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The 2019 naughty or nice sports list
Bob Levey/Getty Images

The 2019 naughty or nice sports list

With the holiday season upon us once again, it is a prime time to see what athletes have been very good....as well as which ones have been very bad. From some of the most generous gifts imaginable, to the most eye-popping, forehead slap-inducing moments of the year, here are the best and the worst intentions of athletes this year.

 
1 of 27

NICE: Mookie Betts

NICE: Mookie Betts
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox star and 2018 American League MVP has made a habit of making unannounced trips to feed the city’s homeless population. Most notably, he made a trip following Game 2 of the 2018 World Series, just hours after leading the Red Sox to victory. Betts’ generosity has spread to the New England-based charity Pitching in for Kids, which helps to provide grants to improve the lives of children in the area.

 
2 of 27

NAUGHTY: Alliance of American of Football

NAUGHTY: Alliance of American of Football
Photo by Ronald Martinez/AAF/Getty Images

Just eight weeks into its inaugural season, the Alliance of American Football called it quits. The eight-team league, co-owned by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and former Indianapolis Colts general manager Bill Polian, abruptly came to end when Dundon pulled out of the business arrangement. Subsequently, players were unable to collect their paychecks and made to pay for their own flights home following the sudden collapse of the fledgling league. Ultimately, the AAF filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy just two months after its first game.

 
3 of 27

NICE: John Cena

NICE: John Cena
Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images

In 2019, the WWE superstar/actor made his 600th Make-A-Wish request come true, a truly astonishing level. Cena is by and far the most active celebrity for the organization, having also become the first to grant 500 wishes as well. Cena, who made his first wish come true as a rookie with WWE in 2002, also donated $500,000 to firefighters who battled the California wild fires in the fall.

 
4 of 27

NAUGHTY: Antonio Brown

NAUGHTY: Antonio Brown
Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The poster boy for mayhem in the year was Brown, who’s antics saw him traded twice and ultimately released, all across the span of three actual games. His hijinks included freezer-burnt feet and a petty war over his helmet of choice, before ultimately threatening to punch Raiders GM Mike Mayock before being released. Soon after having his wish granted, he was released and signed by the New England Patriots…for a grand total of one game before they too released him. Overall, the fiasco cost Brown $30 million in guarantees and left him with a cocktail of legal issues and an uncertain future on the gridiron.

 
5 of 27

NICE: Richard Sherman

NICE: Richard Sherman
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

When San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman found out that school lunch debt was coming between students and the chance at a midday meal, he stepped in and quickly solved the problem. Through his Blanket Coverage organization, Sherman paid nearly $30,000 worth of lunch debt owed at seven schools between the Tacoma, Washington, and Santa Clara, California, places where Sherman has spent his entire professional career with both the 49ers and Seahawks.

 
6 of 27

NAUGHTY: Daryl Morey

NAUGHTY: Daryl Morey
Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images

In October, Morey caused an international incident for the NBA that sent shock waves across the Pacific. The Houston Rockets general manager tweeted a message in support of the Hong Kong protests that were raging on during a visit by the league to China. The fallout over the tweet ultimately saw the Chinese Basketball Association suspend its long-term relationship with the Rockets. Also, the Chinese government banned NBA games from being broadcast and potentially forever altered the league’s reach into the basketball-crazed nation.

 
7 of 27

NICE: Kobe Bryant

NICE: Kobe Bryant
Photo by Xinyu Cui/Getty Images

From various TV and video game analysis spots to even capturing an Oscar, the Mamba has certainly found a variety of ways to stay busy in retirement. However, he got back to his roots in the summer when he held an invite-only camp for select NBA stars , grilling them on the fundamentals and psychology of the game. Bryant instructed drills and passed down the game to players such as Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard and De'Aaron Fox. So exclusive was the list that dozens of current NBAers were turned back from hoops camp with the legendary Laker.

 
8 of 27

NAUGHTY: Houston Astros front office

NAUGHTY: Houston Astros front office
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

While the Astros soared on the field, they also dragged themselves through the mud off it. First, the team was forced to fire assistant general manager Brandon Taubman after an expletive-filled tirade toward a group of female reporters. Initially the club publicly doubted the validity of the report before ultimately discovering Taubman had actually committed the transgression. Shortly afterward, a scandal surfaced regarding organized, long-term sign stealing by the Astros, which now is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the club and commissioner.

 
9 of 27

NICE: Cole Hamels

NICE: Cole Hamels
Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

In 2017 current Atlanta Braves pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife, Heidi, made an astoundingly generous donation. Instead of selling their Branson, Missouri, mansion, valued at $9 million, they instead opted to donate it to the Barnabas Foundation, a non-profit organization that aids people with special needs and chronic illnesses. Two years later, the Barnabas Prep program has expanded due to the donation, and provides an independent living-learning experience to aid young adults in realizing their potential and growth capacity.

 
10 of 27

NAUGHTY: Joel Embiid and Karl Anthony Towns

NAUGHTY: Joel Embiid and Karl Anthony Towns
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Embiid and Towns have had a spirited rivalry grow over the past handful of years, but it took a decisive turn in November. The two superstar centers got into a fight on court, that saw Towns taken to the ground and Embiid boastfully amping up the Philly crowd — while Towns’ mother flicked him off. The battle didn’t stop there, as both took to social media to ramp up the rivalry in a uniquely (and profane) 2019 fashion that guarantees the bad blood won’t be ending anytime soon.

 
11 of 27

NICE: LeBron James

NICE: LeBron James
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

In 2018, James launched a revolutionary charter school in his native Akron, Ohio, named the I Promise School. The institution provides full support for its students, including free tuition, uniforms, meals, transportation and tuition to the University of Akron for all graduates. James expanded the effort even further in the school’s second year, converting an abandoned apartment complex into transitional housing for the school’s students. While the school initially opened for third and fourth graders, it has continued its goal of expanding through the eighth grade by 2022.

 
12 of 27

NAUGHTY: Myles Garrett

NAUGHTY: Myles Garrett
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Matchups between AFC North rivals usually are among the most intensely competed games on the NFL slate. However, the Nov. 14 tilt between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers took things to a stunning new level when Browns defensive end Myles Garrett got into a tussle with Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. The scrum started on the ground, but while teammates separated the two players, Garrett ripped the helmet off Rudolph then swung it toward him, hitting him in the head. A massive fight broke out with multiple ejections. Garrett was suspended indefinitely following the game.

 
13 of 27

NICE: Colin Kaepernick

NICE: Colin Kaepernick
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Love him or hate him, Kaepernick has been a man of his word in regard to community outreach. Both through individual efforts and his Know Your Rights Camp, he has supplied over $1 million in aid to disadvantaged individuals and communities. The organization has provided free food trucks for impoverished areas, backpacks for students and toiletries for Bay Area households. On his 32nd birthday in November, he spent time in Oakland providing care packages and respirator masks for the area’s homeless population.

 
14 of 27

NAUGHTY: NHL head coaching scandals

NAUGHTY: NHL head coaching scandals
Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images

The bill came due for a number of NHL coaches who had long records of ill-treatment against their players. In Chicago, assistant coach Marc Crawford stepped away from the bench after accusations of him abusing former players and using homophobic slurs arose . Meanwhile, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock was fired amid claims of him waging psychological abuse on his players. Finally, Calgary Flames coach resigned after being accused of physical abuse and using racial slurs.

 
15 of 27

NICE: Tony Bennett

NICE: Tony Bennett
Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

On the heels of capturing college basketball’s national championship, Virginia Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett was rightfully due for a raise. Bennett however declined the money, instead asking for it to go to his assistants and to school facilities. Also in the wake of that shockingly altruistic showing, Bennett and his wife, Laurel, gave $500,000 toward a career development program for current and former UVA players.

 
16 of 27

NAUGHTY: James Dolan

NAUGHTY: James Dolan
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The controversial New York Knicks owner was in the news for all the wrong reasons again. In March, he banned a fan for life from Madison Square Garden for yelling at him from afar and demanding that he sell the Knicks. Dolan referred to the taunt as an “ambush” and “confrontational." Dolan continued on to say that he “doesn’t have to invite everyone…I’m not a public servant." Meanwhile, the Knicks have missed the playoffs for seven years running, so perhaps the jettisoned fan was on to something.

 
17 of 27

NICE: Michael Jordan

NICE: Michael Jordan
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Via a $7 million gift, the NBA legend and Charlotte Hornets owner opened the Novant Health Michael Jordan Medical Clinic, a center designed to provide healthcare for underinsured and uninsured patients. It is the first of two such medical centers that will be opened in Jordan’s name in North Carolina. Both are placed in critical areas where people are in need of quality healthcare but are often unable to obtain it due to living conditions.

 
18 of 27

NAUGHTY: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

NAUGHTY: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Swedish superstar joined the MLS for the 2018 season and instantly proved to be a jolt of life both on the pitch and in front of the mic. The brash striker certainly proved his skill beyond a shadow of a doubt, scoring a record 52 goals in 53 starts and carrying the L.A. Galaxy the conference semifinals in the process. Ultimately, he decided that the league was not up to chops for him, famously describing himself as a “Ferrari among Fiats” and chose to return to Europe instead of continuing in America’s top soccer association – but fifth most popular league.

 
19 of 27

NICE: Neymar Jr.

NICE: Neymar Jr.
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

The Paris-Saint Germain superstar is one of the highest-paid and most recognizable players in the world’s most popular sport. However, he remains humbly connected to his native Brazil, where he supplies millions of dollars of support for the nation’s clean water supply. In addition, he is heavily involved in the support of the nation’s adolescents, via his work with Humanity & Inclusion and his own Instituto Neymar Jr. organization, which is a non-profit focused on creating support and growth for children through a combination of athletics and education.

 
20 of 27

NAUGHTY: Jon Jones

NAUGHTY: Jon Jones
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC light heavyweight champion is no stranger to controversy, as his highlights in the octagon have often been overshadowed by the trouble he gets into outside of it. 2019 was no exception for Jones, who after reclaiming the mantle of top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, found himself settle a battery charge with a bartender in New Mexico. Jones pleaded no contest to the charges and received a 90-day deferred sentence and probation.

 
21 of 27

NICE: Colton Parayko

NICE: Colton Parayko
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Blues defenseman developed a close-knit bond with Laila Anderson, an 11-year-old fan who was suffering from a rare immune disorder. Parayko kept contact with her during treatment and brought her around the team as often as possible, even inviting her onto the ice to hoist the Stanley Cup with him following the Blues victory. To cap things off, Parayko helped to deliver an authentic, customized championship ring to Anderson.

 
22 of 27

NAUGHTY: Conor McGregor

NAUGHTY: Conor McGregor
Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Although he hasn’t competed in over a year, McGregor’s name stayed in the news for familiar reasons. The former UFC champion was caught on film punching an elderly bar patron in his native Dublin.  McGregor pleaded guilty to the charge, receiving a fine of just over $1,000 and no time behind bars. Luckily enough, McGregor is slated to go up against fairer competition when he returns to the octagon in January 2020 to face "Cowboy" Donald Cerrone.

 
23 of 27

NICE: Serena Williams

NICE: Serena Williams
Tony Karumba / AFP / Getty Images

The tennis legend has made a huge impact without a racket in her hands as well. Various charitable endeavors have stretched the duration of her career, most noticeably in her philanthropic work with the Serena Williams Fund and the Yetunde Price Resource Center, as well as her work as a global ambassador for UNICEF. In December, Williams assisted the non-profit organization Helping Hands Jamaica, which helps to construct schools in disadvantaged and third-world areas.

 
24 of 27

NAUGHTY: Josh Shaw

NAUGHTY: Josh Shaw
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In early December, the backup cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals was suddenly suspended while on the injured reserve, a difficult task to pull off to say the least. However, news followed that Shaw had been suspended for gambling on NFL games during the season…. including one his own team played. While Shaw lost his bet, he may be in the process of losing his career as well. Betting on NFL games is strictly prohibited for all NFL employees…especially its players, to say the very least.

 
25 of 27

NICE: Russell Wilson

NICE: Russell Wilson
Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images

Few athletes have as many outside interests as Wilson does, who is involved seemingly in nearly everything of note in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback is a part owner of the Seattle Sounders MLS team and also a part of a committee focused on bringing Major League Baseball to Oregon. And if that didn’t take up enough of his time, he also is highly active in various charitable endeavors, making routine visits to Seattle Children’s Hospital, hosting a youth football camp and supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America with proceeds from his annual golf tournament.

 
26 of 27

NAUGHTY: Dion Waiters

NAUGHTY: Dion Waiters
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

One of the NBA’s more eccentric personalities already, Waiters took things to a new level early in the 2019-20 season. During a November team flight to Los Angeles, the Miami Heat guard suddenly had a panic attack that was brought on by a THC-infused edible. Waiters reportedly passed out as the team’s flight departed from the Phoenix area, leading to a 10-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team”.

 
27 of 27

NAUGHTY and NICE: Dwayne Haskins

NAUGHTY and NICE: Dwayne Haskins
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

After losing in his first four doses of NFL action, the Washington Redskins rookie quarterback couldn’t hold his excitement in the clinching moments of his first career win. Haskins took to the stands, taking selfies with equally excited fans as the final few seconds of the game ticked away. The only problem is Haskins was supposed to be on the field for those moments, taking a knee to run down the final few seconds. But when interim head coach Bill Callahan couldn’t find his QB, he had to send backup Case Keenum out for the final play formality. On one hand, Haskins got one of the few present Redskins fans in on the action, while on the other he created one of the greenest rookie moments of all time. Oops.

Matt Whitener is St. Louis-based writer, radio host and 12-6 curveball enthusiast. He has been covering Major League Baseball since 2010, and dabbles in WWE, NBA and other odd jobs as well. Follow Matt on Twitter at @CheapSeatFan.

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