Athletes aren't just scrutinized on the field. Some are known to be talked about often, and even in 2023 some stand out for reasons other than their athletic ability.
Here are five athletes who stood out for their strange behavior or clothing.
Image from website dailyhive.com
Eugenie Bouchard's funny costume
The Montrealer has had good times and bad times with a bat in her hand this year. Eugenie Bouchard notably had a chance to win the Billie Jean King Cup with Canada, but her strange Halloween costume earned her the ire of many observers.
In fact, she and her partner Jack Brinkley-Cook decided to dress up as junkies. In a series of photos posted to Instagram (the post has since been deleted), “Genie” wore a tattered dress with several cigarettes stuck in it and had several wounds on his body. There was also a fake syringe stuck to his left arm.
Several internet users complained about Bouchard's lack of judgment towards people with addiction problems.
The legendary speech by William Karlsson
Not everyone wins the Stanley Cup, and Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson understands that. After his team's five-game Finals win over the Florida Panthers, the Swede wanted to celebrate, and no one was going to stop him.
A legendary moment occurred when the fans were presented with the famous trophy. The obviously tipsy ice hockey player gave a memorable shirtless speech in which a few swear words were used. He even rushed on stage just before grabbing the microphone.
Karlsson had every right to seize the moment, however, as he scored 11 goals and six assists during the Golden Knights' playoff run that year.
Jimmy Butler and his “emo” style
NBA players are known for their crazy personalities and Jimmy Butler is certainly part of that group. At media day at the start of the season, the Miami Heat star appeared with long, straight hair that hid his face, as well as “piercings” in his arch and lips.
When asked about his “emo” style, Butler gave an answer that made several people laugh.
“Yeah, yeah, laugh,” he told reporters. I'm very emotional right now. This is my “emo” state and I like it. That’s how I feel right now.”
Still, he quickly reverted to a more traditional haircut.
Victor “Slenderman” Wembanyama
Also in the NBA, the circle's youngest first overall pick arrived at the arena dressed as Slenderman on October 31st to face the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs on October 31st. Everything was there and you could almost believe that the real Slenderman was going to face the Suns.
This costume brought him luck, as the Spurs narrowly won by a margin of 115 to 114. The French prodigy finished his night of work with 18 points and eight rebounds.
Nikola Jokic, the man who doesn't celebrate
If we previously talked about Karlsson's antics after the Golden Knights' victory in the Stanley Cup Finals, here is a man who ignored the Denver Nuggets' celebration in the NBA Finals.
Nikola Jokic, who was named the most valuable player in the last series of the best basketball circuit in the world, was completely emotionless after his team's great victory. In an interview with a journalist a few minutes after the decisive 94:89 win against the Heat in game number 5, Jokic caused a stir online with his answers.
“The job is done, we can go home now,” he said coldly. Worse, the 6-foot-10 giant seemed dissatisfied with staying in Denver a few more days for the team's trophy parade, declaring at a news conference that he “needed to go home” in Serbia.
He also justified his lack of excitement by saying that “no one liked his work” and that those who said otherwise were lying.
Jokic asked if he was looking forward to a parade
*looks at PR*
“When is the parade?”
“Thursday”
No…I have to go home” pic.twitter.com/N5HGts3ZxB– CJ Fogler’s account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 13, 2023