1. John McEnroe Uses His Sharp Tongue to Abuse an Official
1987 is the year of the fine.
Estimated Total Fine: $17,500*
John McEnroe, the original “bad boy” of tennis, was known for losing his composure and acting a little out of control. Unfortunately, the chair umpire of the particular match was generally the target of his outbursts. McEnroe’s tantrums may have reached their zenith during a 1987 US Open match.
John McEnroe Uses His Sharp Tongue to Abuse an Official © Tony Duffy/Getty Photos
After a series of altercations with the match umpire, during which John expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the match had been called, McEnroe was handed multiple unsportsmanlike penalties. McEnroe’s vocal performance earned him a two-month suspension and a $17,500 fine, which was a substantial sum of money in 1987.