
8. Wayne Gretzky
“The Great One” is an NHL and Canadian legend. His skill on the ice was mesmerizing as he broke record after record. Furthermore, he combined his hockey prowess with a squeaky-clean image to maintain a spotless personal brand. Gretzky helped bring the sport into the mainstream in California. He also won multiple awards for his sportsmanship. It seems like he was the perfect athlete but he also carried a dark story.

Operation Slapshot was an investigation into an illegal gambling ring in the United States. New Jersey troopers investigated Gretzky’s wife Janet Jones as part of the string (via Bleacher Report). Meanwhile, Coyotes’ coach Rick Tocchet pled guilty to conspiracy. Gretzky’s wife dragged his name into the mud. This made his life uncomfortable for a period. It just goes to show that even the biggest stars face major troubles.