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Last week, when NBA superstar LeBron James decided to bolt Cleveland to join the Miami Heat, I, along with many others, compared it to Hulk Hogan turning evil and joining the NWO.

That got me thinking about other notable “heel turns.”  In wrestling terms, when a good guy goes EVIL, it’s called a heel turn, referencing inside labels for good guys (babyfaces) and bad guys (heels).

So what constitutes a turn?

Well, it’s usually easy to pinpoint the moment where the person does something heinous or a revelation about them emerges which drastically changes our perception of them.  Someone that has always been controversial or had wide-spread negative perceptions surrounding them doesn’t qualify.  Basically, lifelong jerks don’t count.  A heel turn is a fall from grace that is difficult to ever recover from.

With that said, I present to you the Top 5 Real Life Sports “Heel Turns:”

Honorable Mentions: Jack McDowell flipping the bird to Yankee Stadium, Lance Armstrong splitting with Sheryl Crow during her cancer treatment (I mean…REALLY?????), Roberto Alomar spitting on umpire John Hirschbeck

#5 – Michael Vick Bankrolls Dogfighting Operation: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick

was arguable the most electrifying player in the NFL.  His unorthodox style kept fans on the edge of their seat – would he throw a touchdown or get sacked for a 30-yard loss?  Both outcomes happened quite often, but everyone wanted to watch.  He played the position like millions of video game players manipulated their controllers.

He was the face of his franchise, one of the most marketable players in the league.  Under his direction, the Falcons became a premiere team in the league.  Their signature win came on January 1, 2003, when Vick and the birds upset heavily-favored Green Bay at storied Lambeau Field in the playoffs, the Packers’ first home playoff loss ever.

While his demeanor soured slowly as the team struggled, the summer of 2007 was when he went full-blown heel.  That summer, evidence of Vick bankrolling a large dogfighting ring, with harsh imagery from rape stands to drownings to hangings, blew up…and so did his career.  Vick went to jail, and while he has returned to the league, his reputation is irreparable. (Note: I previously discussed Michael Vick here)

#4 – Rafael Palmeiro Wags His Guilty Finger: There are several ways to get into a sport’s

Hall of Fame.  Be GREAT…or be REALLY GOOD for a long time.  Baseball star Rafael Palmeiro, sitting on nearly two decades of REALLY GOOD, was finishing out his career, with a ticket seemingly punched for Cooperstown, NY.

There are, however, ways to block your own induction to the Hall of Fame.  Embarrassing yourself and your sport in front of Congress is pretty decent way to do just that.

Testifying under oath on March 17, 2005, Palmeiro swore to Congress he had never done steroids, famously wagging his finger at them, almost shaming them for even considering that fact.

That August, Palmeiro tested positive for the steroid stanozolol.  He was immediately suspended for 10 games.  While he was reinstated after serving his time, the one-time champion of goodness became a poster boy for all that was wrong with the game at the time.  The Congressional nature of his case brings his lying to a higher level.  Now, the only way he will see the Hall of Fame is with a ticket…if they even let him in.

#3 – Ray Lewis, Murder and Redemption: By January 31, 2000, Baltimore Ravens linebacker

Ray Lewis was entering the prime of his career.  He had already been named to two All Pro Team, led the NFL in tackles and was seen as an emerging leader of the premier defense in the league.  His popularity became national, as his hard, aggressive style of play endeared himself to all gridiron fans.

However, that night, everything changed.  While the exact events remain a mystery, here is what we know: Lewis was involved in a back alley fight, which led to the stabbing deaths of two men on the opposite side.  Lewis was charged with murder, and the image of a top athlete sitting in his trial every day wearing prison jumpsuits was prevalent.

At the end of the day, Lewis agreed to take a lesser charge to testify against his co-defendants.  The NFL fined Lewis $250,000 and his image was in tatters.

I included Lewis in this list because of how shocking the image was: one of the most popular players in his league charged with murder.

However, also to be mentioned is how Lewis found redemption.  A decade of distance from the murder, Lewis has shown remorse for his involvement, dedicated himself to community service and mentoring young players in the league, trying to make sure nobody makes the mistakes he did.

He has become a “spiritual leader” of the Ravens and the NFL – a weathered warrior who has seen the worst and emerged from it a better man.  So while his heel turn was shocking, his return to good graces has been inspiring.

#2 – Tiger Woods Likes The Ladies: LeBron James wants to be a global brand…Tiger Woods

IS.   He dominated with PGA Tour for more than a decade, taking the game to greater popularity than ever before.  A man bred to win at golf, Tiger’s focus, fitness and precision were legendary.  Part marketing play and part psychological ploy, if you saw Tiger wearing red on Sunday, you knew he was winning.

He endorsed top-flight brands and products and it all made sense – he was top-flight.  He was a family man, living the perfect life.

On November 25, 2009, a report came out of Tiger being in a single-car crash late at night in his gated community in Florida.  Which led to a report of a mistress.  Which opened the floodgates.

Women upon women upon women came forward claiming to have had sexual relationships with Tiger Woods.  And he didn’t deny it!  Because there wasn’t anything to deny.

And it was over.  His run at the top of the sport – as it’s best player, biggest star and most popular competitor, the scads of rich endorsement contracts, the life people dream of…all of it, gone.  Tiger walked away from golf for several months, a tense time of supposed rehab for his addiction and trying to repair his marriage.

While he has returned to golf and kept some sponsorships, he is no longer THE golfer.  His life is in shambles and the man who cherished his privacy is forced to see the world watch it.

#1 – OJ Simpson and The White Bronco: Hall of Famer football player and successful actor

and commentator OJ Simpson did it right.  After an illustrious playing career, he successfully moved on to other arenas.  He was not a national treasure (like, say, Mike Ditka or Betty White), but he was respected and recognized everywhere.

His ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend Ron Goldman, were found dead at their home on June 12, 1994.  Five days later, Simpson, the prime suspect, was involved an in infamous low-speed car chase.  Police chased a white Bronco SUV for hours around Los Angeles.  The footage interrupted the NBA championship and began a national obsession with the case.

Finally apprehended, Simpson’s trial gripped people coast-to-coast.  The former Heisman Trophy winner’s court battle touched a nerve with people, headlines, ratings, dinner-table discussions and workplace arguments.

The announcement of the verdict sits as one of those “you always remember where you were” moments, along with 9/11 and JFK’s assassination.  And despite his acquittal, Simpson remains a villain in pop culture…and the legal system.  He is currently serving nearly a decade of jail time on numerous felonies, including armed robbery and kidnapping.

What other real life sports heel turns would you include?

Here is the transcript from today’s record-setting #SportsPRChat, which had nearly 50 participants!  Thank you!!!!

February 4, 2010
12:29 am	JasMollica:	@Mikinzie #sportsprchat is a good one..
12:49 am	bitty_boop:	@Mikinzie It’s #sportsprchat
12:49 am	stephmajercik:	@Mikinzie @bitty_boop Its #SportsPRChat and its awesome! I participate fairly regularly, always good discussion topics from @mikeschaffer
1:03 am	stephmajercik:	Just another reason why I love adidas! Creating “one-euro” shoes for their workers in Bangladeshhttp://bit.ly/dAg9I4 #adidas #sportsprchat
2:09 am	ValerieSimon:	@Mikinzie Check out @mikeschaffer ‘s #SportsPRChat
4:32 am	mikeschaffer:	@ValerieSimon @andinarvaez @stephmajercik thanks for #sportsprchat love
4:37 am	andinarvaez:	@mikeschaffer my pleasure! #sportsprchat
2:35 pm	mikeschaffer:	Have topic ideas for #SportsPRChat today at noon est? I have a few open spots! DM me!
2:37 pm	Worob:	@mikeschaffer Maybe something on Mayweather? Certainly he’ll be asked questions about what Mosley agreed to testing-wise #SportsPRChat
2:52 pm	HelenaHimm:	@mikeschaffer Is it general topic? What about the MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement? & USA World Cup Roster? =D #SportsPRChat
3:25 pm	knallen:	errands…trying to be back for #sportsprchat!
4:32 pm	mikeschaffer:	Just 30 mons until #SportsPRChat!
4:33 pm	mikeschaffer:	and by 30 mons, I mean 30 mins til #SportsPRChat #DontTweetandDrive
4:35 pm	stephmajercik:	Getting set up for #sportsprchat
4:36 pm	stephmajercik:	@Mikinzie Will you be at #SportsPRChat this afternoon?
4:46 pm	JasMollica:	Wish I could be part of #SportsPRChat today. Would love to see what everyone is looking forward to most during the Olympics. Me? Hockey.
4:57 pm	mikeschaffer:	Starting #SportsPRChat in less than 5 mins! Got some juicy topics, so feel free to snooze me if you aren’t interested. Not offended!
4:59 pm	_nikimurray_:	Lunch at my desk for #SportsPRChat
5:00 pm	justplayindumb:	@mikeschaffer Real excited to get this sports chat going! #SportsPRChat
5:00 pm	Lane_Errington:	Back in for #sportsprchat today!
5:00 pm	mikeschaffer:	LIVE from Washington, DC, home of this weekend’s #Snowmaggedon, it’s #SportsPRChat! Got some awesome topics this week! Q1 in 1 min!
5:02 pm	mikeschaffer:	Q1 – Ripped from The Mike Wise Show (FYI @stephen_ball02) – How do you feel about athletes being open with religion? #SportsPRChat
5:02 pm	tshepard:	Will be in & out of #SportsPRChat today.
5:04 pm	JeremyNPike:	#SportsPRChat Athletes are regular human beings, other than the fact they make boatloads more money. Perfectly fine by me.
5:04 pm	justplayindumb:	I don’t have a problem with it as long as interviews/analysis are not used as a way to spread there beliefs #SportsPRChat
5:05 pm	tshepard:	Q1- I think it’s perfectly fine that they state their views as long as they don’t use their fame to push them onto others #SportsPRChat
5:05 pm	mikeschaffer:	Q1 – What about thanking god when they win? Did god want the other team to lose? #SportsPRChat
5:06 pm	SportsandaLatte:	Q1: hmmm religion is a very touchy subj.(politics 2) to bring in the mix, but they r human and have rights 2 their beliefs #sportsPRchat
5:06 pm	sherylgudelsky:	Q1-fine with it, unless over-publicizing it makes people start to think it is not genuine/religion being used for PR only #sportsprchat
5:06 pm	_nikimurray_:	Q1: I think of it the same way I do as athletes and celebrities talking about their politics. #SportsPRChat
5:06 pm	sheesidd:	Q1- I think it’s fine to be open w/ it, but openly promoting it a la Tim Tebow is bound to ruffle feathers. #SportsPRChat
5:06 pm	Sean_Flynn:	Q1 – Pray, but don’t push (onto others) #SportsPRChat
5:07 pm	Lane_Errington:	“It’s his first major national ad since leaving the Gators, and he isn’t hawking Nike’s, energy drinks or candy bars.” ESPN – #sportsprchat
5:07 pm	justplayindumb:	Q1 – I don’t see a problem with it at all, they are just giving praise to the man they attribute for their skills! #SportsPRChat
5:08 pm	JeremyNPike:	#SportsPRChat Are they thanking God for the win, or God blessing them with their abilities? God isn’t too concerned with game outcomes
5:08 pm	MattLaCasse:	And the congregation said, “Amen.” RT @Sean_Flynn: Q1 – Pray, but don’t push (onto others) #SportsPRChat
5:08 pm	Jfavreau:	Q1 I agree as long as it isn’t a platform to push onto others. They should be okay. #sportsprchat
5:08 pm	sherylgudelsky:	@Lane_Errington And what implications will his ad have on future endorsement opportunities? #sportsprchat
5:09 pm	stephmajercik:	@JeremyNPike I agree. I think its mostly a form of thanking him for getting them through the game #sportsprchat
5:09 pm	Lane_Errington:	Whether pro-choice/pro-life, conservative/liberal, God-fearing/atheist, you’ve got to admire Tebow for his conviction #sportsprchat
5:10 pm	mikeschaffer:	Q2 coming up in 3 mins! #SportsPRChat
5:10 pm	Berly624:	#SportsPRChat Q1 if they’re sincere a/b beliefs, its better to note that God provides all talents/blessings, not just today’s win.
5:10 pm	ithakid:	Q1 Well, if the other team is the Yankees, then, yes, God did want the other team to lose. #SportsPRChat
5:11 pm	JeremyNPike:	@Sherylgudelsky #SportsPRChat I think Tebow’s message is even stronger because he doesn’t care about the potential of hurting endorsements
5:11 pm	Ath4Hope:	is taping a commerical any different from when players kneel down in the endzone after TD?both nationally watched? #sportsPRChat
5:11 pm	Jfavreau:	RT @Sean_Flynn: Q1 – Pray, but don’t push (onto others) #SportsPRChat
5:11 pm	stephmajercik:	@sherylgudelsky Maybe endorsements aren’t his main concern. #sportsprchat
5:11 pm	SportsandaLatte:	Q1: As far as Tebow goes- 2 me, his appearance isn’t pushing/preaching…those who choose 2 care will, those who don’t, won’t. #sportsPRchat
5:12 pm	_nikimurray_:	@Lane_Errington I respect his conviction. he knows this is the story and I’m not entirely sure he doesn’t want it that way.#SportsPRChat
5:12 pm	mikeschaffer:	Tweet of the Year? RT @ithakid Q1 Well, if the other team is the Yankees, then, yes, God did want the other team to lose. #SportsPRChat
5:12 pm	stephmajercik:	Haha agree! RT @ithakid: Q1 Well, if the other team is the Yankees, then, yes, God did want the other team to lose. #sportsprchat
5:12 pm	Lane_Errington:	@JeremyNPike agreed #sportsprchat
5:12 pm	Ath4Hope:	and isn’t Tebows Brand always been a christian conservative brand? #sportsPRChat
5:13 pm	tjdietderich:	@sheesidd #sportsPRchat Agreed. One hopes that God has better things to worry about then field goals.
5:13 pm	_nikimurray_:	RT @ithakid: Q1 Well, if the other team is the Yankees, then, yes, God did want the other team to lose. #SportsPRChat
5:13 pm	Worob:	Sorry I’m late – Andrew Worob – AS at Ruder Finn – former sports reporter for MLB.com & blogger for PR at Sunrise (worob.com) #sportsprchat
5:13 pm	tshepard:	Agreed – consistency is most important here RT @Ath4Hope: and isn’t Tebows Brand always been a christian conservative brand? #sportsPRChat
5:14 pm	JeremyNPike:	#SportsPRChat Honestly, isn’t it kind of refreshing to see an athlete who’s primary concern ISN’T money for once, re: Tebow?
5:14 pm	mikeschaffer:	Q2 – From @ngoss (adapted) – Rumors say Tiger Woods will return to golf this month. Too Soon? How should PGA handle it? #sportsprchat
5:15 pm	Worob:	Q1 Pray after the game if you must, but you don’t need to mention religion during an interview. #sportsprchat
5:15 pm	sheesidd:	@tshepard Bt his brand has bn promoted by his parents moreso than him. He’s religious, bt his fam shoves it down ppl’s throats #SportsPRChat
5:15 pm	Worob:	Q2 Whether it’s in two weeks or two years, Tiger’s return will need to be handled delicately #sportsprchat
5:16 pm	sheesidd:	Q2- Not soon enough- Tiger should have never quit. He should have put focus back on golf instead of hiding. #SportsPRChat
5:16 pm	justplayindumb:	Q2 – PGA should stay out of it, its none of their business! Tiger is the only reason most people watch golf, they need him #sportsprchat
5:16 pm	sherylgudelsky:	@JeremyNPike YES, agree it makes his message stronger and is quite a change #sportsprchat
5:16 pm	stephmajercik:	Q2- Good question! I don’t believe its too soon, the sooner he can get back to normal the better, but PGA needs to be careful #sportsprchat
5:16 pm	JeremyNPike:	#SportsPRChat I don’t know, re: PGA. I don’t know what kind of action the PGA can take. Can they put morality rules in place?
5:17 pm	stephmajercik:	Agree! RT @sheesidd Q2 Not soon enough- Tiger should have never quit. He should have put focus back on golf instead of hiding. #sportsprchat
5:17 pm	_nikimurray_:	Q2: Too soon…for people to forget about it? That’s not gonna happen. The return should be based on his personal experience. #SportsPRChat
5:17 pm	Worob:	Q2 Not sure it’s the PGA’s responsibility. I’d let Tiger stand up at the podium, admit he was wrong, and get into golf ?’s #sportsprchat
5:17 pm	SportsandaLatte:	–> RT @sheesidd: Q2- Not soon enough- Tiger should have never quit. He should have put focus back on golf instead of hiding. #sportsPRchat
5:17 pm	Sean_Flynn:	Q2 – One thing cures controversy: winning (ie. A-Rod steroids) PGA Should address his play, not is personal life. #sportsprchat
5:18 pm	tshepard:	Q2- Not too soon. Although his image is damaged it shouldn’t effect him being able to play. Its his to come back #SportsPRChat
5:18 pm	plandsem:	Q2 New to #SportsPRChat, PR student at Univ. of Oregon – It’ll be difficult for PGA, but more people watch golf when Tiger plays.
5:19 pm	stephmajercik:	Q2 The scandal never had anything to do with his golf ability, so it shouldn’t be a problem. #sportsprchat
5:19 pm	ngoss:	Q2 – Better for him to get back now, rather then make it even bigger if he returns for the Masters in April. #sportsprchat
5:19 pm	mikeschaffer:	@Worob But should PGA Tour push him to do it as part of his return? #sportsprchat
5:19 pm	sherylgudelsky:	Q2: @Worob think that is what a lot of people think he should do that. but will he actually address the media/fans is the Q…#sportsprchat
5:19 pm	_nikimurray_:	I agree with @worob. Make a statement, say you regret your actions, and then all his PR outreach should focus on golf. #SportsPRChat
5:20 pm	mikeschaffer:	@plandsem Welcome to the family #SportsPRChat
5:20 pm	juliesuzy:	Q1 I think athletes need 2 thnk Gd for making them who they are not thnk Gd for winning Gd cares about character not trophies #SportsPRChat
5:20 pm	Lane_Errington:	well said @Sean_Flynn One thing cures controversy: winning (A-Rod steroids) PGA Should address his play, not his personal life #sportsprchat
5:20 pm	JeremyNPike:	#SportsPRChat If the PGA does nothing, though, do they take a hit for not doing something to crack down on Tiger? They need Woods…
5:20 pm	mikeschaffer:	Q3 coming in 3 mins! #SportsPRChat
5:20 pm	JeremyNPike:	#SportsPRChat But would accepting him back with open arms and not having him do something tarnish their image?
5:21 pm	Worob:	@mikeschaffer Absolutely. I’d hope Tiger’s PR team was pushing him to admit his wrong’s and move on #sportsprchat
5:21 pm