Top 10 Sports Interviews Gone WRONG
#10: Jerry Burns Goes Off
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It’s not often that press conferences take a bad turn because of a defeat, but it did here in 1989 after a win. Minnesota Vikings’ coach Jerry Burns steps up to the podium in maybe his most honest and unhinged moment. He then goes off about the game, his staff, and the players in a long-winded rant. All the while, he doesn’t censor himself in the slightest. Burns makes healthy use of some four-letter words and runs wild on the microphone without missing a beat. At one point, a reporter even asks him about the real outcome of the game considering the larger-than-life reaction.
#9: James Harden Loses His Patience
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During his tenure with the Houston Rockets, one game against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2014 saw him struggle tremendously. The moment came after James Harden and his team went down two games against their opponents in a key series. Following some direct questions, the shooting guard reveals his true feelings after the relatively-normal interview ends. This includes some off-camera quotes about percentages and even some name-calling on the part of Harden. Clearly frustrated, the player apparently needed a little more time to collect his thoughts before continuing. It’s also funny to hear that he reportedly called one of the reporters a “weirdo” afterwards.
#8: Terrell Owens Cries
After the Dallas Cowboys lost in the playoffs to the New York Giants, wide receiver Terrell Owens wears his emotions on his sleeve in this post-game breakdown. He pushes back about individual criticism towards his teammates. Beginning to tear up, the player defends the likes of Tony Romo and proves his loyalty to the organization. The sunglasses are hiding part of his reaction, but he’s definitely an open book in this appearance. Some saw Owens’ as commendable, while others deemed it as overly dramatic. But if one thing’s for certain, it’s that Owens clearly loves the game and his fellow Cowboys.
#7: Dennis Green Doesn’t Let Anybody Off the Hook
In 2006, following a loss to the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green didn't hold anything back. His emotional reaction after the close game became a viral clip of sorts for its intensity. Critical of his team’s performance, Green also mentions the slick actions of his opponents. It even drives him to get physical at one point. The coach hits the podium in anger, jostling the microphone in front of him. He isn’t done either as he prepares to unleash a notable quote. If this is how he talked to the press, we can only imagine the kind of pep talk he gave his players that day.
#6: Joe Namath Gets Drunk
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Joe Namath was a star player on the New York Jets, becoming a legend for the franchise and earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. No stranger to interviews, this exchange from 2003 should’ve been an easy chance for him to offer up his perspective on the sport. It quickly turns south though as the star appears to be a little tipsy. This leads to some slurred answers from Namath, after which he even makes some advances on the interviewer. It’s one of the more awkward appearances of its kind, ranking among the most embarrassing moments of the quarterback’s public life.
#5: Naomi Osaka Breaks Down
After winning multiple grand slams, Naomi Osaka became one of the most talked about tennis players in the world. With success also came increased scrutiny by the media. During this press conference, the athlete teared up following a question about her career. It’s uncertain whether or not this was the official reason she was brought to tears, but it was clear that she was struggling on this particular day. Her agent later attacked the journalist for his inquiry and the media debated the outcome. Osaka has been a champion for addressing mental health and its importance.
#4: Pete Rose vs. Jim Gray
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With a unique place in MLB history, Pete Rose is regarded with both admiration and criticism. His appearance at this World Series game gave interviewer Jim Gray a chance to challenge the former Cincinnati Red. Taking issue with the questions, Rose tries to address his gambling controversy without getting angry. Gray wonders if the former athlete will offer up an apology for his actions, but the interviewee refuses to do so in an adamant way. The two men begin to argue over details about Rose’s status with the league. It all becomes an interrogation of sorts as the conversation reaches a stalemate. Ending on a sour note, the entire back and forth ends before the retired player can finish criticizing the NBC Sports personality.
#3: Jim Rome vs. Jim Everett
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On an episode of the talk show “Talk2,” host Jim Rome picks the wrong fight with a football player. He interviews Jim Everett and decides to make a cheap joke about the quarterback’s name. Everett doesn’t take kindly to the joke, warning Rome that he’s not a fan of the comparison to tennis player Chris Evert. The interviewer fails to take the hint and decides to double down. Unsurprisingly, the athlete takes this personally. Nobody expected him to go quite that hard though, with the guest charging the presenter in a violent and chaotic moment. Thankfully for the host, the scuffle stops before anybody gets seriously hurt.
#2: Allen Iverson Talks Practice
In one of the greatest memes ever, the Sixers legend gives an incredible after-action report. He starts to lament the state of sports journalism, going on an amazing rant in the process. This all happens in a moment that should’ve been about his future with Philadelphia. Saying “practice” over and over again, Allen Iverson builds a memorable speech out of a one-word prompt. You can try to keep up with him, but honestly we lost count after a few minutes. One could argue whether or not this helped Iverson’s legacy, but nobody can dispute this appearance as being an entertaining piece of sports history.
Before we unveil our #1 pick, here are a few honorable (or shall we say dishonorable mentions)
Dan Boyle
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John Tortorella
It Was Brooksy’s Moment to Shine
Mike Tyson
He’s Never Been the Easiest to Interview…
Jim Mora
Playoffs?
Derek Anderson
Ok Ok Ok Nothing Was Funny!
#1: Mayweather vs. Merchant
Following his win against Victor Ortiz, Floyd Mayweather wasn’t done fighting just yet. He also has to get through interviewer Larry Merchant. During the post-fight interview, Merchant’s analysis didn’t impress the champ and a verbal altercation ensued between the two. Disregarding the age difference, Mayweather treats the announcer like another fighter. The elder statesman even threatens to throw down with his interviewee. Based on their body language, it’s evident that the exchange could’ve easily come to blows. This wouldn’t be the first or last time that the undefeated athlete went after somebody for questioning him.
Did we forget a strange interview worth noting? Let us know in the comments below.
