Let’s delve into the dramatic world of sports, where careers can dramatically shift due to a single event, decision, or the intense scrutiny of public opinion. While it’s easy to judge from the sidelines, it’s truly inspiring to see how many prominent sports figures have not only weathered these storms but have often emerged even stronger, solidifying their legacies.
The idea that a scandal can ‘ruin a career’ is often an oversimplification; the reality is usually much more complex and nuanced. For many, these difficult moments weren’t career-ending but rather pivotal career-defining challenges that severely tested their resilience and character, ultimately shaping their impact on the sporting world as we see from the ‘Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Power List.’
So, buckle up! We’re going to highlight a compelling lineup of athletes, executives, and trailblazers who found themselves at the crossroads of controversy, facing everything from on-field incidents to complex leadership dilemmas. These stories aren’t just about the ‘scandals’ themselves, but about the sheer determination and strategic thinking that allowed these powerful figures to maintain, or even amplify, their impact. Let’s get into it and see how some of the biggest names in sports navigated their toughest moments.
1. **Neymar Jr.: Navigating the Storm of Controversy**When you’re considered “one of the best players in the world,” every move you make, both on and off the pitch, is under a microscope. Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, or simply Neymar, is a name synonymous with dazzling skill, incredible goals, and undeniable marketability. He rose to prominence at an early age at Santos, where he made his professional debut aged 17, quickly racking up championships and individual accolades like being named the South American Footballer of the Year twice.
His journey continued with Barcelona, forming a formidable attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning a continental treble and earning a third-place finish for the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2015. Then came the record-breaking transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, solidifying his status as a global icon. Yet, for all his triumphs, the context points to a particularly challenging period, stating that “Neymar’s second season with PSG was heavily injury-riddled and marked by controversies.”
While the specific details of these controversies aren’t laid out, the very mention of them highlights the intense pressure and public scrutiny that even the most talented athletes face. It’s a reminder that a career isn’t just a highlight reel; it’s also about navigating the rough patches, the injuries that sideline you, and the public discussions that swirl around your actions. Despite these challenges, Neymar’s enduring presence on the global stage, his prolific goal-scoring for Brazil (third highest all-time), and his consistent ranking among the world’s most prominent and influential sportsmen, demonstrate his remarkable ability to weather such storms. He was named the most marketable athlete in the world in 2012 and 2013 by SportsPro, and in 2017, Time listed him as one of the most influential people in the world, underscoring that these controversies, while significant, did not derail his overall trajectory as a sports titan.
2.**While not an athlete, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s two-decade tenure has been marked by significant crises and controversies, making his role undeniably central and fraught with challenges. Described as ‘complicated and challenging,’ his leadership has navigated numerous high-stakes situations and public relations battles, proving his career has been forged in the crucible of crisis.
He navigated a significant lockout, negotiated two collective bargaining agreements, and oversaw numerous “landmark player discipline cases.” These aren’t just managerial tasks; they often put him at odds with players, teams, and the public, creating an environment ripe for scrutiny and criticism. The context explicitly mentions his handling of a “domestic violence crisis” and even “attacks from the most controversial president in American history,” highlighting the sheer scale and intensity of the challenges he faced.
Goodell also steered the league through a pandemic and a “social justice revolution,” showing his role extended far beyond traditional sports administration into broader societal issues. The text notes, “The scars of Goodell’s early days of punishing Michael Vick and Pacman Jones remain. The metaphorical bloody knuckles from locking out the players are there, too.” These vivid descriptions paint a picture of a leader whose career has been punctuated by intense public battles and difficult decisions, often involving significant controversy.
Despite this tumultuous landscape, Goodell remains in his 20th season as commissioner, a testament to his resilience and ability to maintain control amidst chaos. The NFL has, under his leadership, “turned into a cultural behemoth,” indicating that these challenges, while profound, ultimately didn’t “ruin” his career but rather shaped his legacy as a powerful figure who, for better or worse, profoundly influenced the league and the broader sports culture.
3. **Kirsty Coventry: Championing a Divisive Stance**Kirsty Coventry is a name that resonates with Olympic glory, a five-time Olympian who brought home seven medals, including two golds, and once held world records in swimming. Her athletic career was one of undisputed success, leading Auburn to three NCAA titles before transitioning into leadership. Now, she stands as the “mold-breaking 10th president of the International Olympic Committee,” making history as the first woman and first African leader in the IOC’s 131-year history.
Her election, winning on the first ballot over six men, was hailed as a “signal we’re truly global and that we have evolved into an organization that is truly open to diversity.” This is the pinnacle of influence and leadership. However, even in this esteemed role, Coventry has faced a significant point of public and ethical contention, as the context states she “has backed a blanket ban on transgender participation in female Olympic sports.”
This is a highly controversial and deeply debated topic across the global sports landscape. While her decision on this matter isn’t presented as a “scandal” that ruined her career, it is undeniably a stance that places her at the center of a heated cultural and ethical debate. For a leader in her position, taking such a definitive public stance on a divisive issue can invite considerable criticism and challenge the very perception of diversity and inclusion she champions.
Yet, Coventry’s influence remains robust. Her leadership, backed by outgoing president Thomas Bach, and her clear vision for the IOC, showcase an individual who is prepared to make difficult decisions that she believes are right, even when they generate controversy. This demonstrates that for powerful figures, a “scandal” or challenging decision doesn’t always lead to ruin; sometimes, it underscores their conviction and capacity for leadership on a global stage.
4. **Scottie Scheffler: The Unexpected Arrest at the PGA Championship**Scottie Scheffler, the golf phenom, has been a dominant force, snagging two major titles in a single year and extending his reign as the world’s No. 1 golfer since May 2023. His career is a testament to consistent excellence and high performance on the green. However, even the most composed athletes can find themselves in unexpected situations that suddenly thrust them into a different kind of spotlight.
The article highlights how Scottie Scheffler, after his arrest during the 2024 PGA Championship, ‘upped his profile with a winning performance in Happy Gilmore 2 in which he pokes fun at his arrest,’ demonstrating his ability to address a difficult public incident with humor and move forward, thus redefining its impact on his career.
An arrest, especially for a high-profile athlete during a major championship, is undoubtedly a significant public incident that could easily spiral into a full-blown “scandal” with lasting negative consequences. Such an event brings intense media scrutiny, questions about character, and potential damage to endorsements and public image. For many, it could be a career-stalling moment.
However, Scheffler’s ability to not only continue his successful run but also to publicly acknowledge and even joke about the incident suggests a masterful navigation of potential fallout. His continued dominance in golf and his lighthearted approach imply that this event, while certainly a public challenge, did not “ruin” his career. Instead, it became a unique, albeit unexpected, chapter in his journey, perhaps even making him more relatable to fans who appreciate his ability to bounce back and maintain his focus.
5. **Morgan Sword: The Controversial Rule Changer**Morgan Sword, MLB’s executive vice president of baseball operations, may not be a household name, but his influence on the game is undeniable. The context states that “if you’ve watched a Major League Baseball game recently, you’ve seen his work.” Sword spearheaded a series of dramatic rule changes that have fundamentally reshaped how baseball is played, and these changes were initially met with considerable “controversy.”
5. **Mike Tirico: The Test of Patience in the Broadcasting Booth**Mike Tirico, a broadcaster with a “strong of pipes and stronger of sports knowledge,” has a career trajectory that, while ultimately triumphant, includes a period that could be seen as a challenge or a test of patience. After spending a quarter-century at ESPN, Tirico moved to NBC Sports in 2016 with the clear expectation of stepping into some of the biggest shoes in sports broadcasting – those of Bob Costas in the studio and Al Michaels in the Sunday Night Football booth.
However, as the context details, his planned ascent didn’t happen as smoothly or quickly as anticipated. “For years, he was like a car—an expensive luxury car—kept in a garage.” Costas stayed on, and Michaels, deep into his 70s, “worked another season. Then another. Then another.” This left Tirico, during what should have been his prime years, with fewer high-profile assignments than expected, hosting “a few Triple Crown races” while waiting for his moment.
This period of being “kept in a garage” isn’t a scandal in the traditional sense, but it represents a significant professional challenge: career stagnation, unfulfilled potential, and the frustration of waiting in the wings. For someone of Tirico’s talent and ambition, this could have been a demoralizing experience, potentially leading to questions about his move or his future. It was a test of his professionalism and his commitment to the long game.
Yet, the narrative takes a powerful turn. “But then NBC started taking Tirico out on the road. And the engine purred.” When Michaels eventually jumped to Amazon Prime Video, Tirico “slid in seamlessly,” partnering with Cris Collinsworth. His stock, and that of the Olympic movement, ascended when he hosted the Paris Olympics. Now, he’s set to be the lead voice of NBC’s return to NBA coverage, adding to his Super Bowl and Olympics duties. Tirico’s story is a “parable about patience but also professionalism,” demonstrating that enduring a period of professional challenge can lead to an even more impactful career, proving that waiting for your turn, rather than being a ruinous scandal, can be a testament to enduring quality.
6. **Nick Khan: Uniting a Fractured Sport**Now, let’s shift gears and talk about a true heavyweight dealmaker, Nick Khan, who is currently stepping into one of the most challenging arenas in sports: professional boxing. You might know him as the WWE’s dealmaker-in-chief, a man responsible for securing eye-watering broadcast rights agreements that have propelled WWE and UFC into mainstream prominence, like the $5 billion Netflix deal. He’s a master of negotiation and has a knack for turning potential into profit.
But Khan’s next act isn’t just about cutting more lucrative deals; it’s about a mission to mend a “fractured sport” – boxing. This isn’t just a business opportunity; it’s a colossal “transitional challenge” that speaks volumes about his influence and the trust placed in his ability. The context explicitly mentions that TKO, the parent company of WWE and UFC, announced plans to launch a new boxing league, with Khan working “behind the scenes to bring together a fractured sport.”
Boxing, a sport rich in history, has long struggled with disorganization, conflicting promoters, and a fragmented structure, creating an environment ripe for public criticism and ethical quandaries when consolidation is attempted. For someone like Nick Khan to engage in this arena, even ‘behind the scenes,’ signifies stepping into a role defined by immense pressure and potential controversy.
A veteran boxing promoter’s candid assessment, ‘The only reason this ‘league’ has a chance… is because Nick is involved in it,’ underscores the magnitude of the task ahead for Khan. His career is now focused on transforming a chaotic boxing landscape into a cohesive and mainstream entity, a testament to his leadership in tackling complex, career-defining challenges.
7. **Athlete Investors: The Power Play Beyond the Field**Alright, prepare yourselves for a mind-blower: our favorite athletes aren’t just scoring points and breaking records anymore; they’re becoming serious moguls! We’re talking about a massive “transitional challenge” for many sports stars as they pivot from playing days to boardroom dealings, often before their careers on the field, court, or track are even over. “Father time comes for us all,” the context wisely notes, “and for big-name athletes these days, that means thinking about second acts as owners, founders and investors in other ventures.”
This isn’t just a smart financial move; it’s a powerful declaration of influence and a new form of career-building. Take Serena Williams, for example, who started as a minority stakeholder in the Dolphins back in 2009 and now boasts her own makeup line, plus ownership interests in Angel City FC and the Toronto Tempo. LeBron James has stakes in Liverpool and the Red Sox, while Tom Brady is part of ownership groups for Birmingham City FC and the Las Vegas Raiders and Aces. These are legends making power moves!
This shift, however, isn’t without its own set of “public scrutiny” and “ethical dilemmas.” Imagine playing for one team while owning a stake in another, or investing in a competing league – these are complex waters to navigate! The intense spotlight that follows these athletes means every investment, every business decision, is scrutinized not just for its financial merit, but also for its potential impact on the integrity of the sport or any perceived conflicts of interest. It’s a significant challenge to maintain their public image as pure athletes while also being shrewd business operators.
Yet, these athlete investors are proving incredibly adept at balancing these roles, forging new paths for career longevity and influence. Patrick Mahomes, still actively pursuing football greatness, is already investing in the Royals, Kansas City pro soccer clubs, an F1 team, and more! Far from ruining careers, this proactive approach to investment and ownership is cementing their status as influential figures who will continue to shape the sports landscape long after their playing days are through, showcasing a profound resilience in adapting to a new kind of power game.
8. **Cristiano Ronaldo: The Undeniable Power of a Global Icon**When we talk about athletes who’ve faced intense public scrutiny and yet continue to dominate the global stage, one name immediately springs to mind: Cristiano Ronaldo. While the context provided focuses on his current, undeniably immense influence—being the “most followed person in the world on social media” with over a billion followers—his enduring power is also a testament to his ability to navigate and transcend the “challenges” and “public scrutiny” that inevitably come with such a high-profile career.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career is a masterclass in brand management and narrative control, extending far beyond his athletic achievements, as evidenced by his massive social media presence, his Netflix reality series, and a landmark $700 million contract extension with Al Nassr that includes a 15% ownership stake, proving his ability to amplify his impact amidst any ‘defining instances’ of controversy.
For an athlete of his stature, every aspect of his life, both on and off the field, is subjected to relentless media and public examination. This constant glare creates an environment where even minor missteps can quickly escalate into significant “public scrutiny.” Yet, Ronaldo has repeatedly demonstrated an unparalleled resilience, leveraging his massive platform to connect directly with fans and shape his own story. He transformed potential pitfalls into opportunities to reinforce his global appeal and demonstrate unwavering dedication.
This ability to maintain and grow his influence, even when under pressure, showcases a strategic genius that extends far beyond his athletic prowess. His transition into part-ownership and his media ventures solidify his status as a “bona fide face” of not just one league, but the global sports and entertainment industry. Far from being “ruined,” Ronaldo’s career is a masterclass in sustained global impact, proving that resilience and strategic self-branding can turn “controversies” into footnotes in an otherwise monumental legacy.
9. **Caitlin Clark: The Weight of a League on Her Shoulders**Get ready to talk about a phenomenon, because Caitlin Clark isn’t just an athlete; she’s a force of nature who has dramatically reshaped women’s basketball. The context gives us a stark reminder of her immense impact: “Absence can sometimes be the most powerful measure of presence,” and that axiom becomes crystal clear when she’s not on the court. While an injury isn’t a “scandal” in the traditional sense, the intense pressure, scrutiny, and sheer weight of expectation she carries represent a monumental “transitional challenge” for her career and the entire WNBA.
Her rookie year already saw her achieve the title of WNBA’s 2024 Rookie of the Year, but the numbers truly tell the story of her influence. When Clark was sidelined due to a groin injury, All-Star Game viewership plummeted by 36% compared to the previous summer. Furthermore, last season, home teams typically saw about 5,000 fewer fans in attendance for games Clark missed. These statistics highlight an unprecedented level of reliance on a single player, creating immense pressure that few athletes ever experience.
This isn’t just about her individual performance; it’s about the “public scrutiny” and the burden of being the primary driver for an entire league’s growth. When she’s playing, “Indiana’s attack becomes among the league’s best when it comes to pace and offensive rating,” transforming games into must-watch events. Her presence translates directly into record-breaking attendance (from 11th to second in ’25) and surging viewership, making her the undeniable face of the WNBA’s explosive popularity.
Her “groin injury” is a crucial “defining instance” because it showcases the fragility of such intense reliance and the personal toll that such responsibility can take. Yet, the narrative isn’t one of ruin but of sustained, even amplified, impact. The fact that the Fever’s title hopes and the league’s attendance boom “rest on her shoulders” demonstrates a resilience in the face of incredible pressure. Clark’s career is defined by her ability to transcend athletic excellence to become a cultural phenomenon, continuously proving her unwavering impact despite the immense challenges and scrutiny that accompany being a sports trailblazer.
We’ve explored how significant ‘scandals’ and ‘challenges’ are often just stepping stones for influential figures in sports, from the ethical balancing acts of Mega Boosters and the strategic investments of Athlete Investors to the ambitious unification efforts in boxing by Nick Khan and the innovative roles of College GMs. Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring global appeal and the rise of Athlete-led Media highlight the power of narrative control, while Caitlin Clark’s significant impact, even when facing adversity, demonstrates the profound influence of game-changers. These narratives are not merely about survival, but about individuals who faced adversity head-on, emerging stronger and continuing to shape the future of sports, proving that navigating the storm is as crucial as enduring it.
