Great and unforgettable moments have come out of the NBA, similar to any other professional sports league. However, alongside the exhilarating games and off-court successes, NBA players are prone to bad decisions that have unfortunately backfired and ended up putting the league through shame.
From Andrei Kirilenko’s lousy fashion sense to Michael Jordan’s going away after six titles to play baseball, here are 10 of the worst decisions made by NBA players.
- Hot-headed Ron Artest
The day was November 19th, 2004, and the Detroit Pistons were hosting Indiana Pacers at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, Michigan. Less than a minute of regular time remained when an on-court brawl erupted and would have ended there had it not been for Ron Artest. A well-aimed beer can flew from the stands, hitting Artest, who took the fight to the fans.
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- Ben’ The brawler’ Wallace
This is the player credited for starting the brawl that involved fans and players, infamously known as Malice in the Palace. During the final moments of the game, Ben Wallace pushed Indiana Pacers Ron Artest, who, together with a beer can throwing fan, made what today called the worst fight on the courts of the NBA is.
- Trigger happy Jason Williams
NBA player Jason Williams was a forward for the New Jersey Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers for nine consecutive seasons. Having an arrest record as elaborate as his basketball career, Jason had been in trouble with authorities for DWI misdemeanors and bars.
Unfortunately, on February 14th, 2002, this gunslinger wannabe Williams was handling a firearm at the back of the team’s limousine. He accidentally fired, and the bullet fatally wounded the driver.
- Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton locker-room armory
A cache of guns was discovered in the locker belonging to Gilbert Arenas and his Wizards teammate, Javaris Crittenton in December 2009. Earlier, the two players had drawn guns at each over a gambling debt. For violating DCs ordinances laws, Arenas and Javaris were handed felony charges.
For violating team policy, the duo received probation sentences and suspensions for the rest of the season.
- Kobe’s Colorado embarrassment
During 2003’s offseason, former LA Lakers maverick Kobe Bryant was taking a medical recuse for a busted knee when he was arrested and charged with sexual assault. The Lakers multi-MVP star was accused of having forced himself on a 19-year old room service attendant. Charges were later dropped after Kobe’s complainant’s failure to testify in the trial, and a civil court settlement was reached.
- Fans love to hate LeBron James
The year was 2010, and on July 8th, LeBron James announced that he was leaving the Cleveland cavaliers, and heading south for some Miami heat. It was what he did as he was leaving that angered Cleveland fans, after the high profile player announced on ESPN and then openly celebrated with Heat players in Miami. It turned out to be a difficult season for the hero turned NBA villain, and fans everywhere loved to hate James.
- Chris Singleton Spent $10,000 on Mega Millions lottery tickets.
Chris Singleton, NBA rookie player for the Washington Wizards, reckons that blowing $10,000 on Mega Millions lottery tickets is the alternative to blowing it at the clubs. Though Chris didn’t win the record $640 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot, he claims his tickets did return some winnings. Had Chris played mega millions on Lottoland, he wouldn’t have had to buy the hundreds of tickets from various locations, since no physical outlet can print that many.
- Kermit Washington the Puncher
One of the worst on-court injuries from a fight resulted from the actions of Kermit Washington, when he punched Rudy Tomjanovich, shattering his face and jaw. The Lakers player whacked Rudy with an uppercut, resulting in a five-month recovery absence from the game.
- Michael Jordan leaving NBA for baseball
The greatest NBA player once left the league to try professional baseball, at the height of his career. Michael didn’t get to play in major league baseball, and he had to contend with something like three home runs during 127 games. Pundits reiterate that hadn’t he left when he did, Michael Jordan’s six NBA championships would have been more.
- Bad hair Andrei Kirilenko
Awful haircuts personify NBA player Andrei Kirilenko, who has spotted anything from a Mop to a wrong Ivan Drago impression. The Russian player seems to be getting fashion advice from bad quarters and has recently been full-backed tattooed with his favorite World of Warcraft character.