The biggest mistakes in sports

Scott DavisJun 2, 2023, 22:17 IST

LeBron James during "The Decision."via YouTube/ESPN

Poor decisions can have an outsized impact on sports.
Whether it's a poor trade, bad draft pick, tactical failure, or in-the-moment blunder, bad decisions tend to linger in sports.

Bad decisions in sports come in all forms — bad draft picks, lopsided trades, poor tactical errors, or in-the-moment blunders.

These decisions can have ripple effects that change sports and affect how we view them. A bad trade can change the power structure of a league. A poor draft pick can upend a franchise. A game-time error can affect outcomes and change legacies.

While it's impossible to list every poor decision, we've compiled 26 that rank among the worst all-time in sports.

The Seahawks throw at the 1-yard line.

The Seahawks' decision to throw the ball at the 1-yard line didn't go well.Kathy Willens/AP Images

The Red Sox sell Babe Ruth to the Yankees

Babe Ruth.MPI/Getty Images

The Blazers don't draft Michael Jordan.

Sam Bowie averaged 12.8 points per game in four seasons with the Blazers.Rick Stewart/Getty Images

The Blazers also don't draft Kevin Durant.

The Blazers selected Greg Oden No. 1 overall in 2007.Jason DeCrow/AP Images

Ryan Lochte goes out for a night in Rio.

Ryan Lochte.Michael Sohn/AP

Chris Webber calls a nonexistent timeout.

Chris Webber's blunder may have cost Michigan a national championship.Susan Ragan/AP Images

Ron Artest charges the stands.

Ron Artest during "The Malice at the Palace."Duane Burleson/AP Images

Tom Brady asks for a softer football.

Elise Amendola/AP

Luis Suarez takes a bite(s).

Luis Suarez.Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

The Pistons draft Darko Milicic over three Hall of Famers.

Darko Milicic.Paul Sancya/AP

LeBron James televises his free agency decision.

LeBron James during "The Decision."via YouTube/ESPN

Lindsey Jacobellis attempts an ill-advised trick during the Olympics

Lindsey Jacobellis lost a gold medal by falling in the final seconds.Lionel Cironneau/AP Images

The Vikings, well... don't make a decision.

Kevin Williams was drafted by the Vikings at No. 9 instead of No. 7 in the 2003 draft.Albert Dickson/Sporting News via Getty Images

European soccer clubs attempt to form a "Super League.'

Fans did not take the idea of the Super League well.Rob Pinney/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic refuses a COVID-19 vaccine.

Novak Djokovic.Getty/Pedja Milosavjevic

The Sparks let Candace Parker walk.

Candace Parker.Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Timberwolves select two point guards in a row over Stephen Curry.

Jonnny Flynn was selected sixth overall, one pick ahead of Stephen Curry.Jim Mone/AP

The Packers kick a field goal against Tom Brady.

Aaron Rodgers walks off the field.AP Photo/Morry Gash

The Spurs go small in the final seconds of Game 6 of the Finals.

Ray Allen's huge 3-pointer changed the 2013 NBA Finals.Lynne Sladky/AP Images

Phil Mickelson uses his driver to finish the 2006 US Open.

Phil Mickelson's 18th hole meltdown cost him the US Open.Morry Gash/AP Images

The Colts move to Indianapolis under the cover of darkness.

Bob Irsay at his desk in Indianapolis.Don Larson/Getty Images

The Thunder trade James Harden to save money.

James Harden and Daryl Morey.Pat Sullivan/AP Images

Leon Lett touches the ball.

Leon Lett.Otto Greule Jr / Stringer/Getty Images

Nick Young celebrates a three-pointer too early.

Nick Young lives in meme infamy.via TNT/NBA

DeSean Jackson drops the ball too early.

DeSean Jackson needed a few more steps with the ball to score his first career touchdown.Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

The IOC lets Russians complete as "Olympic Athletes from Russia."

The Olympic Athletes from Russia won gold in men's hockey at the 2018 Olympics.Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The lottery for Masters golf tickets is now open and they are cheap, but only the Super Bowl is harder to get into

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