In light of Tyreek Hill’s recent arrest just days before the Miami Dolphins’ first game of the season, we’ve taken a look back at some of the most notable arrests in American sports history. From high-profile athletes facing legal troubles to shocking scandals that rocked the sports world, these incidents have had lasting impacts on both players’ careers and the teams they represented. Here, we count down the top 10 most infamous arrests in American sports, highlighting the moments that transcended the games and made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
1. OJ Simpson (NFL) – 1994
Perhaps the most infamous case in sports history, O.J. Simpson’s arrest following the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman shook the world. After a highly publicized trial, known as “The Trial of the Century,” Simpson was acquitted in 1995. However, he was later found liable for their deaths in a civil trial. Simpson’s life remained turbulent with a 2007 armed robbery arrest in Las Vegas, leading to a prison sentence.
A black man OJ SIMPSON being chased for an ARREST having been suspected of MURDERING his wife pic.twitter.com/EEGjAFhDAR
— NaneNane (@ItsMnyika) June 18, 2021
2. Aaron Hernandez (NFL) – 2013
The promising career of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez came to a tragic halt after he was arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd. Hernandez’s fall from grace was swift, as he was convicted of first-degree murder in 2015. The star was also investigated in connection to other shootings, casting a dark shadow over his brief yet explosive NFL career. Hernandez died by suicide in 2017 while serving his life sentence.
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
A three-part doc series, coming January 15 pic.twitter.com/2aGW2KA5Ck
— Netflix (@netflix) December 20, 2019
3. Michael Vick (NFL) – 2007
Michael Vick’s electrifying style of play made him one of the NFL’s biggest stars, but his involvement in an illegal dog-fighting ring led to his shocking arrest in 2007. Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges related to animal cruelty and served nearly two years in prison. His reputation took a massive hit, although he later returned to the NFL and became a strong advocate for animal rights.
4. Tiger Woods (Golf) – 2017
Golf legend Tiger Woods has faced several controversies, but his 2017 arrest in Florida on suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence) was one of the lowest points in his career. Woods, found asleep at the wheel of his car, later revealed that the incident was due to a mix of prescription medications rather than alcohol. His arrest mugshot became viral, marking a difficult chapter for one of golf’s greatest players.
Tiger Woods has been arrested in Florida on a drink-driving charge.
Full story https://t.co/HhngJaihWe pic.twitter.com/Bj2q68NsL0
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 29, 2017
5. Ray Rice (NFL) – 2014
Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was arrested after shocking surveillance footage emerged of him assaulting his then-fiancée, Janay Palmer, in an elevator. The incident led to Rice being suspended indefinitely from the NFL, and his contract with the Ravens was terminated. The case ignited a nationwide conversation about domestic violence in sports, and Rice has since worked as an advocate for domestic violence awareness.
6. Kobe Bryant (NBA) – 2003
In 2003, NBA star Kobe Bryant was arrested after being accused of sexual assault by a 19-year-old hotel employee in Colorado. Bryant admitted to an adulterous relationship but maintained that the encounter was consensual. The case was dropped in 2004 after the accuser decided not to testify, and a civil settlement was reached. The arrest significantly impacted Bryant’s career and reputation, though he later rebuilt his image and legacy.
7. Plaxico Burress (NFL) – 2008
In a bizarre incident, NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a New York nightclub with an unregistered firearm tucked into his waistband. He was arrested for gun possession and later sentenced to two years in prison. Burress’ career with the New York Giants effectively ended after the incident, but his case raised awareness about the dangers of gun ownership among athletes.
8. Dennis Rodman (NBA) – Multiple Arrests
NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman’s colorful personality has often landed him in trouble with the law. Rodman has been arrested multiple times over the years, including for domestic violence, DUI, and disturbing the peace. His volatile behavior off the court is as legendary as his on-court rebounding skills, contributing to his controversial persona.
9. Adrian Peterson (NFL) – 2014
In 2014, Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson was arrested and charged with child abuse after using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son. Peterson faced significant backlash from the public and the NFL, leading to his suspension for most of the 2014 season. The case brought attention to the issue of corporal punishment in the U.S. and its role in child-rearing practices.
10. Rae Carruth (NFL) – 1999
Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth was arrested for his role in the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Cherica Adams, in 1999. Carruth was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, as he had hired a hitman to kill Adams. The incident shocked the sports world and led to Carruth being sentenced to 18 years in prison. Carruth was released in 2018 after serving his sentence, but his name remains synonymous with one of the most disturbing cases in sports history.
