Who is the Most Controversial Athlete? – Survey of the Day

It is five years to the day since NFL superstar Michael Vick plead guilty and publicly apologized for his role in a dogfighting case, now he is not only back in the league, but back to being a superstar. Lance Armstrong has now been stripped of his Tour de France titles for allegedly using banned substances. And just about every baseball player from 5 to 10 years ago used steroids. All this controversy got me to thinking... Who is the most controversial athlete?

Over the years, many athletes have found unwanted fame through doping, criminal activity, and controversial statements. Here are the top 10 controversial athletes of all time, according to Yahoo Sports:

1. Lance Armstrong: Lance Armstrong became the face of cycling after winning seven Tour de France titles. But since 1999, he has been fighting doping charges and allegations. After he said he wouldn’t fight it any more, the USADA considered ot an admittance of guilt, stripped his seven titles, and banned him for life from cycling.

2. Kobe Bryant: Kobe Bryant became one of the most controversial athletes of all time when he was accused of rape by a young Colorado woman. He claimed it was consensual, but the damage was done.

3. Tiger Woods: After finding out he had been cheating on his beautiful wife for years, Tiger became one of America’s most hated athletes, and his golf game has never recovered.

4. Michael Vick: In the beginning of his career, Michael Vick showed the Atlanta Falcons promise and hope, but when he was busted for dog fighting, everything changed. He was found guilty of killing dogs in inhumane ways and sent to prison.

5. Mike Tyson: There are many reasons Mike Tyson made the list. The top two are when he bit part of Holyfield’s ear off during a match, and his rape conviction in 1992.

6. Magic Johnson: In the 1980s, Magic Johnson was leading the Los Angeles Lakers to many victories, accruing MVP awards, and earning respect from fans. That abruptly came to an end when he announced he had AIDS and fans protested him playing. Magic eventually overcame it, but not before it ended his career.

7. Roger Clemens: Star pitcher Roger Clemens was accused of taking steroids. Even though he was acquitted of charges, the four years of media attention will taint his legacy for many years to come.

8. Barry Bonds: Barry Bonds was accused of taking steroids and charged with perjury and obstruction of justice.

9. Terrell Owens: Terrell Owens is constantly dogging teammates and earning headlines for his on- and off-field antics.

10. Tim Tebow: Tebow headlines are overbearing in football season, and the majority of them involve “Tebowing,” a term for praying on the field.