1. 2001
In February 2001 Dale Earnhardt one of the greatest and well-known NASCAR racers was killed in a collision. The seven-time champ slammed into a barricade on the race’s last lap. The crash was startling and tragic but it led to improvements in the sports safety. Well if you can call race-car driving a sport.
2. 2001
Tiger Woods victories in the 2001 Masters was something to behold. The first billionaire athlete was the first golfer to win the four current majors in succession. And he won eight more majors in the last ten years. Woods is just four short of topping Jack Nicklaus’ record.
3. 2003
Kobe Bryant faced allegations of rape. Apparently the incident took place between Bryant and a hotel employee. Supposedly it was consensual, but Kobe and his wife were able to work out their problems and move past the betrayal issue after she got a $4 million ring. The criminal charges were later dropped and the civil suit was settled secretly with the compromise undisclosed.
4. 2003
In 2003, steroid scandals were everywhere. Some of baseball’s most well-known and least known players were caught. Players like Alex Rodriguez and Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi admitted to using but others have constantly denied the allegation. Several were even called before Congress for questions.
5. 2004
Pat Tillman was presented a $3.6 million contract to play for the Cardinals but decided to enlist as an Army Ranger. The NFL wanted him but he preferred to serve his country. He was sent to Afghanistan and was killed in what was later found to be friendly fire.
6. 2004
On of the greatest moments in the last 10 years was when Boston won the World Series for the first time since 1918. This victory ended the “Curse of the Bambino†which was what evidently kept the team from winning previously. It only took 88-years to get past, but it did come to pass.
7. 2005
Not only did Lance Armstrong beat cancer but also won his seventh successive Tour de France. The victory was pleasing for the seven time winner; considering that no one else has won the title more than five times. Is he the best athlete?
8. 2007
This was the year of the infamous Michael Vick incident. His image changed and he faced federal charges and a prison term for 21 months, plus two more years of home confinement. He was released from prison on July 20, 2009 because of dog fighting and he now plays in Philadelphia. The crime and prison sentence weren’t sufficient to keep this athlete off the field.
9. 2008
Phelps succeeded in earning eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. He was unstoppable and swam his way into Olympic history. He was able to secure eight gold medals in all of the eight events. He worked hard to accomplish his dreams and he could do no wrong until his image was tainted by a video of him using drugs.
10. 2009
When Tiger crashed his Cadillac Escalade he probably didn’t realize his image, career, and marriage were also going to take a blow. Now everyone’s waiting to see what Tiger will do next. His ‘transgressions’ have come to kick him in the behind. Now we’ll see how Tiger claws his way out of this mess.
Are you interested in sports? If so, then a Master of Science in Entertainment, Sports and Recreation Management Degree or general online education could help you.
Do you think that Michael Vick should be allowed to play for Philadelphia or any other team? I be leave that everyone should get one second change we all make mistakes.
He may be one good football player, But I am certain that there are others that will play as well and have more character that our kids can look up to.
Were should that line be drawn? Michael Vick returned to that NFL, signing one two-year contract with that Philadelphia Eagles. Can anyone with an impartial view point elaborate on this issue? That problem here,as I see it,is that he has to be one roll model.
This is not like taking drugs or getting one DUI this is committing murder. Think about that message we are sending if we condone his actions. That is part of what your responsibility is to get that fame and big bucks.
– Joanna Roberts