Tom Brady, Stephen Curry and Shohei Ohtani are the latest athletes experiencing endorsement fails. The FTX cryptocurrency scandal.
Ultimately, the crypto market was rocked by the collapse of FTX, an unregulated crypto-exchange, when users were scammed by CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried. Several sports figures who were involved with the crypto exchange are facing repercussions, and the Miami Heat are scrambling to find a new namesake for their home arena.
While the FTX scandal is nothing to laugh at, it certainly got me thinking…
What are some of the most comical athlete sponsorship fails of all time? Here is my top 9:
9. Jimmy Johnson For “Extenze”
As they said, “Extenze does things only one way – really, really big.” I guess it sort of made sense to target a Texas football legend as their spokesperson. Fortunately, Jimmy had no problems standing up for those with a small Johnson.
8. Carson Palmer for “John Morrell Hot Dogs”
Totally a missed opportunity having not collaborated with Jimmy Johnson (and an Oriole later in the list). The image alone makes this an easy choice on a list of all-time endorsement fails.
7. Wilt Chamberlain for “Fletcher’s Castoria,” a children’s laxative
Unquestionably, Chamberlain could move on the court in ways you wouldn’t expect out of a 7’1” center. As a child, it appears his movements weren’t as smooth.
6. David Beckham for “GO3 Fish Fingers”
A professional athlete endorsing health-benefits of a food is not unusual. All in all, I’m just concerned Beckham wasn’t aware of the website Urban Dictionary when signing this deal.
5. Joe Namath for “Beautymist Pantyhose”
Notably, “Broadway Joe” could get away with just about anything at the pinnacle of his career. However, I’m not certain he can ever live this one down.
4. Rafael Palmeiro for “Viagra”
It’s a hard topic to promote, but the Orioles slugger stood tall. Nevertheless, Palmeiro had his four hours of fame. Ultimately, lying to congress and admitting to the world you have erection problems would make any athletes career go limp.
3. “Jaromi Jagr Peanut Butter”
The story of how he got into the PB biz is just nuts. Apparently, Jagr had a recurring injury that he claimed was cured by smearing peanut butter all over it. I guess that’s the secret to his longevity in the NHL – he’s been marinating in peanut butter for decades.
2. Manny Ramirez for “Sum Poosie Energy Drink”
Chalk it up to “Manny being Manny.” What else could be written about this short-lived attempt to break into the energy drink market?
1. Lamar Odom’s unisex fragrance, “’Unbreakable’ by Khloe and Lamar”
Any endorsement signifying an unbreakable relationship with a Kardashian moves straight to the number one spot.
Honorable Mention:
Rick Pitino, Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams and Bob Knight for “Guitar Hero”
AC Milan for “Pooh Jeans”
St. Johnstone FC for “Bonar Textiles”
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