The biggest scandals in the history of sports -

Sports history is full of controversies. It seems like the competitive spirit drives people to take extreme actions when they're under pressure, and the results are truly shocking. Over the years there have been several cases that have rocked the world.

To delve into the world of sports scandals, click through the gallery and discover some of the most astounding controversies that have unfolded throughout history.

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Peng Shuai's alleged disappearance -

The Chinese tennis player made an accusation of sexual assault against the former Vice Premier of China in a social media post on November 2, 2021. Following this, she disappeared for three weeks, causing concern within the international tennis community. They demanded evidence of her safety and a proper investigation into her claims. However, on November 21, she resurfaced and had a video call with officials from the International Olympic Committee. In this call, she assured them that she was safe and well in Beijing. Despite her reappearance, there were still worries about potential consequences for her in China, a country known for its strict censorship policies. Then, on December 19, she denied ever making the sexual assault allegations. In a video posted by Singapore media outlet Lianhe Zaobao, she stressed that she had never claimed that anyone sexually assaulted her. 

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Peng Shuai's alleged disappearance -

Although she stated that it was a misunderstanding, she did not provide further details. In response to these developments, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), which had previously decided to suspend tournaments in China due to concerns about Peng's treatment, issued a statement. They emphasized that these appearances by Peng do not address their concerns regarding her well-being and ability to communicate freely. Peng Shuai has not returned to the international tennis circuit or made any public appearances since then. The WTA refused to hold tournaments in China for two years, but finally returned in 2023 despite the unresolved concerns. 

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Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan -

Shortly before the 1994 Winter Olympics, Tonya Harding and her husband were implicated in an assault against fellow American skater, Nancy Kerrigan. This incident garnered significant media attention and was later portrayed in a movie adaptation starring Margot Robbie called 'I, Tonya.'

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Hand of God goal -

In the 1986 World Cup, Argentina played against England. During the match, Maradona scored a goal with his hand that was not disqualified by the referees. Argentina then scored another goal and won the match. Later on, the player confessed that he had in fact touched the ball with his hand. 

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Kobe Bryant -

In 2003, a hotel employee accused a well-known NBA player of sexual assault. The victim decided not to testify, leading to an out-of-court settlement. The late Bryant maintained that the sexual encounter was consensual, although he was married when it was alleged to have taken place.

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O. J. Simpson -

The late NFL star faced a trial for the alleged murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend Ronald Goldman. The highly publicized court case ended with Simpson being acquitted, a decision that continues to spark debate and controversy to this day.

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Tiger Woods -

In 2009, revelations surfaced regarding the personal life of renowned golfer Tiger Woods. A publication revealed his involvement in an extramarital relationship with Rachel Uchitel. Further investigation revealed that Woods had engaged in affairs many times with many different women. It was one of the biggest celebrity scandals of the decade. 

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Floyd Landis -

In 2006, the cyclist from the United States took part in the Tour de France but found himself trailing in the competition. Nonetheless, by some stroke of luck, he managed to reclaim his position. Upon undergoing urinalysis, it was revealed that Landis had an unusually high testosterone level, clear evidence of doping.

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Michael Vick -

In 2007, the former American football player was implicated in a dog-fighting controversy, resulting in the death of several of his dogs. After serving a sentence of 21 months in federal prison, he resumed his professional football career.

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Spanish Men's Paralympic Basketball team -

The 2000 Paralympic Games saw the Spanish team clinch the gold medal. However, a Spanish journalist uncovered that 10 out of the 12 players did not possess genuine disabilities. Following an investigation, the athletes were stripped of their gold medal.

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Soviet Union basketball team's win against the United States -

The men's basketball final at the 1972 Olympics saw the Soviet Union emerge victorious over the United States with a score of 51-50. A significant controversy arose due to the inclusion of 3 extra seconds in the match. The United States still has not accepted the silver medal.

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Donald Sterling -

The Los Angeles Clippers' previous owners received a ban from the NBA and were fined US$2.5 million in 2014 after making racist comments, which led to Sterling being forced to sell the team.

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Nelson Piquet Jr. -

In 2008, a Brazilian driver had an accident during a Formula 1 race. There were allegations that the accident may have been intentional in order to help Fernando Alonso win the championship. Piquet later disclosed that his coach had asked him to orchestrate the accident.

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Reggie Bush -

In 2006, it was alleged that the Bush family had received gifts from business owners, which went against certain NCAA rules. The year before, Bush decided to give back the Heisman Trophy Trust award, which recognized him as the top college player of the year.

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New Orleans Saints bounty scandal -

Between 2009 and 2011, players of the Saints were given monetary rewards to inflict harm on their opponents. The scheme resulted in the suspension of several players and staff members. 

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Russian athletes doping -

In 2016, the International Association of Athletics Federations imposed a ban on Russia's athletics team due to doping. Subsequently, Russia was also prohibited from participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

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Penn State University -

The college football program was widely recognized for its success. Unfortunately, the defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, faced numerous accusations of child abuse. As a result, the university was required to pay a US$60 million penalty and all the victories achieved in the preceding 14 seasons were invalidated.

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Aaron Hernandez -

The ex-New England Patriots player was convicted of murder and given a life sentence in 2015. In 2017, he was found at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center where he was incarcerated.

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Black Sox scandal -

During the 1919 World Series, the Chicago White Sox team was accused of deliberately throwing the game against the Cincinnati Reds, leading to charges against eight players.

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Lance Armstrong -

The Tour de France champion won the prestigious event for seven consecutive years, vehemently denying the use of performance-enhancing drugs. However, in 2012, Armstrong's employment of an exceptionally intricate doping regimen was ultimately exposed. He was stripped of all the titles he earned from 1998 onwards and was banned from professional cycling. 

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Pete Rose -

Rose is regarded as one of the top baseball players and coaches in MLB history. Nonetheless, it was revealed that Rose engaged in illegal gambling during several games, even the ones his team took part in. Consequently, he was barred from entering the MLB Hall of Fame.

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Salt Lake City bribery -

The city in the United States was designated to host the Winter Olympics in 2002. The International Olympic Committee gave their approval, but it was later revealed that certain IOC members had accepted bribes.

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Ray Rice -

The player from the Baltimore Ravens received a suspension from the NFL after a video emerged showing Rice physically assaulting his fiancée. He did not return to play professionally.

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USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal -

In 2016, the biggest sexual abuse scandal in sports history began to emerge. It came to light that hundreds of gymnasts had been abused by predatory gym owners, coaches, and members of organizations like USA Gymnastics. One of the major predators accused was Larry Nassar, a doctor for the national gymnastics team.

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USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal -

More than 265 female gymnasts reported that they had been sexually abused by Nassar under the guise of medical treatment. Many of the country's top athletes, including Simone Biles, testified against Nassar and against the FBI investigation which failed to stop him for so many years. Nassar was found guilty and sentenced to over 100 years in prison for his convictions. 

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Alex Rodriguez -

The baseball player faced a suspension for doping, lasting for the entire 2014 season.

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Danny Almonte -

In 2001, a young player exhibited exceptional skill in the Little League World Series (a youth baseball league). However, following a thorough investigation, it was uncovered that Almonte had lied about his age and was too old to participate in the league.

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Juventus financial scandal -

In 2023, the board of the Juventus soccer club were caught out in one of the biggest financial scandals in Italian sport for many years. Major “irregularities” discovered in their accounting resulted in a US$20 million fine and a one-year ban from UEFA competitions. While the club vehemently denied the accusations of false accounting and market manipulation, the entire board of directors resigned stating that it was in “the best social interest.”

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Southern Methodist University -

The university's football program was investigated and penalized for multiple violations of NCAA rules during the 1970s and 1980s, resulting in their exclusion from the 1987 season. 

See also: Controversial celebrity scandals that shocked the world

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