Fans not only love sports because of their favorite teams, but for the teams they despise. Watching that most hated of team lose makes everything feel right. Certain teams are so despised that they transcend rivalries reaching a national or global level of hatred. This is a shout out to those teams.
Sports can be compared to watching an old-timey western. First, there is a hero wearing all white, and then there is the villain wearing all black. In the sports world it is exact same, as some teams are viewed as the bad guys. These “bad guys” in sports have fans from all over wanting only one thing, for them to lose. The hatred is usually born out of success; no one really hates a loser. However, it is not enough just to be good to be hated, the team has to have a certain attitude or cockiness about them. We all have that one team who comes to mind. These ten teams are the ones that most people imagine when the word hate is said.
10.Boston Bruins (NHL)
The anger or hatred for the Bruins comes from the feeling, from many people, that they are dirty. Players like Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand each have received that label over the course of their careers. As well, the Boston fans have taken plenty of flack for their attitude.
9.Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
The Lakers are second only to the Boston Celtics in NBA Championships, but they are definitely number one in hatred. The fans of the team are often criticized for being fair-weather, and the number of celebrities who attends games makes them seem too polished. Finally, even though the team is awful they still seem to be on national television more than anyone else.
8.Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
All the hatred towards the Cowboys started in the 1970’s when they declared themselves as America’s team. It is ironic to think that now, because it seems like only people from Dallas actually like the Cowboys. To add fuel to fire, the team owner, Jerry Jones, continues to rub people the wrong way.
7.Notre Dame (Football)
The Fightin’ Irish have been one of the most recognizable symbols in all of college football history. Unfortunately, people do not seem to like that symbol. As powerhouse program they still refuse to play in a conference, electing to remain as an Independent so that they can create their own schedule. That makes people think Notre Dame views themselves as better than everybody else.
6.Real Madrid (Soccer)
Soccer has its’ Darth Vader in this franchise, as fans globally find it hard to like them. The franchise deals out large contracts in an effort to outbid smaller teams for the best players, case and point Cristiano Ronaldo. In other words they can be summarized as the New York Yankees of soccer.
5.New York Yankees (MLB)
Speaking of the Yankees, here they land on this list. They have a record 27 World Series victories and continue to outspend everyone on the free agency market. Add that in with unlikable players like Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens, and you have yourself a villain.
4.University of Kentucky (Men’s Basketball)
John Calipari has more than his fair share of blame for this ranking. Every year he handpicks the top recruits, uses them for a year, then watches them walk to the NBA only to reload with more top recruits. Many have called it the rent-a-player system, but whatever you call it people do not want to see Kentucky win.
3.SEC Football
Okay I admit this one might be cheating just a little bit. But in sports today there is no conference more hated and to such a fanatical degree than the SEC. At one point the conference won an amazing seven straight National Championships. Fans now feel the polls have an SEC bias, even though the conference is not as good as it used to be.
2. Duke University (Men’s Basketball)
Hate is an understatement when it comes to how people feel about Duke. It is almost as if fans do not care who wins it all, as long as it is not Duke. The hate comes from years of success under coach K, annoying fans, and unlikable players. You either love Duke or hate them, there is no in between.
1.New England Patriots (NFL)
The ultimate villain today has to be the Patriots. Plenty of the hate has to do with their constant winning for the last decade and a half. However, even more is about how they have won. Constantly at the front of controversy this franchise has plenty of black marks. Add that in with an arrogant coach, Bill Belichick, and a cocky quarterback, Tom Brady, and it is easy to see why people hate them.
The good guy is supposed to be able to defeat the villain; unfortunately these ten teams continue their reign of terror. Hopefully for many fans’ sakes none of these teams come out on top this year.
