10 Sports Stars Who Went Broke

Sports Stars Who Went Broke: A Financial Fumble

Many sports stars rake in enormous fortunes annually, but managing their wealth isn't always their strong suit. Here are ten sports stars who faced financial difficulties:

1. Mike TysonMike Tyson, the youngest heavyweight champion in history, unified the heavyweight division in 1987. However, legal troubles, including a rape conviction, led to his financial downfall. By the early 2000s, he was spending about $400,000 per month, coupled with significant debts, including $13 million in back taxes. He filed for bankruptcy in 2003.

2. Michael VickMichael Vick's NFL career was marred by dog fighting charges that resulted in his financial struggles. He filed for bankruptcy in 2008, with debts totaling $17.6 million. Remarkably, Vick worked diligently to repay all his debts by November 2017.

3. Diego MaradonaThe legendary Argentinian soccer player Diego Maradona won the 1986 World Cup but faced numerous controversies, including drug misuse. He owed the Italian government €37 million ($41 million) in unpaid taxes. Maradona paid back only €42,000 and some jewelry.

4. Boris BeckerTennis icon Boris Becker, once worth an estimated $63 million, declared bankruptcy in 2017 due to a costly divorce and back taxes. His infamous romp in a broom closet with a Russian model added to his financial woes.

5. Dennis RodmanDennis Rodman, known for his controversial off-court antics, spent lavishly, averaging $31,000 per month on his lifestyle. By 2012, he owed $850,000 in child maintenance and $350,000 in taxes to California but couldn't settle his debts.

6. John DalyGolfer John Daly, with approximately $35 million in prize money and endorsements, lost an estimated $90 million due to his excessive gambling habit. His four failed marriages further strained his finances.

7. Arantxa Sanchez-VicarioArantxa Sanchez-Vicario, a highly successful tennis player with 14 Grand Slam titles, filed for bankruptcy in 2015. She accused her father and brother, who managed her finances, of mishandling her wealth, resulting in unpaid taxes and emotional distress.

8. OJ SimpsonOJ Simpson faced a $33.5 million civil judgment for the wrongful death of two individuals. He has paid only a fraction of this sum due to high legal fees. Simpson, once wealthy, now receives $25,000 monthly from his NFL pension.

9. Evander HolyfieldBoxer Evander Holyfield, with an estimated $230 million career earnings, squandered his wealth on gambling and child support for 11 children with five partners. Holyfield's financial mismanagement led to foreclosure and the auctioning of his possessions.

10. Dorothy HamillDorothy Hamill, an accomplished figure skater and Olympic gold medalist, declared bankruptcy in 1996. Despite $1.3 million in assets, she faced $1.6 million in debt, blaming her ex-husband for poor financial decisions. Hamill has since adopted more prudent financial practices.