While every fan and teammate loves players like Derek Jeter, LeBron James and Peyton Manning, the sad truth is that not every athlete can perform like them both on the field or in the locker room. Sure, some guys have the necessary talent to be All-Stars and receive accolades, but that doesn’t mean that their teammates don’t get frustrated with them in the locker room. That’s why I’m giving you the guys who have required some Tylenol when around their teammates, because they cause serious headaches.
20. Keyshawn Johnson
“Give me the damn ball.” Remember those famous words from former NFL wideout Keyshawn Johnson? If not, that was the title of his book while still playing in the league, a tell-all that documented his frustration with the lack of passes thrown his way. His unhappiness led to him getting shipped around a few times to different teams, even being deactivated for his failure to cooperate while a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Photo via YouTube
19. Carlos Zambrano
One of the biggest hot-heads in baseball history, former pitcher Carlos Zambrano was known for having a short temper to match his blazing fastball. Not one to stay calm under pressure, Big Z may have earned a lot of money while in the big leagues, but he also developed a reputation as a headhunter and a bad teammate, as evidenced by his dugout fight with catcher Michael Barrett years ago proved.
Photo via YouTube
18. Gilbert Arenas
A former All-Star and a tremendous scorer, the NBA’s Gilbert Arenas always played with a chip on his shoulder after feeling disrespected by every team as he entered the league in 2001. While his temper seemed to be internal motivation, things got testy when he and former teammate Javaris Crittenton pulled guns on one another during a card game in the locker room a few years ago. The turmoil not only divided the team, but got Agent Zero suspended for 50 games.
Photo via YouTube
17. Ryan Leaf
Arguably the biggest bust in NFL history, former quarterback Ryan Leaf never quite understood what it mean to be a professional athlete. Drafted No. 2 overall behind Peyton Manning in 1998, Leaf consistently bickered with both teammates, coaches and the media, failing to show any maturity during his short-lived career. Even with a few chances to change, Leaf never did adapt, and was out of the league after just 25 career games.
Photo via YouTube
16. Milton Bradley
Playing for eight teams in 12 years, former MLB outfielder Milton Bradley has a temper like a child, which prevented him from ever living up to the potential he had as a player. Multiple ejections and dugout arguments with teammates and managers led to his demise, earning him a spot on this list and a reputation as a complete jerk.
Photo via YouTube
15. John Terry
He may be an all-timer in the ranks of English soccer players, but John Terry pulled one of the worst moves ever by bedding one of his teammates’ wives back in 2010. In addition to his act with Wayne Bridge’s lady, Terry has been accused of using racial slurs on the pitch and been involved in off-the-field confrontations such as bar fights. He might be a great player, but Terry is also a Grade-A wanker.
Photo via YouTube
14. Percy Harvin
It might be too soon to add current New York Jets wideout Percy Harvin to this list, but, after seeing how things went down with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, he just had to be mentioned. After being traded by the Minnesota Vikings prior to the 2013 season—even though he won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2009—Harvin ruined a chance at being part of a potential dynasty by letting his ego get in the way of team success. While he won a Super Bowl with Seattle in early 2014, he got shipped out of town after reports of fighting with teammates—both physically and through words during meetings.
Photo via YouTube
13. Sean Avery
Do the words, “sloppy seconds” mean anything to anyone reading? That’s how former NHL player Sean Avery described his feelings towards players who were hooking up with his ex’s, showing that he was nothing but a jerk when it came to dating. On top of that, while on the ice, Avery had a number of questionable incidents and played for four teams before front-offices realized the sideshow wasn’t worth the risk of signing him.
Photo via YouTube
12. Kobe Bryant
In the twilight of his career, Kobe Bryant’s L.A. Lakers teammates might respect him for all that he has accomplished in his Hall of Fame career, but that doesn’t mean that he’s a good teammate. Basically putting down his guys to try and inspire them, The Black Mamba has had a number of confrontations with former teammates, with the most well-publicized being his feuds with big men Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard while both were members of the Lakers. Kobe has always done what Kobe wants, which has been a good and bad decision for him.
Photo via YouTube
11. Bill Romanowski
Once mutilating the face of a teammate, former linebacker Bill Romanowski was as menacing in the locker room as he was while on the field. Linked to steroids throughout his career, Romo had a few instances in which he got in trouble with the league, but his shining moment was the shattered eye socket of Marcus Williams, whose career ended due to the altercation and led to a lawsuit.
Photo via YouTube
10. Jeff Kent
A former league MVP, Jeff Kent may have proven to have skills on the baseball field, but he also proved to be a major jerk. Once seen bickering with another egomaniac—Barry Bonds—while both were members of the San Francisco Giants, Kent never lacked an opinion or took a back seat to anyone. Heck, even after retiring from baseball, he still showed to be a major jerk by his appearance on the TV show Survivo, where he constantly bragged about his success as an athlete.
Photo via YouTube
9. Richie Incognito
One of the most humiliating cases in NFL history, when word surfaced that Richie Incognito was basically bullying then teammate Jonathan Martin when both were members of the Miami Dolphins, it moved the offensive lineman towards the top of this list. Leaving threatening messages on Martin’s cell phone and being investigated for other taunts, Incognito ultimately got released for being such a jerk.
Photo via YouTube
8. Randy Moss
Outspoken and brash, former wideout Randy Moss had his fair share of moments in which he proved to be a poor teammate. Sure, the guy was more talented than most guys in the league, but Moss played with a selfishness that few could match. Shipped out of town by a number of teams due to his attitude, Moss’ career ended abruptly after a Super Bowl loss with the San Francisco 49ers, mainly due to his past.
Photo via YouTube
7. Manny Ramirez
A tremendous hitter, there’s a reason why former slugger Manny Ramirez developed the motto, “Manny being Manny.” It’s because the guy was a loose cannon. Sure, he always seemed to have a smile on his face and had fun, but he did what he want, when he wanted, with those moments upsetting managers and teammates, alike. In addition to his antics, Ramirez was busted twice for using PEDs, showing that his aloofness was more than just fun and games.
Photo via YouTube
6. Albert Haynesworth
Lazy and overweight, when Albert Haynesworth inked a record-setting deal with the Washington Redskins in 2009, his demise began to sink fast. After earning huge money upfront, Big Al failed to cooperate with coaches and teammates afterwards, leading to a trade for insubordination. He also had a few instances during games that led to suspensions and fines, proving that the screws were a little loose in his head.
Photo via YouTube
5. Latrell Sprewell
Once choking out his head coach, former NBA player Latrell Sprewell had some serious issues that clouded any successes he had during his career. While talented, Spree failed to mesh with a few teammates and coaches, making him be remembered for one embarrassing moment that led him to landing so high on this list. In addition to the choking incident, Sprewell also famously turned down millions by saying he, “had a family to feed,” which ended his playing career.
Photo via YouTube
4. Chad Ochocinco
A definite power personality, former wide receiver Chad Johnson definitely knew how to market himself in an entertaining way, but, too many times, it came at the mercy of his teammates. Known for over-the-top celebrations and a name-change to “Ochocinco” from “Johnson,” No. 85 was a master self-promoter who often allowed his selfishness get in the way of team success—as great as he was during his prime.
Photo via YouTube
3. Alex Rodriguez
Much like the aforementioned Kobe Bryant, current MLB slugger Alex Rodriguez has always done what he wanted. Fed with a silver spoon since being selected No. 1 by the Seattle Mariners in 1993, A-Rod became a known jerk the minute he signed the largest deal in sports history back in 2000, putting pressure on him to perform at a high-level that turned him into a selfish player more than anything else. In the years since, Rodriguez has won a World Series and individual awards, but has had a few moments that have proven he is a prima donna.
Photo via YouTube
2. Terrell Owens
You can’t have a list like this without adding former wideout Terrell Owens. An absurd talent who had freakish abilities, T.O. constantly bashed his quarterbacks and argued with offensive coaches for not getting him the ball enough. Famously coining the term, “I love me, some me,” Owens lived by the mantra with his actions, running himself out of the league with his selfishness that teams, finally, got sick of dealing with.
Photo via YouTube
1. Barry Bonds
I mentioned Barry Bonds’ teammate earlier, Jeff Kent, but the *MLB Home Run King was an even worse teammate. Stories of Bonds are legendary, with the former outfielder known to distance himself from those in his own clubhouse strictly out of ego. Linked to PEDs, Bonds’ numbers may claim he has more home runs and league MVPs than anyone else in MLB history, but, because of his past, he probably will never reach Cooperstown.
Photo via YouTube
