Tiger Woods’ reputation has taken a hit, to say the least. Some sports figures — like Kobe Bryant — have been able to bounce back after a setback in their public image, but many others — like Woody Hayes, Marion Jones and Tonya Harding — had more difficult times rebuilding their reputations. Here is The Examiner’s take on the top five fallen sports icons:
5. Len Bias
Just two days after being selected No. 2 by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Draft, the Terps’ athletic forward overdosed on cocaine. One of basketball’s biggest tragedies opened the nation’s eyes to the dangers of cocaine — a drug that also affected the athletic careers of Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry. Bias’ death changed college basketball, the Boston Celtics’ franchise and laws on drugs.
4. “Shoeless” Joe Jackson
The outfielder is the most recognizable name in the Black Sox Scandal — when members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox were involved in a conspiracy to fix the World Series. His role in the scandal is unclear, but he remains ineligible to make the Hall of Fame due to his involvement. Jackson owns the third highest career batting average (.356) behind only Rogers Hornsby and Ty Cobb.
3. Mike Tyson
Iron Mike’s heavyweight titles are overshadowed by his antics. He’s been convicted of rape, served time in prison, been disqualified in a fight for biting Evander Holyfield’s ears, got a face tattoo and filed for bankruptcy. Tyson was one of the most intimidating fighters ever in the ring, but nothing compares to a lifestyle that led to the nickname “The Baddest Man on the Planet.”
2. Pete Rose
The Hit King has a lifetime suspension from baseball for gambling — an accusation that Rose denied for years before finally admitting to it publicly in his autobiography, published in 2004. Rose applied for reinstatement in 1992 and 1997 but commissioners Fay Vincent and Bud Selig never acted on the request, so Major League Baseball’s leader in hits, games played, at-bats and outs will remain omitted from the Hall of Fame.
1. O.J. Simpson
The Juice won the Heisman Trophy. He had one of the most impressive NFL seasons of all time — rushing for 2,003 yards in 14 games in 1973. He had a role in the “Naked Gun” movie trilogy and had stints as a commentator on Monday Night Football. Then the most watched trial in American history happened and the running back was never the same. O.J. was acquitted for murder but Simpson is incarcerated today for his role in a sports memorabilia robbery in Las Vegas.
