These Athletes' Bad Choices Cost Them All Their Earnings

In the era of free agency, in particular, it is commonplace to see an athlete of prodigious talent sign a big money, long-term deal after playing for rookie bucks. The team is happy, the player is happy and usually the fans are happy. It's when these athletes start spending the big bucks that largesse, youthful exuberance and just plain stupidity and ignorance cause that money to drain away - fast.

Once the entourage, hangers-on, financial "advisor", the taxman and a slew of others have a say, some big name athletes actually go broke, becoming cautionary tales for those coming next. Even with all the evidence to the contrary, wealthy sports superstars find new ways to blow through millions and end up on the skids.

Whether it is for child support, badly timed real estate investments, or just the plain old love of having a good time, there athletes from all over sports history have left their mark on the list of people who just don’t know how to handle their money.

We are talking about quarterbacks, linebackers, wide receivers, even golfers at the country club that love partying, going frequently to Vegas and making terrible choices, all the while waving their thick wallets.

We can’t make this list without mentioning the famed Mike Tyson, who we will diligently compare to the ocean liner that sank in the early 20th century. The heavyweight champion blew through three wives and the 300 million dollars he was once worth, not to mention the gates of prison.