Embarrassing Sports Moments

Atlanta Hawks

Embarrassing Sports Moments

The Hawks' Josh Smith missed a between-the-legs dunk late in Wednesday's win over the Heat. It was an embarrassing moment, but Smith's not the first one..

They call him J-Smoove. But Josh Smith's between-the-legs missed dunk attempt against the Heat Wednesday was anything but smooth. Frankly, it was a little embarrassing. But so were these other sports moments. Some were dumber than others. You decide.

With Georgia Tech trailing Georgia 19-13 with two minutes to play, quarterback Reggie Ball led the Yellow Jackets down to the UGA 21-yard line. After two incompletions and a sack, Ball faced a 4th and 21. He rolled out, didn't find anyone open and elected to throw the ball away.

After a seven-yard touchdown run, Redskins quarterback Gus Frerotte celebrated by head-butting the padded wall behind the end zone. He sprained his neck and had to be taken to the hospital.

Minnesota Viking great Jim Marshall infamously returned a fumble 66 yards the wrong way in a 1964 game against the 49ers. Marshall spiked the ball, which bounced out of the end zone and was ruled a safety. The Vikings stil won 27-22.

After kicking a 42-yard field goal in the first quarter against the Jets, Arizona kicker Bill Gramatica injured his knee celebrating.

In 2007, Redskins coach Joe Gibbs attempted to ice Buffalo kicker Ryan Lindell by calling consecutive timeouts. Unfortunately for Gibbs, calling consecutive timeouts is illegal. He was called for unsportsmanlike conduct, turning a 51-yard field goal into much more manageable 36-yarder. Lindell made the kick, giving the Bills the win.

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett showboated his way down the field on a fumble recovery in Super Bowl XXVII, only to be caught from behind by the Bills' Don Beebe.

In the 2006 National League Division Series, the Dodgers had two players -- J.D. Drew (right) and Jeff Kent-- thrown out at home plate within seconds of each other.

In the waning moments of the 1993 National Championship Game, Michigan's Chris Webber was given a technical foul for calling a timeout when the Wolverines were out of timeouts.

1/9

They call him J-Smoove. But Josh Smith's between-the-legs missed dunk attempt against the Heat Wednesday was anything but smooth. Frankly, it was a little embarrassing. But so were these other sports moments. Some were dumber than others. You decide.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints

PHOTOS: Falcons defeat Saints to win season finale

Juwad Maynard holds a banner during a protest in Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, against the U.S. military action in Venezuela. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

PHOTOS: People gather in downtown Atlanta to protest U.S. military action in Venezuela

People prepare to run the Polar Opposite Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Atlanta. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

PHOTOS: Thousands run AJC Polar Opposite Peactree Road Race

Sugar Bowl Game

PHOTOS: Georgia upset by Ole Miss in Sugar Bowl

More Galleries

Hawks Heat Basketball

Photos: NBA history for Trae Young in Hawks' loss to Heat

Warriors Hawks basketball

Photos: Hawks games have stars in the crowd, too

Warriors Hawks basketball

Photos: Hawks defeat the Warriors

Hawks Nets Basketball

Photos: Hawks lose on the road against Nets