The 25 Most Unsportsmanlike Acts in NBA History

Who is the worst-behaved basketball player ever?

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Today marks the ninth anniversary of the infamous "Malice at the Palace" incident, which stands as one of the worst moments in the history of professional basketball. While it is certainly commonplace for tempers to flare on the court, sometimes players can take things entirely too far, and the result can be some pretty unsightly events that lead to fines, suspensions, and (in some cases) the permanent tarnishing of reputations.

Legends like Julius Erving and Larry Bird have been known to mix it up right alongside notorious troublemakers like Dennis Rodman and Bill Laimbeer, although punishments for their involvement have varied widely across the league's different eras. On this dubious anniversary, let's take a look at the 25 Most Unsportsmanlike Acts in NBA History.

RELATED: The 50 Most Unsportsmanlike Acts in Sports History

25. Knicks and Nuggets brawl on the court and in the stands.

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24. Dennis Rodman headbutts referee.

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23. Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton bring guns into locker room.

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22. Rasheed Wallace confronts referee in parking lot after a game.

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21. Nick Van Exel shoves referee into scorer's table after being ejected.

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20. Vernon Maxwell goes into stands and punches fan.

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19. Karl Malone hits Isiah Thomas in the face with a flying elbow.

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18. Shaq and Charles Barkley mix it up in the paint.

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17. The Bulls and Knicks throw down in the playoffs right in front of the commissioner.

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16. Robert Parish assaults Bill Laimbeer.

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15. Dr. J and the 76ers triple team Larry Bird.

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14. Latrell Sprewell chokes coach P.J. Carlesimo.

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13. Scottie Pippen refuses to enter playoff game.

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12. Chris Childs gives Kobe Bryant the two piece special.

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11. Andrew Bynum tries to wipe out J.J. Barea.

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10. Bill Laimbeer picks a fight with Rick Mahorn.

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9. Jeff Van Gundy hangs on for dear life.

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8. Tree Rollins bites Danny Ainge.

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7. Serge Ibaka makes Blake Griffin bow down.

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Ralph Sampson (7' 4") punches Jerry Sichting (6' 1").

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5. Kevin McHale clotheslines Kurt Rambis.

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4. Charles Barkley spits on a fan.

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3. Dennis Rodman kicks a cameraman in the groin.

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2. Kermit Washington punches Rudy Tomjanovich.

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1. Malice at the Palace

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