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Millions of interviews between journalists and sports figures are conducted every year, so there are bound to be some awkward occurrences. Whether they take place in a press conference after a game, on a sideline during a game or in an Icelandic airport with a huge crowd to witness, awkward exchanges are bound to happen. For the best of the best, we’ve assembled the Top 5 most awkward sports interviews.

5. Owens Cries For Romo

Football players are seen as guys’ guys, known for their toughness on and off the field. Famed wide receiver Terrell Owens let out his soft side after his Dallas Cowboys team lost 21-17 to the New York Giants in the divisional round of the 2007-2008 playoffs. Owens’ teammate Tony Romo was criticized for his play during the game, so Owens opened the floodgates as he defended his quarterback in a press conference.

4. Namath Gets A Little Too Friendly

On December 20, 2003, Suzy Kolber was doing what every seasoned sideline reporter is expected to do at a football game – interview some important people. At a New York Jets game, who better to talk to than New York legend “Broadway” Joe Namath? Well, a sober Namath probably would’ve been a bit better than the drunk one that repeatedly hit on and tried to kiss Kolber.

3. Jeremy Schaap vs. Bobby Fischer

Legendary sports journalist Dick Schaap was like a mentor to chess legend Bobby Fischer when Fischer was young. Later in life, Fischer, considered by many to be the greatest chess player of all time, went a bit crazy, claiming the United States got what it deserved on September 11. He also constantly went on anti-Semitic rants, calling Jews “snakes” and blaming them for all the world’s problems. At one point, Schaap wrote in a column that Fischer didn’t have a sane bone in his body. In 2005, Jeremy Schaap, Dick’s son, caught up with Fischer in Iceland. A heated exchange concerning Schaap’s father and an awkward stare down between the young journalist and crazed former world champion ensued.

2. Mike Gundy Is A Man And He’s 40

Following Oklahoma State’s win over Texas Tech on September 22, 2007, OSU head coach Mike Gundy had no interest in discussing the game. Instead, he focused his attention, and wrath, on a columnist who had written an article about one of his quarterbacks. What followed became one of the most quotable press conferences of all time…especially if you’re a man and you’re 40. [Note: For the full interview click here]

1. Jim “Chris” Everett

Chris Evert is one of the best female tennis players to ever pick up a racquet. She was a world No. 1 and won 18 Grand Slam singles titles. So who wouldn’t want to be called “Chris Evert?” An NFL quarterback, that’s who. When Jim Rome wouldn’t let up from calling New Orleans Saints quarterback Jim Everett, “Chris” Everett on his ESPN2 show Talk2 in 1994, things didn’t end so well for Rome.

Matt Schiffman covers sports and pop culture from Orlando, FL. You can follow him on Twitter @MattSchiffman

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