Athletes are usually envied for their fame and paychecks. But behind the smiling faces they put on when they are in front of cameras, they are expected to exercise daily in order to reach a certain level of performance. Sure, they’re rewarded with million of dollars for kicking a ball around a court or running faster than anyone else, but most of them basically sacrifice their lives to become the best and get to number one. Although they are perceived as super humans, they make mistakes as well. There are many stories of drug addiction, irresponsible behavior and drunk night among athletes. But this list focuses on top 10 athletes whose careers ended badly before they fell out of the public eye.
10. Mike Tyson
The world famous boxer also known as Iron Mike Tyson was so good at what he did that he was abe to knock out his adversary in an instant. In 1992, Tyson was found guilty of rape charges and received a six year sentence, but only served three. He never properly got back on track and embarrassed himself in the ring in 2005 several times. His career was never the same as before, but he turned his attention to acting and he also appeared in segments of World Wrestling Entertainment.
9. Chris Benoit
The Canadian professional wrestler had a twenty two year career and won the title of world champion twice. He was highly respected by his colleagues and fans, so nothing could prepare his viewers for his extreme acts in June 2007. He murdered his wife and seven year old son, and hung himself two days later. No one knows what drove him to do this or what was going through his mind at the time. Most likely, he was mentally and psychologically troubled after excusing himself from a World Wrestling Entertainment tour.
8. Lance Armstrong
The controverted life of Armstrong resembles a roller coaster. The American professional cyclist began attending triathlons when he was sixteen. Success came shortly afterwards and he started winning national and international prizes and popularity. In 1999 he was investigated for doping and a 2012 investigation proved that he took drugs during his entire career to help him enhance his performance. He received a lifetime ban and was stripped of all his championship titles.
7. Joe Jackson
Shoeless Joe was an outfielder in the 1910s. Jackson is now best remembered as playing a role in the Black Sox Scandal. This happened in 1919 when Chicago White Sox took part in a conspiracy to have the World Series fixed. Shoeless Joe was irremediably associated with the scandal and was expulsed from baseball. His innocence has since been debated over and over again, with his fall into disgrace casting a shadow over his talent at baseball.
6. Rae Carruth
This professional football player was found guilty of plotting to murder the woman carrying his child. After playing for the Buffaloes for four seasons and signing a 3.7 million dollar deal, Carruth’s career went down the drain when he conspired to murder his acquaintance. He is still behind bars and he is expected to be released in October 2018.
5. O. J. Simpson
Football player, actor and murderer, Simpson is one of America’s most famous convicted murderers. He enjoyed a successful career as a football player and actor before he was accused of murdering his wife and her friend. Although he was found innocent in court, in what was named the “Trial of the Century”, many believed he was guilty of the accusations. He had several other issues with drugs, alcohol and fights and he was arrested in 2007 for robbing a room in Palace Station hotel.
4. Pete Rose
Nicknamed Charlie Hustle, Rose was a Major League Baseball player from 1963 to 1986. He then became a manager until 1989. He was accused of betting on baseball teams, including his own, during his time as a manager. Although at the time he bluntly denied the accusations, he later came clean.
3. Hulk Hogan
The famous professional wrestler is also an actor, TV personality and musician. He was highly popular during the 1980s and 1990s. Holding the title of the most recognized wrestler world wide, he was world champion twelve times. In July this year he was fired from the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc after racist and homophobic remarks he had made in 2007 came back to ruin his reputation.
2. Darren Sharper
Famous American football player Darren Sharper was looking at a profitable TV analyst career before it was discovered he is actually a serial rapist. He pleaded guilty to all accusations that were brought onto him and in 2018 he received twenty years behind bars. He might only serve nine years, but he’ll always remain a sex offender.
1. Aaron Hernandez
Hernandez played football but wasn’t satisfied with his $40 million paycheck. In 2013, he was accused of murder and convicted to spend the rest of his life in prison. The former football player killed a semi professional football player and two other men by shooting them in their vehicle.
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