It Takes Tiger To Break The NFL’s Grip On The Most Hated Sports Figures

Forbes is a publication that thrives on lists, though primarily ones that chart incredible wealth. Of course, as people who write for online publications know, lists, either fact-based or not, are good for business. Which might help explain why Forbes, of all publications, would also be interested in polling the most hated figures in professional sports.
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↵Whatever their intentions, the magazine surveyed 1,100 people aged 13 and over regarding which sports stars inspire the most rancor. Players, coaches, broadcasters, and agents were all eligible, but they had to be active in the sport and must register at least a 10 percent “awareness level.” However exactly that last criterion is measured, I am not sure. And note that this is a poll of the general public, some of whom might not be as sports versed as, say, a frequent reader of this fine blog, meaning the faces of the tabloids are likely to be viewed more harshly than other, possibly more deserving individuals.
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↵Four of the top five on the most hated list are NFL figures, which makes sense given that the most popular sport would also inspire the most intense feelings (football players propensity for mayhem might also be a factor), with Michael Vick claiming the dubious distinction of being the most hated. 69 percent cited him as someone they dislike to some degree.
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↵Al Davis (66 percent) and Jerry Jones (53 percent) placing at second and tied for fourth, respectively, shows that fans are less inclined to appreciate owners who are megalomaniacs. With longevity, Dan Snyder will work his way up there yet.
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↵Ben Roethlisberger comes in at third, showing fans are much more likely to condone drunken driving fatalities from NFL stars than multiple unproven sexual assault allegations. Breaking the NFL strangehold on the top five is Tiger Woods, who places tied with Jones at 53 percent. It’s probably safe to say that more than a few were pleased to see Tiger’s failure to keep up his charge on the final day of the U.S. Open on Sunday.
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↵Rounding out the list are Mark McGwire (who qualifies because of his current coaching gig), Terrell Owens, Alex Rodriguez, Allen Iverson and Gilbert Arenas.
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↵Obviously we’ve found hockey’s problem - its players are just way too likeable. Or, quite possibly, just not well known enough.↵