Biggest Scandals in NBA History

1. Kobe Bryant Cheating and Rape Allegations

In 2003, the NBA great was accused of sexual assault by 19-year-old Katelyn Faber. While Bryant admitted to having an adulterous affair with Faber, he denied the assault allegation. The case was dropped when Faber refused to testify, and the two parties made an undisclosed settlement out of court.

2. Nick Young Gets Put on Blast by D’Angelo Russell

The most recent scandal to affect Laker nation took place when rookie D’Angelo Russell recorded a video of teammate Nick Young admitting to cheating on his fiancée, Iggy Azalea.

3. Derek Fisher and Matt Barnes Fight Over a Woman

This scandal seemed straight out of a telenovela: Fisher’s former teammate Matt Barnes became enraged by the news that Fisher was sleeping with his ex-wife Gloria Govan. Barnes reportedly drove 95 miles in a rage to confront Fisher, which resulted in the two trading blows. It only ended when one of Barnes’ sons pleaded with the two men to end the violence.

4. Malice at the Palace

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The 2004 on-court brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills is widely considered the most infamous brawl in NBA history. It all went down thanks to a fan who threw a drink at the Pacers’ Ron Artest (now known as Metta World Peace), spurring him to enter the crowd to seek out the offender. This sparked the brawl – both on the court and in the stands – that left 9 players suspended for a total of 146 games.

5. Magic Johnson’s HIV Announcement

At the time of his retirement, he was one of the most dominant forces in the NBA. That all came to an end when he made the public announcement that he had contracted the HIV virus. It ended his career, but helped put the virus in a far different light than it had been since the epidemic began, and changed the nature of how we see HIV/AIDS in this country.

6. Allen Iverson Trespassing

In 2002, the all-star guard was charged with criminal trespassing, carrying an unlicensed gun, and seven other counts after he allegedly threatened two men after forcing himself into the apartment in the middle of the night in search of his wife.

7. Gilbert Arenas Brings a Gun to Practice

This incident ended what could have been a special season for the Wizards, when all-star Gilbert Arenas threatened Javaris Crittenton with a gun he brought into the team’s practice arena. Crittendon reportedly responded, “Oh no, you don’t need to shoot me with one of those. I’ve got one right here,” as he turned, brandishing his own weapon. The threat was over $1,100 that Crittenton owed Arenas.

8. Delonte West Sleeping with LeBron’s Mom

It is one of the most infamous rumors in NBA history, and one that may have changed the Cavaliers’ fortune forever. Many believed that West slept with King James’ mother, which reportedly spurred him to take his talents to Miami the very next year.

9. Jordan’s Gambling Habit

It is common knowledge that Michael Jordan is an avid gambler, but one conspiracy holds the belief that his brief departure from the game in 1993 was a result of a secret suspension for his involvement in illegal gambling.

10. Donald Sterling Is the Most Hated Man in America

Formerly the longest tenured owner in the NBA, Sterling was banned for life when he asked his “female friend,” V. Stiviano, not to attend Clippers games with Black people. The scandal led to a nation-wide discussion of racism amongst pro team owners in America.

11. Jason Kidd Allegedly Beat His Wife

In 2002, former player and coach Jason Kidd was arrested for hitting his now ex-wife Joumana Kidd. He pled guilty to spousal abuse, was fined $200 and ordered to take anger management training.

12. Latrell Sprewell Choking His Coach

The former All-Star could have been remembered for his play on the court. Instead, his career is marred by several incidents. In the 1997 season, Sprewell choked coach, P.J. Carlesimo during a practice, which lead to a 68-game suspension. Additionally, in 2004, Sprewell declined a $21 million contract saying, “I have a family to feed.”

13. Tony Parker Sleeping With Teammate’s Wife

The Spurs great and actress Eva Longoria seemed to be a match made in heaven. Not so, however, as his ex-wife discovered hundreds of texts between Parker and his own former teammate, Brent Barry’s, wife. While many believe their relationship was physical, sources close to Parker at the time claimed that he and Erin Berry had a sexting relationship, but never got physical.