Top 10 Outbursts By Athletes Caught On Camera

Top 10 Athlete Meltdowns Caught On Camera

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Athlete Meltdowns Caught On Camera.

For this list, we’ll be looking at instances when athletes lost control and couldn’t keep their emotions in check for the whole world to see. Yes, rants will be included.

Which outburst did YOU find most appalling? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

#10: Derek Anderson

In this day and age, coverage of sporting events has evolved so drastically that there are cameras everywhere that will catch pretty much just about everything. Case in point: this game right here. Down 18 points against the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th quarter, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson was shown smiling and laughing on the sideline. During a press conference after the game, he was naturally asked about it. He was initially calm, but when continuously being pestered about the details, he had had enough. He later walked off the stage. His tenure with the Cardinals was not, however, a laughing matter, and he was released after the conclusion of the 2010 season.

#9: Dennis Rodman

This basketball star has and continues to make so many headlines we could probably make our own list about all the crazy things he has done both on and off the court. But for this list, we’ll be going with this notorious incident. During the third quarter of a game between the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, Rodman failed to get a rebound. Tripping over a cameraman, he let him know he was not happy about it. He supposedly hurt him so bad that the poor guy had to be taken to the hospital. Rodman was suspended 11 games, fined and even forced to pay the man he unleashed his fury at. Just another day for the worm we suppose!

#8: Serena Williams

Considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Williams has had her fair share of outbursts throughout her career. The one most often remembered however took place during the 2018 U.S. Open Women’s final. Facing Naomi Osaka, she was given a violation for getting coaching during the match, and this made her furious. Appalled at being accused of cheating, she would later unleash her fury on the umpire, demanding an apology. She even accused him of being a thief. She would later plead her case with officials. Regardless of whether you think she was in the right or the wrong, if there’s one thing for certain, it’s that Williams knows how to stand her ground.

#7: Roberto Alomar

When the Baltimore Orioles visited the Toronto Blue Jays in 1996, a called “strike three” on Roberto Alomar made him go absolutely ballistic. He proceeded to take his rage out on plate umpire John Hirschbeck. When Alomar continued to mouth off at Hirschbeck, the latter tossed him out of the game. Alomar was so furious that he went right up to him and literally spit in his face. Alomar claimed that Hirschbeck had used racist remarks, and the former even made insensitive comments regarding Hirschbeck’s family history. Fortunately, the two would eventually make amends, shaking hands before a game months later. They even became friends afterwards.

#6: Jim Everett

During this now infamous interview, former NFL quarterback Jim Everett was constantly being called Chris by interviewer and host Jim Rome. Already having a bone to pick with Rome for bashing him and calling him by that name in public even prior to the sit down, Everett warned him not to call him Chris. Rome did so anyway. Bad move. Everett was supposedly warned before the interview that Rome would call him Chris, but it didn’t matter. While Rome did show some regret for how the events transpired, Everett meanwhile was unapologetic for how he handled the situation. If there’s a lesson to take from this, it’s that if you’re ever around him, just call him by his first name and not Chris….

#5: Mikhail Youzhny

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary during a tennis match between Mikhail Youzhny and Nicolás Almagro in the third round of the 2008 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. But after having lost a point, Youzhny went berserk. Instead of striking his racket into the ground like most players often do, the Russian pro repeatedly hit himself in the head. This resulted in him sustaining a wound, causing him to bleed everywhere. He was clearly embarrassed at his self-inflicted injury as he attempted to wipe the blood away. It even required medical treatment. But somehow and some way, Youzhny found a way to come back from the ordeal and won the match.

#4: Metta Sandiford-Artest

Near the end of a 2004 game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons, Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly Ron Artest) fouled center Ben Wallace. Wallace didn’t appreciate the gesture, and let him know by shoving him. He continued to try and confront Artest. Players, referees and coaches tried to defuse the situation, but it soon took a bizarre turn when Artest decided to lay down on the scorer’s table. All hell broke loose though when a cup of beer was thrown directly at Artest. Upon being hit, Artest instantly ran to the stands attacking the first person he could get his hands on. Chaos between fans and players ensued, and the event became known as the “Malice at the Palace”. Artest was fined and suspended the entire season.

#3: Zinedine Zidane

During the 2006 World Cup final match, Zizou was constantly jawing with Italian player Marco Materazzi. Eventually, the trash talking came to a head, literally. After an exchange of words, Zidane headbutted Materazzi’s chest, knocking him to the ground. Zidane was subsequently handed a red card and sent off. Italy would go on to win the game after outscoring France during the penalty shoot-out, where Zidane’s presence and scoring ability was clearly missed. Although Zizou still had an illustrious career, it’s this very incident that will forever be etched in our memories.

#2: John McEnroe

In the history of tennis, there is perhaps no one who’s become more infamous or known for his outbursts on the court than John McEnroe (perhaps Nick Krygios is well on his way there, but that’s another story.) McEnroe’s most infamous incident occurred during his match against Tom Gullikson at Wimbledon in 1981. At one point, McEnroe disagreed with the umpire’s decision on his return of a serve being ruled out. He famously yelled the now iconic line: SB [“You cannot be serious!”] Another notable outburst occurred in 1984 at the Stockholm Open semifinal match against Anders Järryd, which saw McEnroe continue his trademark umpire bashing by calling the one officiating his game a jerk. He proceeded to use his racket to hit a tray of drinks among other items. He was fined $2,100.

Before we unveil our picks, here are a few honorable, or should we say dishonorable mentions.

Richard Sherman
We’re Not Sure What’s More Entertaining; The Meltdown or Erin Andrews’ Face During the Interview

Frank Francisco
Some Heckling Resulted in This MLB Pitcher Throwing Chairs at Fans

Allen Iverson
I Mean, It Was Just Practice…

Ryan Leaf
Unfortunately, Some People Can’t Handle the Pressure of Being A Franchise Quarterback

Terrell Owens
To This Day, We Have Yet To See Anybody in the NFL Defend Their Quarterback So Passionately

#1. Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson was already seen as one of the wildest and most eccentric personalities in boxing, and has often let his emotions get the best of him on several occasions. But, nothing could prepare anyone for what was about to come during his rematch against Evander Holyfield in 1997. Frustrated by his opponent's constant headbutting which went unpenalized, Tyson bit his opponent’s ear. Not once, but twice! He was disqualified for his actions. Despite his accomplishments in the ring and the ferocious style which made him a household name in the sport of boxing, the ear bite would taint his career, although he doesn’t think so.