The 5 Antiheroes of the past year who have shocked UK sports

The sports industry often likes to pat itself on the back when its stars perform well. Just think of all the awards ceremonies that you see, from the Balon D'or to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. But with all the wrong stuff that sports stars get up to, maybe there should also be recognition for the exact opposite: those athletes who have been idiotic, crazy, or downright stupid over the past year. Here are five sportspeople who really could and should have done better.

Ryan Giggs

It's fair to say that Giggs' private life has been the polar opposite to his successful trophy-laden football career. As well as admitting that he's never been faithful to any of his partners, the ex-Wales winger faced charges of assault against his former girlfriend Kate Greville in court last August. Although the trial was a very serious one, with Giggs accused of headbutting his ex-girlfriend and elbowing her sister in the face, there was a comedy moment when some of the ex-lovers' poetry was read out in court. Here's an extract: "You make me feel funny down there. Especially when you look up and stare." Proof that Giggs' word skills are about as good as his treatment of women.

Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney has been a revelation since Brentford's promotion to the Premier League, leading their attack as they've pulled off several major shocks. Unfortunately, the England forward has also put his future in jeopardy by being accused of breaking Premier League betting rules. In a four-year period, he allegedly made 232 sports bets involving himself or his team. The Football Association's (FA) rulebook, section 8.1, specifically refers to this being prohibited. While players can gamble on certain events and play online casino games, it stresses that 'a Participant shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of a football match or competition'. If Toney is convicted and fails any appeal, he faces a multi-year ban from the sport.

Phil Mickelson

One of the main criticisms aimed at modern sport is the amount of money involved. From soccer to Olympic stars, athletes earn millions a year from lucrative endorsements and sponsorship deals. The organisation of the LIV Golf League, though, took things to extremes in the golfing world. In January 2020, golfing chiefs announced a new Saudi-backed competition which led to several pros, including Rory McIlroy, questioning where the money was coming from, given the country's history of human rights abuses. Not Phil Mickelson, however. The American star was one of 11 pros who signed deals to appear at the tournament. Mickelson is thought to be the most lucrative, worth as much as $200 million. The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) responded by suspending the players through to 2023 as the battle for dominance continues. Mickelson might not care too much, though, with his hundreds of millions in the bank.

Nick Kyrgios

Instead of asking what Kyrgios has done over the last year, it may be better to ask what he DIDN'T do. The tennis star's run to the Wimbledon men's final was overshadowed by a series of tantrums in which he shouted obscenities and smashed his racket on the floor. He also found time to argue with an interviewer between matches. If all that wasn't enough, the Australian also appeared in court on an assault charge brought by his ex and settled a legal dispute with a fan he accused of having drunk 'over 700 beers' at a live match. All in all, a fitting year for a man who revels in his status as tennis's number one villain.

Jorge Masvidal

As a UFC contender, Jorge Masvidal is used to attacking people, but within the confines of a cage. Unfortunately for his friend and ex-roommate Colby Covington, he's also capable of doing it out on the street without warning. According to a Miami local TV station, the fighter jumped Covington as he left the Papi Steak Restaurant in South Beach. After receiving a flurry of punches, the victim emerged with just a chipped tooth, but it could have been much worse. Masvidal turned himself into police the next day before freeing himself after making bond. He joins the ranks of sporting antiheroes as he awaits trial for aggravated battery.