5 most controversial players in NBA history

By Edcel Panganiban January 06, 2024 23:41

The NBA has had some controversial characters in its prodigious past. From antics on the court to off-court scandals, these players have frequently been at the center of controversy — and subsequently under a microscope for fans (and media reporters) everywhere. So today, we are going to check the top 5 most controversial players in NBA History and explore what controversies they caused and what their impact on the league.

Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman might be the most controversial NBA player of all time. Rodman, who was known for his flamboyant personality with colorful hair and outlandish style on the court – was often considered controversial in political circles. His conduct on the court included an incident where he kicked a cameraman and that time when series head butt to a coach. Off the court, relationships with celebrities and erratic behavior only furthered his controversial image. Yet Rodman, a defense savant known for his rebounding and defensive ferocity in this era-made the Hall of Fame.

Ron Artest, or Metta World Peace

Now going by the name of Metta World Peace. Ron Artest also had his fair share of controversy. Artest was at the center of many incidents, including charging into the stands to challenge a fan during a game in southeast Michigan — an altercation that has come to be known as "Malice at the Palace." The incident led to numerous suspensions and a stained reputation. Artest eventually changed his name to the infinitely more positive Metta World Peace later in life, where he promoted an NBA career built on peace and love—on top of scoring baskets.

Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson, aka "The Answer" was a great player and seemed to be the coolest dude in the world if you were under 20 or so. You saw the rebellious Iverson, with his tatted-up body and cornrows sticking it to all convention that made him an easy target.

Over the next few years, he fought with coaches and also off the court with a heavily televised arrest. But regardless of what you think, Iverson left a huge imprint on the game and his iconic crossover will forever be recognized as one of the best in NBA history.

Latrell Sprewell

The most infamous moment of his career came in 1997 when he choked head coach P.J. Carlesimo during a practice session. This act of violence earned Sprewell the most severe suspension ever handed down to an NBA player and marked him, justifiably so, across the league as a dangerous man. While Sprewell continued to play in the NBA after all of these events, that is his most remembered incident.

Gilbert Arenas

At one point, Gilbert Arenas was seen as an up-and-coming star in the NBA before derailing his career by taking part in a highly publicized locker room fiasco. That same season (2009) Arenas had an altercation involving guns with teammate Javaris Crittenton that saw both players suspended and ultimately waived by their teams. The Brandon Shaw incident didn't just derail Arenas, it exposed an ugly side of gun violence among professional athletes.

Nothing stokes the flames of an already fiery, emotional NBA more than a bit of controversy. Though some of these players have been caught in one or more controversies, they were also outstanding athletes who contributed to their task team's success.