Terrell Owens was recently rushed to an L.A. hospital after possibly overdosing on prescription pills. According to reports, Owens was taken by ambulance on Oct. 6 after an unidentified person called 911 to report the incident. Owens was released from the hospital after treatment.
Although Owens has yet to release a statement, there is a possibility that Owens could be suffering from a form of depression. He has yet to sign with an NFL team and he revealed on his VH1 show, “The T.O. Show,” that he has experienced financial trouble after years of placing trust in manipulative individuals who took advantage of him.
The pressure of supporting a large family, dealing with shady financial handlers and staying focused on the field can be a challenging act to balance.
Here are five great athletes who couldn’t handle the pressure of living in the limelight. –amir shaw
Mike Tyson – After becoming the youngest heavy weight boxing champion in history at the age of 21, Tyson’s life unravelled. He went through an embarrassing divorce with Robin Givens; served time in prison on a rape conviction; and his boxing license was suspended after he bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear. Tyson eventually loss $300 million and became addicted to drugs and alcohol. He’s currently in recovery and recently earned a spot in the Boxing Hall of Fame.
Stephon Marbury – With the potential to be one of the greatest point guards to ever play in the NBA, Marbury was working toward a Hall of Fame career. But after abruptly retiring from the NBA in 2009, Marbury began to broadcast himself doing absurd things online. He seemed to have lost his mind. Marbury recorded himself eating vaseline, pouring water on his head, and crying uncontrollably for no reason. However, Marbury has found redemption in China by playing pro basketball and seeking to build his Starbury brand overseas.
Allen Iverson – Arguably the greatest NBA player under 6-foot-5, Iverson defied the odds as a small guard in a league of giants. Iverson dealt with family issues that caused him to lose focus on the court in 2010. Iverson eventually retired from the NBA in a disappointing fashion. The following year, he signed to a Turkish team and struggled in 10 games before retiring due to an ankle injury. The New York Times reported that Iverson loss a substantial amount of money and he’s selling his memorabilia on eBay.
Lawrence Taylor– During his career with the New York Giants, Lawrence Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position. However, the NFL’s 1986 MVP always had trouble dealing with life outside of football. He admitted to being addicted to cocaine and was arrested on numerous occasions on drug and tax evasion charges. But in 2010, Taylor was charged with rape after having sex with an underage prostitute. He later plead guilty to misdemeanor sexual conduct.
O.J. Simpson – The NFL great gained endorsement deals, prominent film roles, and served as a sportscaster after retiring from football. But he always be remembered for being charged and acquitted for the murder of his ex-wife. Thirteen years after his murder acquittal, Simpson fumbled his second chance at living a life outside of the penal system. He was charged with robbery and kidnapping for attempting to retrieve personal property he claims was stolen from him. Judge Jackie Glass sentenced Simpson to 33 years in prison.
