Kobe, LeBron make Forbes list of America's Most Disliked Athletes

Forbes named NBA players Kris Humphries, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant on their Top 10 list of America's Most Disliked Athletes, the magazine announced Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time) on their website. 

 

Forbes used surveys conducted by Nielsen and E-Poll Market Research to measure public perception towards certain pro athletes. The magazine specified, "Players named on the list were those that scored the most responses describing them as athletes they 'dislike,' 'dislike somewhat' or 'dislike a lot.'"

 

Humphries, a power forward with the New Jersey Nets, is the highest-placing NBA player on the list, with a dislike percentage of 50 percent. Forbes wrote, "Kim Kardashian, reality television...no need to go on, right?"

 

Following him is Miami Heat superstar LeBron James, with a 48 percent dislike percentage. "Fans just don't take to super teams," the magazine explained. "When LeBron took his talents to South Beach, he put on the villain's hat." 

 

Rounding out the NBA's contributions to the list is long-time Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant, with a 45 percent dislike rate. "Kobe is polarizing," the Forbes write-up elaborated. "Some love him, others find him phony and self-centered."

 

Topping the list was Philadelphia Eagle Michael Vick of the NFL with a 60 percent dislike rating, due to his involvement with a dog fighting scandal. Golfer Tiger Woods tied him with 60 percent, and NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress was third with 56 percent, coming off a stint in prison due to illegal gun possession.

 

Other players on the list include Detroit Lion Ndamukong Suh (51 percent), inactive wide receiver Terrel Owens (45 percent), New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez (44 percent) and NASCAR racer Kurt Busch (42 percent). — Adrian Dy/RSJ, GMA News