10 Memorable Intersections Between Alcohol and Sports

Fans all over the world are waiting for sports stories, particularly great ones. In as much as sports exist, there will always be great sports stories, but what many of us do not expect is that sports stories sometimes mix with alcohol. Some of these stories also gained traction on the internet and became popular.

The intersection between alcohol and sports has a long history of notorious endings, but this has not stopped athletes from drinking—even if the results are predictable. If one drunk sportsman becomes a meme on the internet today, another one will replace him within a week. It is like a competition of sorts, but we are not aware of any medals that have been issued to athletes for consuming one too many cans of beer. Many of these drunken scandals become unforgettable—a tale to be passed on from one generation to another. Here are 10 memorable stories of athletes (and one referee!) who found themselves making headlines when alcohol became the real MVP.

Related: 10 Surprising Things That Were Once Said to Promote Immoral Behavior

10 Nicklas Bendtner Drunkenly Begs for Pizza

Nicklas Bendtner, a Danish footballer with stints at Arsenal and Sunderland, was no stranger to drama, but one drunken escapade cemented his reputation as a footballing oddball. During his time in Sunderland, while recovering from an injury, Bendtner indulged in a night of heavy drinking that culminated in a now-infamous incident at a local pizzeria. When his credit card was declined, Bendtner loudly demanded free pizza, claiming he could “buy the whole place.” His drunken entitlement didn’t win over the staff, who refused to serve him unless he paid.

What could have ended in an embarrassing standoff was saved by two sympathetic diners who paid for Bendtner’s meal. He hastily grabbed his pizza and left in a taxi, sparing himself further humiliation. The story quickly spread, overshadowing his relatively modest on-field accomplishments. While Bendtner’s name often evokes laughter among fans, incidents like this have also fueled his “cult hero” status. The pizza debacle remains one of the many colorful chapters in the career of a player who perhaps never reached his full potential but certainly made headlines in other ways.^[1]

9 Drunk Cricketer Tries to Open Plane Door at 35,000 Feet

After a match against the West Indies in 2013, the Sri Lankan cricket team boarded a flight to Gatwick for their next engagement. Spirits were high, and several players enjoyed celebratory drinks. But one cricketer took the festivities too far, becoming so intoxicated that he mistook the cabin door for a restroom. Ignoring warnings, he grabbed the handle and tried to open the door mid-flight, causing panic among his teammates. Passengers and crew shouted at him to stop, as even a visibly drunk person tugging at an emergency exit is a terrifying sight.

Fortunately, disaster was averted when the player realized his mistake and sheepishly apologized. The incident, which occurred six hours into an eight-hour flight, led to no formal reprimands, though it became a humorous anecdote in cricketing circles. While the player’s identity was never officially revealed, the story served as a reminder that even seasoned professionals can have moments of ridiculousness. It also left fans with an unforgettable mental image: a cricketer in full swing, trying to “bat” down a cabin door at cruising altitude.^[2]

8 David Boon’s Legendary 52-Can Flight

David Boon, an Australian cricketing legend, is remembered for his batting prowess—but his drinking skills have achieved equal infamy. In 1989, on a flight from Australia to England for The Ashes, Boon engaged in a drinking challenge that saw him consume an incredible 52 cans of beer. While his teammates eventually tapped out, Boon powered through, earning an announcement from the flight captain lauding his “achievement.” The tale of his endurance became a cherished piece of cricketing folklore.

Despite his astonishing alcohol intake, Boon managed to leave the plane under his own power and even made it to a press conference without arousing suspicion. However, the toll became evident when he missed two practice sessions due to a 36-hour recovery period. The episode remains a controversial yet legendary moment in cricket history, blending admiration for his resilience with concern about the extremes of athlete celebrations. It also highlighted the camaraderie—and sometimes chaos—of long-haul sports tours.^[3]

7 An Intoxicated Patrick Rafter Wins Davis Cup Match

Australian tennis star Patrick Rafter is a celebrated athlete, but one Davis Cup match in 1997 added an unexpected layer to his legacy. Following Australia’s dominant 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, Rafter joined teammate Mark Philippoussis for a night of revelry. Drinks flowed freely, and Rafter didn’t hold back despite having another match to play the next day. He awoke on Sunday with a pounding hangover but still managed to take to the court for his singles match.

To everyone’s amazement, Rafter played through his hangover and won. The incident quickly made headlines, with the press turning the hungover victory into a humorous but cautionary tale. Rafter’s response further endeared him to fans—he took full responsibility for his actions and refused to criticize the media for covering the story. His ability to perform under such circumstances became part of his lore, proving that even a self-induced setback couldn’t overshadow his talent.^[4]

6 Vodka Powers Fuzzy Thurston to Ice Bowl Victory

The 1967 NFL Championship, dubbed the “Ice Bowl,” saw temperatures plunge to -13°F (-25°C), creating a legendary showdown between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. Fuzzy Thurston, a key Packers offensive lineman, faced the freezing conditions with an unconventional strategy: vodka. Thurston reportedly downed 10 vodkas before the game, using the alcohol to stay warm and summon the courage to play in brutal conditions.

Despite his intoxication, Thurston delivered a solid performance, helping the Packers secure a narrow 21-17 victory. The Ice Bowl became one of the most iconic games in NFL history, and Thurston’s vodka-fueled grit added an almost mythical dimension to his role in the win. While modern sports science would balk at such preparation, Thurston’s choice reflected the rugged determination of a bygone era in football.^[5]

5 Joe Namath’s Infamous “Kiss You” Interview

Joe Namath is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He spent the majority of his career playing for the New York Jets. During his five AFL seasons, Namath was a two-time MVP and twice led the league in passing yards while winning one AFL championship and one Super Bowl. Both victories remain the Jets’ only championships. Following the 1970 AFL–NFL merger, he joined the NFL with the Jets, where he was the league’s passing yards and touchdowns leader during the 1972 season. Namath retired in 1977; however, he was still football royalty and was often interviewed.

Namath’s 2003 ESPN interview is a case study of why it’s better to celebrate after, not before, a big event. Appearing on live television during a Jets game, Namath was visibly drunk. When asked about quarterback Chad Pennington, Namath initially offered praise before abruptly pivoting to telling reporter Suzy Kolber, “I want to kiss you.” The uncomfortable moment went viral, capturing national attention and overshadowing the Jets’ performance.

Namath later apologized, admitting his drinking problem and seeking treatment for alcoholism. The incident became a turning point in his personal life, leading to his sobriety. While the “kiss you” line remains a meme-worthy blunder, Namath’s response and recovery have reframed the moment as part of his journey to self-improvement, proving even legends can stumble—and rise again.^[6]

4 Gary Payton’s Drunken Career Advice

Gary Payton and Allen Iverson, two NBA greats, shared more than basketball—they also shared a memorable night out. Over drinks, Iverson sought advice on career longevity, and Payton, perhaps jokingly, credited his success to avoiding practice. Iverson took the advice seriously, later infamously declaring in a press conference, “We talkin’ about practice?” The rant, dripping with frustration, became one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.

The truth behind Payton’s advice is debatable, but its effect on Iverson’s image was profound. While the media often painted Iverson as unprofessional, fans embraced his authenticity. The story highlights the unexpected consequences of a drunken conversation and how one offhand comment helped shape a cultural moment, which is still quoted decades later.^[7]

3 Chuck Liddell’s Sloppy TV Appearance

MMA icon Chuck Liddell was at the height of his fame in 2007 when he made a cringe-worthy appearance on Good Morning Texas. Scheduled to promote an upcoming UFC event, Liddell slurred his words and even nodded off mid-interview. The official explanation was that sedatives for an illness caused his behavior, but many speculated alcohol was the real culprit.

While the incident became fodder for critics, Liddell’s reputation as a fierce competitor remained intact. His slip-up served as a reminder of the pressures athletes face in maintaining their public image while juggling personal struggles. Despite the embarrassment, Liddell continued to be a trailblazer for MMA, proving that even legends have off days.^[8]

2 Russian Youth Hockey Team Too Drunk to Fly

Russia’s dramatic comeback against Canada in the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships final was nothing short of heroic. Down 3-0, they rallied to score five unanswered goals, securing gold and ending Canada’s dominance. Their celebrations, however, spiraled out of control. The team partied so hard that by the time they reached the airport, they were declared “too drunk to fly” and barred from boarding their flight.

The incident went viral, with videos of their drunken antics making headlines worldwide. While their on-ice performance showcased discipline and determination, their off-ice behavior highlighted the challenges of balancing success with maturity. The debacle remains a cautionary tale about the perils of excessive celebration.^[9]

1 Drunk Referee Hands Out Random Red Cards

Czech referee Tomas Fidra’s disastrous officiating in a local league match has gone down in football history as a surreal comedy of errors. Fidra arrived at the game, reeking of beer and visibly unsteady. Within minutes, his behavior raised eyebrows—he fell over multiple times and arbitrarily handed out red cards to players who simply asked if he was okay.

The absurdity reached its peak when both teams agreed to stop taking the game seriously. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but authorities later nullified it, citing Fidra’s extreme intoxication. The story remains a bizarre reminder of the unexpected ways alcohol can disrupt even the most routine events, leaving fans and players scratching their heads in disbelief.^[10]