The NFL Super Bowl is not only the most-watched sports event on American television but also an advertising steamroller that has been a big drawing card for sports fans year after year. Although the league has been mired in high-profile scandals since its formative years, these scandals couldn't take the sheen off the annual football bonanza.

However, these dark incidents effectively ended the careers of many players, coaches, and officials—and even took the lives of some. From questionable rulings to allegedly criminal behavior by NFL and college football players, here are the biggest scandals in the century-old league's history.

Paul Hornung and Alex Karras were Suspended for Betting

Paul Hornung played as a running back for Green Bay Packers from 1957 to 1966. The Hall of Famer helped the team win the first edition of the Super Bowl. Alex Karras played as a defensive tackle for the NFL side, Detroit Lions from 1958 to 1970 and was a part of the Pro Bowl four times.

Hornung and Karras faced indefinite suspension for putting their money on NFL games from Pete Rozelle, the NFL commissioner in 1963. However, both of them were reinstated one year later.

Bill Belichick Paid a Fine for Spying

Bill Belichick enjoys a tremendous success rate as a head coach of the National Football League side, the New England Patriots. He has coached the team to six Super Bowl titles to date and has registered the most Super Bowl wins, eight, and the most Super Bowl wins, six, in the NFL.

Patriots' videographer was caught recording the defensive coaches of the New York Jets, from an unauthorized location in the course of a game in 2007. Roger Goodell, the then NFL commissioner, ordered Belichick and the Patriots' management to pay a fine of $500K and $250K respectively.

Tom Brady Suspended for Deflated Footballs Dispute

After playing for the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2019, Tom Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Regarded by many as the greatest quarterback of all time, he has won the Super Bowl a whopping seven times.

The NFL accused Brady of being involved in the 'Deflategate' controversy. They claimed to have substantial evidence that the quarterback had full knowledge of his teammates deflating footballs. He was also accused of not cooperating with the investigators. Brady was suspended for four games in the 2016 season.

Sean Payton was Suspended for Targeted Tackling

Sean Payton was the New Orleans Saints head coach from 2006 to 2021. He led the team to its first triumph at the Super Bowl in 2009. Before his coaching career, he played as a quarterback for Eastern Illinois University.

Payton faced suspension from the National Football League over a controversy that later became known as Bountygate. He was accused of paying bonuses to his players for targeted tackling of players from opposite teams and subsequently suspended for a whole season. The Saints were also asked to pay $500K.

Richie Incognito Suspended for Bullying

Excelling in the position of a guard, Richie Incognito played for five teams in the NFL, including Miami Dolphins. The former player made it to the Pro Bowl four times. During his time at Miami Dolphins, he was suspended by the authorities in 2013 for his conduct, considered detrimental to the team.

He was accused of bullying teammate Jonathan Martin. Following a lunchroom incident, the lineman chose to leave the team. The management didn't take things lightly and barred Richie from playing in the 2014 season.

Victor Kiam Sued for Physical Harassment

Following a locker room incident in September 1990, sports journalist Lisa Olson sued the New England Patriots owner, Victor Kiam. Along with Kiam, a suit was also filed against Patrick Sullivan (the former General Manager), James Oldham (former media services director), and three players (Michael Timpson, Robert Perryman, and Zeke Mowatt).

Olson claimed she had acute emotional distress after the incident. Paul Tagliabue, the then-NFL commissioner, issued a total fine of $72,500 to the team management and all three players. Kiam apologized to Olson later on.

Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smoot Penalized For Disorderly Conduct

Bryant McKinnie is a former offensive tackle who plied his trade for the longest time in the National Football League with the Minnesota Vikings. Fred Smoot played as a cornerback for Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings.

Both were penalized during their days at the Vikings by the NFL for their involvement in a love boat scandal and committing a nuisance. Both were accused of ruining the reputation of the Vikings. The players were asked to pay a fine of $1000 each and perform two days of community service.

Ray Rice Faced Suspension for Physical Abuse

Raymell Rice spent six seasons as a running back for the Baltimore Ravens. He became a Super Bowl champion with the team and also made it to the Pro Bowl three times.

Things took a wrong turn when the former running back was accused of physical abuse against the then-fiancee and now wife, Janay Palmer in 2017. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the player for two games. After surveillance footage of a physical altercation between the couple came out in the open, Goodell suspended Rice indefinitely.

Lyle Alzado Exposed the Use of PEDs

Lyle Alzado contributed largely to the success of his teams, the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Raiders as a defensive end in the NFL. He helped the Raiders become the winners of Super Bowl XVIII in 1984. He died of brain cancer in 1992.

Though many pointed out that using performance-enhancing substances (PEDs) was the reason for the fatal illness, this might be a myth. However, following his death, the authorities started testing the players for any use of performance-enhancing substances in 1987 and started suspending offenders two years later.

Adrian Peterson Suspended for Child Abuse

Widely considered among the greatest running backs in the history of American football, Adrian Peterson has played for different sides in the National Football League. He made it to the Pro Bowl seven times and was chosen among the NFL Most Valuable Players in 2012.

Peterson was charged with child abuse in 2014. He was accused of thrashing his son with a tree branch. Then a Minnesota Vikings player, he was put on paid leave for nine games. After being found guilty, he was suspended for the last six games.

Michael Vick Suspended for Involvement in Dog Fighting

Michael Vick revolutionized the quarterback position during his playing days in the National Football League due to his potential as a dual threat. He plied his trade for four different teams throughout his career, including the Atlanta Falcons.

He was associated with the Falcons from 2001 to 2008. However, his short stay at the club was marred with controversy. The four-time Pro Bowl player was found guilty of paying for as well as operating illegal dog fighting. He was sent behind the bars for two years.

Ray Lewis Charged for Stabbing

Throughout his 17-year NFL career, Ray Lewis remained loyal to his team, the Baltimore Ravens. He won two editions of the Super Bowl and was elected as the Most Valuable Player at the Super Bowl XXXV.

The NFL fined the middle linebacker for giving false testimony to the police regarding his involvement in the stabbing of two people outside a nightclub in Atlanta in January 2000. He was put on a 12-month probation with the condition that he would be fined $250,000 on violation of any term.

Jovan Belcher Took His Life

Jovan Belcher played as a linebacker for the National Football League side, the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009 to 2012. The linebacker had immense potential, but things met a fatal end when he shot his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, and then shot himself at the team's practice facility located close to the Chiefs' own Arrowhead Stadium.

The murder-suicide incident happened just a day before the Chiefs were about to take on the Carolina Panthers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won the game 27-21.

Eddie DeBartolo Fined and Suspended for a Corruption Case

Edward Bartolo Jr. is a popular businessman who has been under the spotlight as the owner of the San Francisco 49ers. He was the principal owner from 1977 to 2000 and played a pivotal role in his team's five title wins at the Super Bowl.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer was suspended for a year and asked to pay a fine of $1 million for his involvement in an extortion effort by then-governor of Louisiana, Edwin Edwards in 1998, while also getting suspended from NFL for a year.

Jerry Richardson Sold Carolina Panthers After Misconduct Allegations

Jerry Richardson played as a flanker for Baltimore Colts from 1959 to 1960 and went on to establish Carolina Panthers as the 29th franchise in the league in 1993.

Richardson stayed as the founder and owner of the outfit until 2017, before he was found guilty of harassing at least four female employees of the Panthers. After the allegation surfaced that put him in a bad light, he was forced to sell his team in 2018. Post a six-month-long investigation, he was asked to pay a fine of $2.7 million.

Colin Kaepernick's Protest

Colin Kaepernick played as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016. He created a stir during the pre-season in 2016 by sitting and kneeling when the national anthem was played. He justified his action as a means to oppose police brutality as well as racial inequality.

Although his form of protest inspired various athletes to make gestures in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, no team offered Kaepernick a contract in 2017 and he even filed a grievance against the NFL.

University of Southern Mississippi Players Shot at a Nightclub

The University of Southern Mississippi football team participates in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. In 2010, three players from the team, namely Martez Smith, Tim Green, and Deddrick Jones were admitted to a local hospital after they were shot outside Remington Hunt Club.

The incident took place just hours after the Golden Eagles registered a 31-21 win over Central Florida. A fight ensued inside the club and as it spilled outside, the three were shot. Smith went paralyzed below the waist and Green cannot speak.

The Murder of Brian Pata

Brian Pata played as a defensive lineman for the Miami Hurricanes, the football team representing the University of Miami. He was expected to join the National Football League through the 2007 draft.

However, the student of criminology was shot dead outside his residence in Kendall, Florida on November 7, 2006, before making it to the NFL. He was shot while returning to his apartment from practice. The case was unsolved for fifteen years until his former Miami Hurricanes teammate, Rashaun Jones was arrested as the main accused in 2021.

The Murder of Jasper Howard

Jasper Howard played as a cornerback for the UConn Huskies football squad from 2007 to 2009. He and some of his teammates were celebrating their 38-25 victory over Louisville, outside the Student Union Center on their campus on the night of October 17-18, 2009.

At midnight, a fight broke out at the site of the celebrations, at the end of which John Lomax III stabbed Howard in the latter's abdomen. He died from the wound of that single stab. Lomax got an eighteen-year term in prison.

13 Members of the Boston College Team were Suspended for Betting

The Boston College Eagles play in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Eight members of the team have earned a place in the College Football of Fame. However, 1996 was a bad year for them as thirteen team members were found involved in betting on both collegiate and professional athletic events.

Aside from that, Jamall Anderson, Marcus Bembry, and Brandon King were on the verge of being expelled from the college. They were found to be betting against their team before a game against Syracuse.

Jeremy Bloom Banished by NCAA for Taking Endorsement Money

Jeremy Bloom has enjoyed an illustrious career as a skier, who also found considerable success as a college football player. After entering the professional football circuit, he signed up for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers but didn't play a competitive game for the two sides.

During the days when he played intercollegiate football for the University of Colorado, he took endorsement money from a ski-apparel company to fund his training. Ultimately, he had to discontinue his endorsement as it was against the rules.

Gary Moeller Arrested For Disorderly Behavior

Gary Moeller was the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, the football team from the University of Michigan. He enjoyed quite a fair amount of success during his tenure with the Wolverines. However, he quit the team after being involved in a brawl.

Moeller was arrested in 1995 for getting drunk in a Southfield bar and punching a police officer as well as harassing several others. His violent behavior led to his suspension. He was also penalized by the then-president of the University of Michigan, James J. Duderstadt.

Rhett Bomer and J.D. Quinn Dismissed from Oklahoma Sooners for Receiving Undue Payments

Rhett Bomer, a former Oklahoma Sooners starting quarterback, and teammate J.D. Quinn, a starting guard, were dismissed from the team following the violations of the NCAA rules. The two worked at a car dealership and received payment for 40-hour work weeks.

However, it was later found out that Bomer and Quinn had worked not more than five hours a week. This was a violation of the rules laid down by the NCAA. According to the rules, players can take payment only for the time they worked.

Hal Mumme Resigned for Allegedly Paying Recruits

Hal Mumme is a legendary figure in the world of American football. He has been the head coach at various teams at the college level such as the University of Kentucky (Kentucky Wildcats) and New Mexico State University, among others.

During his time with the Wildcats, Mumme came under the scanner for violating the NCAA rules of recruitment. One of Mumme's assistants confessed to paying $1400 to a high school football coach. Though the former wide receiver denied the allegations, he decided to resign from his position in 2001.

Woody Hayes Fired for Physically Assaulting Charlie Bauman

Woody Hayes served as the head coach of several university football teams during his lifetime. The Ohio State Buckeyes deserve a special mention as his tenure of twenty years with the team was dotted with both happy and gloomy incidents.

Amidst many successful outings, Hayes found himself at the center of controversy when he punched Clemson Tigers defensive tackle, Charlie Bauman in his face at the Gator Bowl in 1978. He was unable to bear the defeat at the hands of the Tigers, the Buckeyes head coach did this.

Cam Newton Accused of Larceny and Cheating

Known among the fans as Super Cam, Cam Newton has plied his trade as a quarterback with the Carolina Panthers. He was associated with the outfit from 2011 to 2019 and again in 2021.

During his days at the University of Florida, he was accused of stealing a laptop. His stay at Gainesville was marred by this act of larceny. Newton also faced expulsion thrice for committing academic fraud. He once signed his name on the paper of another student and also allegedly purchased a paper from the internet.

Pat Dye Was Forced to Resign over a Pay-for-Play Scandal

Pat Dye coached many teams at tertiary levels during his coaching career. However, he is probably best remembered for his days at Auburn University. The College Football Hall of Famer has a stadium at Auburn named in his honor. He passed away in 2020.

He was cornered when the news of an Auburn booster named Corky Frost paying cash to a defensive-back recruit, Eric Ramsey, surfaced in 1991-92. Ramsey also accused Auburn assistant Larry Blakeney of paying him $500. Consequently, Dye resigned from his job as head coach.

Harvey McDougle Indicted for Match Fixing

Harvey McDougle played as a running back for the Toledo Rockets, the football program of the University of Toledo, during the 2004 to 2005 season. It was during that time McDougle was accused of being involved in a points-shaving scandal.

He was reported to have taken cash and in-kind benefits from two gamblers for convincing Toledo basketball and football players to underperform. Surprisingly, he never changed his scores. After his death at the age of 37, his father claimed that McDougle fell prey to the system.

Adrian McPherson Dismissed from the Seminoles for Theft

Adrian McPherson played as a quarterback for the Canadian Football League side, the Montreal Alouettes for a major part of his career. He played college football for the Seminoles, the football team representing Florida State University.

McPherson, 19 at that time, was accused of betting on the games he played for the Seminoles, although his lawyer dismissed the claim. A further investigation revealed that he stole a blank from R&R Truck Accessories, located in Tallahassee, and cashed in $3500. The FSU had no other option but to dismiss him from the ranks.

The Declan Sullivan Tragedy

When the Notre Dame football players took the field for practice on a Wednesday in October 2010, the mood was gloomy. It was hard to believe that Declan Sullivan was no more. The 20-year-old Illinois native lost his life when the tower he had climbed up on to film the team's practice fell over into the neighborhood street.

No one knew who permitted him to film from that spot especially when winds were blowing at 40 miles per hour. This incident reflected the recklessness of the university.

Mark Sanchez Accused of Insulting a Woman

Mark Sanchez represented six different teams in the National Football League. Before that, he played for the University of Southern California at the college level. During his days as a freshman with the Trojans, he was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in 2006 on the suspicion that he violated the modesty of a 19-year-old female student.

His representative argued that Sanchez was wrongly framed. Due to a lack of substantial evidence and an inconclusive investigation from the office of the District Attorney, the charges against him were dropped.

Charley Pell Fired for Spying

Charley Pell played college football for his alma mater, the University of Alabama, and later became the head coach of the Clemson Tigers and the Florida Gators. Though he had several achievements under his belt, his career was tainted for violating the NCAA rules.

On September 16, 1984, the NCAAs announced that the Gators had registered 107 infractions, which included spying on the opponents' practices and giving out cash and loans to other athletes. Consequently, Pell was fired from his job.

Bear Bryant Sidelined Joe Namath for Misconduct

Joe Namath found himself in troubled waters when he was accused of misconduct on campus in December 1963. While playing college football, the former quarterback violated the Crimson Tide's no-drinking policy. For this infraction of the team's training rules, head coach Bear Bryant suspended him for the final games.

He returned the next year and went on to play in the American Football League and the National Football League. Throughout his thirteen-year career, Namath primarily plied his trade for the New York Jets.

Tar Heels Players Accused of Taking Money and Cheating

It's beyond doubt that the North Carolina Tar Heels had one of the finest bunches of defensive talent across the United States in 2010. There was a huge probability that four defenders from the team would make it to the first-round picks during the NFL draft.

However, the team hit rock bottom when it was found that many players had taken money from various agents and also possibly cheated. An NCAA investigation revealed this and 13 players were barred from playing in the opener against Louisiana State University.

Barry Switzer's Dream Ended as His Players were Found Guilty of Misconduct

Barry Switzer served as the head coach for the University of Oklahoma football team, the Sooners for sixteen years. With one of the highest winning percentages in the history of college football, he is a decorated figure.

However, his dream run with the Sooners ended in 1989 when Charles Thompson was arrested for selling banned substances to an undercover FBI agent. Other players such as Brian Bosworth, Jamelle Holieway, and Keith Jackson also confessed to accepting illegal payments. These incidents, along with others, forced Switzer to resign.

Mike Price Lost His Job at Alabama

Michael Price has coached various collegiate teams during his career, such as Weber State College and Washington State University, among others. However, he would like to forget the time he spent in Alabama. He signed a seven-year contract worth $10 million as the head coach of the Crimson Tide football team.

However, four months before he started his journey, Price found himself surrounded by controversy. He was accused of spending excessively on drinks and behaving inappropriately with women in his hotel room. He was immediately removed from his post.

Lawrence Phillips Was Suspended for Six Games over Misconduct with his Former Girlfriend

Lawrence Phillips was one of the most prolific running backs in the college football circuit. He was an absolute beast on the pitch. Playing for the Cornhuskers, the football team representing the University of Nebraska, he won the Orange Bowl in 1995 and the Fiesta Bowl in 1996.

After registering a thumping victory against the Michigan State Spartans in 1995, Phillips reportedly assaulted his former girlfriend physically. He was suspended from the Cornhuskers team for only six games. Many raised questions about the management's decision not to suspend him.

George O'Leary Dismissed for Lying

George O'Leary might have retired, but he will always be popular for his tough and no-nonsense brand of football. However, he wouldn't like to remember what he did after he was appointed as the head coach of Notre Dame in 2001.

That was his dream job, but certain false statements regarding his eligibility put him in a bad light. He admitted to falsifying some facts concerning his academic and athletic background, including his claim to have completed his Master's from New York University. He resigned within five days of his appointment.

Dez Bryant Permanently Suspended for Lying

Desmond Bryant has spent a major part of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. He earned a berth at the Pro Bowl three times and was chosen an All-Pro in 2014. At college levels, Bryant represented the Oklahoma Cowboys.

During his time there, he became friends with former NFL star, Deion Sanders and also interacted with his agents. This didn't go down well with the NCAA. Though there was nothing 'wrong' or 'illegal' in what he did, he was suspended permanently by the NCAA for trying to hide facts.

Gene Stallings' Fame and Reign Crushed for His Players' Actions

Gene Stallings worked as a head coach of the NFL side, the Arizona Cardinals, and later on, of the University of Alabama. However, his fame and reputation took a hit when a former player made some poor choices.

That happened before he was serving as a head coach of Alabama. In 1993, Antonio Langham applied for the NFL draft after discussing it with an agent, without letting Stallings know anything about it. Two years later, the NCAA imposed sanctions due to Langham's actions, and Stallings ultimately resigned out of frustration.

Mike Leach Fired for Medical Violation

Mike Leach made the Red Raiders, the Texas Tech football team, a force to reckon with during his tenure as a football coach. Fans recall that leach completely changed the school's culture for the better single-handedly.

However, all hell broke loose when Leah made Adam James, then the wide receiver of the team, stay confined indoors despite knowing he had a 'concussion.' Based on these grounds, Texas Tech chose to fire him from his position, shocking the Red Raiders fans. A legal battle ensued between Leach and the university.

Peter Warrick and Laveranues Coles Were Arrested for Stealing Shoes

Bobby Bowden coached the Florida State Seminoles to their first national championship title win in 1993. They won against the Nebraska Cornhuskers who were placed right behind them. However, the next spring brought with it a piece of bad news as Sports Illustrated claimed the Seminoles' title win was tainted.

Some agents allegedly gifted shoes worth $6,000 to several players from the team. Later on, Peter Warrick and Laveranues Coles were found guilty of shelling out only one-twentieth of the actual cost of shoes.

Art Schlichter Suspended and Arrested for Betting Habits

Arthur Schlichter plied his trade as a quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League from 1982 to 1985. Despite being a player of a high caliber, his career was tainted because of his habit of betting.

In the early 1980s, when he was with the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, authorities found out that Schlichter was paying a visit to a nearby horse track frequently. He owed over $400,000 in betting debts during his years as a rookie. This led to his suspension from the team and arrest.

The University of Miami Bore the Brunt After Violating NCAA Rules

Luther Campbell, a rapper from the "2 Live Crew" hip hop group, was found to have paid some Miami Hurricanes players up to $500 for every sack, interception, and a touchdown in key games between 1986 and 1994. Over 40 former players from the University of Miami confessed to accepting bounties during a two-month-long investigation.

While Jimmy Johnson, the head coach of the Hurricanes through 1988, declined to comment, Dennis Erickson, his successor, was unaware of the infractions. Butch Davis, who succeeded Erickson, had to bear the brunt.

Several Gamecocks Coaches Sent to Jail for Providing Steroids

Tommy Chaikin, who played as a defensive lineman for the University of South Carolina, co-wrote "The Nightmare of Steroids," an article that revealed the widespread use of PEDs by the Gamecocks players in the mid-'80s. He accused several coaches of encouraging the players to use steroids to accentuate their performance levels.

Based on the information received from the piece, a federal grand jury held four Gamecocks coaches responsible for distributing performance-enhancing drugs to the players. While three of them pleaded guilty, the fourth person was acquitted.

Gary Barnett Suspended for His Statements on Katie Hnida

Katharine Anne Hnida played college football as a placekicker for the New Mexico Lobos. Hnida claimed to have been physically molested by a member of the Colorado Buffaloes during her days with them.

Gary Barnett, the Buffaloes' head coach, made some insensitive comments about the entire incident, stating that Katie was not good enough for the team and none of the players wanted her to be present during the games. He was severely criticized and later suspended during the off-season in 2004.

Reggie Bush Returned His Heisman Trophy After Alleged Violations

The partnership that Pete Carroll formed with the USC Trojans as its head coach was legendary. He joined the University of Southern California football team in 2001. But his decision to part ways with them in 2009 raised suspicions. Reggie Bush, the star running back of the team was accused of breaking the rules time and again.

That resulted in several punishments being inflicted on the USC. The Trojans were forced to forfeit every victory they registered during the 2005 season. The allegations prompted Bush to return his Heisman Trophy.

The Mustangs Faced Consequences for Repeated Violations

1987 was one of the most scandalous years in the history of college football. The NCAA concluded that the Mustangs, the football team representing Southern Methodist University, had been dishing out money to players and recruits for a long time. Repeated bending of the NCAA rules forced the association to wipe out the team's entire 1987 campaign.

The 'Death Penalty,' as it was termed by the rule for repeat violators written in the NCAA books, also forced the team to cancel their outings in 1988.

Pottsville Maroons Were Stripped of Their Title for Playing in an Illegal Game

The Pottsville maroons came into being just after WWI, at a time when American football was slowly gaining stature as a sport. Founded in 1920, the team ended its 1925 season with the best record in the NFL.

Just after the Maroons clinched the title, they took part in an 'illegal' game. Cited as a rule violation, they were stripped of their title. Joseph Carr, then president of the NFL, awarded the trophy to the second-placed Chicago Cardinals. This 'stolen crown' controversy refuses to die down even today.

Plaxico Burress Got a Prison Sentence for Illegal Possession of Weapons

Plaxico Burress plied his trade as a wide receiver for three different franchises during his 12-season NFL career. The former New York Giant star shot himself in the leg accidentally at a nightclub.

Burress hid his gun in his waistband. When the gun started slipping down his jeans, he tried to recover it. In an attempt to do so, he pulled the trigger without knowing. Though it wasn't a life-threatening injury, Burress was accused of possessing a firearm illegally. He was sentenced to two years behind bars.

Robert Irsay Took Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis

The Baltimore Colts were among the most prolific NFL outfits during the late '50s and the early '60s. The Colts clinched the NFL championship in 1958 and 1959. Despite the success, the team had to struggle on the financial front.

In 1971, team owner Robert Irsay declared his intention to move the Colts to Indianapolis. Despite the outrage of the fans in Baltimore and the attempts of city officials to stop him, he successfully did so. But the team could not repeat its success story in the first few years.

Ben Roethlisberger's Legacy Hurt By Charges of Physical Assault

Ben Roethlisberger spent 18 seasons as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The legacy of the NFL star was dampened when he was accused of physical assaulting two women within a period of eleven months.

The first incident took place in 2009 at a hotel in Lake Tahoe, but ended with a settlement. The allegations against him in 2010 were more serious and the police had to intervene. Roethlisberger was accused of violating a woman's modesty in the bathroom of a Georgia bar.

The Downfall of Barret Robbins

Barret Robbins played nine seasons as a center for the National Football League outfit, the Oakland Raiders. He made his way to the Pro Bowl in 2002 and led the offensive line that took the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII.

Just a day before the Raiders were supposed to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in San Diego, Robbins disappeared from the hotel and appeared late that night. He missed the game the next day and the Raiders lost. All that he could recall was that he spent the entire day drinking.

Eugene Robinson Arrested for Soliciting a Professional Escort

Throughout a 16-season NFL career, Eugene Robinson spent eleven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He signed with the Green Bay Packers in 1996 and helped the team win Super Bowl XXXI. However, his otherwise successful career has been tainted with a controversy that stalled his progress in the NFL.

The night before the big game in Super Bowl XXXIII, Robinson, then an Atlanta Falcons safety, was taken into custody for soliciting a professional escort. The incident shocked the entire NFL community.

Mark Chmura Accused of Physically Assaulting the Family's Babysitter

Mark Chmura played his entire career for the Green Bay Packers. He was an integral part of the Packers team that defeated the team from his hometown, the New England Patriots and won Super Bowl XXXI.

Chmura found himself on the wrong side of the law when he was accused of a third-degree physical assault of his family's babysitter, aged 17 at that time. However, the former tight end was apologetic of his behavior and was acquitted on all counts. He entered the Packers Hall of Fame in 2010.