40+ Most Hated Athletes of All Time

This article appeared in sneakertoast.com and has been published here with permission.

There are many ways sportsmen and women end up being hated by fans. On the field, fans hate violence, cheating, and athletes not giving it their all. Off the field, fans loathe cocky, greedy, two-timing, and disloyal stars who let fame go to their heads. So, we’ve compiled a list of the most hated athletes of all time to get under your skin. Seconds out… round one. Let’s get ready to rumble!

Lance Armstrong

Once upon a time, Lance Armstrong was an All-American hero. The cyclist beat cancer and won the Tour de France seven times, set up the Livestrong cancer awareness foundation, and inspired people worldwide. Then, his world fell apart when he admitted to using performance-enhancing substances and was stripped of his seven Tour de France wins.

To make matters worse, Livestrong was investigated for fraud. There was even a nod to Lance in Disney's recent Loki TV series, suggesting the mischievous trickster god was responsible for Armstrong's cheating.

Michael Vick

In 2006, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick had the world at his feet. He started every regular-season game and recorded 2,000 yards through the air and 1,000 yards on the ground. He was so good; he might have won Atlanta the Super Bowl.

But in 2007, police arrested Vick for his involvement in Bad Newz Kennels, an illegal dogfighting club at his rural south-eastern Virginia property. He was suspended from the NFL and spent a year in jail for funding and facilitating the dogfighting ring.

Luis Suarez

It's easy for fans to hate Uruguay's Luis Suarez, as he's the most rat-like soccer player ever. He became the 2010 World Cup's most scornful villain when his blatant, double-handed goalkeeper-like handball prevented a surefire Ghana goal. He was sent off but celebrated wildly when Ghana missed their penalty and lost the game.

Suarez also bit opponents while playing for Liverpool and Ajax. But, during the 2014 World Cup, he was back to his old tricks - biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini. He was banned for nine games and sent home.

Bill Laimbeer

Detroit bad-boy Bill Laimbeer is possibly the most universally-hated player in NBA history. Fans loved to hate him, but you have to admit, he made basketball exciting to watch. His dirty play, flagrant fouls, constant complaints, fighting, and narcissistic arrogance rubbed everyone the wrong way - especially The Beastie Boys.

Their angry punk song "Tough Guy" is about him and features the lyrics, "Butcher me on the court, Too many elbows to report, Now you're poking me in the eye, Bill Laimbeer..."