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Bryant, Kobe ©Getty Images/Ronald Martinez
In the realm of sports, both success and the fallout from wrongdoing are cherished. Teams and athletes might occasionally find themselves in violation of the rules of professional leagues or international contests, incurring heavy fines as a result. These sanctions have the power to completely alter the sports industry, redefine careers, and ruin reputations. They are not only a slap on the wrist.
This is a list of some of the heaviest fines in sports history, ranging from billionaire pocket change to sums large enough to purchase tiny islands, along with the actions of the guilty parties that led to these staggering amounts. Here, there are no winners.
1. John McEnroe Uses His Sharp Tongue to Abuse an Official
1987 is the year of the fine.
Estimated Total Fine: $17,500*
John McEnroe, the original "bad boy" of tennis, was known for losing his composure and acting a little out of control. Unfortunately, the chair umpire of the particular match was generally the target of his outbursts. McEnroe's tantrums may have reached their zenith during a 1987 US Open match.
John McEnroe Uses His Sharp Tongue to Abuse an Official © Tony Duffy/Getty Photos
After a series of altercations with the match umpire, during which John expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the match had been called, McEnroe was handed multiple unsportsmanlike penalties. McEnroe's vocal performance earned him a two-month suspension and a $17,500 fine, which was a substantial sum of money in 1987.
2. Kobe Bryant Used the Wrong Phrase
Year of Fine: 2011
Estimated Total Fine: $100,000*
Early in his career, the late Kobe Bryant dealt with a number of personal problems off the court, including infidelity and the inability to get along with a certain 7-foot-1 future Hall of Fame teammate. Even so, he consistently appeared to maintain composure after stepping onto the court until 2011, the year his feelings overcame him.
Kobe Bryant Selects the Incorrect Word ©Getty Images/Ronald Martinez
After he was called for a technical foul, Kobe became so enraged that he started yelling an anti-homosexual slur loud enough for the NBA to take notice and punish him a whopping $100,000. Bryant self-corrected, blaming his actions' provocateurs for incompetence and personal frustration.
