The 50 Biggest Athlete Style Fails

Image via Complex Original

When: February 2008

In light of recent events, this just covers the entire spectrum of fail.

When: June 2012

Too fancy for a hoedown, and too country for a soirée, LeBron's shirt is just all types of wrong. Sorry King James, but this is peasant-wear.

When: 2012

It's cold as shit in Buffalo, but other types of hats surely must exist besides a fitted with furry doggie ear flaps. Yeah it must be boring to live in Buffalo but that doesn't mean you gotta resort to things like this!

When: 2005

With the exception of RiFF RAFF and James Franco in Spring Breakers, have you ever known a white dude who could pull off braids? And if you could think of a third, surely his name would not be Vladimir Radmanovic. This is probably the reason why Seattle lost their Supersonics.

When: September 2011

Even for Johnny Weir, this outfit is a total fail. Just pray he doesn't try to do a triple axle in this little number.

When: 2012

Sean Avery made sure that everyone knew he was into fashion when he was still on the NY Rangers. Well in case you forgot, here's Avery in all his glory being captured by the famed Terry Richardson, who somehow manages to get every single photo subject out of at least half their outfit, Avery included. While it's unknown for sure if Avery has retired, who would dare to go back to the NHL after this photoshoot? He'd be skating all day with a target on his back.

When: 2002-2009

Didier Drogba isn't used to second place, but he'll have to settle when it comes to the Euro Trashiest of professional football behind Cristiano Ronaldo. His style has definitely improved in the last few years, but with that hair, he'll always hold a special and despised place in our hearts when it comes to style.

When: 2007 - Present

Along with the cast of Jersey Shore, Paul Malignaggi has set back Italian-American stereotypes and relations several years. He has a stellar boxing record, but his style needs to get knocked the fuck out.

When: Summer 2012

America fell in love with Lochte overnight in 2012, and then we all woke up the next morning ashamed and full of regret, again. Why did we ignore the red flag of Lochte's American flag grill that he wanted to wear on the medal podium? The signs were all there!

When: August 1999

It didn't matter what your creed, morals, or beliefs were; this cover simply made everyone uncomfortable. But maybe we can applaud Ditka's commitment to the game?

When: 2006

We had no idea we could hate John Rocker more than 1999, but here we are. After his despicable "Speak English" campaign and these outfits, our rage is at all-time highs.

When: February 2010

If your nickname is The Boss, then you're allowed to get a chain of your own face. But if you're a no-name coming off the bench on a team chock full of future Hall of Famers, then you have no business getting a 3-D pendant made in the likeness of your own dome. You have to earn the level of flamboyance that Rick Ross has achieved.

When: February 2010

The "raw" photographs of Tiger Woods were taken before his infidelity scandal broke, but the Vanity Fair issue hit newsstands soon after the world found out about his freaky tendencies, which only fueled the fire. This was 100% the wrong time for Tiger to go for a "Bad Boy" image.

When: 1997 - Present

Guys, have you ever thought a guy is really cool because he's wearing Tapout? Ladies, have you ever really wanted to talk to the guy at the bar who's wearing Affliction? Case closed.

When: December 2007

The year 2007 was going along just fine, and then the Lakers organization threw this at us. Did we really need to see Derek Fisher in short shorts? There's a reason why we've evolved away from this.

When: 2006

Scot Pollard is like the poor man's Dennis Rodman, which is still saying something. The bleached mohawk and double beard ponytail make Pollard look like the villain of a weird Japanese children's cartoon, which is downright scary.

When: August 2011

Bleaching a guy's hair has hardly ever gone well, and A.J. Burnett only proves the theory. Of course, looking like A.J. Burnett doesn't help.

When: Circa 2004 - 2012

It's gotta be hard to be a big man and dress well, but that's no excuse to simply give up. Even residents of Orlando knew that Dwight Howard was committing a flagrant style foul when he stepped out in the largest pair of cargo shorts ever.

When: 1991 - Present

John Daly may have won several battles in his life, but he's definitely lost the sartorial war. Yes, golf is a chance for old white men to dress like Yalies on acid, but Daly manages to continuously take it too damn far. There's a very wide, argyle-patterned line between acceptably outrageous golf attire and what Daly does, and it's pretty clear which side he falls on.

When: Circa 1980s

Sadly, Bosworth's entire career could be considered a fail. His combo flattop-mullet wasn't helping his cause at all, and when he incorporated a rainbow into the whole Hulk Hogan x Mr. T x Flock of Seagulls: game over.

When: 1997 - 2001

While this is kinda-sorta manly, it's also really-very gross. Wendell was a pitcher with numerous irrational superstitions, including gnawing on huge gobs of licorice and brushing his (own) teeth between innings. This, though, was definitely one of the most morbid and, admittedly, kinda cool things that this kook brought onto the field with him.

When: 1991 - 1995

In the early '90s, scientists were baffled by the dexterity and athletic skills of a specimen perceived to be the missing link that had the potential to shift evolution from theory to law. How could this pre-historic creature socialize and adapt so well in a modern setting? Then they realized that it was John Kruk.

When: April 1991

With his cuffed jean shorts, hick-ass haircut, and thin gold chain, Favre was about as Buckwild as they come. Yeah, he was eventually one of the greateset quarterbacks of all time, but this picture defines Favre through and through. Country. As. Fuck.

When: 2002 - 2009

If you thought the years 2002 - 2009 were bad for American style, then just take a look at Cristiano Ronaldo's wardrobe from that era. But we can't hate the dude fully, since whatever he's doing is clearly working for him. 

When: February 2013

With nothing really happening on the court during this year's dunk contest, Shaq, Charles Barkley, and the rest of the TNT crew turned their attention the crowd. And how could their eyes not be caught by Darryl Dawkins' Pepto-Bismol jacket? They killed a good amount of time between missed dunks to clown on the objectively awful jacket, and hopefully "Chocolate Thunder" won't wear his Easter suit court-side next year. 

When: Circa 2000 - Present

In the '90s, Sampras and his full head of Grecian locks dominated the sport. Then, even though Sampras' level of play continued to be at or near the top of the game in the eary 2000s, his hair game was on the fast decline. Young men across the country had to watch their greatest nightmare play out in the national spotlight. 

When: 2010

Almost, but not quite. Still though, who would have ever thought that Kimbo Slice would be capable of doing anything remotely silly?! Unless, of course, he's trying to be intimidating? If that's what he thinks then we have reason to be truly terrified...

When: 1990-1999

Jagr was able to slash through defenders so effortlessly because no defenseman wanted this thing anywhere near him. In a sport known for its gross mullets, Jagr is king.

When: 2007

Bring up any piece of this outfit and the answer is "No." The only positive of this is that Noah is clearly having fun cheesing for the camera and about to make millions, so he gets an eventual pass. Still though, this elicited so much damn head shaking.

When: 2012

This jacket has no idea what it's trying to do, or what it wants to be.

When: 2005 - 2010

Everyone knows the NBA instituted a dress code in 2005 to combat Iverson's flagrant sartorial middle finger to David Stern, and to "improve" the league's image. Take that as you will, but it's pretty clear that AI either didn't know how a suit was supposed to fit or took style inspiration from David Byrne's comically oversized suits. 

When: 2003 - 2008

It started at Gonzaga, and at this point Adam Morrison's hair has extended it's reach into his brain. In 2008 he chopped it off, but the mane soon grew back again. By now, he's more follicle than man.

When: February 2013

This leather-sleeved number made an appearance court-side at the 2013 slam dunk contest. The contest itself was pretty ugly, but this shirt was at near unprecedented levels. Come on, LeBron. You're better than this!

When: October 2012

The build-up to Steve Nash's debut with the LA Lakers was awesome. Between snatching a beer from an SUV full of bros on the highway and a short video in which he impersonated Batman, the country was stoked to see Nash make it in Hollywood. Then this happened, and we started regretting the days of NBA players trying to be fashionable. 

When: Since birth?

The MMA fighter's tattoo declaring the truth about his teeny weenie is the second most ridiculous tattoo on his body. He's a white suprmacist, so he also has the German Eagle symbol that was used by the nazis standing atop a swastika. In case his opponents weren't already trying to destroy him, they just found more motivation.

When: 1996

It's an time-honored industry rule. Promoting your book that's a tell-all of your years as a professional athlete? Wear a wedding dress. Dennis Rodman knows what's up.

When: 2002

Draft day is a notorious time to view some of the worst suiting you'll ever see. When it came to Drew Gooden's name being called, we were not disappointed. We're not even sure what this is, but, like Korn, let's hope it never escapes the year 2002.

When: 2012 - Present

It's 2013. There are methods and technologies to keep your unibrow in check.

When: October 2010 - Present

From the "FREE BIRD" neck tattoo (as if that song wasn't already ruined by dumbass frat boys who think they're funny) to the ridiculous hair, Chris Andersen is a walking, dunking reason why fathers demand their daughters wait until they can date. You won't be judged if you cross to the other side of the street when you see this guy clomping his way towards you.

When: February - March 2009

For some reason, Dwyane Wade tried to copy Nelly's infamous band-aid gaffe. Except, in a Tebow-esque move, Wade wrote his own name on the fake wound's dressing. C'mon, Flash. Don't do anything that might associate you with Murphy Lee!

When: 2003

David Beckham is known as a stylish guy, and you don't catch that rep without taking a few risks here and there. That being said, his cornrows look was a gigantic risk that was almost certainly going to fail. And even the most die-hard Beckham fan can't deny that this simply did not work.

When: 2002 - Present

We understand that, as a Spaniard, Nadal prefers clothing with a European cut. But if that means he brings a new meaning to "digging deep" for every point, then we might start watching badminton instead of tennis. Seriously, can't Nike design some wedgie-free drawers for our dude here?

When: 1997

It's nearly impossible to achieve any higher level of misfit than this. But please, don't try to prove us wrong.

When: September 2011

This is the very definition of counting your chickens before they hatch. Or, in Sanchez and the Jets' case, being considered good before you've accomplished anything. This style fail is still golden, but is overlooked now in favor of Sanchez's infamous butt fumble. 

When: 2005

How are you gonna show off all the great things steroids have contributed to your life unless you're wearing a see-through shirt?

When: November 2012

When Andrew Bynum debuted this 'do, it got more attention than the game that night. Even the NBA will acknowledge a good fail when it sees one. The perm was so egregiously awful that we had to do a Twitter round-up of all the best reactions. 

When: 2008

Was Drew Gooden taking style inspiration from Captain Davy Jones in The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest? Gooden's on this list a few times, but this is the first where he looks like an underwater tentacled creature. This is the stuff of nightmares.

When: May 2010

There are certain moments when you know someone has been utterly Ethered. Whether it's at the hands of someone else or his own damn fault, here's no analysis or follow-up required; dude just needs to bow out. Kobe's reign at the top has meant mad shots were taken by many opponents, but who knew he'd be his own victim of the Black, or White, Mamba.

When: November 2009

After all these years, Sammy Sosa has, against all odds, stayed relevant. We're not sure what Sammy was thinking when he bleached his skin, but now only weird freaky bitches love Sosa.

 When: June - October 2010

Tom Brady's last two Super Bowl attempts aren't the only thing that were swept. How was he ever able to command the respect of his teammates when they knew that she was saying to him, "But honey, it's just sooooooo cute! You look just like that nice 16 year old boy!"