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Best of the Decade: Best Hyped-Up Disappointment

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Gold Medal: Charlie Weis

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. Not only did you leave the New England Patriots sideline to coach Notre Dame, you then agreed to the largest contract in the history of college athletics. The expectations were gargantuan, and unfortunately for you, you did not live up to them. After two successful seasons coaching the Irish, Weis finished his final three years with a losing record. A man once lauded as one of the brightest minds in all of football, there was no question where his fate lied after another disappointing season in 2009.

Silver Medal: Bode Miller

Bode Miller wasn’t just a story in the 2006 Winter Olympics, he was THE story. The big star on the U.S. ski team, Miller was hyped to absurd levels and didn’t help himself out when he gave interviews in which he prioritized drinking over winning the gold. The result? Miller won nadda, zilch, nothing -- not even a bronze. After incurring the wrath of many people in the media, Bode announced that he was leaving the U.S. ski team forever, an announcement that had many people celebrating.

Bronze Medal: Michelle Wie

If ever there was a woman who could have lifted the LPGA to prominence, it was Michelle Wie, who made headlines when she competed with professional golfers at age 14. But Wie pursued playing against the men more than she did against women and failed to get anywhere. She still has the potential to make a name for herself, but in no way has she matched the insane hopes that people had for her.

Notable runner-ups:

Reggie Bush

Matt Leinart

Danica Patrick

David Beckham

Eric Mangini

JeMarcus Russell

See More:

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