The Super Bowl event is one of the biggest sporting events in the United States of America. Drawing millions of views each year, the annual league championship game of the National Football League is filled with thrilling athleticism and extremely extravagant halftime shows.
However, lately, the Super Bowl has become an event marred by controversy and problematic acts drawing the fury of hundreds of fans. From singers to players to the NFL itself, there have been multiple controversial moments that fans will never forget.
And so, here are 5 unforgettable for the wrong reasons Super Bowl movements, from Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction to a fake Elvis Presley, that fans will never forget until time immemorial:
Barret Robbins’ Strange Disappearance Before Super Bowl XXXVII
Probably one of the biggest controversies in the history of the NFL in America, Barret Robbins’ disappearance to this day has led to the origination of several rumors. Just before what was going to be the biggest game of his entire life and career, the Raiders’ all-pro center disappeared and was nowhere to be found.
This eventually led to the involvement of law enforcement with everyone on the hunt for him. It was eventually found that the NFL star, who was once diagnosed with depression, was so out of it that he had thought his team had already won. Totally intoxicated and unconscious to the point that he did not know where he was, he was eventually admitted to an undisclosed medical facility (via ESPN and NBC Sports Bay Area).
Eugene Robinson Was Arrested For Soliciting Pr**titution
The Atlanta Falcons player suffered one of his hardest falls when he was arrested before the big game at Super Bowl XXXIII for the crime of soliciting pr**titution. While Eugene Robinson did play in the game, his team Falcons lost to Denver 34-19. Apparently, the woman he had gotten into contact was an undercover cop, leading to his brutal humiliation by the media and the fans.
Furthermore, just before he was arrested he had recently been awarded the Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award for his excellent leadership and character. Stating that he cried all night after that, he remarked that what he did was criminal for not only did he let himself down but also his own team due to his actions (via USA Today and NY Post).
Janet Jackson Suffered A Wardrobe Malfunction Because Of Justin Timberlake
Back in 2004, during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime, no one had expected that Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performing together would result in a ni**legate. But unfortunately, that is how things turned out. As per Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson (via Esquire) documentary, Jackson and her stylist had actually planned a costume stunt.
However, since Timberlake had only learned of it that day and not rehearsed, the stunt turned out to be a nightmare that still ‘haunts’ fans of the singer and the event. The controversy eventually led to the Federal Communications Commission fining the broadcaster of the event, CBS for $550,000 (via NY Times).
When NFL Hired An Elvis Presley Impersonator
The King of Rock N’Roll Elvis Presley said goodbye to this world in 1977, but thanks to the magical resurrecting powers of the NFL, he was brought back to life in 1989 just for one NFL halftime performance.
Well, not really since in a move that attracted the wrath of thousands of fans, the NFL itself went ahead to hire an Elvis Presley impersonator. A move that seemed disastrous and baffling, but the result and reaction of the fans were just as disastrous (via nine.com.au). You can watch the performance here!
M.I.A.’s Middle Finger At Super Bowl XLVI
Probably one of the most controversial moments on this list, the amazing singer M.I.A while performing along with Madonna showed her middle finger and proceeded to lick it. This Super Bowl XLVI event made many offended, even leading to the NFL to sue the singer for $16.6 million.
The singer later associated the gesture with a culture and religion, and not being disrespectful in any way (via The Guardian), the lawsuit eventually was settled for an undisclosed amount. Surprisingly, the Federal Communications Commission did not sue or fine her for the act.
