Top 7 Richest Athletes In The World
Professional sports are among some of the world's favorite pastimes - the excitement
of the competition, the thrill of the game, the astounding athletics on display - but
even more interesting than the games themselves are the athletes.
It's no secret that sports are a lucrative profession - so today we look at seven of
the richest athletes that live larger than life, both on AND off the field.
Starting at number 7, let's take a look at the recklessly extravagant life of Antoine
Walker.
The former Boston Celtic has earned an estimated $110 million throughout his professional career
- living lavishly and choosing to invest in a wide network of real estate properties and
acquisitions.
Before he ended his career with the NBA in 1998, Antoine Walker was (according to his
mother) supporting over 70 different family members and friends, eventually racking up
a $4 million dollar debt to assorted creditors.
After pleading guilty to writing back checks to casinos (amounting to another $750,000)
he was placed on probation - eventually having to foreclose on the fourteen residential properties
he owned.
At last count, Walker's entire wealth has been absorbed by the system and sunk back
into back-owed debts, rendering his fortune completely obsolete.
Moving on to a slightly more reckless use of cash.
Lawrence Taylor comes in at number 6.
Lawrence Taylor cemented his place in history by achieving Hall of Fame status playing as
The Giant's unstoppable linebacker - raking in an easy $50 million dollars throughout
his professional career.
Called by some to be the greatest defensive player in the league - no one can argue that
he was the highest paid athlete for his era.
Although life was looking up - a severe addiction to cocaine (including multiple arrests for
possession), lavish partying and years of excess lead to him declaring bankruptcy in
the late 1990's.
Falsified tax returns, lawsuits for unpaid child support and alleged underage prostitution
activity has also left the two-time Super Bowl winner with pennies left of his massively
blown income.
Coming in at number 5 is the imitable Tony Hawk (who also spends a bit more wisely).
Tony Hawk (real name Anthony Frank Hawk) is regarded as one of the most influential (and
successful) skateboarders in history.
Building himself a successful empire, Hawk has amassed a net worth of over $140 million
dollars as an entrepreneur, skateboarder, actor - and brilliant figurehead of countless
licensing deals.
Securing himself his first skateboarding sponsorship at the young age of 16, Hawk began earning
an absurd amount of money - living large and almost going bankrupt in the 1990s by purchasing
homes and cars.
After he and fellow skateboarder Per Welinder formed their own skateboarding company, reestablishing
himself as one of the wealthiest celebrity athletes in history.
Although he is once again wealthy beyond means, he now lives modestly and altruistically,
admirably supporting charities and those in need whenever possible.
Speaking of spending (but not spiraling) - the hulking Shaquille O'Neal comes in at number
4.
After an amazing eighteen year basketball career with the NBA, Shaq has logged some
pretty impressive numbers: he's the sixth all-time leading scorer in the NBA, a four
time champion with one of the most recognizable names in sports - oh, and an icy cool $250
million in the bank.
As an actor, recording artist, television host (Emmy winning, at that) and minority
owner of the Sacramento Kings (not to mention a joint owner of Five Guys Burgers, Auntie
Annie's Pretzels, car washes, fitness and shopping centers, movie theaters and nightclubs),
Shaq's astronomical wealth was not always without some flash and panache.
Reportedly spending his first earned $1m within 30 minutes of joining the league, O'Neal's
spending habits are a bit more matured nowadays.
Switching sports - the widely acclaimed golfer Jack Nicklaus comes in at number 3.
Not only is he in the top three of THIS list, but Jack Nicklaus is widely thought to be
among the top three golfers of all time.
With a record eighteen career championships spread out through his 50 plus year career,
Nicklaus' talents also extend to other avenues - writing a seminal golf manual in 1974 entitled
Golf My Way (which remains in printed publication to the day).
As the founder of multiple companies and organizations (such as IMG, a New York City based media
company and Nicklaus Design, a world-class golf course design firm), Nicklaus has amassed
a wealth of over $280 million - reportedly still earning close to $30 million a year
as recently as 2012.
The 76 year old congressional gold medal winner invests much of his money back into what matters
most - family.
Switching directions back to "poor use of finances", we turn towards our number 2: Michael
Vick.
The former Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick has had one wild, tumultuous ride as an internationally
recognized athletic celebrity.
After it was revealed he was part of a dog-fighting business ring (specifically, pit bull slaughtering),
Vick lost his contract with the team in 2007, leading to his imprisonment for two years
after being found guilty.
His reported wealth of $130 million was lost in both actual and potential earnings during
his stint - not to mention the millions blown on supporting a thirty-deep entourage, luxury
cars, bad investments (like failed car rental companies, Canadian real estate and sordid
investors that used his money in further unscrupulous ways) and a spending habit that resulted in
him blowing $18 million dollars in just under two years (or about $25,000 per day).
While his investments and life are improving, Vick's financial and personal history is shaky
at best.
Finally, the number one on our list - Vince McMahon.
As the founder of the World Wrestling Federation, McMahon's (once billionaire) earnings are
still estimated to be in the neighborhood of over $850 million.
Although wrestling is more entertainment than sport, the athleticism required is undeniable.
Starting as a businessman and later getting into the ring himself in the 1990's, McMahon's
lavish estates, cars, purchases, properties and successful financial investments continue
to astound all those around him.