Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made headlines for his controversial statements during his commencement address at Benedictine College. Butker has been vocal about his traditional views on gender and LGBTQ+ issues, which has sparked significant backlash.
He monologued about COVID, comparing it to other "bad policies" like " abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia." But the worst, some say, are his comments "for the ladies": "Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother."
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers faced significant public backlash after it was revealed that he misled the public about his COVID-19 vaccination status. Rodgers had stated he was "immunized," leading many to believe he was vaccinated when he had actually opted for alternative treatments.
When the truth emerged, Rodgers was fined, and the incident sparked a broader debate about personal responsibility and transparency among public figures, particularly those in influential positions like professional athletes. His actions not only drew criticism from fans and commentators but also raised questions about the protocols and enforcement of health guidelines within the NFL.
Basketball legend Michael Jordan became the subject of controversy when Charles Barkley criticized Jordan's performance as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. Apparently, the last words they exchanged were firey from Jordan's side, with him cussing out Barkley and saying, "You're supposed to be my boy."
"And what I said, I think that he don't have enough people around him that are gonna tell him, 'No,'" Barkley told CBS News. "And he got really offended, and we haven't spoken... I'm gonna do my job, because I have zero credibility if I criticize other people in the same boat and not criticize my best friend."
Colin Kaepernick became one of the most polarizing figures in sports when he kneeled during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. His actions sparked a national debate on patriotism, free speech, and social justice. While many praised Kaepernick for his courage and activism, others viewed his protest as disrespectful to the flag and the military.
The backlash was severe, leading to his effective blacklisted from the NFL, as no team signed him after he became a free agent. Kaepernick's stance has had a lasting impact, inspiring other athletes to engage in social activism and continuing to influence discussions on race and equality.
Serena Williams faced intense scrutiny and controversy during the 2018 US Open final when she was penalized for calling the umpire a "thief." Williams' outburst came after she received a code violation for alleged coaching, which she vehemently denied. The incident escalated, resulting in penalties that contributed to her loss.
Williams' comments and subsequent penalties highlighted issues of gender equality in sports, with many arguing that male athletes have exhibited similar behavior without facing comparable consequences. The incident sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of female athletes and the double standards they often encounter.
LeBron James, one of the most prominent figures in basketball, has never shied away from expressing his opinions on social and political issues. His criticism of former President Donald Trump was particularly controversial, angering some fans who believed athletes should avoid political discourse.
James called Trump a "bum" and further comments led to heated debates about the role of athletes in political and social movements, with some praising his willingness to speak out and others condemning him for politicizing sports. The Washington Post reported James said, "[Trump] doesn't understand the power that he has for being the leader of the beautiful country. He doesn't understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the president of the United States for guidance. For leadership. For words of encouragement.”
Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao faced severe backlash in 2016 when he made comments opposing same gender marriage, referring to the LGBTQ+ community as "worse than animals." His remarks sparked outrage from LGBTQ+ advocates and led to the loss of significant endorsements, including a major contract with Nike.
Pacquiao later apologized for his comments, but the incident damaged his public image and highlighted the cultural and generational divides on LGBTQ+ issues. The controversy underscored the challenges athletes face when their personal beliefs clash with the evolving social norms and expectations of their global fan base.
Tennis star Maria Sharapova was suspended in 2016 after testing positive for meldonium, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Sharapova claimed she was unaware that the substance had been added to the banned list, but the incident nonetheless tarnished her reputation. The two-year suspension, later reduced to 15 months, raised questions about the responsibilities of athletes to stay informed about doping regulations.
While Sharapova eventually returned to competition, the controversy left a lasting impact on her career. It serves as a cautionary tale for other athletes about the importance of compliance and transparency in sports.
Kevin Durant faced widespread criticism when he joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016, a team that had just set the record for the most wins in a single NBA season. Many fans and analysts accused Durant of taking the easy route to a championship rather than competing against the best.
This move sparked debates about loyalty, competition, and the spirit of the game. Durant defended his decision, emphasizing his right to choose his own career path, but the controversy followed him, impacting his public perception and legacy in the NBA. He claims that he's left out of GOAT conversations “because [he] went to the Warriors,” Durant said to The Republic. “Why shouldn’t I be in that? That’s the question you should ask. Why not? What haven’t I done?”
Dennis Rodman, known for his unconventional behavior, has often found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons. His most infamous moment came when he made several trips to North Korea, befriending dictator Kim Jong-un, stating, "You have a friend for life."
Rodman's visits were widely criticized as irresponsible and insensitive, given North Korea's human rights abuses. Despite the backlash, Rodman has remained unapologetic, arguing that his actions were meant to promote peace and understanding.
Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles faced backlash when she defended her fiancé, Jonathan Owens, after he made misogynistic comments during a "The Pivot" podcast episode. He claimed he didn't know who Biles was before they met in 2020, claiming that he was "the catch" in the relationship rather than Biles, who is one of the most decorated athletes in history.
Owens’ remarks were widely criticized as disrespectful and harmful, and Biles' defense of him drew further criticism. Many expected her to condemn the comments instead. This incident highlighted the complex dynamics of public relationships and the high expectations placed on public figures rectify problematic behavior, even when it involves their personal lives.
Novak Djokovic, one of tennis's greatest players, has been a polarizing figure due to his stance against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. His outspoken views led to significant controversy, culminating in his being barred from competing in several major tournaments, including the Australian Open, where he was famously deported in 2022.
Djokovic's position has divided fans and fellow players, with some supporting his right to personal choice and others criticizing him for jeopardizing public health and undermining efforts to control the pandemic. He was already unpopular due to frequent outbursts on the court and "sore loser" behavior.
Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt faced criticism in 2016 after celebrating a victory by pointing to himself in a manner some perceived as arrogant. While many viewed Bolt's actions as a display of confidence and showmanship, others felt it was disrespectful to his competitors.
But the real question remains: why shouldn't he celebrate his accomplishments? He's an Olympian! But breaking records doesn't protect you from scams. In 2023, news broke that Bolt lost over $12 million from fraud at a Jamaican investment firm. While he wasn't responsible for the loss, some saw it as tarnishing his reputation.
Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo sparked controversy in 2021 when he stormed off the field after being substituted during a World Cup qualifier match. The incident was seen by many as a display of poor sportsmanship and disrespect towards his coach and teammates, made even worse from his long history of sore loser behavior.
In 2016, he mocked Iceland's celebratory dance after scoring in the World Cup, and in 2024, he made an "obscene gesture" that resulted in a one-game suspension. Ronaldo's actions prompted discussions about professionalism in athletics.
In 2021, Steph Curry became an ambassador for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange. The cryptocurrency world is still evolving and can be complex for some people. While some saw this as a savvy move for Curry to get involved in a growing industry, others questioned the potential risks associated with cryptocurrency and whether it aligned with Curry's wholesome image.
The volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets and the ethical concerns surrounding them led to debates about the appropriateness of such endorsements by high-profile athletes. FTX collapsed in 2023, further emphasizing that Curry's involvement was misleading for fans and influencing them to make risky investments.
NBA player Kyrie Irving has frequently found himself in the spotlight for his controversial comments, most notably his support of conspiracy theories, including the flat Earth theory, but that wasn't the worst. In October 2021, Irving shared a link to a film titled Wake Up Black America and the cover art of the book. Both pieces promote antisemitism and sparked significant backlash.
The Brooklyn Nets condemned the post, required him to denounce antisemitism, and apologize. At first, he was resistant and claimed it was his right to share the film, but he did cave and apologize when met with significant criticism. However, he was still suspended from a few games for failing to "unequivocally condemn" antisemitism in the film.
MMA fighter Conor McGregor is no stranger to controversy. He often makes inflammatory and offensive comments toward his opponents and their families. Recently, fans decided he crossed a line after he lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 and turned on Poirier's wife. McGregor stooped to crude implications that she had sent him direct messages and invited her to a party. Poirier denied his wife ever contacting McGregor and called him out for disrespecting fighters' families.
His comments have sometimes crossed the line, leading to public backlash and discussions about the role of sportsmanship and respect in combat sports. Despite the negative attention, McGregor's persona has contributed to his status as one of the most well-known and polarizing figures in MMA.
NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has been involved in numerous controversies, including multiple inflammatory social media posts and public disputes with teams. From assault allegations to throwing a helmet at the Pittsburgh Steelers general manager, Brown's behavior has led to questions about his professionalism and mental health.
Most recently, he made inappropriate remarks about WNBA star Caitlin Clark on social media, including mocking her appearance. His actions have resulted in suspensions, fines, and a tarnished reputation, overshadowing his on-field talents. The ongoing controversies have sparked broader discussions about the responsibilities of athletes as role models and the impact of social media on their careers.
Former US soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo faced significant backlash during the 2016 Olympics when she called the Swedish national team "a bunch of cowards" after a defeat. Solo's comments were widely condemned as unsportsmanlike and disrespectful. Some claim her punishment was too severe, however, especially when compared to male athletes exhibiting similar behavior.
The incident led to her suspension from the national team and intensified existing criticisms of her behavior both on and off the field. Solo's remarks sparked a broader conversation about sportsmanship, respect for opponents, and the pressures faced by athletes in high-stakes competitions.
Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow has been a polarizing figure due to his strong religious views and public comments on controversial topics, including abortion. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Tebow spoke to Kansans for Life, saying, [Saving babies] really does mean a lot more than winning the Super Bowl. One day, when you look back and people are talking about you and they say, 'Oh my gosh what are you going to be known for? Are you going to say Super Bowl, or we saved a lot of babies?'"
While many admire Tebow for his convictions and his charitable work, others feel that his public stance on sensitive issues is divisive and inappropriate for a sports figure. Tebow's career has been marked by this duality, with his faith playing a central role in both his public persona and the controversies he faces.
NASCAR driver Tony Stewart faced intense scrutiny following the fatal on-track incident with Kevin Ward Jr. in 2014. During a sprint car race, driver Kevin Ward Jr. got out of his car after a spin-out and walked onto the track. Stewart's car hit and killed Ward Jr. "I know 100 percent in my heart and in my mind that I did not do anything wrong. This was 100 percent an accident,” Stewart told The Associated Press.
This comment was widely criticized, with many questioning his conduct and accusing him of intimidating Ward before the race. The incident sparked debates about safety, responsibility, and the culture of racing, leaving a lasting impact on Stewart's career and legacy.
Former NFL player Greg Hardy faced severe backlash after allegations of domestic violence surfaced. Hardy’s statements and apparent lack of remorse following the allegations intensified public outrage. The NFL’s handling of his case, including his initial suspension and reinstatement, was widely criticized.
It led to debates about the league’s policies on domestic violence and player conduct. Hardy’s career never fully recovered from the scandal, and the controversy remains a stark reminder of the serious consequences of personal misconduct for professional athletes.
NFL running back Adrian Peterson faced significant backlash after comments justifying his use of corporal punishment on his children. Peterson's remarks came in the wake of his suspension for abuse, after it was revealed that he had physically disciplined his son.
The incident sparked a broader conversation about parenting, discipline, and the responsibilities of athletes as role models. Peterson's comments were seen by many as out of touch and inappropriate, leading to further criticism and impacting his career and public image.
NFL quarterback Cam Newton faced controversy in 2017 when he made a sexist remark to a female reporter during a press conference. Newton’s comment, which suggested that it was unusual for a woman to be knowledgeable about football, was widely condemned as disrespectful and unprofessional.
The backlash was swift, with sponsors dropping their support and public criticism mounting. Newton later apologized, but the incident highlighted ongoing issues of sexism in sports and the importance of respectful interactions with the media.
