Some famous athletes have seen their legacies tarnished by serious crimes, trading the court for the courtroom. These stories expose the darker side of sports and fame.
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Burress was at the height of his NFL career when one fateful night in November 2008 altered his path forever. Known for his performance during the New York Giants’ Super Bowl XLII win, Burress became the centre of controversy after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub. The firearm, which was tucked into his waistband, discharged as it slipped down his leg.
The situation worsened when it was revealed that Burress didn’t have a permit for the gun, a serious offense under New York City’s strict gun laws. Facing immense public and legal scrutiny, Burress pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon and was sentenced to two years in prison, serving 20 months. His time behind bars interrupted his career, leaving him unable to play during what should have been some of his peak years. While Burress eventually returned to the NFL, his reputation and career were never the same.
Mike Danton
In 2004, NHL player Mike Danton shocked the sports world when he was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Danton, a promising young player for the St. Louis Blues, had hired a hitman to kill his agent, David Frost. Frost had been a long-time figure in Danton’s life, but their relationship had grown increasingly toxic, with allegations of manipulation and control surfacing during the trial.
The planned murder was thwarted when the “hitman” Danton hired turned out to be an undercover police officer. Danton’s motivations were linked to his troubled relationship with Frost. After pleading guilty, Danton was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison. Although Danton eventually resumed playing hockey at a lower level upon his release, his NHL career was permanently derailed.
Rae Carruth
Rae Carruth, a former Carolina Panthers wide receiver, orchestrated the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Cherica Adams. In 1999, Caruth hired a hitman to shoot Adams after she refused to terminate her pregnancy. On the night of the attack, Carruth lured Adams into following him in her car before blocking her escape as the hired gunman opened fire. Adams was able to call 911 and identify Carruth as the orchestrator of the attack before falling into a coma.
She died a month later, but their son, Chancellor Lee Adams, survived, born prematurely and with cerebral palsy as a result of the trauma. Carruth fled after the attack but was eventually captured, tried and sentenced to 18 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder. Released in 2018, Carruth remains one of the most reviled figures in sports history.
Ruben Patterson
Ruben Patterson, a former NBA player known for his defensive prowess and self-proclaimed title as the “Kobe Stopper,” saw his career fall apart by legal troubles and personal scandals. In 2001, Patterson pleaded guilty to attempted rape after being accused of sexually assaulting his children’s nanny. The incident led to his placement on the sex offender registry.
But Patterson’s legal troubles didn’t end there. Over the years, he faced multiple accusations of domestic violence and was arrested for various incidents, including disputes involving family members. While Patterson had moments of success on the court during his time with teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets, his off-court actions defined his public image.
—
These cases reveal the fragile line between success and downfall, showing how poor decisions can tarnish even the most promising careers. For these athletes, their legacies are no longer defined by their achievements in sports but by the choices that led them to the courtroom.