What Were the Worst Betrayals in Sport?

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 21 April 2023

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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• The Most Famous Betrayals in Sports
• The Biggest Traitors in Sport
• Luis Figo
• Terrell Owens
• Art Modell
• Kenny Miller
• Robert Isray
• Carlos Tevez
• Sol Campbell
• Marian Hossa
• Other Notable Mentions
• Frequently Asked Questions

Sport is a powerful force that unites fans and players alike, but betrayal is a part of the game too. Throughout history, there have been infamous athletes who’ve shocked the sports world with their disloyalty, leaving fans feeling betrayed and heartbroken. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the worst betrayals in sport, exploring how their actions have left lasting scars on the teams and fan bases they left behind.

The Most Famous Betrayals in Sports

In this post, we will recount the tales of eight athletes whose betrayals still echo in the world of sports. These individuals, once revered for their talent and dedication, tarnished their own legacies by turning their backs on the very teams and fans that once adored them.

Prepare to be astonished by the stories of Luis Figo, Terrell Owens, Art Modell, Kenny Miller, Robert Irsay, Carlos Tevez, Sol Campbell, and Marian Hossa, as we tell you about eight of the most famous betrayals in sports.

The Biggest Traitors in Sports

As we venture into the dark side of sports, we’ll uncover the motivations and consequences of some of the most notorious acts of disloyalty ever committed by athletes. From the soccer pitch to the gridiron, these betrayals have left fans speechless and teams reeling. Let’s get started looking at some of the biggest traitors in sport.

Luis Figo

Luis Figo’s transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 remains one of the most shocking betrayals in soccer history. As a key player for Barcelona, Figo was loved by the Catalan faithful, but his €60 million move to their fiercest rivals, Real Madrid, left fans feeling utterly betrayed.

The switch ignited a fierce backlash, with Figo labeled a traitor and Judas by the Barca supporters. In his first return to Camp Nou as a Madrid player, Figo was pelted with various objects, including a pig’s head, illustrating the depth of their animosity.

His decision to join Madrid not only soured his relationship with the Barcelona fanbase but also tainted his legacy as one of the greatest soccer players of his generation. For Barcelona fans, Figo is undoubtedly one of the biggest traitors in sport.

Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens, a supremely talented wide receiver, was no stranger to controversy throughout his NFL career. His tumultuous tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles reached its peak in 2005 when Owens publicly criticized quarterback Donovan McNabb and engaged in a heated locker room confrontation.

Despite signing a seven-year contract in 2004, Owens demanded a renegotiation after just one season. His ongoing disputes with management and teammates led to a suspension and eventual release in 2006.

The sense of betrayal was palpable, as Owens had helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance only a year prior. He went on to sign with Dallas, the Eagles’ fierce NFC East rivals, further fueling the animosity of Philadelphia fans.

Art Modell

Art Modell’s betrayal of Cleveland Browns fans remains one of the most infamous in NFL history. As the team’s owner, Modell secretly negotiated a deal to move the Browns to Baltimore in 1995, despite publicly denying any intentions to relocate.

The announcement of the move devastated the loyal fanbase and sparked widespread protests, with many considering Modell’s actions a betrayal of the highest order. Cleveland’s beloved team was no more, as the Browns became the Baltimore Ravens, leaving a void in the heart of the city.

Although Cleveland was granted an expansion team in 1999, which retained the Browns’ name, colors, and history, the bitterness towards Modell endured. His actions left a deep wound in the hearts of Cleveland fans that remains unforgettable to this day.

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Kenny Miller

Kenny Miller, the Scottish striker, became a figure of controversy when he signed for Rangers in 2008, after having already played for their bitter rivals, Celtic. He started his career with Rangers and moved to Celtic in 2006, where he spent a single season before transferring to Derby County.

Miller’s decision to return to Rangers in 2008 was met with outrage from both sets of fans. For Celtic supporters, he was a traitor for rejoining their arch-rivals, while Rangers fans questioned his loyalty, given his previous stint at Celtic Park. Miller’s actions strained his relationship with both fanbases, leaving a blemish on his career.

Robert Irsay

Robert Irsay, the former owner of the Baltimore Colts, orchestrated one of the most shocking betrayals in the NFL when he moved the team to Indianapolis overnight in 1984.

The decision was made amidst ongoing disputes with the city of Baltimore over stadium improvements. Irsay had been secretly negotiating with Indianapolis while publicly denying any intention to move the team. When the Maryland legislature introduced a bill that would give the city of Baltimore the right to seize the team, Irsay acted quickly.

During the night, he loaded the team’s belongings onto moving trucks and fled to Indianapolis. The betrayal left Baltimore Colts fans heartbroken and resentful towards Irsay, who had robbed them of their beloved team.

Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez’s move from Manchester United to Manchester City in 2009 was a stunning act of betrayal. After two successful seasons at United, during which time he won two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, Tevez rejected a contract offer to remain with the Red Devils.

Instead, he signed with Manchester City, shocking fans and igniting a bitter rivalry. To add insult to injury, City launched a controversial billboard campaign, featuring Tevez and the words “Welcome to Manchester”, further fueling United fans’ resentment. Tevez’s decision to join their bitter rivals tarnished his reputation among the Manchester United faithful, who once adored him for his tenacity and skill.

Sol Campbell

Sol Campbell’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to rivals Arsenal in 2001 remains one of the most notorious acts of betrayal in English soccer. Campbell had spent his entire career with Tottenham, rising through the ranks and becoming club captain.

Fans were devastated when he joined Arsenal on a free transfer, not only leaving their beloved Spurs but also strengthening their bitter rivals. The move made Campbell a pariah among Tottenham supporters, who labeled him “Judas” and never forgave him for his disloyalty. The animosity remains strong, with Campbell’s name still synonymous with betrayal in the eyes of Spurs fans.

Marian Hossa

Marian Hossa’s decision to leave the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 was a shocking betrayal to the Penguins fanbase. Hossa had played a crucial role in helping the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Finals that year, where they lost to the Red Wings.

Instead of re-signing with Pittsburgh, Hossa chose to join the team that had just defeated them. The move left Penguins fans feeling betrayed and questioning Hossa’s loyalty. In a twist of fate, the Penguins defeated the Red Wings in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals, exacting a measure of revenge against Hossa and his new team.

Although Hossa would eventually win three championships with the Chicago Blackhawks, his decision to abandon the Penguins for their rivals will forever be remembered as a significant betrayal in the eyes of many Pittsburgh fans.

Other Notable Mentions

We’ve looked at the eight greatest betrayals in sport, but there are several other athletes who have also made questionable moves. In this section, we’ll briefly mention six other individuals who’ve left fans feeling betrayed.