adjust quickly. Finally, on April 15, Robinson made history by starting as the first baseman for the Dodgers, becoming the first person of color to play in the league since 1880. Despite facing resistance from some members of the team, the manager stood by Robinson and supported his inclusion.

Not all sports stars conform to the traditional, straight-laced image of a Boy Scout. In fact, many of them are quite the opposite. One prime example is Mickey Mantle, who achieved remarkable success in his career as a professional baseball player. He won the World Series seven times, earned the title of All-Star twenty times, and led the American League in home runs four times within a span of six years. However, throughout his entire career, Mantle struggled with alcoholism. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Mantle battled his addiction to alcohol and often found himself heavily intoxicated. While he was still alive, Mantle opened up about his struggles in an article he wrote for Sports Illustrated. In this piece, he shared anecdotes of his wild behavior, such as the night he and Yankees manager Billy Martin climbed out of the window of their 22nd floor hotel room.

Tony Hawk’s rise to fame began before he became known for consistently achieving 900s and before he became the face of his own video games. At the age of 20, he was already a member of the Vision Pro Skate Team, although he had only been a professional skateboarder for a few years. Despite this, he had already made appearances in over 10 skate videos and even had roles in movies like Thrashin’ and Police Academy 4, which was not even the peak of his career. According to Hawk himself, his parents supported his passion for skateboarding because it provided an outlet for his excessive energy. As a young man, he frequently felt overwhelmed and needed a way to release pent-up frustrations. Little did he know that this outlet would eventually lead to immense financial success.

Darryl Strawberry had a unique interpretation of having his “eyes on the prize” compared to other athletes. Rather than being solely focused on winning games, the four-time World Series champion admitted in 2017 that his addiction was so severe that he would sneak into the dugout to engage with fans during games. Shockingly, he even revealed that some of his teammates would help cover up his actions.

Despite President Reagan’s strong stance on saying no to drugs, Gary McClain had a different perspective and advocated for saying yes. During his college years at Villanova in 1981, McClain played as the point guard for the 1985 team that emerged victorious against Georgetown in the NCAA championship. As a result of this triumph, the team had the opportunity to visit the White House and meet with Reagan. However, McClain later confessed to using cocaine in a Sports Illustrated article two years after the championship, asserting that he refrained from drug use during the Georgetown game. During that time, McClain claimed that his coach, Rollie Massimino, was well aware of his addiction.

Bruiser Brody, a renowned figure in professional wrestling, gained immense popularity and struck fear into the hearts of many as a heel. Throughout the 1970s, he showcased his skills in the WWWF, and later ventured to Japan, where he competed in both NJPW and AJPW. Standing tall at 6’8″ and weighing nearly 300 lbs, Brody commanded respect and was not to be taken lightly. However, tragedy struck on July 16, 1988, as Brody was preparing for a match near San Juan, Puerto Rico. Allegedly, he was stabbed in the shower by José Huertas González, a fellow wrestler and booker. Wrestler Tony Atlas claimed to have witnessed González holding a knife, although the murder weapon was never recovered. Unfortunately, the paramedics arrived late, and Brody succumbed to his injuries from excessive blood loss. In a surprising turn of events, González was acquitted during his trial due to the absence of prosecution witnesses.

Bobby Layne is a remarkable player who is rarely seen in today’s game. He had an impressive 15-year career as a quarterback, with 8 of those years dedicated to the Detroit Lions from 1950 to 1958. Layne was known for his tough and gritty style of play, as well as his love for drinking, which he made no effort to hide. The city of Detroit has even developed a legend around him, stating that during his wild drinking episodes, Layne would park his car directly in front of the bar’s entrance to save time. There is also a famous incident where Layne managed to avoid a drunk driving charge by attributing the slur in his voice to the Texan way of speaking. This unforgettable character truly deserves his legendary status.

Despite knowing the predetermined outcome, it is important to acknowledge that not all the athleticism and muscles of wrestlers are genuine. During the period of 1984 to 1989, Dr. George Zahorian supplied steroids to performers, while in 1994 the US government subpoenaed numerous notable figures to investigate whether Vince McMahon instructed his wrestlers to illegally enhance their physique. Among these individuals, Hulk Hogan, who encouraged his fans to pray and consume vitamins, admitted to using steroids but denied any involvement from his boss in this regard.

The 1978 – 1979 basketball team from Boston College found themselves in a problematic situation when they were offered bribes to ensure that they kept their points within a specific range, known as point shaving. This was done to prevent gamblers who were unaware of the arrangement from being able to cover the spread. The exact amount of money earned by the players remains unknown, although it is believed that some players may have made up to $250,000 in a single season. The scandal would have remained hidden if it hadn’t been for the arrest of Henry Hill, a member of the Lucchese crime family, on charges of drug trafficking in 1980. While being questioned about his involvement in drug trafficking, Hill accidentally revealed the details of Boston’s point shaving scheme.

In 1997, this exceptional football player was named the Pac-10 defensive player of the year. From 1998 to 2001, he played for the Arizona Cardinals. However, following the tragedy of September 11, he made a remarkable decision. Rather than continuing his football career and accepting a $3 million contract extension, he chose to join the U.S. Army. Along with his brother, who is a professional baseball player, he enlisted together and both successfully completed the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program in late 2002. Unfortunately, while serving in Afghanistan, Tillman tragically lost his life due to friendly fire on April 22, 2004. In memory of Tillman, the NFL made a generous donation of $250,000 to the United Service Organizations in that same year.

Despite its appearance, Lithuania has proven to be a formidable force in basketball, surpassing many larger European nations. Unfortunately, in the early 1990s, the country faced financial constraints that prevented their national team from participating in the 1992 Summer Olympics. However, when Mickey Hart from the Grateful Dead came across an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the team, he persuaded each band member to donate $5,000 to support them. With the help of this contribution, the Lithuanian team made it to the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. During the games, they proudly wore tie-dyed jerseys in the colors of their flag, featuring a slam dunking skeleton logo reminiscent of the Dead’s symbol. Remarkably, the team secured the Bronze medal, triumphing over the Unified Team for third place. During the medal ceremony, they proudly wore their Grateful Dead jerseys.

Concerns arose among athletes worldwide regarding their participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to the significant levels of pollutants present in China’s air. In the bid submitted in 2001, China had promised to reduce air pollution in Beijing, but accomplishing this proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Despite implementing cloud seeding measures to combat smog, many teams arranged for their athletes to arrive in the city as late as feasible to minimize the risk of respiratory harm during training. Fortunately, the air quality during the games did not reach the severity initially anticipated.

During the 1985 Pittsburgh drug trials, a left fielder and three-time World Series champion confessed to spending nearly $40,000 on cocaine during his 1982 season. Shockingly, he even admitted to carrying a gram of crack with him at all times while playing and occasionally snorting it during games to maintain his balance. The most alarming revelation was that he slid headfirst into bases to avoid breaking the crack vials he concealed during games. Despite this dark past, he has since found redemption in the MLB as a base running instructor and manager.

The 1919 World Series, a baseball match between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, became infamous for its involvement in one of the most notorious cases of match fixing. The Rothstein crime syndicate successfully bribed eight players from the White Sox, leading to their notorious nickname, the “Black Sox,” as they were involved in throwing the game in favor of the Reds. Typically, the most successful fixes in sports history are those that go unnoticed, but the 1919 World Series was an exception. Unexpectedly, a large number of people began placing bets on the Reds, and many players were aware of and wanted to participate in the fix, resulting in the whole scheme being exposed. Following a trial in 1921, eight players, including “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, were banned from the Major League, although Jackson would later retract his admission of guilt.

Stanley Wilson, a crucial member of the Cincinnati Bengals offense, served as a running back for a span of five years. Despite his remarkable skills on the field, his NFL career came to an abrupt end due to his uncontrollable drug addiction. The Bengals’ offensive coordinator, Bruce Coslet, recounted that on the eve of Super Bowl XXIII, Wilson was discovered in an unfit state to participate. Consequently, the Bengals suffered a defeat in the game, losing with a score of 20-16, and Wilson never had the opportunity to play another NFL match.

On May 17, 1998, Beanie Baby Day took place at Yankees Stadium. However, David Wells, with bloodshot eyes, monstrous breath, and a pounding hangover, stumbled to the mound. He had been partying at a Saturday Night Live cast party until 5:30 AM and managed to get just one hour of sleep. While it wasn’t the ideal way to start a game, Wells, being a professional, geared up and carried out his responsibilities. During his game against the Minnesota Twins that year, Wells pitched with an extraordinary level of determination. Each batter who approached the plate left feeling defeated, even though most of them were probably sober. It must have dealt a significant blow to their pride.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast, leaving the Louisiana Superdome as one of the few safe havens for those affected by the relentless rain and flooding caused by the intense storm. Regrettably, the Superdome’s roof had also suffered damage during the hurricane, resulting in discomfort for all those seeking refuge there. On August 29, 2005, reports emerged stating that the Superdome’s roof had multiple holes, allowing rainwater to fill the stadium’s interior. Combined with the lack of organization within the dome, the water issue became a significant factor motivating people to find shelter elsewhere.

During Super Bowl XIII in 1979, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the Dallas Cowboys. Throughout the game, a particular linebacker was under the influence and completely intoxicated. His addiction to drugs was so severe that instead of snorting it, he resorted to inhaling it in liquid form through an inhaler hidden in his pants. This unusual method of consumption resulted in the numbing of his face, which is truly astonishing. Although the Cowboys did not emerge victorious in the game, the linebacker experienced two significant victories afterwards. Firstly, he managed to overcome his addiction in the early 1980s. Additionally, in the year 2000, he won an incredible $28 million jackpot through the Texas Lottery.

During the 1980s, Vijay Singh gained significant recognition for turning professional at a young age. However, his time on the PGA tour of Asia was marred by a major mistake. Instead of accepting a poor score like many players before him, he made the ill-advised decision to tamper with his scorecard. Allegedly, he attempted to alter his score from being one over par to one under par. Although Singh’s attempt was not excessively audacious, he was ultimately caught and subsequently banned from the Asian tour. Despite the consequences, he maintains his innocence and argues that even if he had done something wrong, a disqualification would have been more appropriate.

The OJ Simpson trial was an incredibly significant event in the early 1990s. Before the tragic murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, OJ Simpson was a beloved national figure who successfully transitioned from professional football to acting. He achieved great success in the Naked Gun movies and was working on a TV movie about Navy Seals before his life spiraled out of control. Following the brutal murders outside Brown’s condo on June 13, 1994, Simpson immediately became a person of interest. He famously led the LAPD on a slow-speed chase through the streets of Los Angeles four days later, and the court case began in November of that year. The trial lasted for approximately 11 months and became a complete spectacle, with notable catch phrases, press conferences, and ultimately, Simpson’s acquittal. However, in a subsequent 1996 civil trial, Simpson was found “responsible” for the wrongful deaths of Brown and Goldman and was ordered to pay a total of $33.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

Nolan Ryan, a legendary pitcher in Texas, is highly revered by anyone in the state. Not only did he achieve immense success throughout his 27-year career, winning over 300 games and striking out numerous opponents, but he also possessed an intimidating presence. However, during Ryan’s final season, Robin Ventura, the third baseman for the Chicago White Sox, decided to challenge Ryan’s toughness. In a game, Ryan accidentally hit Ventura on the shoulder with a pitch. Instead of shrugging it off, Ventura charged towards the mound, unaware of the repercussions that awaited him. Ryan swiftly placed Ventura in a headlock and proceeded to deliver punches to his head, surprising the batter with far more than he had bargained for.

In 1991, the sports world was rocked by the news that a five-time NBA champion and point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers had tested positive for HIV. This shocking revelation came from none other than Johnson himself. At first, he claimed to be unsure of how he had contracted the disease. However, he later admitted to engaging in sexual activities with multiple women while on the road, ultimately contracting HIV from one of them. Despite his diagnosis, Johnson persevered and joined the Dream Team for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Although he faced challenges due to his knee problems and played infrequently, Johnson still managed to maintain an average of approximately 8 points per game.

The story behind the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team goes beyond what you may have seen in Cool Runnings. In that year, four members of the Jamaican army were recruited to compete in Calgary, Canada against highly trained athletes from winter climates. Contrary to the movie’s portrayal of them as outcasts, the Olympic community welcomed the Jamaican team. They had to rely on borrowed equipment and faced a significant setback when their sled fell apart at 85 mph during the four-man event. While they didn’t win a medal, Jamaica continues to compete in this event.

After the New England Patriots dominated the Indiana Colts in the 2015 AFL championship game, the Colts raised concerns. They alleged that Tom Brady and the Patriots had used underinflated balls, making them easier for the quarterback to handle. The investigation focused on the physics and weather conditions impacting football inflation. Ultimately, Brady was suspended for four games in the subsequent season, but despite his appeal, the suspension was upheld. Surprisingly, the Patriots still managed to win the Super Bowl the following season.

The iconic image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists in a black power salute during the 1968 Summer Olympics remains a powerful symbol. Their gesture was a form of protest against black poverty and a display of solidarity with blue collar workers. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) deemed their actions unfit for the apolitical context of the Olympics. Consequently, both Smith and Carlos faced suspension from the US team and were expelled from the Games. It is worth noting that some IOC members who witnessed the ’68 games had previously shown no objections to German athletes using the Nazi salute during the ’36 Berlin Olympics.

During a Red Sox game in 1982, second baseman Dave Stapelton hit a foul ball that forcefully collided with a four-year-old boy’s face in the stands. The designated hitter for the Red Sox, Jim Rice, swiftly dashed from the dugout to rescue the boy, escorting him to the team’s clubhouse. The boy was subsequently transported to Boston Children’s Hospital, where skilled doctors successfully alleviated the swelling in his brain. Thanks to Rice’s prompt actions, the boy not only survived but also fully recovered, despite spending five days in the hospital. Interestingly, the boy admitted in a 2017 interview with Sports Illustrated that he has no recollection of that fateful day.

At just 16 years old, Monica Seles established herself as one of the greatest tennis players in history, excelling on both clay and grass courts. By the time she turned 20, she had already claimed eight Grand Slam singles titles, breaking records and leaving a lasting legacy. Unfortunately, three of her four Grand Slam victories were achieved against her fierce competitor, Steffi Graf. However, Seles faced a significant setback on April 30, 1993, when a fan named Günter Parche, who was a devoted follower of Graf, leaped onto the court during a quarterfinal match and viciously stabbed Seles in the shoulder blade with a boning knife. Despite her swift physical recovery, it took Seles an additional two years before she felt ready to make her comeback to professional tennis.

Muhammad Ali made a bold decision on April 28, 1967 when he refused to join the US Army for the Vietnam War, declaring that he had no conflict with the Vietcong. However, this stance did not sit well with the boxing commission, resulting in severe consequences for Ali. He was stripped of his heavyweight title, barred from boxing for a lengthy three years, handed a five-year prison sentence, and fined $10,000. Despite appealing the harsh prison term, Ali was forced to stay away from the ring for those three years, finally making his triumphant comeback on October 26, 1970, when he defeated Jerry Quarry in a resounding victory during the third round.

In 1996, Michael Jordan made a memorable comeback from minor league baseball to team up with the Looney Tunes and Bill Murray in a high-stakes basketball game against the Monstars. Despite initial doubts about his involvement in a cartoon basketball movie, Space Jam turned out to be a huge success. It not only became a hit at the box office but also led to the creation of merchandise and one of the most popular soundtracks of the ‘90s. The film was released during Jordan’s return to the NBA and his ongoing three-peat, proving his undeniable ability to achieve success.

After having knee surgery in 2008, Woods decided to take a break from golf to focus on his recovery for the remainder of the year. Upon his comeback in 2009, he displayed impressive skills on the golf course but failed to secure any major cups, which was a rare occurrence for him. In the same year, it was revealed that he had been involved in a series of extramarital affairs, leading him to voluntarily step away from golf in an attempt to repair his marriage. Unfortunately, his efforts did not yield the desired results, and he made a comeback to the sport in 2010. Although it took some time for Woods to regain his previous form, he finally triumphed in his first tournament in five years in 2018.

Wayne Gretzky is a legendary hockey player who is often compared to Michael Jordan. Not only did he bring the game of hockey to the masses, but he also achieved remarkable feats in his career. In 1982, Gretzky shattered a 35-year-old record by scoring 50 goals in just 39 games, surpassing the previous record of 50 goals in 50 games. However, he didn’t stop there. By the end of the season, Gretzky had accumulated an impressive 212 points in 80 games, a feat that has yet to be replicated. This was truly Gretzky’s year of dominance. In addition to breaking numerous records, he was honored as the “Sportsman of the Year” by Sports Illustrated. It wasn’t long before he was competing for the Stanley Cup in the NHL.

There is a certain toughness that is inherent in O.G. football players. Fuzzy Thurston, a formidable man, is one such player who participated in the first two Super Bowls and achieved the title of six-time champion. Even the extreme weather conditions during the 1967 NFL Championship Game, famously known as “The Ice Bowl,” did not hinder his performance. The temperature at the time was a bone-chilling −13 °F (−25 °C), not to mention the windchill factor. To combat the cold, Thurston famously stated that he consumed approximately ten vodkas. How impressive is that for staying warm?

During the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta, chaos erupted when a bomb weighing 40 pounds, filled with nails and screws, was detonated in Centennial Olympic Park. The explosion occurred at around 1:30 in the morning on July 27, resulting in the loss of two lives and leaving over 100 people injured. As a result, the park remained closed for three days while authorities thoroughly investigated the scene. Interestingly, a German news crew, conducting an interview with swimmer Janet Evans, captured the sound of the explosion. However, it took seven years for the perpetrator, Eric Rudolph, to be apprehended. In 2003, a rookie North Carolina police officer caught Rudolph, who was considered the FBI’s number one suspect, hiding behind a Save-A-Lot store.

Even during his lifetime, Babe Ruth was more of a legend than a mere mortal. Despite being a 12-time home run leader in the American League and a seven-time World Series champion, his reputation for indulging in food, women, and alcohol surpassed even his impressive career achievements. An infamous tale involves a game against the White Sox, where the Chicago team attempted to intoxicate Ruth to the point where he couldn’t play. However, they underestimated him, as he showed up to the game without sleep and effortlessly defeated the opposing team before embarking on a quest for more booze.
The Great Bambino also had a voracious appetite. In April 1925, it is said that he devoured anywhere from 12 to 18 hot dogs before succumbing to unconsciousness on a train. He awoke a week later in St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York.

The 1972 Munich Olympics were a disastrous event for everyone involved, especially the US Men’s basketball team. During their game against the Soviet Union, the US managed to secure a 50-49 lead with only three seconds remaining on the clock. However, the Soviet team called a timeout with just one second left. Instead of continuing the game as per the rules, the British secretary of FIBA decided to reset the clock back to three seconds, giving the Soviet team another opportunity to score and defeat the US team by one point. The US team has never accepted their Silver Medals, even to this day.

The rivalry between Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding can be described as the most intense sports rivalry imaginable, multiplied by 100. Both were exceptional figure skaters in the early 90s, but Harding harbored deep resentment and believed that the only way to reach the pinnacle of success was to eliminate Kerrigan as her competition. The repercussions of the attack on Kerrigan during the XVII Olympic Winter Games in Gilloolehammer, Norway were highly controversial and marred the event. Eventually, Kerrigan walked away with the Silver Medal, while Harding’s career faded into relative obscurity until a biographical film was made about her life in 2017.

Regardless of your opinion on his gambling, it is undeniable that Pete Rose is an iconic figure in baseball history. With 17 All-Star appearances, three World Series championships, and a World Series MVP title in 1975, Rose’s skills on the field are legendary. However, it is worth noting that he is also known for his significant involvement in gambling. Rose’s troubles began during his tenure as the manager of the Cincinnati Reds from 1988 to 1989. The Dowd Report revealed that he placed bets on at least 52 Reds games in 1987, with daily wagers ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. As a result of his actions, he was swiftly and permanently banned.

The Great Home Run Chase of 1998 captivated the nation and brought even non-baseball fans into the excitement. Mark McGwire’s pursuit of more home runs had people eagerly tuning in to witness his incredible power. Alongside his rival Sammy Sosa, millions of viewers rallied together to witness the duo’s impressive run tally. However, it later emerged that this remarkable achievement was tarnished by the fact that McGwire had been using androstenedione pills, legally at the time, to enhance his muscle mass and improve his hitting ability. This revelation cast a shadow over the entire event, making it a regrettable chapter in sports history.

Super Bowl XXXVIII is best known for the controversy during the Half Time show involving Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. Despite being dubbed the “greatest Super Bowl of all time,” the focus shifted entirely when Timberlake accidentally exposed Jackson’s clothing. This incident sparked a frenzy, overshadowing the game itself. Interestingly, YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim observed the viral spread of the video and the surge in searches related to Janet Jackson, prompting him to establish YouTube as a platform for convenient video sharing. While some speculate that the incident was planned, Jackson insists it was purely accidental.

During the first of two games on July 5, 1924, Babe Ruth was determined to catch a foul ball hit by a player for the Washington Senators. However, his focus on getting the guy out led to a collision with a concrete wall, resulting in him knocking himself out in the fourth inning. The impact was so severe that the police had to guard his unconscious body to prevent people from crowding around. After a short while, Ruth regained consciousness and insisted on continuing to play. He not only finished the game but also participated in the second game.

Bill Walton, a two-time NBA champion and the 1978 NBA MVP, has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his career. He has secured championships in different eras, firstly with the Trail Blazers and later with the Celtics, and has been honored with induction into the basketball hall of fame. Despite his busy schedule during the ’70s and ’80s, Walton has managed to attend over 800 live performances by the Grateful Dead. In an interview with the AV Club, Walton discussed his fascination with the band and his continued devotion to their music. Recently, he shared his experiences and insights in his book, Back From The Dead.

During their time on the Lakers, Shaq and Kobe were expected to form a formidable duo on the court. However, their relationship seemed to be filled with more conflicts and disputes than successful collaborations. Both players frequently engaged in public verbal exchanges, with Kobe even going as far as commenting on Shaq’s fitness level. Such derogatory remarks towards a teammate were certainly unkind. Coach Phil Jackson attributed this animosity to Kobe questioning Shaq’s determination.

Brandi Chastain is a renowned athlete, having secured two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals. However, her most memorable moment remains the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final against China, where she famously removed her shirt after scoring the winning point. This act has made a lasting impact not only on soccer enthusiasts but also on those who are not avid followers of the sport. It was a significant moment for the nation and a remarkable achievement for Chastain herself. This iconic celebration can be compared to Phil Simms declaring his intention to visit Disney World, solidifying its place in sports history, particularly in the realm of soccer.

Imagine having a crucial meeting or an important game the next day. Most people would prioritize eating healthily and getting enough rest. However, this was not the case for Dock Ellis. On June 12, 1970, the Pirates pitcher embarked on an extraordinary journey. Despite consuming LSD, he managed to stay calm and achieved the only no-hitter of his career against the Padres. Ellis recounted that the night before the game, he indulged in acid with a friend and spent the entire night partying in Los Angeles. Unaware that his game against the Padres was scheduled for the next day, he mistakenly took another hit of LSD in the morning. Only after realizing his mistake, he rushed to San Diego on a plane and arrived at the stadium just in time for warm-up. Reflecting on this unique experience, Ellis later shared his perspective.

In 2006, a woman accused three members of the Duke Lacrosse Team of rape, alleging that they had cornered her at a team party and coerced her into engaging in sexual acts. Throughout the subsequent court proceedings, Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong asserted that the crime was not only sexual assault but also a hate crime. Consequently, the entire team was suspended, their season was called off, and the head coach was compelled to resign. Nevertheless, after one year, the three players were found innocent and received a $60 million settlement from Duke University.

The match between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson II, known as “The Sound and the Fury,” took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and was for the WBA Heavyweight Championship. It was intended to be the ultimate showdown between these two boxers. In their previous match, controversy arose when the fight was halted in the 11th round, resulting in Holyfield becoming the new champion. Right from the start of the fight, there was evident animosity between Holyfield and Tyson. Holyfield unintentionally headbutted Tyson on multiple occasions, although Tyson interpreted it differently. In the third round, Tyson shockingly bit Holyfield’s ear while they were in a clinch hold. Despite a short pause, the fight resumed only for Tyson to bite Holyfield once again. The match was eventually stopped, but Tyson’s aggression continued as he aggressively charged towards Holyfield’s corner, attempting to attack everyone present. Amidst the chaos, Holyfield was declared the winner, and as a consequence, Tyson was permanently banned from boxing.

Lance Armstrong, once regarded as a symbol of American excellence in cycling, faced a tragic downfall in his career. Despite his numerous victories, he became plagued by allegations of using performance-enhancing drugs. In a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Armstrong finally confessed to participating in a doping scandal that irreparably damaged his reputation. In this interview, he expressed remorse for deceiving those who doubted him and acknowledged mistreating fellow cyclists who had questioned his ill-gotten success. Unfortunately, Armstrong’s admission did not result in gaining any new supporters; instead, it led to a flurry of lawsuits that further entangled him in legal battles.