WeeklySA_AdminLegal issues: Five top sports stars who went to jail
By Sports Reporter
Sports stars are often seen as role models, but even some of the biggest names in sports have had brushes with the law, leading to prison time. These incidents, ranging from assault to tax evasion, show that no one is above the law, not even world-class athletes.
Here’s a look at five renowned athletes who ended up behind bars and the reasons why.
Mike Tyson – Boxing Legend
Mike Tyson, one of the most feared boxers in history, was sentenced to six years in prison in 1992 for the rape of 18-year-old Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant. Tyson served three years before being released on parole. The incident significantly impacted his career and public image, but Tyson made a comeback in boxing post-incarceration.
Oscar Pistorius – Paralympic Gold Medalist
South African runner Oscar Pistorius, celebrated for overcoming adversity to compete in both the Paralympics and Olympics, was convicted of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. Initially found guilty of manslaughter, the verdict was later upgraded to murder on appeal. Pistorius claimed he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he shot her through a bathroom door. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison, marking a tragic fall from grace for the celebrated athlete.
OJ Simpson – NFL Icon
O.J. Simpson, an NFL legend and actor, made headlines worldwide when he was acquitted of the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. However, in 2008, Simpson was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping related to a Las Vegas hotel room incident where he tried to retrieve sports memorabilia. He was sentenced to 33 years but was released on parole after serving nine years.
Bruno Fernandes de Souza – Brazilian Goalkeeper
Bruno Fernandes, a former Brazilian football goalkeeper, was convicted in 2013 of orchestrating the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Eliza Samudio, in 2010. The gruesome details of the case, which involved disposing of the body to evade detection, shocked the nation. Bruno was sentenced to 22 years in prison but was controversially released on parole in 2019 to resume his football career.
Michael Vick – NFL Quarterback
Michael Vick, one of the NFL’s most electrifying quarterbacks, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison in 2007 for his role in an illegal dog fighting ring. Vick’s involvement in the cruel practice of dogfighting led to widespread condemnation, and he was suspended from the NFL.
These athletes’ legal issues serve as reminders that fame and fortune don’t exempt anyone from facing justice. Whether their careers recovered or not, their stories highlight the profound impact of personal decisions on public and professional life.
Sports: Briefs
SORRY NO GAMES, WE UNDER ATTACK
The Lebanese Football Association (LFA) has postponed all football matches in its affiliated domestic tournaments indefinitely in the wake of Israel’s attacks in southern Lebanon and rising fears of an all-out war.
At least 558 people, including 50 children, have been killed and 1,835 wounded in Israel’s fierce bombardment of various parts of Lebanon which began on Friday, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.
Tens of thousands of people were forced from their homes “and the numbers continue to grow”, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
“Due to the current situation in the country, the executive committee of the Lebanese Football Association has decided to postpone matches of all tournaments to a date to be determined later,” the LFA said in a statement on Tuesday.
BOKS WOMEN ON TOP
Springbok Women secure nail-biting victory against Japan in WXV 2 opener The Springbok Women secured a victory in their WXV 2 opener after a nail-biting 31-24 victory over Japan at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday.
The Test delivered classic clash of styles, with South Africa’s direct and abrasive power game up against Japan’s use of width, pace and skill.
On the day, the Bok Women came up trumps, but they had their defence to thank for this victory, despite scoring five tries to four.
Under pressure for most of the game – a lot of it through their own doing – South Africa were brilliant in defence, making tackle after tackle to clinch a famous victory under their new coaching staff.
MARUMO NOT GALLANT ENOUGH
Marumo Gallants coach Dan Malesela has said the two back-to-back losses in the Betway Premiership so far give the impression the club is in disarray.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa were hoping to pick up their first win of the season after defeat to Kaizer Chiefs on the opening weekend, but instead failed to take advantage – despite a dominant display – away to Golden Arrows.
After going down 2-0 to the KZN side on Saturday, Malesela was fuming. “They disappoint me because it’s not a reflection of what we do but like I said, anybody who’s sitting somewhere, will just say ‘Ahhh Marumo, there goes Dan again, it’s not gonna be whatever’.
It’s not a reflection of what we do here, it’s very disappointing,” Malesela said.
WINBLEDOM GOES
HORIZONTAL
Wimbledon’s controversial plans to build 39 new tennis courts on protected open land opposite the All England Club has been approved.
The All England Club wants to build the courts, including an 8,000-seat stadium, on Wimbledon Park. Jules Pipe, the Deputy Mayor of London, decided that “significant” community and economic benefits of the scheme outweigh the harm.
Local residents and politicians fighting the proposal are now running out of options, but could still apply for a judicial review.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has the power to hold a fresh planning hearing, but has made clear in a letter seen by BBC Sport that the application “should be determined at a local level”.
SWISS CYCLIST DIES
Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer has died after suffering a serious head injury at the world championships in Switzerland.
The 18-year-old crashed during the junior road race on Thursday and was taken to hospital by emergency helicopter.
Torrential rain fell during much of Thursday’s racing in Zurich.
At a news conference on Friday, Peter van den Abeele, sports director of world governing body Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), said they could not give more information about the incident as it was now under investigation by public authorities.
