Top 10 Sports Moments That Left Us Speechless
#10: Malice at the Palace
There have been instances of fights breaking out during NBA games, but none like this. Near the end of a game between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers back in 2004, what started as some pushing and shoving amongst players after an unnecessary foul turned ugly after a beer was thrown at Metta Sandiford-Artest. Artest charged at a fan who he thought threw the beer, and before you knew it several physical altercations took place between players and fans. To witness both professional athletes and spectators stooping so low and behave in such a manner was bad enough at the time, but even rewatching it years later, everyone cannot believe such an incident could have taken place.
#9: Michael Jordan’s First Retirement
On October 6th, 1993, arguably the biggest and greatest superstar in all sports, announced his retirement to the world. Citing a lack of motivation and his belief that he reached the peak of his career, his Airness decided to call it quits. The press coverage was unparalleled and everyone was in disbelief at how the NBA’s most marketable athlete and a player as iconic as Jordan could retire in his prime. The announcement sent shockwaves across the world, and the fact that he would take a shot at playing baseball further fueled everyone’s disbelief at the decision. Fortunately, he would return to the NBA; on two separate occasions.
#8: Buster Douglas Knocks Out Mike Tyson
Who would you take in a fight: The number 7 boxer in the world at heavyweight or the undisputed, undefeated champion of that division frequently described as “The Baddest Man on the Planet”? At the time, the answer that seemed obviously correct turned out to be the wrong answer.From the moment the bell rang, Buster Douglas took it to Tyson and picked him apart before landing a vicious uppercut followed by a flurry of punches that put him down for good in the 10th round. A 42-1 underdog coming into the fight, Douglas pulled off an upset for the ages.
#7: The Miracle on Ice
Top 10 Greatest Sports Highlights of All Time
1980 wasn’t a particularly bright year for the United States of America. Issues with the economy, a hostage crisis and growing tensions as a result of the Cold War: the U.S. was going through tough times. That same year, The United States hockey team was set to face the heavily favored Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics. In an exciting and close game, the USA went on to beat the Soviets 4-3. Considering the circumstances the country was facing, this underdog story turned out to be so much more and the win gave America a new sense of hope and optimism for the future, and is still remembered today as one of the country’s most iconic triumphs in sports.
#6: The OJ Simpson Trial Verdict
10 Moments From the 90s That Made The World Stand Still
We considered going with the infamous bronco chase, but we instead opted for this surreal moment of the trial that took the world to its core. O.J. Simpson, one of the NFL’s most marketable and popular athletes was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. With all evidence pointing to Simpson as the culprit, it seemed like an open and shut case right from the get go. Only…it wasn’t. In the end he was not found guilty and acquitted. It was an outcome that no one ever anticipated, and the public was shocked and outraged. The verdict generated outrage and heavy debate, with many questioning the country’s judicial system.
#5: Zinedine Zidane’s Headbutt
Emotions were riding for “Zizou”, one of the greatest to ever play European football, who was set to play his last game during the world cup final in 2006. During the match, Zidane was constantly being taunted by Italy’s Marco Materazzi. In response, he proceeded to headbutt Materazzi right in the chest. He was immediately handed a red card and sent off. Many couldn’t believe the act, in addition to the fact that this was how the French icon would be finishing his career. Although the game went on, everyone was still in utter disbelief. To make matters worse, France went on to lose the game in penalty shootouts. This was probably the last way anybody expected the French team captain’s swan song to end.
#4: The Death of Dale Earnhardt Sr.
10 Most RIGGED Moments in Sports History
During his final lap of the Daytona 500 race in 2001, Dale Earnhardt’s car bumped into another vehicle before crashing directly into a wall. Many viewers didn’t see anything out of the ordinary that would have deemed the crash as fatal, but worries began to grow when Earnhardt was taken to the hospital. Despite receiving medical attention, Earnhardt was later pronounced dead. To not only witness a death occurring during a race, but to know that Earnhardt’s son was also participating in that very same race, made this incident all the more tragic. Dale Earnhardt Jr. honored his father’s memory a few months later by winning the very first race held at Daytona International Speedway following the tragic event.
#3: The Attack on Monica Seles
10 Bloodiest Moments in Sports History
With 8 grand slam titles to her name and ranked 1 in the world at the time of this event, this Yugoslavian prodigy was a powerhouse and dominating women’s tennis. However, her tennis career would take an unfortunate turn when she was attacked by an assailant with a knife during a match at the Hamburg Open in 1993. Initially, no one had understood what had taken place until Seles fell to the ground. Luckily, the attacker was apprehended. While Seles sustained injuries that were deemed non life-threatening and she was able to eventually recover, she took a 2 year absence from the sport. To witness someone get attacked in such a vicious manner was terrifying and many consider it the darkest chapter in the history of the sport.
#2: Magic Johnson Retires and Announces He Has HIV
Top 10 Unbelievable David Blaine Magic Tricks
In a career which saw him lead the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles and cement their status as the NBA’s hottest attraction, it was truly hard to believe he was hanging up his sneakers back in 1991. To make the announcement, Johnson held a press conference. However, what many didn’t know is that Johnson also used the opportunity to tell the entire world he was retiring because he had contracted HIV. The moment would strike an emotional chord with both Laker fans and fans of the sport as a whole. The former Lakers point guard has since become an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention. Although he did make a brief return to the game a few years later, the announcement was a surprise and ultimately, a sad day for basketball.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Randy Johnson Wrecks A Bird
Viewers Founds Out Just How Lethal His Fastball Really Is
Parachute Guy Lands in The Boxing Ring
Yes, It’s Just as Strange As It Sounds
The Hand of God
The Referees Allowed A Goal That The Argentenian Clearly Scored With His Hand
Pedro Martinez Throws Down Don Zimmer
This Infamous Baseball Brawl Had A Player Throw A Coach to the Ground
The Attack on Nancy Kerrigan
Tonya Harding Was So Competitive She Arranged for Her Rival to Get Attacked
#1: Mike Tyson Bites Evander Holyfield’s Ear
Top 10 Best Doctor Mike Videos
Mike Tyson was already seen as one of the wildest and most eccentric personalities in boxing, but nothing could prepare anyone for what was about to take place during his rematch against Evander Holyfield in 1997. During “The Sound and the Fury” fight, Tyson didn’t only bite his opponent’s ear once, but twice! Everyone couldn’t believe that Tyson could resort to such tactics, and he was disqualified from the match for his actions. Despite his successful career and accomplishments in the sport of boxing, fans and the general public frequently associate Tyson with this very incident.
