Who is the most controversal athlete in history?

[NBAplayoffs2001]

curiosity.

[MP.Trey]

I'mma go with Ali... or O.J.

[NBAplayoffs2001]

I'mma go with Ali... or O.J.

Agreed with Ali.

1) Refusing to go through the vietnam war draft despite being granted by the US government that he would only do basic training and a few things because they wanted the blacks be more open to be drafted/fight.
2) Nation of Islam

Amongst many others.

[L.Kizzle]

Jack Johnson

[MadeFromDust]

Dennis Rodman

[eliteballer]

Related to athletics, Ali.

[Thorpesaurous]

Seems absurd now, but at the time probably Jackie Robinson.

[outbreak]

maradona deserves a mention too.

or for Australians and New Zealanders Trevor or Greg Chappell for the underarm incident.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underarm_bowling_incident_of_1981

[the mesiah]

10.lance Armstrong
9.Jack johnson
8.barry bonds
7.Terrell Owens
6.mike Vick
5.Deion sanders
4.floyd mayweather jr
3.dennis rodman
2.cassius clay
1.mike tyson

[DwnShft2Xcelr8]

All the actual controversial guys have already been named.
I'll name a few who stirred massive controversies but aren't necessarily the most controversial:

Magic Johnson: you know, the whole HIV thing...

Kobe Bryant: asshole personality + rape accusation + feud with Shaq + Phil Jackson's book saying Kobe is difficult to coach + all the random controversial comments over the years (eg. Yelling "F*cking f*ggot!" at a referee on live tv), etc.

Metta World Peace: Malice at the Palace + feuds with various players over the years + various controversial comments over the years + nude pics + mental issues

Aaron Hernandez: murderer

[ThePhantomCreep]

More candidates:

Ty Cobb
Shoeless Joe Jackson
Ben Johnson
Pete Rose