Daily Archives: February 8, 2012

But He’s Wearing a Pink Wristband! (sportsgrid.com)

For 2013′s list, click here.

Not long ago, Sports List of the Day gave you Forbes’ list of the 10 most disliked players in the NBA.

I guess Forbes’ magazine likes to stir the pot.  They’re at it again, with a list that I must admit I disagree with, and I’ll tell you why.  But first, here they are, the most hated athletes in America:

1. Michael Vick (60%)

2. Tiger Woods (60%)

3. Plaxico Burress (56%)

4. Ndamukong Suh (51%)

5. Kris Humphries (50%)

6. LeBron James (48%)

7. Kobe Bryant (45%)

8. Terrell Owens (45%)

9. Alex Rodriguez (44%)

10. Kurt Busch (42%)

Now, I have a lot to say about this, and what it means to “hate” an athlete in sporting terms…

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Alex Rodriguez I completely understand, and feel that this is how, if I may, “healthy hate” should be aroused in sports.  You hate these guys because they are good and they are on the enemy team.  Maybe the same for Ndamukong Suh and his foot stomp.  It’s OK to hate them. This all makes sense.

But still hating on Michael Vick and Tiger Woods (No. 1 and No. 2)?  I see it differently.  I see two guys who screwed up royally trying to scrape themselves off the bottom of the pit they dug for themselves.  Both have severely suffered the consequences of their actions (jail time, losing wife and kids) and are on paths of redemption.  I believe in redemption, otherwise, well, what’s the point?  What do you want? Their heads?

Same for Plaxico Burress.  His debt to society is paid, and he deserves a second chance.  He shot himself in the leg.  Yes, that shouldn’t be happening and guns are dangerous, but big whoop.  We should be laughing at him for being such an idiot. Hating? Only if you’re a Patriot fan.

All three have been model citizens since having to turn their lives around.

That leaves Kris Humphries, which is, I guess, some sort of Kardashian backlash (folly in terms of despising one’s opponent), Terrell Owens (is he even still an athlete?) and Kurt Busch (seems like the token white guy to me).

Fox Sports has only a slightly better list.  What? No LeBron James? C’mon.

1. Michael Vick

2. Tiger Woods

3. Terrell Owens

4. Alex Rodriguez

5. Kyle Busch

6. Kobe Bryant

7. Barry Bonds

8. Bill Belichick

9. Scott Boras

10. Sean Avery

11. Brett Favre

Follow me @VinGetz.