Top 10 Most Ridiculous Sports Press Conferences
Script written by Spencer Sher.
Sometimes the best action takes place off the field. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Hilarious Press Conferences in Sports History.
For this list, we’ll be looking at sports press or media conferences in which either a player or coach does or says something that got people laughing.
#10: “They are who we thought they were!”
After blowing a 20-point lead and losing a regular season game to the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green took to the podium for one of the funniest and most memorable press conferences in NFL history. The usually genteel Green begins the presser in a state of disbelief, but quickly launches into a confusing and ill-advised rant about the Bears. His strange, almost incoherent flow is comical for a number of reasons – the most obvious being the crazed look in his eyes as he shouts at a room full of reporters. Although he apologized and his team showed improvement, the Cardinals didn’t “let him off the hook” for this one and Green was let go at the end of the season.
#9: Awkward Silence
One thing is certain when you go from being top dog all the way to third: some things are going to change. Such was the case for NBA power forward Chris Bosh. Choosing to sign with the Miami Heat put Bosh behind Lebron James and Dwyane Wade when it came to popularity. So when a press conference was called after a disappointing playoff loss, Bosh was forced to attend his conference alone, while James and Wade did one together. Bosh is forced to endure long periods of absolute silence, as it appears reporters have nothing to ask him. As his expression turns from confusion to impatience to downright anger, one can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.
#8: “You play to win the game”
Stick to your guns. Following a loss by the New York Jets to the Cleveland Browns, NFL head coach Herm Edwards stood before reporters ready to answer questions. However, he quickly launched into a tirade that has since achieved legendary sound bite status. Edwards’ reaction – a mix of anger and indifference – is an example of what happens when a disgruntled coach has to answer questions day in and day out. What makes this clip so funny is the look in Edwards’ eyes as he repeatedly says his famous line. It is as if he is explaining to these reporters the late breaking story that the sky is blue.
#7: Crying Over Another Man
You should never feel good for laughing at someone who is crying – although this press conference may be an exception to the rule. When asked about the poor play of his Dallas Cowboy teammate, Tony Romo, the eccentric wide receiver can’t seem to keep it together emotionally. Hidden by a pair of dark sunglasses, Owens awkwardly tries to defend one of his fellow players while crying. Nearly any other player in the NFL would have been hailed with praise for allowing himself to supposedly appear weak in a league defined by strength. However, based on T.O.’s antics over the course of his career, many saw this press conference as just another instance of a man looking for attention.
#6: “Cats and Dogs”
As a college level football coach you need to find ways to motivate your players. The press conference given by head coach David Bennett comparing his Coastal Carolina players to cats and dogs can hardly be construed as motivating – a better word would be “amusing.” What makes this press conference great is the way Bennett tells his story. The rapid-fire delivery mixed with Bennett’s thick South Carolina accent makes it difficult to understand whether or not the story is meant to be funny or serious. The entire press conference is a roller coaster of emotion – with the coach using various voices to recount the tale of the cat and the dog. Hopefully his players got the message.
#5: “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”
Constantly having to answer reporter’s questions is part of being a pro athlete. However, there are always loopholes for those who simply don’t care. NFL running back Marshawn Lynch has made a career out of running people over; however, it’s his quiet reserve that has netted him the best sound bites. Take this press conference, in which Lynch answers every question with “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”. What makes this clip so hilarious are the reporters who continue to ask ‘Beast Mode’ questions even after he has made it perfectly clear he only brought one answer. Lynch’s indifference towards the situation makes the presser both comical and memorable.
#4: “Playoffs?”
Contrary to popular belief, former NFL coach Jim Mora did not simply repeat the word “playoffs” in an awkward voice for an entire press conference - although he may as well have. This infamous sound bite was part of a larger press conference about the play of his team – the Indianapolis Colts’ - in their most recent game. After lamenting the fact that they’d suffered five turnovers, Mora turned his attention to a reporter who asked whether or not he believed the team could make the playoffs. Mora’s strange delivery and immediate head cock gives him the appearance of a squawking chicken.
#3: Leg Biting, Crotch-grabbing & More
Anytime a press conference ends with you grabbing your crotch and letting loose a string of homophobic slurs, it’s probably safe to say that it didn’t go very well. Back in 2002, Mike Tyson did just those things. Iron Mike was set to fight Lennox Lewis for the heavyweight boxing championship. But when a press conference was called in New York, things quickly fell apart as Tyson rushed his opponent - inciting a brawl. Not enough for the ear-biter, Tyson grabbed a microphone and began hurling insults at various reporters in attendance. What makes this press conference so funny is Tyson’s complete lack of restraint. Even his handlers appear to be afraid of him.
#2: “I’m a man!”
No matter how right you may be, screaming at the top of your lungs in a room filled with reporters is never a good idea. Such was the case with Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy. Speaking after his team won a game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, he begins by bringing up a news article that was written about one of his players. He boisterously voices his negative thoughts on the piece before launching into the infamous tirade about how he is a 40 year old man. The fury in Gundy’s eyes as he bounces around the podium quickly turns from scary to hilarious as he continues to scream and yell like a petulant child. What’s wrong with a good old-fashioned letter to the editor?
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “When the seagulls follow the trawler”
Eric Cantona (1995)
- Calling Out a Dumb Reporter
Nicolas Mahut (2014)
- Emotional Explosion
Kevin Borseth (2008)
#1: “Practice”
If there were a Hall of Fame for press conferences, Allen Iverson’s rant about practice would surely be on the first ballot. After the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, the former basketball star begins by addressing a reporter’s question about him missing a team practice. He then proceeds to repeatedly mention that the subject they are discussing is practice. Not a game, but practice. Practice. Practice. Not the game, practice. Practice. What makes this press conference unique is the amount of self-awareness that Iverson possesses. He understands how ridiculous the situation is, but he’s going to ride it out. He does have a point though: who wants to talk about practice?
Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the funniest sports press conference? For more entertaining Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com
Top 10 Hilarious Press Conferences in Sports History
Sometimes the best action takes place off the field. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Hilarious Press Conferences in Sports History.
For this list, we’ll be looking at sports press or media conferences in which either a player or coach does or says something that got people laughing.
#10: “They are who we thought they were!”
Dennis Green (2006)
After blowing a 20-point lead and losing a regular season game to the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green took to the podium for one of the funniest and most memorable press conferences in NFL history. The usually genteel Green begins the presser in a state of disbelief, but quickly launches into a confusing and ill-advised rant about the Bears. His strange, almost incoherent flow is comical for a number of reasons – the most obvious being the crazed look in his eyes as he shouts at a room full of reporters. Although he apologized and his team showed improvement, the Cardinals didn’t “let him off the hook” for this one and Green was let go at the end of the season.#9: Awkward Silence
Chris Bosh (2011)
One thing is certain when you go from being top dog all the way to third: some things are going to change. Such was the case for NBA power forward Chris Bosh. Choosing to sign with the Miami Heat put Bosh behind Lebron James and Dwyane Wade when it came to popularity. So when a press conference was called after a disappointing playoff loss, Bosh was forced to attend his conference alone, while James and Wade did one together. Bosh is forced to endure long periods of absolute silence, as it appears reporters have nothing to ask him. As his expression turns from confusion to impatience to downright anger, one can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.#8: “You play to win the game”
Herm Edwards (2002)
Stick to your guns. Following a loss by the New York Jets to the Cleveland Browns, NFL head coach Herm Edwards stood before reporters ready to answer questions. However, he quickly launched into a tirade that has since achieved legendary sound bite status. Edwards’ reaction – a mix of anger and indifference – is an example of what happens when a disgruntled coach has to answer questions day in and day out. What makes this clip so funny is the look in Edwards’ eyes as he repeatedly says his famous line. It is as if he is explaining to these reporters the late breaking story that the sky is blue.#7: Crying Over Another Man
Terrell Owens (2008)
You should never feel good for laughing at someone who is crying – although this press conference may be an exception to the rule. When asked about the poor play of his Dallas Cowboy teammate, Tony Romo, the eccentric wide receiver can’t seem to keep it together emotionally. Hidden by a pair of dark sunglasses, Owens awkwardly tries to defend one of his fellow players while crying. Nearly any other player in the NFL would have been hailed with praise for allowing himself to supposedly appear weak in a league defined by strength. However, based on T.O.’s antics over the course of his career, many saw this press conference as just another instance of a man looking for attention.#6: “Cats and Dogs”
David Bennett (2011)
As a college level football coach you need to find ways to motivate your players. The press conference given by head coach David Bennett comparing his Coastal Carolina players to cats and dogs can hardly be construed as motivating – a better word would be “amusing.” What makes this press conference great is the way Bennett tells his story. The rapid-fire delivery mixed with Bennett’s thick South Carolina accent makes it difficult to understand whether or not the story is meant to be funny or serious. The entire press conference is a roller coaster of emotion – with the coach using various voices to recount the tale of the cat and the dog. Hopefully his players got the message.#5: “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”
Marshawn Lynch (2015)
Constantly having to answer reporter’s questions is part of being a pro athlete. However, there are always loopholes for those who simply don’t care. NFL running back Marshawn Lynch has made a career out of running people over; however, it’s his quiet reserve that has netted him the best sound bites. Take this press conference, in which Lynch answers every question with “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”. What makes this clip so hilarious are the reporters who continue to ask ‘Beast Mode’ questions even after he has made it perfectly clear he only brought one answer. Lynch’s indifference towards the situation makes the presser both comical and memorable. #4: “Playoffs?”
Jim E. Mora (2001)
Contrary to popular belief, former NFL coach Jim Mora did not simply repeat the word “playoffs” in an awkward voice for an entire press conference - although he may as well have. This infamous sound bite was part of a larger press conference about the play of his team – the Indianapolis Colts’ - in their most recent game. After lamenting the fact that they’d suffered five turnovers, Mora turned his attention to a reporter who asked whether or not he believed the team could make the playoffs. Mora’s strange delivery and immediate head cock gives him the appearance of a squawking chicken.#3: Leg Biting, Crotch-grabbing & More
Mike Tyson (2002)
Anytime a press conference ends with you grabbing your crotch and letting loose a string of homophobic slurs, it’s probably safe to say that it didn’t go very well. Back in 2002, Mike Tyson did just those things. Iron Mike was set to fight Lennox Lewis for the heavyweight boxing championship. But when a press conference was called in New York, things quickly fell apart as Tyson rushed his opponent - inciting a brawl. Not enough for the ear-biter, Tyson grabbed a microphone and began hurling insults at various reporters in attendance. What makes this press conference so funny is Tyson’s complete lack of restraint. Even his handlers appear to be afraid of him.#2: “I’m a man!”
Mike Gundy (2007)
No matter how right you may be, screaming at the top of your lungs in a room filled with reporters is never a good idea. Such was the case with Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy. Speaking after his team won a game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, he begins by bringing up a news article that was written about one of his players. He boisterously voices his negative thoughts on the piece before launching into the infamous tirade about how he is a 40 year old man. The fury in Gundy’s eyes as he bounces around the podium quickly turns from scary to hilarious as he continues to scream and yell like a petulant child. What’s wrong with a good old-fashioned letter to the editor?Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “When the seagulls follow the trawler”
Eric Cantona (1995)
- Calling Out a Dumb Reporter
Nicolas Mahut (2014)
- Emotional Explosion
Kevin Borseth (2008)
#1: “Practice”
Allen Iverson (2002)
If there were a Hall of Fame for press conferences, Allen Iverson’s rant about practice would surely be on the first ballot. After the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, the former basketball star begins by addressing a reporter’s question about him missing a team practice. He then proceeds to repeatedly mention that the subject they are discussing is practice. Not a game, but practice. Practice. Practice. Not the game, practice. Practice. What makes this press conference unique is the amount of self-awareness that Iverson possesses. He understands how ridiculous the situation is, but he’s going to ride it out. He does have a point though: who wants to talk about practice?Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the funniest sports press conference? For more entertaining Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com
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