Fansided

20 biggest sports scandals of all-time

By Josh Criswell

Mar 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants former outfielder Barry Bonds in the dugout prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants former outfielder Barry Bonds in the dugout prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
18 of 21
Next
Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kobe Bryant sexual assault case

Kobe Bryant drew disdain from many NBA fans during the early to mid 2000s for his ongoing feud with teammate Shaquille O’Neal, which eventually led to the MVP center being traded to the Miami Heat.

It was a 2003 felony sexual assault accusation against the Los Angeles Lakers star, however, that would entrench him as a villain in the eyes of the public.

The alleged incident took place on June 30th of that year, leaving Bryant facing a potential jail sentence of four years to life in prison and a $750,000 fine. He admitted to committing adultery, but maintained his innocence in regards to the assault, shooting down the accusations during a public apology and purchasing his wife a $4 million diamond ring.

The criminal case against Bryant was eventually dropped after the accuser refused to testify, though he still paid out a settlement of an undisclosed amount in a civil case that she filed against him.

As a result of his sexual assault arrest, it is estimated that Bryant lost somewhere between $4 million and $6 million in marketing deals and endorsements. In 2006, he made the decision to change his jersey number from No. 8 to No. 24 in an attempt to distance his public image from that of his younger self that was viewed unfavorably by many fans.

Next: 3. Jim Thorpe stripped of his Olympic gold medals

Home/Chicago White Sox