Buzz
Sports enthusiasts around the world are always excited for captivating sports tales, especially the ones that make a lasting impression. As long as sports are part of our culture, incredible stories will always be told, but what many might not anticipate is how alcohol occasionally intertwines with these stories. Some of these incidents even gained significant traction online, becoming viral.
The relationship between alcohol and sports has been marked by countless wild and infamous conclusions, yet athletes continue to indulge—despite the predictable outcomes. When one intoxicated athlete becomes an internet sensation, another soon follows. It seems like an ongoing competition, though no one has ever won a medal for downing too many beers. Many of these boozy scandals have become legendary—tales passed down through generations. Here are 10 unforgettable instances of athletes (and one referee!) making headlines when alcohol unexpectedly stole the spotlight.
10. Nicklas Bendtner’s Drunken Pizza Demand
Nicklas Bendtner, a Danish footballer with past roles at Arsenal and Sunderland, was no stranger to controversy, but one drunken misadventure solidified his status as a football eccentric. While recovering from an injury at Sunderland, Bendtner went on a wild drinking binge that led to an infamous altercation at a local pizzeria. When his credit card was declined, Bendtner loudly insisted on receiving free pizza, boasting that he could “buy the entire restaurant.” His drunken sense of entitlement did not impress the staff, who refused to serve him unless he paid.
What could have ended in a cringeworthy standoff was salvaged by two kind-hearted diners who footed the bill for Bendtner’s meal. He quickly grabbed his pizza and left in a taxi, avoiding further embarrassment. The story spread rapidly, eclipsing his relatively modest achievements on the pitch. While Bendtner’s name often brings a smile to fans’ faces, such incidents have contributed to his 'cult hero' status. The pizza fiasco remains a memorable chapter in the career of a player who may not have fully realized his potential but certainly made headlines in other ways.
9. Drunken Cricketer Attempts to Open a Plane Door at 35,000 Feet
After a 2013 match against the West Indies, the Sri Lankan cricket team boarded a flight to Gatwick for their next engagement. Spirits were high, and many players indulged in celebratory drinks. However, one cricketer went too far, getting so drunk that he confused the cabin door with the restroom. Ignoring warnings, he attempted to open the door mid-flight, sending a wave of panic through his teammates. Both passengers and crew screamed at him to stop, as even a drunken individual fiddling with an emergency exit is a terrifying sight.
Thankfully, disaster was averted when the player realized his mistake and offered an embarrassed apology. The incident, which occurred six hours into an eight-hour flight, did not result in any formal penalties, though it became a widely shared joke in cricketing circles. The player's identity was never officially disclosed, but the event served as a reminder that even the most experienced professionals can have their ridiculous moments. It also left fans with an unforgettable mental picture: a cricketer in full swing, trying to ‘bat’ down a cabin door while at cruising altitude.
8. David Boon’s Iconic 52-Can Flight
David Boon, a cricket legend from Australia, is famous for his remarkable batting ability—but his drinking feats have garnered just as much attention. In 1989, during a flight from Australia to England for The Ashes, Boon took part in a drinking contest, consuming an astonishing 52 cans of beer. While his teammates eventually gave up, Boon continued, even prompting the flight captain to make an announcement commending his 'achievement.' The story of his impressive endurance quickly became a beloved piece of cricketing folklore.
Despite his extraordinary alcohol consumption, Boon was able to disembark from the plane under his own power and even attended a press conference without raising any suspicions. However, the toll of his drinking became apparent when he missed two practice sessions due to a 36-hour recovery period. This episode remains a controversial yet iconic moment in cricket history, blending admiration for his determination with concerns over the extremes of athlete celebrations. It also highlighted the camaraderie—and occasional chaos—of long-haul sports tours.
7. A Drunk Patrick Rafter Clinches Davis Cup Victory
Australian tennis champion Patrick Rafter is widely celebrated for his skill on the court, but a 1997 Davis Cup match added an unexpected twist to his legacy. Following Australia’s dominant 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, Rafter and teammate Mark Philippoussis celebrated with a night of heavy drinking. Despite having another match scheduled for the following day, Rafter didn’t hold back. The next morning, he woke up with a painful hangover but still managed to step onto the court for his singles match.
To the amazement of everyone, Rafter played through his hangover and emerged victorious. The story quickly captured the media’s attention, with the press turning his hungover triumph into both a humorous and cautionary tale. Rafter’s response endeared him even more to his fans—he took full responsibility for his actions and refrained from criticizing the media for covering the story. His ability to perform under such conditions became a defining moment in his career, showing that even a self-inflicted setback couldn’t overshadow his exceptional talent.
6. Vodka Helps Fuzzy Thurston Triumph in the Ice Bowl
The 1967 NFL Championship, famously known as the “Ice Bowl,” saw temperatures plummet to a frigid -13°F (-25°C), setting the stage for a historic clash between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. Fuzzy Thurston, a key offensive lineman for the Packers, chose an unconventional method to face the extreme cold: vodka. Thurston allegedly consumed 10 shots of vodka before the game, using the alcohol to stay warm and gather the courage to perform in such freezing conditions.
Despite being intoxicated, Thurston played an important role in the Packers’ 21-17 victory, cementing the Ice Bowl as one of the most legendary games in NFL history. His vodka-fueled determination became an almost mythical part of his legacy. While today’s sports science would likely discourage such a strategy, Thurston’s approach was emblematic of the gritty resolve of football’s earlier days.
5. Joe Namath’s Iconic “Kiss You” Interview
Joe Namath, a former NFL quarterback, remains one of football’s most charismatic figures. He played for 13 seasons, primarily with the New York Jets, earning two MVP titles and leading the league in passing yards twice. Namath brought the Jets their only AFL championship and Super Bowl victory, making him a New York legend. Following the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, he continued with the Jets in the NFL, finishing as the passing leader in 1972. Namath retired in 1977 but remained a prominent figure in football, frequently appearing in interviews.
Namath’s infamous 2003 ESPN interview serves as a classic example of why it’s wiser to celebrate after, not before, a major event. During a live broadcast of a Jets game, Namath appeared clearly intoxicated. When asked about quarterback Chad Pennington, Namath started with praise but unexpectedly turned to reporter Suzy Kolber and said, “I want to kiss you.” The awkward moment quickly spread online, capturing widespread attention and overshadowing the Jets’ performance.
Namath later expressed remorse, openly admitting his struggle with alcoholism and seeking treatment. This incident marked a significant turning point in his life, leading him toward sobriety. While the “kiss you” line still circulates as a meme-worthy blunder, Namath’s subsequent response and recovery have given the moment new context, illustrating how even legends can falter—and rise once more.
4. Gary Payton’s Drunken Career Wisdom
Gary Payton and Allen Iverson, two legendary NBA players, had more in common than basketball—they also shared an unforgettable night out. Over drinks, Iverson sought Payton’s advice on how to extend his career. Payton, perhaps humorously, credited his success to avoiding practice. Iverson, taking this advice to heart, later delivered his now-famous “We talkin’ about practice?” rant at a press conference, a moment that became one of the most iconic in NBA history.
The veracity of Payton’s advice is questionable, but its impact on Iverson’s public persona was undeniable. While the media often portrayed Iverson as unprofessional, his fans embraced his raw authenticity. This story underscores the surprising impact of a drunken conversation and how a seemingly offhand remark helped to shape a cultural moment that’s still quoted decades later.
3. Drunk Referee Doles Out Random Red Cards
Tomas Fidra, a Czech referee, became infamous for his disastrous officiating in a local league match, which has since entered football lore as a bizarre comedy of errors. Showing up to the game visibly intoxicated and smelling of beer, Fidra’s performance quickly turned surreal. He stumbled multiple times and began handing out red cards to players who were simply checking on his well-being.
The chaos reached its peak when both teams, unable to take the match seriously any longer, decided to simply stop playing. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but authorities eventually annulled it, citing Fidra’s extreme drunkenness. This odd episode remains a reminder of how alcohol can completely derail even the most ordinary events, leaving both players and fans in utter disbelief.
2. Russian Youth Hockey Team Too Intoxicated to Fly
In a thrilling 2011 World Junior Hockey Championship final, Russia staged a legendary comeback against Canada. Trailing 3-0, they fought back to score five unanswered goals, securing a gold medal and ending Canada’s reign. However, their celebrations took a wild turn, and by the time the team arrived at the airport, they were declared ‘too drunk to fly’ and were not allowed to board their flight.
The incident went viral as videos showcasing their drunken behavior made international headlines. While their performance on the ice displayed the skill and determination that defined their athleticism, their off-ice actions underscored the difficulties of maintaining a balance between success and maturity. The entire episode stands as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overindulgence in celebration.
1. Chuck Liddell’s Disastrous TV Appearance
In 2007, MMA legend Chuck Liddell was at the peak of his fame when he made a painfully awkward appearance on *Good Morning Texas*. Intended to promote an upcoming UFC event, Liddell appeared to be slurring his words and even nodded off during the interview. While the official excuse cited sedatives taken for an illness, many suspected alcohol played a role in his behavior.
Although the incident became fodder for critics, Liddell’s reputation as a fierce competitor remained untarnished. His embarrassing moment served as a reminder of the challenges athletes face in maintaining their public personas while dealing with personal struggles. Despite the mishap, Liddell continued to blaze a trail for MMA, proving that even icons have their off days.
