Stephen’s A-List: Top 5 athletes with the biggest impact
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ThrillaSBR Posting Legend
- 03-10-15
- 13809
#1Stephen’s A-List: Top 5 athletes with the biggest impact
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jjgoldSBR Aristocracy
- 07-20-05
- 388179
#2Not James lol
The others yesComment -
BostongamblerBARRELED IN @ SBR!
- 02-01-08
- 35581
#3I think the list is pretty spot on .Comment -
MinnesotaFatsSBR Posting Legend
- 12-18-10
- 14758
#4Bwhahaha
Ok.....
Babe Ruth/ Ty Cobb?
Ben Hogan/ Sam Snead? Palmer...
Richard Petty/ Dale Earnhardt?
Leave it to Stephen A to list 5 black guys from 1970 to current and forget who brought these sports into prime time media coverage.
People forget how big a celebrity Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth were in the teens and 20s
Nascar most popular TV sport for decades
Golf- how many courses designed by Palmer and Co...how many TV contracts entered into because of Arnies Army??
Fukkin guy is clueless. I'll give him Jordan. I wouldn't not put Ali on the list but Dempsy was just as big.
Serena lol gtfohComment -
ThrillaSBR Posting Legend
- 03-10-15
- 13809
#5Comment -
jjgoldSBR Aristocracy
- 07-20-05
- 388179
#6Thrilla call meComment -
GUMMO77SBR Hall of Famer
- 08-23-10
- 9294
#7Bwhahaha
Ok.....
Babe Ruth/ Ty Cobb?
Ben Hogan/ Sam Snead? Palmer...
Richard Petty/ Dale Earnhardt?
Leave it to Stephen A to list 5 black guys from 1970 to current and forget who brought these sports into prime time media coverage.
People forget how big a celebrity Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth were in the teens and 20s
Nascar most popular TV sport for decades
Golf- how many courses designed by Palmer and Co...how many TV contracts entered into because of Arnies Army??
Fukkin guy is clueless. I'll give him Jordan. I wouldn't not put Ali on the list but Dempsy was just as big.
Serena lol gtfoh
If not, this is one of the amazing cases of lacking self awareness I’ve ever seen.Comment -
The KrakenBARRELED IN @ SBR!
- 12-25-11
- 28918
#8Spot on list.
Only others even close would be GSP, Pele, Bo Jackson, Michael Phelps and Shannon MillerComment -
MinnesotaFatsSBR Posting Legend
- 12-18-10
- 14758
#9Phelps of Luganis?
I'd say the HIV / GAYNESS of Luganis is more impactful than Phelps in terms of overall.
Magic in bball same...Comment -
BigJaySBR MVP
- 01-14-12
- 3485
#10Biggest impact athletes over the last 50 years?
I would argue Pele and Gretzky should be on a top-5 list.
I could see replacing LeBron for sure and possibly Serena with the two I mentioned.Comment -
The KrakenBARRELED IN @ SBR!
- 12-25-11
- 28918
#11Serena really is the greatest female tennis player ever, and her impact is massive. I cant see replacing her on the list.
Lebron is great and has had a big impact but I could see replacing him. Id argue Steph might be able to replace LBJ.
Honestly Im not sure how anyone gets replaced except LBJComment -
turbobetsSBR MVP
- 01-13-06
- 1001
#12Messi?Comment -
The KrakenBARRELED IN @ SBR!
- 12-25-11
- 28918
#14Jackie Robinson?
Was there any greater impact of a great player?
Bill Russel and Jim Brown gotta be up thereComment -
BigJaySBR MVP
- 01-14-12
- 3485
#15
Still, I think you have to list Pelé somewhere. In 1970 he was probably the world’s most famous athlete, having just led Brazil to its third World Cup win in12 years.Comment -
MinnesotaFatsSBR Posting Legend
- 12-18-10
- 14758
#16Jackie Robinson impact/ Babe Ruth impact is timeless...
He's more relevant today, more appreciated today than he was in his heyday. Like Van Gogh, who only sold 2 pieces of art while alive.
Gretzky's legacy in hockey literally shifted a regional sports into a national phenomenon with cult following.
Could say Tony Hawk did the same
Serena does not belong on this list. She is the best female tennis player, yes, but female tennis isn't 1/10th as popular as it was when Chrissy Everett and Steffi Graff were running around in skirts.
Lebron no....his impact has destroyed the balance and national fanbase of the NBA w the super teams.
Tiger didnt do anything Jack or Arnie didn't do. Tiger made more money....Jack and Arnie designed more courses, and made golf cool. Like Serena, Tiger is King in a dying sport. That's a negative legacy.
Same w Ali...boxing is dead now after the era of Tyson. But why Ali??? He was arguably the most famous fighter of the last 50....but why not say Dana White? Jessee Ventura? Hell Jessee became governor and inspired our current President to run. That impactful!!Comment -
KVBSBR Aristocracy
- 05-29-14
- 74817
#17Probably should have mentioned that this just that last 50 years in the thread title.
It might have made a difference in the thread discussion.
Comment -
mike tyson35SBR High Roller
- 08-22-19
- 241
#18Iron mike approves the list.Comment -
mike tyson35SBR High Roller
- 08-22-19
- 241
#19Jackie Robinson impact/ Babe Ruth impact is timeless...
He's more relevant today, more appreciated today than he was in his heyday. Like Van Gogh, who only sold 2 pieces of art while alive.
Gretzky's legacy in hockey literally shifted a regional sports into a national phenomenon with cult following.
Could say Tony Hawk did the same
Serena does not belong on this list. She is the best female tennis player, yes, but female tennis isn't 1/10th as popular as it was when Chrissy Everett and Steffi Graff were running around in skirts.
Lebron no....his impact has destroyed the balance and national fanbase of the NBA w the super teams.
Tiger didnt do anything Jack or Arnie didn't do. Tiger made more money....Jack and Arnie designed more courses, and made golf cool. Like Serena, Tiger is King in a dying sport. That's a negative legacy.
Same w Ali...boxing is dead now after the era of Tyson. But why Ali??? He was arguably the most famous fighter of the last 50....but why not say Dana White? Jessee Ventura? Hell Jessee became governor and inspired our current President to run. That impactful!!Comment -
MinnesotaFatsSBR Posting Legend
- 12-18-10
- 14758
#20Very true, which is why I discount those pitching stats from that era.
However, if you read any of the number of biographies on Ruth, you'll be surprised at his public support for desegregation of baseball and his barnstorming against the negro league teams. Ruth very integral in opening minds of younger players in the 30s to black stars.
Ruth coached for Burliegh Grimes (native if Clear Lake, WI where I had my microbrewery) in late 30s on the Dodgers....8 years later guess which team broke the color barrier....
The impact if Babe on society off the field still resounds today.Comment -
mike tyson35SBR High Roller
- 08-22-19
- 241
#21MJ/Serena/Tiger/Ali no doubt, Lebron have carry the nba for 15 years. Iron mike wouldn’t complain, if he’s off the list.Comment -
MrSinkSBR Hall of Famer
- 12-30-08
- 8087
#22Pretty accurate to meComment -
JIBBBYSBR Aristocracy
- 12-10-09
- 83686
#23What about Michael Phelps and Husain Bolt in other sports? Wayne Gretsky was huge back in the day for Hockey also..
Steven A Smith is a can of a sports reporter and commentator by the way. His opinions are pure garbage half the time.Comment -
PAULYPOKERBARRELED IN @ SBR!
- 12-06-08
- 36581
#24Brady Bellichick deserves to share a spot.......Comment -
sosawestbrookSBR MVP
- 12-10-16
- 3135
#25I’m not gonna watch this bozo. Is he talking about impact on culture or impact on their respective sport?
Either way, it’s impossible to list just 5.
Bruce Lee, Jackie Robinson, AI, Pele, Kobe, Shaq.
There is too many for a simplified top 5 list.Comment -
MinnesotaFatsSBR Posting Legend
- 12-18-10
- 14758
#26AI? Iverson?
HUH
.
..Comment -
sosawestbrookSBR MVP
- 12-10-16
- 3135
#27Yes of course. AI birthed a lot of these new school players. Not only did he change the game by revolutionizing the crossover dribble, he was the poster child for swagger & attitude. He wore whatever he wanted to, said whatever he wanted to & dropped 50 on you that same night. He is the sole reason the NBA dress code no longer restricts players wardrobe. The NBA pregame outfit is a social phenomenon. There is social media pages dedicated to that alone. AI did that. He broke the matrix.
Forever is he a cultural icon & to dispute that would be ignorant at max levels.Comment -
MinnesotaFatsSBR Posting Legend
- 12-18-10
- 14758
#28Dude....we are talking about breaking down segregation, gay rights, womens equality, and turning regional sports into national ones.
Not the fukkin NBA dress code or what some hood rats view on their Instagram.
AI revolutionary in basketball from a street baller POV I guess, but nationally?
I'm probably the smartest guy on SBR and I don't even know anything about a pregame warm up outfit phenomenon....Comment -
ttwarrior1BARRELED IN @ SBR!
- 06-23-09
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#29hulk hoganComment -
sosawestbrookSBR MVP
- 12-10-16
- 3135
#30Dude....we are talking about breaking down segregation, gay rights, womens equality, and turning regional sports into national ones.
Not the fukkin NBA dress code or what some hood rats view on their Instagram.
AI revolutionary in basketball from a street baller POV I guess, but nationally?
I'm probably the smartest guy on SBR and I don't even know anything about a pregame warm up outfit phenomenon....Comment -
sosawestbrookSBR MVP
- 12-10-16
- 3135
#31also, for you older cats, ill be 100 with you. I am under 30. all my friends are under 30. we dont give a FUKK about babe ruth, bill Russell or any of these old cats. it is not out of disrespect, it is simply a new era. the internet changed everything. the athletes nowadays have more power. their names hold more weight because we see and hear from them ALL THE TIME. it is not always positive however, because we have talk shows that criticize the greatest players on a daily basis for attention and viewers.
there is no "top 5 cultural impacts."
that is brainwash. there is impact, and there is no impact. one is not greater then the other. or at least not in a way that can be measured.Comment -
FishheadSBR Aristocracy
- 08-11-05
- 40179
#32Good list if you omit all whitesComment -
MinnesotaFatsSBR Posting Legend
- 12-18-10
- 14758
#33don't claim you are smart & gravitate towards something simple minded like a dress code. thats not the point. that was all about establishing FREEDOM. as humans we should be able to express ourselves freely at all times. doesn't matter whether its through speech, clothes or anything else. its about breaking the matrix. AI is NEO. do you understand?
But honestly the NBA dress code wasn't in place to chain the players, it was in place to attract otherwise conservative sponsors to a league that was struggling and had a sketchy reputation. The NBA needed to clean up its image to attract a new wave of technology and financial sponsors to go w the beer and apparel guys. Once the money came on board, the TV contract came and then the league let up. If the money hadn't come in yet AI would be showing up in a suit and tie like everyone else.
You are right, social media has given players a voice on public issues...but what issues is the current NBA player facing that remotely compares to what Bill Russel faced? Billie Jean King faced? Greg Luganis faced? Those athletes faced actual human rights and racial issues. AI influence limited to clothes, big chains and practice time. That's the truth- his sphere of influence was quite narrow in respect as only a small portion of the populus related to what he valued there. How is anyone's life better because AI can wear a big chain and long shorts to the arena or because he had a faster crossover than anyone else? Magic Johnson took on AIDS and made it real for non gays. Bill Russel had to sleep in a separate hotel half the time. Billie Jean founded a womens tennis league and risked everything she had to do it. Did AI ever risk anything to take a stand? Ill give Kaep his props on that even despite my believing he is musguided....As far as I know AI wasn't even an active participant in his community regarding violence in DC or Philly?Comment -
FishheadSBR Aristocracy
- 08-11-05
- 40179
#34Mickey Mantle
Arnold Palmer
Ali
MJ
Dan Gable/Pele
You're welcomeComment -
sosawestbrookSBR MVP
- 12-10-16
- 3135
#35Hey I'm all about freedom, in all walks of life. Read anything I've posted in other threads.
But honestly the NBA dress code wasn't in place to chain the players, it was in place to attract otherwise conservative sponsors to a league that was struggling and had a sketchy reputation. The NBA needed to clean up its image to attract a new wave of technology and financial sponsors to go w the beer and apparel guys. Once the money came on board, the TV contract came and then the league let up. If the money hadn't come in yet AI would be showing up in a suit and tie like everyone else.
You are right, social media has given players a voice on public issues...but what issues is the current NBA player facing that remotely compares to what Bill Russel faced? Billie Jean King faced? Greg Luganis faced? Those athletes faced actual human rights and racial issues. AI influence limited to clothes, big chains and practice time. That's the truth- his sphere of influence was quite narrow in respect as only a small portion of the populus related to what he valued there. How is anyone's life better because AI can wear a big chain and long shorts to the arena or because he had a faster crossover than anyone else? Magic Johnson took on AIDS and made it real for non gays. Bill Russel had to sleep in a separate hotel half the time. Billie Jean founded a womens tennis league and risked everything she had to do it. Did AI ever risk anything to take a stand? Ill give Kaep his props on that even despite my believing he is musguided....As far as I know AI wasn't even an active participant in his community regarding violence in DC or Philly?
the question is who impacted YOUR LIFE? everything else is for the birds. this is the reason why these brainwashing networks engage in meaningless discussions like these, because there are no real answers. is is all subjective. dont feed into this bullshit. everybody plays a role. nobody is greater then the next person. thats not how shit works.Comment
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