Latrell Sprewell: Career Earnings, $100 million
One of the main reasons the NBA became one of the most unlikeable pro sports leagues, before the recent influx of young superstars, was comments and actions of players like Latrell Sprewell. During contract negotiations with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sprewell famously rejected a $27 million extension, claiming it wasn’t enough to feed his family. When Sprewell said “feed my family” he actually meant “fuel my yacht” — an absurd luxury item that he eventually lost once he stopped making payments.
In addition to having his yacht seized, Sprewell also had multiple million-dollar homes foreclosed upon. How does this happen to a guy who once made $21 million in one year? Then again, given the stories of Sprewell’s erratic behavior, maybe we shouldn’t have had such high expectations.