20 Athletes Who’ve Been Behind Bars for the Most Surprising Reasons
Sports are often celebrated as a stage for glory, grit, and wins. But what happens when the stars we admire for their talent land into controversy? The legal troubles of some athletes are as surprising as their on-field feats. Let’s explore some stories that reveal a different side of these well-known names.
Oscar Pistorius’s Tragic Mistake
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Oscar Pistorius, the South African sprinter who defied odds with his inspiring Paralympic victories, shocked the world in 2013. He claimed to have mistaken his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, for an intruder when he shot her. The trial that followed gripped the globe and ended in his conviction and imprisonment.
Michael Vick’s Dark Chapter
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Michael Vick was an NFL quarterback with jaw-dropping skills, but his career came to a halt when he was convicted for running a dogfighting ring in 2007. After serving time, Vick made an impressive return to football, but the incident remains a stain on his legacy.
O.J. Simpson: A Trial of the Century
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O.J. Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn in 1994 when he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Though acquitted in the criminal trial, he was later arrested and sentenced to up to 33 years in prison for armed robbery at a Las Vegas hotel and casino.
Diego Maradona’s Scandal in the Shadows
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Diego Maradona, often hailed as soccer’s greatest, wasn’t just known for his brilliance on the field. In 1991, he faced arrest for cocaine possession in Argentina. Despite this, Maradona’s legacy as a football genius remains intact, though not without its complexities.
Floyd Mayweather’s Legal Blow
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Floyd Mayweather Jr., renowned for his 50-0 boxing record, faced a significant setback in 2010 when convicted of domestic violence against the mother of his children. He served two months of a 90-day sentence. Unfortunately, this wasn’t Mayweather’s first brush with domestic violence allegations and he faced multiple accusations from other women over the years.
Marion Jones and the Lie That Cost Her
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Olympic track star Marion Jones seemed untouchable—until her doping admission in 2008. Her guilty plea for lying to federal investigators led to a six-month prison sentence. Jones’s story became a cautionary tale about the pressures to succeed at all costs.
Plaxico Burress and the Gun That Backfired
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In one of the most bizarre incidents in NFL history, Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a nightclub in 2008. Carrying an unlicensed firearm, Burress faced legal repercussions, including a two-year prison sentence.
Aaron Hernandez’s Troubling Downfall
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Aaron Hernandez went from an NFL rising star to a convicted murderer in a matter of years. In 2015, he was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Before this incident, Hernandez was indicted in 2012 for the murder of two individuals but acquitted at trial.
Ryan Leaf’s Struggle With Addiction
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Drafted second overall in 1998, Ryan Leaf’s career crumbled amid controversy. In 2012, he was arrested for burglary and drug possession. After serving 32 months, he became a recovery advocate and motivational speaker.
Darryl Henley’s Sinister Plan
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A 41-year prison sentence may seem severe, but so were Darryl Henley’s crimes. The former Los Angeles Rams cornerback was convicted in 1995 of cocaine trafficking. While awaiting sentencing, he attempted to hire hitmen to murder the presiding judge and a key witness.
Esteban Loaiza’s Drug Bust
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In 2018, a routine traffic stop led to a shocking discovery: over 20 kilograms (about 44 pounds) of cocaine concealed in a vehicle. The driver, Esteban Loaiza, a former MLB All-Star pitcher, was arrested and later sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute.
Jayson Williams’s Fatal Mistake
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Former NBA player Jayson Williams was involved in a tragic incident in 2002 when his limousine driver was fatally shot. Convicted of assault years later, Williams was sentenced to five years in prison of which he only served 27 months.
Rae Carruth’s Unthinkable Crime
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In 2001, NFL wide receiver Rae Carruth was convicted of conspiring to murder his pregnant girlfriend. Released in 2018 after 18 years, Carruth’s actions remain among the most shocking crimes in sports history.
Mike Tyson’s Fall and Redemption
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Mike Tyson may be a beloved figure worldwide but he has had his fair share of trouble with the law. For one, he served three years of a six year sentence in prison after a 1992 rape conviction. Tyson has since then rebuilt his image.
Darryl Strawberry’s Struggles With Addiction
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Few athletes had as much raw talent as Darryl Strawberry, but his career was often overshadowed by struggles with addiction. In 1999, Strawberry was arrested for cocaine possession and soliciting sex from an undercover officer. His probation violation led to 11 months in prison.
Art Schlichter’s Downfall Through Gambling
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Art Schlichter was a talented quarterback who saw his promising career collapse due to a gambling addiction. After a suspension in 1983, his legal troubles worsened. By 2012, Schlichter was arrested for selling fake sports tickets and testing positive for cocaine. His 127-month sentence capped a lifetime of squandered opportunities.
Billy Cannon’s Counterfeit Money Scheme
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Billy Cannon’s retirement took a dark turn. The former Heisman Trophy winner and AFL star fell into financial ruin, leading to his arrest in 1983 for possession of millions in counterfeit $100 bills. Cannon ended up serving three years in prison.
Lenny Dykstra’s Post-Retirement Troubles
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After a successful baseball career, Lenny Dykstra faced numerous legal issues. From grand theft auto to bankruptcy fraud and indecent exposure, Dykstra’s arrests painted a troubling picture. His 2012 conviction for using fraudulent means to lease luxury cars resulted in a three-year prison sentence.
Mercury Morris’s Drug Trafficking Conviction
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Mercury Morris was a crucial part of the Miami Dolphins’ perfect 1972 season. In 1982, Morris was caught in a cocaine trafficking bust. Convicted and sentenced to 20 years, he appealed and ultimately served only three. While his legal troubles were a stark contrast to his on-field success, Morris remains a celebrated figure among Dolphins fans.
Craig MacTavish’s Fatal Decision
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Craig MacTavish’s story is all about redemption. As an NHL player, he was convicted of vehicular manslaughter in 1984 after driving under the influence and causing a fatal accident. Despite serving a one-year prison sentence, MacTavish returned to hockey, winning multiple Stanley Cups.