Turkeys of Year
Is it better to be the No.1 turkey at this time of year or does it really matter? AOL takes a look at 50 of the most controversial performances by in the sports world this year. Here are your Biggest Turkeys in Sports for 2008.
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50 -- Vernon Davis: As his 49ers are drummed drilled by the Seahawks, the tight end decides to slap Seattle safety Brian Russell and is assessed a personal foul. Mike Singletary, in his first game since taking over as head coach, is incensed by the lack of discipline and orders Davis to the sidelines. A little later, he sends Davis to the locker room for the remainder of the game to make sure he got the message.
Greg Trott, Getty Images
49 -- Elijah Dukes: The Nationals weren't too familiar with winning in 2008. So, it should come as no surprise that the Mets and pitcher Nelson Figueroa took exception to the way Elijah Dukes and his teammates were "cheerleading in the dugout like a bunch of softball girls."
Mitchell Layton, Getty Images
48 -- Tommy Bowden: After agreeing to a contract extension as Clemson's football coach in December 2007, he agreed to a $3.5 million buyout in October 2008 after a 3-3 start. Bowden compiled a 72-45 record in eight seasons but the Tigers had been cast as favorites to win the ACC championship -- at least.
Paul Jasienski, Getty Images
47 -- Stephon Marbury: The guard, who will be paid $22 million, has been anchored to the Knicks bench this season and he hasn't been hurt. Marbury and coach Mike D'Antoni apparently do not see eye-to-eye on anything, including whether the coach offered him playing time and that Marbury refused.
Darren Hauck, AP
46 -- Scott Linehan: Decisions like benching quarterback Marc Bulger in favor of Trent Green and taking over the play-calling helped turn the St. Louis Rams stars against the coach. Linehan was fired after an 0-4 start of lopsided losses and an 11-25 overall record.
Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images
45 -- Sarah Palin: Curses? The Philadelphia Flyers lost six in a row after the Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate dropped the puck for their home game and the St. Louis Blues lost six of the next seven after the ceremony on their ice. Oh, and Blues goalie Manny Legace tripped on carpet laid out for Palin and injured his left hip flexor.
Len Redkoles, Getty Images
44 -- Donovan McNabb: In the midst of a awful season for the Eagles, 10-year veteran quarterback McNabb mentioned that he didn't know that NFL games could end in a tie after his team did just that against the woeful Bengals.
Paul Jasienski, Getty Images
43 -- Plaxico Burress: The Giants suspended their star wide receiver for two weeks after he skipped a day of practice and did not see the logic in returning several phone calls from team officials inquiring about his whereabouts.
Evan Pinkus, Getty Images
42 -- Phil Fulmer: Tennessee told football head coach Phil Fulmer that he would not be continuing in that position next season. He is being allowed to put the finishing touches on a season in which the Volunteers have lost seven games for only the second time in school history.
Mike Zarrilli, WireImage
