A list of the biggest sports let-downs of 2013. While many teams had successful or even fair-to-middling 2013 seasons, the players and teams listed here did not experience nearly as many good vibes. For one reason or another, people and teams here did not live up to expectations. Some times it was due to an injury, like in the case of Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose or Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III. Other times, it was due to a player just not being as good as hyped, like Trent Richardson. Or in the case of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, it meant perpetuating a lie for years and building a mystique that was eventually proven to wrong. This list is likely to upset sports fans who fans of the people and teams on this list.
Disappointment runs deep in sports, especially when your team doesn't live up to the hype that the so-called-expert lavish on your team. Two Southern California teams fall into this category. The Lakers and Angels were the kings of their offseasons, yet they had zero postseason wins to show for winning the headlines. In the case of the Lakers, losing free agent center Dwight Howard compounded matters, depending on whether or not you think Howard is as good as advertised.
This is the list of the biggest sports let-downs of 2013. Vote for what story you think ended up defining the year in terms of disappointments. You have plenty of good options to choose from here so make your voice heard!
http://www.ranker.com/list/biggest-sports-let-downs-of-2013/ranker-sports,
Ed Reed Signs Three-Year Deal in Houston and Is Cut Midseason
When the Houston Texans signed free agent Ed Reed from Baltimore, many thought he would be the missing piece for a team that won 12 games in 2012. After half a season into the three-year deal, Reed was cut, proving to be a major disappointment on the league's biggest disappointment.
Los Angeles Lakers Lose in First Round of Playoffs
Last year, the Lakers were supposed to have it all. They traded for Dwight Howard and signed Steve Nash, and there were talks of the team matching the NBA record for most wins. So what happened? The team snuck into the playoffs and promptly got swept by San Antonio. Add to that the early season hiring of Mike D'Antoni over Phil Jackson after the firing of Mike Brown, you have a recipe for disaster with mismatched parts and players that didn't fit together. To make matters worse, after the season, Howard bolted town for Houston and Kobe Bryant tore his Achillies tendon.
Trent Richardson Traded to Indianapolis; Proves Cleveland Right
A few weeks into the NFL season, the Cleveland Browns stunned the football world by trading running back Trent Richardson, the third overall pick in the 2012 draft to Indianapolis for a first round pick. Everyone thought Indianapolis was on its way to a new dynasty with Richardson and quarterback Andrew Luck. So far, Richardson has barely averaged a paltry 3 yard per carry, proving the Browns right to give up on the player so early into his career.
Boston Bruins Lose Game 6 by Conceding Two Goals in 90 Seconds
The Bruins were on the cusp of tying Chicago and bringing the Stanley Cup to a Game 7. But Chicago scored two late goals to take home the title, breaking the hearts of New Englanders.
Derrick Rose Tears His Meniscus After Eight Games
The sky was the limit for Derrick Rose. It's hard to believe, but he was the 2011 NBA MVP. But he tore his meniscus only eight games after returning from a tore ACL that sidelined him for the 2012-13 campaign. Not only did this ruin Chicago's title hopes, but it puts Rose's carer in serious jeopardy, making many wonder what might have been.
Lane Kiffin Fired from USC
After a 2012 campaign to forget, USC football coach Lane Kiffin was hoping for a big bounce back season in 2013. Instead, he got his pink slip after a humiliating 62-41 defeat at Arizona State. USC fans rejoiced.
Aaron Hernandez Arrested for Murder
Aaron Hernandez had it all. So everyone thought. The tight end signed a $40 million extension to remain a New England Patriot in 2012. But right before training camp, he was arrested for murder and covering up the crime. With Rob Gronkowski injured for the first half of the season, Hernandez would have been a useful target for Tom Brady instead of in jail.
Oscar Pistorius Allegedly Murders His Girlfriend
The athlete known as Blade Runner captured the hearts and mind of international sports fans at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Pistorius became the first double-leg amputee to participate in the Olympics when he entered the men's 400 meter and 4 × 400 meter relay races. However, he was arrested in February and charged with murdering his girlfriend, and thus bringing to light his previous legal troubles.
Lance Armstrong Admits to Steroid Use
Armstrong admitted to Oprah Winfrey that he lied about using PEDs, which let down legions of his fans and ultimately caused him to lose sponsorships
MLB Players Suspended in BioGenesis Scandal
Headlined by Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun, a handful of MLB players were suspended for 50 games (Rodriguez 211, Braun 65) for obtaining PEDs from a South Florida lab. It is one of the biggest scandals in baseball history.