14 Athletes Who Were Suspended at Their Peak
These athletes were at the top of their game when shocking suspensions derailed their careers.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Reaching the peak of an athletic career takes years of dedication, but one mistake can change everything. Some of the biggest names in sports faced career-altering suspensions just when they were dominating their respective fields. Here are 14 athletes who saw their careers take a dramatic turn when they were suspended in their peak.
1. Lance Armstrong
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Once a cycling legend with seven Tour de France wins, Armstrong was stripped of his titles after a major doping scandal. His career fell apart when the truth about his performance-enhancing drug use was exposed.
2. Maria Sharapova
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Sharapova was a dominant force in tennis until a failed drug test led to a 15-month suspension. The news stunned the sports world and halted her thriving career.
3. Diego Maradona
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One of football’s greatest players, Maradona faced multiple suspensions for drug use. His 1994 World Cup ban was a turning point that affected his legacy.
4. Alex Rodriguez
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A baseball superstar, Rodriguez was handed a record 162-game suspension due to his involvement in a doping scandal. It was a major blow to his Hall of Fame aspirations.
5. Michael Phelps
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The most decorated Olympian in history, Phelps faced a three-month suspension after a photo of him using a banned substance surfaced. Though short-lived, it impacted his image.
6. Tyson Gay
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Once the fastest man in America, Gay’s reputation took a hit after testing positive for a banned substance. He was suspended and stripped of his relay medals.
7. Tom Brady
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Brady, an NFL icon, was suspended for four games after allegations of deflating footballs to gain an advantage. The scandal sparked intense debate over his legacy.
8. Manny Pacquiao
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The boxing legend faced temporary suspension talks due to medical disclosure issues. Though short, it added to the drama surrounding his storied career.
9. Ben Johnson
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Johnson won gold at the 1988 Olympics, only to lose it days later after testing positive for steroids. His fall from grace was one of the biggest in sports history.
10. Ron Artest (Metta World Peace)
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Artest was suspended for one of the longest periods in NBA history after a brawl with fans. This significantly impacted his reputation and career.
11. Hope Solo
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The outspoken goalkeeper was suspended multiple times, with the most notable one ending her international career. Her comments and actions led to controversy.
12. Ryan Braun
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The MLB star initially denied using performance-enhancing drugs but later admitted it and faced suspension. It tarnished his once-bright career.
13. Rasheed Wallace
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Known for his fiery temper, Wallace was suspended multiple times due to on-court behavior. His most infamous suspension came after a confrontation with officials.
14. Jon Jones
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The UFC star was suspended multiple times for doping violations and legal troubles. His career remains one of the biggest “what-ifs” in MMA history.