Comments on: Top 5 Real Life Sports “Heel Turns”

By: PR Buzz - Was Vick Always #1? | The Buzz by Mike Schaffer

PR Buzz - Was Vick Always #1? | The Buzz by Mike Schaffer — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:58:11 +0000

[...] face of the league just one year removed from a prison term for dogfighting (discussed on this blog here, here, here and here) was named the backup, with no training camp [...]

By: LeBron's Fragile Image | The Buzz by Mike Schaffer

LeBron's Fragile Image | The Buzz by Mike Schaffer — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:03:55 +0000

[...] It’s something that’s built over years and years and years…and can crumble in an instant. [...]

By: Nicole Murray

Nicole Murray — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:10:12 +0000

Like Tiger Woods, I'm wondering if the sport she played factored into the level of shock and outrage. I mean, who would have thought that a figure skater could have done something like this? (For the record, I think this is why Lizzie Borden was never convicted. Sorry, hometown history!)

Does Tonya fall into the “People You Never Liked Anyway, So Their Insane Act Is Less Shocking” category or the “If This Wasn't an Olympic Year I Would Have No Idea Who She Was Anyway” category?

By: The Sharper Cut

The Sharper Cut — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:39:22 +0000

Interesting that when athletes & celebrities behave badly, it's a really big deal. Not that it shouldn't be, but shouldn't we feel the same disappointment when anyone acts poorly or does an about face? Would it be as newsworthy (great post, btw) if we weren't talking about celebs?

But the real question is this: is it really fair to put Lebron within two paragraphs of all those “heel turns?” =)

By: MeghanButler

MeghanButler — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:33:27 +0000

That is true. There's usually more focus on male athletes in general. Great post Mike!

By: mikeschaffer

mikeschaffer — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:53:45 +0000

Ahh!! Tanya Harding! That's a good one. Although, I think she may end up in the Roger Clemens category of People You Never Liked Anyway, So Their Insane Act Is Less Shocking.

I did try to think of good female heel turns, but nothing really stood out on a major level.

By: mikeschaffer

mikeschaffer — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:51:05 +0000

Good call on Kobe. Like Ray, he's walked the road of redemption for several years now…and with pretty good success. People don't think about the affair – and alleged criminal activity – they think about the points.

By: MeghanButler

MeghanButler — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:48:04 +0000

I think the Tiger heel turn was the most shocking – his image was so squeaky clean! Even though you know I love my Yankees, I think only a Jeter screw up could trump Tiger (fingers crossed that this will NEVER happen.)

Where are the gal heel-turners, Mister? What about Tanya Harding? Or Mia Hamm (I know, not exactly a crime but the post-win stripping definitely caused a buzz). I can't think of any other major female incidents off the top of my head but justsayin' :}

By: BGleas

BGleas — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:30:28 +0000

I would have said Kobe until about 9:26pm Eastern on July 8th, 2010, but now all of the sudden he's the good guy!!