Sports is already interesting in itself but what's even more interesting are the trash talking moments and the drama that some athletes just can't help but bring into the sports field. When the competition gets tough, sometimes athletes sort to verbal intimidation more than the physical competition just to challenge and startle their opponents. It's a strategy to get to the heads of their opponents and to distract them while they are focusing on winning the game. Aside from physical sports, trash talking seems to be quite popular in Poker too where there are some players with a huge ego and have a penchant for intimidating their opponents.
Verbal intimidation can't be avoided but there are players who voice out catchy phrases that get the attention of everyone watching the game. Here are some of the most memorable trash talking moments in the history of sports:
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Kobe Bryant to Barack Obama
"If he calls that number, I'll be sure to pick up after the fifth ring."
Kobe Bryant visited the then President Obama in Washington DC in 2010 to celebrate the second consecutive NBA championship of the Lakers. Obama was a Bulls fan so he jabbed at Kobe saying "Derrick Rose may have your number" and this was his response.
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Mike Tyson
"I'm the best ever. I'm the most brutal and vicious, the most ruthless champion there has ever been. No one can stop me. Lennox is a conqueror? No! I'm Alexander! He's no Alexander! I'm the best ever. There's never been anyone as ruthless as me. I'm Sonny Liston. I'm Jack Dempsey. There's no one like me. I'm from their cloth. There is no one who can match me. My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable, and I'm just ferocious. I want your heart! I want to eat his children! Praise be to Allah!"
Mike Tyson is known for trash talking. He always has comments for fellow boxers, reporters, commentators, promoters, and even other athletes. He uttered these words after knocking out Lou Savarese in just 38 seconds.
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Diego Maradona
"Pele should go back to the museum."
Maradona had said these words as a response to Pele's comment that Maradona "accepted the job of national coach because he needed the money".
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Dizzy Dean
"It ain't braggin' if you can back it up."
Dizzy Dean is known for trash talking that his words are even written on his website. Before the 1934 season of baseball, Dizzy Dean predicted that he and his brother would win 45 games collectively. He is the only NL pitcher who was able to win 30 games after the 1920 live-ball era.
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Scottie Pippen to Karl Malone
Image taken from 888 poker
"Just remember, the mailman doesn't deliver on Sundays, Karl."
During the first game of the NBA Finals in 1997 between the Bulls and Jazz, Scottie Pippen whispered these words to Karl Malone's ear as he was about to shoot the first of two free throw shots. The game is tied at 82 and there are only 9.2 seconds left. Scottie Pippen's words must have hit Karl Malone that caused him to miss the two shots. A few seconds after the timeout, Michael Jordan pulls a shot that gives the Bulls a 1-0 series lead.
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James Harrison to Roger Goodell
"A crook and a puppet said I was the dirtiest player in the league. If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it. I hate him and will never respect him."
Many people don't like Roger Goodell which includes James Harrison who hates him a lot because of all the nasty things that he has said about him. James Harrison had said this quote during an interview with Men's Journal in 2011.
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Martina Navratilova to a Reporter
"Are you still the alternative?"
A reporter openly asked Martina Navratilova, an openly gay tennis player, if she was "still a lesbian" back in the eighties. This was her response to that question.
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Muhammad Ali to Sonny Liston
"Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee…his hands can't hit what his eyes can't see."
Muhammad Ali is the most legendary trash talker of all time. Many of his quotes are tagged as some of the most effective, important, and influential form of trash talking in the history of sports. He is known for "knocking out" his opponents by speaking out harsh words before a match. This quote was uttered before a match against Sonny Liston where he won the match due to a technical knockout before the seventh round.
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Shannon Sharpe
"I'll call the President. President, we need the National Guard! We need as many men as you can spare! Because we are killing the Patriots! So call the dogs off! Send the National Guard, please!"
This quote was recorded in November 17, 1996 during a 34-8 play against the Patriots.
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Ronda Rousey
"She wasn't meant for this life."
Ronda Rousey is one of the best trash talkers in the UFC. She said these words to Bethe Correia during a pre-fight press conference for her match against Miesha Tate.
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Michael Jordan
"Was he big enough?"
Michael Jordan heard a fan who dared him to jump over someone his own size after dunking John Stockton in 1988. During the next possession, he dunked over Melvin Turpin who was 6'11" in height.
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Babe Ruth
"Maybe so, but I had a better year than he did."
Babe Ruth had said these words after having a reporter point out that he made $5,000 more than the president. In 1931, the United States slipped into Depression and the then President Herbert Hoover faced a re-election challenge in the following year and he lost. On the other hand, Babe Ruth had 46 home runs, batted .373 with 162 RBI.
