Countdown: Vote LeBron, someone else in Count’s hate poll!
The Count was always lovable ...
. . . even when he and his sister (left) were babies.
The Count believes hate is such a strong word. The Count doesn’t hate. He mocks, he clowns and he occasionally dislikes. But he certainly doesn’t hate. There was that one full moon when The Count was strolling through a bad neighborhood and he needed a quick fix. So he bit some lady as she was leaving the Quik Trip, and she claimed to be European, but The Count was pretty sure she was from Secaucus because he just remembers this dreadful aftertaste and pronouncing, “I would not wash the feet of my pigs in your plasma!” (Say it with an obnoxious French accent, s0unds better.) Anyway, back to this hate thing. A lot of people seem to hate LeBron James. So The Count was thinking, “Hey, how ab0ut the first ever Count Poll?” Sharpen your cuspids. We count down . . .
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10. So many choices, but here’s a worthy “Sweet 16″
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Wrestler Freddie Blassie was known as "The Vampire" for acts like this. But The Count thinks he gave vampires a bad name.
The editorial board at Countdown, Inc., had to figure out some way to limit this. So here goes. When voting on the most unlikable, distasteful, contemptible individual (or just Mr. Poopy Pants, if you prefer), we’re going to stick to the last 10 years. So O.J. Simpson, Ty Cobb and Freddie Blassie are out. The Count’s criteria: The athlete had to have either competed and been hated in the last 10 years, or competed recently and became hated more after retirement (example: the lying Mark McGwire). Mike Tyson almost didn’t make the cut, because he’s so far removed from hate. Also, he was funny in the Hangover (and Hangover II!). But I figured somebody would scream if I didn’t include him. So to the left are my 16 choices. Vote in the poll and sound off below. The Count will not cast a vote so as to not to sway my loyal and disturbed following.
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9. LeBron: Let your feelings go
Let it go, LeBron. And no, I'm not calling you "King."
There’s only one thing more valuable than LeBron James when he’s great. That’s LeBron James when everybody is dumping on him and thinks he’s a headcase! Yes, James’ great disappearing act in the fourth quarter of the last three games of the title series has spawned an entire new line of T-shirts (that include sayings like, “Maybe Next Year” and “Still Ringless”) and now a potential cottage industry: people who want to save LeBron. The Miami Herald, which brought you the premature Macy’s ad selling Heat championship T-shirts, ran a story quoting sports psychologists who believe James needs help. And fast! Former Brave John Smoltz probably won’t love that his name was invoked here. From the story: “At some point in the days or weeks to come, James will likely have moments of introspection, searching for what went wrong in the series’ final three games. If James is honest with himself, he’ll acknowledge he wasn’t the same dynamic player that won two consecutive league MVP awards and single-handedly put away the Celtics and Bulls in the previous two rounds. James will see moments of tentativeness, passing up open shots that are usually automatic. And, he’ll begin to ask why. That’s where mental health professionals, who have helped high-profile athletes like John Smoltz and Alex Rodriguez fight through internal roadblocks, could help.” Maybe it’s just me. But when James basically referred to critics as lesser beings after the series, I didn’t sense he was ready for introspection.
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8. Cuban gets The Count’s Good Owner stamp of approval
I wonder if the trophy had a drink before takeoff?
OK. Mark Cuban is a goofball. And occasionally juvenile, bordering on moronic. But as a sports owner, he’s one of the better ones around. All he cares about is winning. And he spends money. And he’s at every game. And you know that he cares so much about his team and his team’s fans that you never have to stop and ask yourself, “Hmmm. Should I believe these Winnipeg rumors?” So for that reason, I thought this picture was very cool. Cuban sent it out himself on Twitter, with the simple caption, “On the plane.” He also sent out this Tweet on Monday night: “Heard a rumor that Obama was planning on coming to Miami for Gm 7. Will ask him when we visit 
. #MavsSavingTaxDollars.”
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7. Mr. Iverson: You might just want to buy a Camry
Iverson's Lamborghini probably is dustier than this one.
The 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago went for $320,000 new. So I guess it’s still worth it for Allen Iverson to pick his up from impound. But it’s getting close. Iverson, an Atlanta resident when he’s on this planet, was pulled over in Buckhead back in April because he didn’t have a license plate. The car has been sitting in an impound lot on Cheshire Bridge Road ever since, according to WXIA 11Alive. It turns out Iverson hasn’t paid tag fees for the last four years. At $14,000 a year, that’s $56,000. The impound lot also is charging $300 per month. Iverson, meanwhile, says he wants to play again. Of course. He’s reportedly broke. So these wheels could be up for auction soon. The lot has the right to sell the car after 90 days since Iverson hasn’t responded to notices. I can go as high as $3,750. Worried about gas prices.
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6. The better wager: Heat at 5-2 or Hawks at 40-1?
Not a good time to ask Josh or Joe if they like the 40-1 odds.
It probably won’t be as much fun if the Heat fail to win the NBA title again next season. But they’re favored again. Bodog.com lists Miami as 5-2 favorites to win the 2011-12 championship, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers (11-2) and Chicago (6-1). The Hawks are tied for 11th at 40-1. I’m not sure that I’d actually bet $20 on them but it would be a more interesting wager than the Heat, whose odds are ridiculously low. The last, after the top three: Oklahoma City 8-1; Dallas 10-1; Boston 12-1; San Antonio 20-1; Orlando 22-1; New York Knicks 28-1; Portland 30-1; Denver 40-1; Atlanta 40-1; Memphis 40-1; New Orleans 45-1; Houston 50-1; Utah 60-1; Philadelphia 65-1; Phoenix 65-1; New Jersey 65-1; Charlotte 75-1; Indiana 75-1; L.A. Clippers 75-1; Detroit 100-1; Golden State 100-1; Milwaukee 100-1; Minnesota 100-1; Sacramento 100-1; Washington 100-1; Cleveland 100-1; Toronto 150-1.
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5. Soccer mascot poses in lingerie (I know, it’s so cliche)
Here's "Donny Dog" in her dressing room. Oh, yeah. (Sorry, I've got editors. But you dudes are resourceful.)
A British soccer team, the Doncaster Rovers, recently fired their mascot for posing in sexy lingerie. Yeah, by now we should be immune to big stuffy animals with oversized heads wearing a nighty, right? Any way, Tracy Chandler (the women in the “Donny Dog” dog suit) apparently has been given her job back, as the club caved to public pressure. Chandler, a 40-year-old mother of three, said she was only trying to raise money for a children’s charity by posing for the magazine. She thought the photo shoot was “tastefully done.” The team said she had “disgraced the club.” Bad dog. But Ms. Chandler noted that this is the same organization that had players pose nude for a charity calendar last year. So the team relented. However, they are making her sleep outside for a week.
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4. Goodbye, Harvey Updyke (and son’s incomplete Tweet)
This man will not be silenced for long.
The other day I blogged about the fact alleged Auburn tree poisoner Harvey Updyke Jr. was now on Twitter. Well, it seems word of this fire-meet-Scarecrow potential was not greeted fondly by Updyke’s attorneys. So just like that, he’s off Twitter. Here’s Updyke’s final Tweet (for now): “Was advised by legal team..attorneys Glennon Threatt & Everett Wess to stop twitting[sic]. go to @bbupdyke my son Bears account follow him.” By the way, this was Bear’s last Tweet: “I have a confession to make to all the Bama fans and it might come as a disappointment and a surprise but I have never been (cont.)” And that’s it. He never Tweeted the rest. Anybody want to finish the sentence? (This should be good.)
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3. New autograph pens (soon to be available in Terrelle Pryor model)
Soon to be sold by Cecil Newton.
Will this Dog leave a mark?
And now, for the Georgia, Alabama and Auburn fans who have everything, we introduce: “BIGshooz.” The desk top pens, soon to be available in other team colors, go for $19.95. According to a news release delivered to my email box: “The sporty figurine-shaped pen sits in a base shaped like a giant pair of shoes, a reminder to be your best and to fill big shoes!” So in a sense, the pen is also sort of a life and spiritual guide. At least until it runs out of ink or the NCAA asks you whether it came free with that tattoo.
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2. The Count’s bad fashion note of the week
Dude, seriously? You're wearing capris to a baseball game?
Did Todd Coffey lose a bet or something? Here’s the rotund Washington Nationals’ pitchers in his throwback Senators’ uniform. It’s an unfortunate look, made worse by the fact that the short pants give the impression he’s either preparing for a flood or getting ready to squash grapes. From Nationals broadcaster Mark Grant: “His britches aren’t even. They’re kind of like Capri pants. They’re too short to hike up and really stay up above the calf and not long enough, really, to cover down to the shoe.”
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1. And finally . . .
Since Jose Canseco is on The Count’s list, here’s an update. His brother, coach-player Ozzie Canseco, was thrown out of a Yuma Scorpions’ game. Meanwhile, Jose’s dog, Bruce, a Great Dane, got loose during the game and ran around the field. Your next question probably will be: Why did Canseco bring his dog to the game? My response is: Why did the dog bring Canseco to the game? No, the signing of the Cansecos hasn’t quite provided a steadying influence on the team. The Scorpions just traded catcher Gabriel Ortiz for a player to be named later. Why? It seems Ortiz took off his catche’s gear in the middle of a game and walked off the field following a home run. Maybe Bruce was just trying to escape.
By Jeff Schultz
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135 comments Add your comment
MatthewH
June 14th, 2011
9:41 am
I also heard that Mark Cuban is covering the cost of the championship parade in Dallas himself. Do you think he wants to buy a baseball team?
MatthewH
June 14th, 2011
9:42 am
The first link on the mascot story. . . she has some nice puppies!
MatthewH
June 14th, 2011
9:48 am
And finally, I couldn’t vote. It’s like tryig to decide which of my children I love more. I just couldn’t decide who is most deserving of my hate.
Jeff Schultz
June 14th, 2011
9:49 am
MatthewH — Win-Place-Show.
Black Coffee & Bourbon
June 14th, 2011
9:52 am
As always, a great read.
Black Coffee & Bourbon
June 14th, 2011
9:53 am
Oh, and the poll, that was easy! Barry Bonds. Hank Aaron is still the HR King!
P-Man
June 14th, 2011
9:54 am
#2 is the funniest thing I have seen in a long time. Hilarious!
The Timekeeper
June 14th, 2011
9:57 am
t, nor have I ever been a fan of LeBron James. But the Hate from people is totally ridiculous and off the charts. In fact, LeBron is right when he says people who hate will go back to the same miserable lives today that they had yesterday. Anyone who hates that much, he is probably correct. I dont hate any of those guys on this list. I dont think any of them are broke either. I save my hate for those who actually try to hurt me for no reason. Other than that, they have to live with themselves for any wrong they have done. Anyone who spedns tha tmuch time hating, well’ Damn!
Bear Updyke
June 14th, 2011
9:58 am
“I have a confession to make to all the Bama fans and it might come as a disappointment and a surprise but I have never been……
intimate with a woman other than my sister. I wasn’t raised IN Alabama, but as you all know I was raised to BE a Bammer.
Roll Damn Tide!
Another Dawg
June 14th, 2011
10:04 am
I mean seriously… HOW DO YOU LEAVE OUT SCAM NEWTON?
No mas Richt
June 14th, 2011
10:07 am
If coaches are included, my vote is for Mark Richt. The phony saint has brought enormous embarrassment to this state the way he recruits thuggos, then tosses them away when he’s done with them. At least they can get jobs pushing a broom somewhere.
gdawginkalamazoo
June 14th, 2011
10:07 am
I don’t know Mark as a rule I feel sorry for dumb people. Looking at that list I guess that would eliminate all of them except one. Given that smart people sometime do dumb things that would leave my vote for the only smart person on the list, at least in my oprinion, Tiger.
To finish the Bear’s tweet…… laid. Okay, I don’t know why that would disappoint or suprise a Bama fan but anybody named Bear in Alabama shouldn’t have that problem so it might be a bit of a shocker.
Congrats to Mark Cuban and the Mavs. Does anybody else think that Dirk sounds a little like Tony Dungy?
I woke up this morning to my life as usual ( and I am okay with it). Lebron still woke up dumb as a rock. I sometimes wonder how dumb people actually enjoy life.
jlewis
June 14th, 2011
10:14 am
Like usual, only 4 white athletes, they do a lot of dirt too, but guess who writes all of the articles, yes, white males like you. Anyway, Lebron is only hated because the white media and white owner chose to hate him, if you ask a majority of black people, they think he did the right thing. Gilbert didnt own Lebron, he had a right to leave, and no one is blaming Gilbert for showing a lack of class when Lebron left, maybe he knew something most didnt know, Gilbert is classless.
White male mentality, they think they own anything or anyone that comes in contact with them, pathetic.
JOYcee Banicheck
June 14th, 2011
10:17 am
ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Buzziswiser
June 14th, 2011
10:33 am
Where’s Manny ? Bonds is the choice otherwise. Actually LeBron maybe the only one without off the court/field issues.
Sunglaspro
June 14th, 2011
10:33 am
You should expand your choices to include coaches and overall sports personalities. While I’m not fond of any of those, all combined would not match my disdain for Lane Kiffin and Urban Meyer
Paul in RDU
June 14th, 2011
10:34 am
Excellent column from the Count.
Any truth to the rumors that Ryan Giggs has asked SAF to schedule a friendly against Doncaster Rovers so he can “walk the dog”?
Jeremy Knipe
June 14th, 2011
10:35 am
Really. Really?
PMC
June 14th, 2011
10:41 am
Don’t have hate, but seriously, Clemens is the guy from that list to be mocked.
beauvighn
June 14th, 2011
10:41 am
Hey Jeff..I think you could have included Ben Rothlesberger in this poll…
Joe Lo
June 14th, 2011
10:42 am
Funny, 10 out 16 athletes on the list are African Americans…..please tell me that can’t be.
Beast from the East
June 14th, 2011
10:42 am
Most hated? I still have to vote for Vick. I would love to see him treated in the same way he treated those dogs. Total scumbag.
beauvighn
June 14th, 2011
10:42 am
My bad…overlooked him…he gets my vote
@jlewis
June 14th, 2011
10:43 am
Uhhh… I’m white. And I voted for Roger Clemons.
People dislike LeBron because he CHOSE to put on an hour long TV Show declaring where he would play next year…can you say egomaniac?
Then, during their “welcome party” they promised “not five, or six, or seven…” NBA Championships…before they HAD PLAYED A GAME. As Bill Simmons says, what if you and a buddy walked into a bar and your buddy points to the hottest girl in the bar and goes I’m taking her home tonight, because I’m the funniest and best looking person in this bar…and then he doesn’t. Are you not going to rail on him for as long as you can??
As for Bonds, I don’t care what color you are when your an a** to every person you come in contact with and then cheat to steal the record from Atlanta’s favorite player of all time (Yes, a black man named Hank Aaron) then you’re not going to get positive feedback among the AJC’s readership.
Michael Vick, could our displeasure with him have anything to do that he has admitted that he DID NOT work as hard as he should have, devote himself to the Atlanta Falcons, do the little things to make him great. We loved him, we didn’t kill the dogs and get him in jail, HE DID.
Quit playing the race card, man, it’s 2011.
Beast from the East
June 14th, 2011
10:44 am
Sunglaspro,
Understand the disdain for all things Kiffin, but why Meyer?
Timeout, timeout, timeout?
Payback’s a bi#%$!
You Ain't-Know Gaily Whacker
June 14th, 2011
10:46 am
Jeff, you don’t know your history about Ty Cobb. His charitable foundations of education and medical
facilities help more people of all races than everyone that reads this article will contribute in their life. Google Ty Cobb charities. It’s funny when people try to revise history.
Dumbo
June 14th, 2011
10:49 am
You should have added the man sports writers loved to stir up – PETE ROSE, a low lifer as a player/manager and even more so now!!!!!!!!!!!
Dr. Phil
June 14th, 2011
10:50 am
I am waiting to see if Crowell descends on the Georgia Dome on a lift with fireworks and smoke.
The Listener
June 14th, 2011
10:55 am
bbupdyke: “I have never been…… to the dentist!”
And Jeff, until a better single-syllable word conveying serious dislike emerges, *hate* stays.
Bill
June 14th, 2011
10:56 am
Wish Cuban would buy the Braves!!!!!
Buckeye
June 14th, 2011
10:56 am
At least you managed an Ohio State/Terelle Pryor shout out.
Buckeye
June 14th, 2011
11:00 am
Dr. Phil,
Me too. I see a cross between a Mike Vick/Falcon/smoke entry and Pink in her high-wire harness get up. Throw in a little professional wrestling flare ( more red meat for all the uga rednecks) with hot chicks in spandex and you have the makings for the official arrival of The Annointed One II.
Jimmy
June 14th, 2011
11:01 am
Jlewis – I could debunk your pathetic post on so many different fronts, but why should I. You are obviously a “race relations” activist. I mean, you took the time to count the race of the people listed? Then point out that all but four are black?
What a loser.
GaDawg
June 14th, 2011
11:02 am
How about that goofy Arm-flapping Keith Brooking
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
11:03 am
Some like Mike Tyson and even Tiger have become somewhat sympathetic figures. Barry is Barry, but I think Lebron has every chance to surpass Barry. Lebron has everything I need to dislike in an athlete. Big mouth, lot’s of talk, failure to back up that talk. Plays that “look at me!” “why are you looking at me?” game that is so pathetic. And finally… who pays Lebron? Lots of little people who go to games, and buy the beer and watch the TV commercials. And he makes fun of them? You def root for bad to happen to someone like that. Imagine what a schlong he’ll be if he ever wins a championship – all the destiny, shock the world, god’s will, utter poo that will spew. Lebron is making me forget Barry.
Sunglaspro
June 14th, 2011
11:03 am
Meyer projected the image that alot of SEC fans have of Gators fans. Smug and arrogant. While he may be a nice guy as I’m sure alot of Gator fans are, Most MATURE SEC fans realize this league is cyclical and you spend a few years on top, slide down to the middle of the pack and eventually rise back up. Florida doesn’t have the long history dating back to the 20’s and 30’s that several schools do and alot of us who had to endure the verbal abuse we got in our own stadiums from Florida fans cherished the gators frustration last year
Beast from the East
June 14th, 2011
11:03 am
Buckeye,
You have experience with what can happen with overhyped recruits. Mr. Pryor sure had that entitlement mentality, didn’t he? For the Dawgs’ sake, I hope Crowell has a better head on his shoulders.
GaDawg
June 14th, 2011
11:04 am
How about that Goofy Arm-Flapping Keith Brooking? what an idiot!
Hey Jeff!
June 14th, 2011
11:04 am
You forgot to add Sidney “I just hit puberty” Crosby to your list. Everyone clear of Pittsburgh hates him.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
11:07 am
Even Vick has become sympathetic to me. He had it all. He got that first delicious taste of the very best steak, and then his waiter alter ego came and took the plate.
Joe Tess Fish House
June 14th, 2011
11:07 am
Perrier Jerry 4 scaming the Flacons in 2 drafting him fist round and then not doing N E thing.
Beast from the East
June 14th, 2011
11:09 am
Sunglaspro,
Fair enough. I can understand people perceiving Meyer as “smug and arrogant”, but you have to agree that he earned that right. Just look at his record as a HC. Pretty darn impressive at all stops.
Buckeye
June 14th, 2011
11:10 am
Beast,
You know I’m on record saying I hope Isaiah is everything you hope for on and off the field.
It’s hard to imagine all the attention, expectation and hype surrouding him doesn’t f with his head in some, way, shape or form.
Sunglaspro
June 14th, 2011
11:12 am
Yes I do give Meyer and even the Gators their do for what they have accomplished, You know what they say no one hates a loser
Whitey
June 14th, 2011
11:21 am
jlewis@10:14,
Yo Bro, Can’t you save the race baiting for the Cynthia Tucker or Jay Bookman columns? You sound like one of those people that wakes up every morning looking for the racist boogeyman in every nook, cranny, and corner. Get over the hate and move on with your life. You’ll feel better.
Coach Grohbo
June 14th, 2011
11:21 am
@Sunglaspro,
Most people in the Atlanta area hate the Georgia Bulldogs, so there goes your theory right there.
King Saban
June 14th, 2011
11:24 am
“I have a confession to make to all the Bama fans and it might come as a disappointment and a surprise but I have never been…….
an Alabama fan.
Good. Now if we could have only gotten your POS dad to not be an Alabama fan.
mike
June 14th, 2011
11:24 am
It’s okay folks. LeBron got in his Bentley and drove home to his mansion and to his bank accounts. You haters and fellow goobers got up the next morning just like he said. But what other way can you folks express your jealousy for those superstar athletes. It must be hard for you folks to get up every morning with all that hate in your system. It is funny because LeBron and company does not even know you clowns exist.
King Saban
June 14th, 2011
11:25 am
I’ll second coach Grohbo. Your theory has been disproven sunglass pro.
mothers concerned
June 14th, 2011
11:27 am
What about the guy lance Armstrong he will so be caught. He been in the news to many times is time is coming. Keep smiling and lying. Your so called friends are telling:)
jay lo or Jlewis or whoever
June 14th, 2011
11:27 am
the f you are……
are you really that stupid?
lets see….. ask any black man on the fin planet and they ‘brag’ and i mean ‘brag’ that blacks are the best athletes on the planet.
(i dont ascribe to that notion at all but that is for another discussion)
the nfl rosters are dominated by black athletes. the nba rosters are dominated by black athletes. college fb and bb teams are dominated by black athletes and you act surprised and whine when…
you guessed it…. black athletes dominate the list of the most hated athletes.
are you really that stupid?
my guess is yes because being a good athlete doesnt mean your smarter than a rock. see lebron james.
i also would suggest that lebron has to be one of the uggliest people in sports.
if we compiled another list of big stupid ugglies i dare say that blacks would dominate that list too.
but hey… they have one thing going for them. they can run fast. they can jump high. And they can dance.
Aarons rent to own
June 14th, 2011
11:30 am
I guess we’ll be seeing Allen Iverson pretty soon and selling him some rent to own appliances and furniture for his crib- if he aint homeless of course. What is it with these people that they make millions upon millions of dollars and don’t pay their most basic bills like car tag fees and they eventually end up completely freaking broke?
Jimmy the Greek
June 14th, 2011
11:34 am
but hey… they have one thing going for them. they can run fast. they can jump high. And they can dance.
No. That’s actually 3 things they got going for them. Still can’t swim of course.
It has been almost a year, get a life Cleveland.
June 14th, 2011
11:37 am
I see you are mailing it in today, Jeff.
Hillbilly D
June 14th, 2011
11:39 am
How could anybody hate Ty Cobb or Freddie Blassie?
Bart
June 14th, 2011
11:39 am
Levenson; Gearon….they’re not players, and it was an an octocluster mess rather than just one individual…but Levenson certainly seemed to be the the lead goober in charge in railroading the Thrashers right out of town. I want to vote for one of those bozos (preferably Levenson) instead of any of the athletes above. At least the athletes showed up in some manner to offer a positive contribution at some point in time.
jimmy i was going to correct that
June 14th, 2011
11:39 am
but whose counting. certainly not reggie ball.
one thing i will say is that as much disdain as i had for michael vick i have to hand it to the guy. at first i think that his contrition was a fake. he like many had found god in prison. lmao….
it is as if having to act the part of a ‘real’ roll model has caused him to up his game. unless he falls on his sword i have to admit i am proud of the guy now.
keep it up michael. many of us former haters are counting on you.
Andy Kaufman
June 14th, 2011
11:40 am
Mr. Fred Blassie and the breakfast mess…
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
2by4
June 14th, 2011
11:44 am
the writers name should be on here cos he is the biggest hater
Look in the mirror
June 14th, 2011
11:45 am
Jlewis, YOU are a racist. I’m casting a write in vote for Cam Newton.
Ah...Yea
June 14th, 2011
11:47 am
I’m confused about Michael Vick, Chad, or even Terrell Owens being on this list. I understand Vick with the dog thing but the man paid his debt to society and has since moved on the RIGHT way without any other problems. The falcons have also moved on.
Chad and Terrell have no criminal history of beating women or other things like that. They just have a big mouth. Mark Cuban has a big mouth but you seemed to give him a pass. WHY?
I agree with the RACE issue on this one. People talk about moving on and not playing the race card. Really? Why do we still hate Michael Vick? Why can’t Schultz and the rest of the Falcons fans move on with Matt Ryan?
Tell me if Mick Vick was a WHITE man you Schultz will be willing to give him a pass like Cuban. The man went to a federal prison for god sakes and has since been publicaly apologizing for his crimes. JEESH let it go!!!!!!!
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
11:48 am
I read a story about a chick in NY who sold a website. I think she got, say, $10m dollars. She was happy, she could FINALLY move across the river into Manhattan. Wait. She did the math and ended up not moving to Manhattan. Why? She could afford a place to live in Manhattan, but what about upkeep, taxes, etc? She sold the website for $10m, but that was not really her sustainable income. If she bought a place in Manhattan, one day she would be broke. She passed on her dream.
Sports stars have a few things working against them in this regard. Hangers on. Egos, which, let’s face it, you have to have one to compete. They are on TV which feeds the ego. If they go to a nightclub, they are on TV and feel pressure to act baller. The main difference though, they excessively live in the moment and think that $50m or whatever is endless.
I never really got why athletes are not better about this. Somewhere they have to recognize that they are employees just like anyone else. Lebron has a Bentley? So what. He has a boss who is paying him. He has job responsibilities like anyone else.The league makes money off Lebron. Recognize that when you put your baller hat on. Lebron needs love like anyone else. One day he might regret skipping college, because, frankly, he seems like he’s not the brightest bulb. Can you put a price tag on that? People who don’t even care about basketball came out like roaches in the night to root against you. Feel good about that?
Be a simpleton and call it hating. Real life is a lot more complex than your silly catch phrase.
CPat
June 14th, 2011
11:48 am
Being from the Cleveland area we have so many persons to hate. I voted for Michael Vick because of his dog fighting ring. As for hating LeQuit, when compated to Art Modell, he doesn’t even make the first cut!
Ah...Yea
June 14th, 2011
11:49 am
And of course SOMEONE else is going to call me a racist without an INTELLIGENT REASON FOR DOING SO.
Please someone give me an intellectual rebuttal instead making yourself look stupid. Please!!!!
Ah...Yea
June 14th, 2011
11:51 am
What about the guy from the braves that said he hated going to new york because of the gays with aids and minorities.
Does he get a pass as well?!!!!
Joe Tess Fish House
June 14th, 2011
11:53 am
Ah….Yea
Silence pleez
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
11:57 am
To keep it civil, let’s assume blacks hate whites, and whites hate blacks. Ok, now that we have that out of the way, can we get down to talking about hate in a civil and proper manner?
I swear, Atlanta bores the pants off me sometimes.
Ah...Yea
June 14th, 2011
11:57 am
Joe Tess Fish House
My point exactly. Thank you LOLLLLL
Marteen is a Ballplayer
June 14th, 2011
11:58 am
I can’t believe I am going to do this as a Georgia fan, but I am actually going to say something positive about Florida, and specifically, Urban Meyer. I do not like Urban Meyer and I think the Gators are vile; however, we owe Meyer for putting the SEC in the spotlight and giving the benefit of the doubt to any SEC team that is borderlne for MNC consideration. Going back six-years, OSU and Michigan played a game of no defense where both teams scored in the neighborhood of 50 points if memory serves. There were no rules preventing two teams from the same conference at that time from playing each other again for the MNC. It was very, very close to an OSU vs. Michigan rematch. Instead, Meyer took to the offensive and pleaded (and even whined a bit) about the Gators having a shot after finishing their season with weak showings against SC and Vandy.
You know the rest. Florida gets in, holds OSU to 84 yards, and makes that OSU/Michigan game look like a joke. Since then, it has been nothing but SEC. This really spotlighted the gauntlet that an SEC schedule is week-in and week-out. Granted, UGA has never benefitted from this, but they are now granted the same benefit of the doubt if they can win the SEC again. If OSU/Michigan played again, OSU would have been considered the best team of all time if they won and the SEC would not have the dominance in the public eye that it does.
My one tribute to Meyer and why he would not get my vote for most hated person.
Beast from the East
June 14th, 2011
12:00 pm
Ah…Yea,
I still hate Vick because of what he did to those dogs. I’m not obligated to ever forgive him just because he went to prison.
Doesn’t make me a racist. I’d also like to see Roethlisberger go to prison and get preyed on like he’s done with those young girls.
Congressman Weiner
June 14th, 2011
12:04 pm
I hate Al Gore or whoever it was who took the initiative in creating twitter.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
12:07 pm
In general we can handle smug or arrogant if it is backed up – MJ or Meyer.
It runs into trouble when they become a sideshow of themselves – Lebron or Bonds.
Bonds would have been given a pass without the roids. He would have been regarded as great. If you look at his numbers, it’s freaking obvious when he started using roids and he lied and lied and lied about it. I hate McGwire as much if not more than Bonds. But Bonds, would have gone down as one of the top 5 players of all time. But that was not good enough.
It puts me, the fan, in a bad spot, because, franky, I’ll always think that Hank Aaron is the home run king and Bonds really really really messed that up.
Aaron made bonds possible. Aaron put up with real racism, whereas Bonds just mistook people hating on him for being such an ass as racism. Everything that makes Aaron great is lacking in Bonds.
Rob Lowe
June 14th, 2011
12:09 pm
@count_schemula,
Atlanta bores the pants off me sometimes, too.
Look in the mirror
June 14th, 2011
12:14 pm
Ah…Yea, there are some white sports figures who should have been on this list. Bill Lambier, Mark Cuban, Jeff Kent, John Rocker, Steve Spurrier come to mind. But every black athlete on that list is on there because of the way they behaved. If you are suggesting that this behavior is inherent to black people and is therefore some culturally protected right, YOU are the racist.
Hollywould
June 14th, 2011
12:15 pm
LeBrick has taken his talents to the coughseason!!!
gcs
June 14th, 2011
12:16 pm
UGH! Thanks for not linking pictures of the “mascot for posing in sexy lingerie”. I recommend NOT searching for this.
Hollywould
June 14th, 2011
12:17 pm
Ah-yea/ i voted for favre and I am white/ SO WHAT
no more silver britches
June 14th, 2011
12:29 pm
Those pants on the Georgia pen are too silver. We wear light grey now for some reason.
Hollywould
June 14th, 2011
12:34 pm
Did yall know that today is National Queen James day? Everyone gets to leave work 12 minutes early. Maybe LeBrick should have played hockey/ they only have 3 periods. Why didn’t LeChoke go to college? He did not want to show up for finals.
Kevin
June 14th, 2011
12:34 pm
Funny……..I had a conversation with 2 oyster shuckers & a fellow patron(who all happended to be black) at Acme Oyster house in New orleans during Game 5. They all thought LeBron was a gutless fraud as did I. And were all rooting for Dallas. So i do’t think it’s just white ppl who were offended by the decision and the celebation, all the other immature stuff he does.It seems it’s now angry black men(like our Pres.) who make everything about race these days. The majority of us, black and white, have long since moved on from the ignorant way of thinking.
JSS
June 14th, 2011
12:45 pm
Where’s Steve Howe and Pete Rose?
JSS
June 14th, 2011
12:46 pm
And Lenny Dykstera?
Sebastian
June 14th, 2011
12:47 pm
Mark Cuban needs to buy the Braves.
AZTEC
June 14th, 2011
12:54 pm
jeff you forgot to add ART MODELL to your hate list to vote on.
JSS
June 14th, 2011
12:56 pm
Hillbilly D
June 14th, 2011
11:39 am
“How could anybody hate Ty Cobb?”
Get a way back machine and ask that poor elevator attendent that he almost beat to death… Or the disabled fan that he attacked in the stands for heckling him. Or the opposing players that he spiked with regularity?
JSS
June 14th, 2011
12:58 pm
Laughing at Aztec, Jeff Schultz, remember that question from last summer?
DP
June 14th, 2011
12:59 pm
I’d eliminate Kobe because he doesn’t seem quite as arrogant and nasty as he used to be (recent homophobic slur of an NBA official notwithstanding) and because he played his butt off on the Olympic team. I’d eliminate Vick because as deplorable as his actions were I think he’s one of the few athletes or politicians who is actually sincerely remorseful for what he did as opposed to the fact that he got caught. I’d eliminate Canseco and Tyson because I think they’re more clowns than hateable at this point. And Canseco gets bonus points for ratting out McGwire, A-Rod and others as fellow steroid cheats.
The other 12 are too close to separate, any could easily get my vote, so I’ll give them 1/12 each. How is possible to determine who the biggest jerk is between the likes of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Terrelle Owens, A-Rod, etc.? It’s like trying to decide who was more evil, Hitler or Stalin.
And Jim Tressel should have his own category for biggest sanctimonious phony cheater.
LeBrick
June 14th, 2011
12:59 pm
Cuban has tried to buy a Major League Team, the owners turned down his 100 million dollar more offer than the Ricketts offer to buy the Cubs. MLB doesn’t like him and won’t give him a team
SPIDER
June 14th, 2011
1:00 pm
BYU should get the death penalty from the NCAA for cheating on the field of play late in game that changed the outome of the game, but the rich MORMONS paid off the NCAA before the investigation could get started and beside the NCAA would rather worry about athletes selling their own personal items…what a joke the NCAA is.
Coach Grohbo
June 14th, 2011
1:02 pm
@silver britches,
The Georgia pen begins to leak ink in the third quarter and completely runs out in the fourth.
Gravy Train
June 14th, 2011
1:03 pm
I’m not carrying hate for anyone.
Buckeye, look, your team is circling the drain. I know it sucks, but come on, there is no need to project your negativity on the flagship team of this state.
ps: I saw the presser for the new coach. He’s suspect and you’re projecting.
Bulldog Joe
June 14th, 2011
1:05 pm
I wish we had a coach that our opponents hated.
Paul in RDU
June 14th, 2011
1:05 pm
I swear that people just looked at the list and didn’t read Jeff’s criteria for creating it. It is supposed to be a list of athletes (not managers, coaches, owners, etc) who have been active in the last 10 years. Every name on the list is an athlete who competed in the last 10 years.
Other people:
Pete Rose – hasn’t played in a game in 25 years – has been banned from baseball for 20 years
Gilbert – owner
Mark Cuban – owner
Art Modell – completely incompetent owner
Bill Laimbeer – hasn’t played in a game since 1993
John Rocker – could be on the list but not even close to being as successful an athlete as the majority of the names on the list
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
1:15 pm
So, basically, Lebron meets the criteria. Punk butt and can’t walk the walk. Bingo!
Lebron
June 14th, 2011
1:21 pm
AJC Bloggers: I know you are all really envy me because I, after all, am the great Lebron James. I can’t help it if you regular people live lives of misery every day having to go to your “jobs” and all. You little people should be grateful that superior and sophisticated basketball athletes like me take the time to get out on the court — and then I am so generous, that I even let you common people watch me play.
P.S.: mommy gave me a name that sounds French.
Hank
June 14th, 2011
1:24 pm
I voted for Mr James as most hated just to be a wise guy and pile on. I really think he’s caught too much grief. It’s not like the guy robbed a bank or beat up his wife.
Dawglasville
June 14th, 2011
1:25 pm
jlewis – how many white athletes are there?
If this makes you feel better, I’m a white guy and here is how I would rank them
1. Bond’s because he cheated my favorite only sports hero – Hank Aaron.
2. Roethlisberger because if he is not a rapist he is a creep.
3. Clements jerk and cheated baseball.
4. McGuire cheated baseball. Happy when Bonds beat his record.
5. Lebron – full of himself. Love to see him and Wes Unsel in the post.
6. Favre – Diva.
Four of the top 6 I have in my list are also white. I was fat once. Assumed every in restaurants was laughing at me. Got skinny, realized that people still laugh at restaurants, and it had nothing to do with me. Now I’m old and fat and I don’t care anymore. I’m just happy to have the money to eat out. My point is this, there is not a motive behind everything.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 14th, 2011
1:35 pm
Good Stuff JS- Wish there was a MLB owner like Cuban, Turner was sort of like him back in the 90s. Wish we had him back. I voted for AROD, can’t stand the SOB!!
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
1:35 pm
In the animal kingdom, it’s not called piling on. It’s called fresh kill. Lebron is fresh kill.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
1:36 pm
One of my favorite pictures in all of sports is a drunk Ted Turner grabbing the WS trophy and bending up all the flags. Just old school with it.
JASon
June 14th, 2011
1:39 pm
“James will see moments of tentativeness, passing up open shots that are usually automatic.”
Hey, Jeff, let me clue you in on a little something: People don’t hate lebron james for what he does on the court. Let me ask you a question, are you so detached from reality that you don’t notice when a person is being egotistical or arrogant?
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
1:44 pm
I watched 2 NBA games this year. I just don’t like the NBA anymore. But… games 5 and 6 were not entirely about basketball. BTW, in the bars I was at… no Heat fans. None that I could tell. No Mavs fans either, but plenty of love for what the Mavs were doing.
Ted M
June 14th, 2011
1:50 pm
Freddie Blassie… whose this guy?
Ted M
June 14th, 2011
1:57 pm
The L.A. Clippers at 75-1, that might warrent a $10 wager.
dmr
June 14th, 2011
1:58 pm
You lookin’ for the most “HATED” man in sports. Take a cue from Crash Davis…”You don’t respect yourself and that’s your problem. But you don’t respect the game and that’s MY problem.” Find the guy who fits that bill and that is who I would hate the most.
RACE CARD
June 14th, 2011
2:07 pm
I don’t understand why some people are complaining about how the list has more black athletes than white athletes on it. Last time I checked there were more professional black athletes than white ones. So you would think more times than not it would have more black athletes on any list no matter what the topic is involving athletes. Inless we are talking about hockey but this Atlanta and obvously we don’t care about hockey.
Anyone can be a racist. It’s not limited only to white people. I know a ton of racist black people.
Terrell Pryor
June 14th, 2011
2:08 pm
I think you are missing something here. Coach Tressel is the lying scumbag. I’m just trying to take care of my family.
B
June 14th, 2011
2:25 pm
Hey LeBron! How’s my Dirk taste? Priceless
Buckeye
June 14th, 2011
2:27 pm
Gravy Train,
The “Team” is not circling the drain.
Ohio State will outrank uga at year’s end. Mark my words.
Beast from the East
June 14th, 2011
2:38 pm
Buckeye,
What do you predict from the Buckeyes this year? I say about 9-3 regular season.
Druid City
June 14th, 2011
2:54 pm
“Ohio State will outrank uga at year’s end.”
Buckeye,
I would set my sights much higher than college football’s Mendoza line.
You sound like a Georgia Tech fan.
Joey
June 14th, 2011
3:11 pm
The Count’s sister is hot, Jeff! . . . . . . Oh hell, I hope that one is his sister! Haha!
The ref looks like he is critiquing the ketchup on the dude’s face, instead of being horrified by the injury. I wonder why?
MountainDawg
June 14th, 2011
3:24 pm
Alotta good choices…”Cheatah” Woods, Bonds, (con)Vick, Tee-YO, Ochostinko & Queen LeBr0wn. This list should have included (s)Cam Newton as well.
Kevin
June 14th, 2011
3:30 pm
Petrino??? Got to make the list!
Joey
June 14th, 2011
3:31 pm
Jeff, if Bear resembles Harvey, then his Tweet was probably, …..I have never had a girlfriend.
ugaclassof2004
June 14th, 2011
3:33 pm
I don’t hate LeBron. The hour special he did was tacky, but then again Cleveland should have put a team around him that could win a title, and they didn’t. So that knife cuts both ways.
I do however think that some of what the National media is saying correct in terms of LeBron getting that objective feedback. Kobe and MJ hand one thing in common: Phil Jackson. As a coach, he had the political captial to tell those guys when they’re sucking. Erick Spoelstra is a CEO coach who is content to let his talent play, but he’s not going call LeBron out for playing like crap. So LeBron doesn’t learn from his mistakes. Say what you want about Kobe, but the guy works his butt off and is a student of the game. Those clutch plays he makes in the finals come from studying the opponent. Dirk is the same way. For LeBron to evolve, he’s going to have to get over being this Global Icon, and start becoming a warrior in the offseason and the film room.
Heath
June 14th, 2011
4:14 pm
Almost went with Bonds, but decided on Big Ben because he’s a rapist. Then, after voting, I noticed all of the other rapists and felt bad about giving them a free pass. Why can’t we vote on more than one?
StingerSplash
June 14th, 2011
4:16 pm
I thought with the Miami Herald ad, maybe LeBatard pulled an Albom and wrote a column on the Heat winning in advance and their composing room just took his word for granted.
GTBob
June 14th, 2011
4:32 pm
Bonds is more hated then a rapist and a dog killer? Um ok. I think the hate for Lebron is getting a little overboard now too. The governor of Ohio today declared the Dallas Mavericks honorary citizens of Ohio. I mean, come on.
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 14th, 2011
4:33 pm
His confession is that he has never been to a game, at Byrant Denny at Alabama. No wait, that applies to at least half of the negative posters on these blogs, who favor other teams. Should there now be a bloggers Updyke poll? We could call it the “Couch Coaches Club” or to simplify it, “The Updykes”. The ratings system would be fairly straight forward. The higher scores are given to those that have no substantial reasoning for what they say, they just spout off. Second highest goes to those that quote facts or statistics that they either made up or embellished to try and make a point. And a third place finish is devoted to those folks that just like to spew insults and crap, because it makes them feel important in their own minds. And a special award is given to those that insult the young kids of a particular team. They don’t know them or their character but act like they have been life long acquaintances. These awards are only open to non-UGA posters. The top winner of each day, will be posted on the blog that he/she offended.
Paddy
June 14th, 2011
4:42 pm
i predict that Harvey Updyke will not stand trial. He will be shipped off to the State’s Nervous Hospital until he can help with his defense. After listening to Mr Updyke, he may never be able to help his defense, his family or anything animal or vegtable in a long, long time!!!!!! What a wast of a human mind!!! Mob Wives tv show is more rational than this cretin.
Coach Grohbo
June 14th, 2011
4:46 pm
UGA tailgaters do worse damage to their campus EVERY GAME.
I don’t get what the big deal is about Mr. Updyke.
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 14th, 2011
4:48 pm
Grohbo,
At least it is their campus. Are you by chance, Charles Manson’s defense lawyer?
Coach Grohbo
June 14th, 2011
4:54 pm
It is not their campus.
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 14th, 2011
5:01 pm
Grohbo,
And guess what. Those were not Updyke’s trees either so what is your point. If you think that what that dude did is no big deal, I would question if you have both oars in the water there my friend. The ole moral compass is headed way north if you actually believe that it was no big deal.
Coach Grohbo
June 14th, 2011
5:09 pm
The Auburn trees are still alive and well.
UGA has already had to cut down north campus trees damaged by tailgaters.
Walk it. The stumps are still there.
point set match
June 14th, 2011
5:18 pm
for grohbo but than again beating a dawg intellectually is not much to bahhhhhhhhhhh about….
maybe it is time for the dawgs to go back to their original mascot ….the goat
i have to believe that a goat has more smarts than that fug uggly mutt they use now.
coach richt could use some goat hair to cover his god awful looking scalp.
maybe he could take his team out to graze on the field an on those shrubs too.
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 14th, 2011
5:22 pm
Grohbo,
He used poison, not dynamite for crying out loud. Do you think it might take a while, for the roots to absorb the poison to such a degree that it will kill them. Don’t believe me though, I believe U of Mississippi agricultural dept. did the test and confirmed that the trees had been infected with a lethal dose of poison. That is like saying, well he only went there to make them a little sick and not to kill them. Therefore, it is no big deal. Man, you are really a trip. Why don’t you ask the Auburn fans if it was no big deal. Using your reasoning, I guess what Bernie Mahoff did was no big deal, because I didn’t lose any money on his pyramid scheme.
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 14th, 2011
5:29 pm
So Groho,
Because the trees take time to absorb the poison through their roots, it is ok what UpDyke did. That’s a pretty lame assessment for saying he didn’t do anything really bad or whatever scale you assign this minor offense. I bet you I can find more than a few Auburn folks that just might disagree with you. I know your parents didn’t teach you this moral value. destroying a part of history that is not yours, is a felony, and felonies are not simple mistakes.
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 14th, 2011
5:33 pm
Grohbo,
Wait a year and walk down and check out those trees that were poisoned. It take a little while for trees to absorb the poison, but the agricultural Dept. at the U of Mississippi, did the research and those trees will slowly die. Felonies are big deals, and those were historic and close to the hearts of a lot of Auburn fans.
LIVE BLOG: Braves hope they've reached turning point | Jeff Schultz
June 14th, 2011
6:03 pm
[...] Earlier: Countdown: Vote for LeBron, someone else in Count’s first hate poll [...]
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 14th, 2011
6:19 pm
Fantastic! LeBron turned Heel (wrestling term) at the decision. He validated it with his post series loss.
The NBA will make money on the 82 game heel tour next season, simply becuase he will go from heel, to tweener, to sympathatic figure in the finals next year.
Now: Anyone think the fix isn’t on in the NBA?
5150 UOAD
June 14th, 2011
8:56 pm
Should have added Roger Godell maybe.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
June 14th, 2011
9:47 pm
Good list Count.
Hard to believe that among 16 slots there wasn’t a place for the insufferable Deione Sanders. Can I write him in?
Pros only I see – no college athletes. Probably not a good idea to rag on 18-21 year olds, but how about institutions like Duke Basketball and all things Gator?
How about sports media (present company excluded)? ESPN out of general principal. Jim Nantz for his chronic sappiness and Skip Bayless for harboring his many anti-Atlanta sports team biases.
And Terrence Moore, wherever he is, just for being Terrence Moore.
Tim Tebow Jr
June 14th, 2011
10:03 pm
Chippie jones is the worse. Plays on the days he wants to. Horrible fielder and no longer a hitter. A bum haning on for his 15 million. No pride at all. he scores do him right or you would laugh at him too.