
The NBA is full of talented athletes who dazzle fans with their skills on the court. But behind the highlight reels and championship rings, some players have made headlines for very different reasons—scandals involving wild behavior, cheating, and even legal trouble. While many NBA stars live clean lives, others have been caught up in controversies that shocked fans.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most infamous NBA players known for their lewd behavior. From cheating scandals to wild partying, these stories reveal a side of the league that doesn’t make it into the official stats.
1. Wilt Chamberlain – The Legend of 20,000 Women
Wilt Chamberlain wasn’t just a basketball legend—he was also famous for his wild love life. In his autobiography, A View From Above, he claimed to have slept with 20,000 women. That number is so high that many people doubt it’s true, but Wilt insisted it was real.
Back in the 1960s and 70s, Chamberlain was one of the biggest stars in the NBA. His height, charm, and fame made him irresistible to women. He partied hard, dated models, and even bragged about his conquests in interviews. While some admired his confidence, others thought his behavior was excessive.
Whether the “20,000” number was an exaggeration or not, Wilt’s reputation as one of the NBA’s biggest playboys remains unmatched.
2. Magic Johnson – A Scandal That Changed His Life
Magic Johnson was one of the greatest point guards ever, leading the Lakers to multiple championships in the 1980s. But in 1991, he shocked the world by announcing he had HIV, a virus that can lead to AIDS.
At the time, many people associated HIV with risky sexual behavior. Magic admitted that he had been with hundreds of women during his NBA career. His diagnosis was a wake-up call—not just for him, but for the entire sports world.
After retiring, Magic became an advocate for safe sex and health education. While his past was wild, he turned his life around and became a successful businessman and philanthropist. Still, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of reckless behavior.
3. Dennis Rodman – The Bad Boy of the NBA
Dennis Rodman was one of the most unpredictable players in NBA history. On the court, he was a fierce rebounder and defender. Off the court, he was known for his wild antics—dyed hair, piercings, and crazy partying.
Rodman had flings with countless women, including celebrities like Madonna. He even famously married himself in a publicity stunt. His most shocking relationship was with Carmen Electra—their marriage lasted only nine days before ending in disaster.
Rodman also partied with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un, showing just how unpredictable his life was. While some fans loved his rebellious personality, others thought he took things too far.
4. Dwight Howard – Secret Families and Sex Scandals
Dwight Howard was once one of the most dominant centers in the NBA. But in recent years, he’s made headlines for his messy personal life.
In 2023, a woman named Megan Smith accused Howard of being the father of her child. She claimed they had a secret relationship while he was still playing for the Lakers. This wasn’t the first time Howard faced paternity drama—he has at least five children with different women.
Howard has also been accused of sending inappropriate messages to other women. While he denies some of the claims, his reputation has taken a hit. Fans who once admired his basketball skills now see him as a player with a complicated off-court life.
5. Karl Malone – A Shocking Teen Pregnancy Scandal
Karl Malone is one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. But his past includes a very dark scandal.
In the 1980s, when Malone was in college, he had an affair with a 13-year-old girl. She later gave birth to his child. Malone never publicly admitted to knowing her age, but the girl’s family said he was fully aware.
Despite the controversy, Malone went on to have a Hall of Fame career. But many fans still remember this scandal and question why he never faced serious consequences.
6. Derrick Rose – A Disturbing Lawsuit
Derrick Rose was once the youngest MVP in NBA history. But in 2016, he was accused of something much darker.
A woman claimed that Rose and his friends drugged and gang-raped her in 2013. Rose denied the allegations, and a jury eventually ruled in his favor. However, the case damaged his reputation. Many fans were disturbed by text messages that seemed to show Rose and his friends planning the encounter.
While Rose was never convicted, the scandal followed him for years. Some teams hesitated to sign him, and his career never fully recovered.
7. Kobe Bryant – A Case That Shook the NBA
Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But in 2003, he was accused of sexual assault by a hotel employee in Colorado.
The case was a media frenzy. Kobe admitted to cheating on his wife but insisted the sex was consensual. The charges were eventually dropped when the accuser refused to testify. Kobe settled a civil lawsuit out of court.
For years, this scandal haunted Kobe’s legacy. Over time, he rebuilt his image through philanthropy and fatherhood. But many fans still remember the case as one of the darkest moments in NBA history.
8. Jason Kidd – Domestic Violence Allegations
Jason Kidd was a brilliant point guard, but his personal life was far from perfect. In 2001, his wife accused him of beating her during an argument. Kidd was arrested but avoided jail time by attending anger management classes.
Years later, Kidd filed for divorce, and his ex-wife claimed he was cheating with younger women. Despite these scandals, Kidd continued his NBA career as a coach. Still, his past remains a stain on his reputation.
9. Shawn Kemp – Fathering 11 Kids With Different Women
Shawn Kemp was a high-flying dunk machine in the 1990s. But off the court, he was known for something else—fathering at least 11 children with different women.
Kemp’s child support payments reportedly cost him millions of dollars, draining his NBA earnings. At one point, he even missed games because of paternity cases.
While Kemp was never accused of crimes like some other players, his reckless behavior hurt his career and finances.
10. Tony Parker – Cheating on Eva Longoria
Tony Parker was a star point guard for the San Antonio Spurs. He was married to actress Eva Longoria, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. But in 2010, rumors surfaced that Parker was cheating with a teammate’s wife.
Longoria filed for divorce, and Parker later married another woman. The scandal shocked fans, especially since Parker and Longoria seemed like the perfect couple.
Conclusion: Fame, Money, and Temptation
The NBA is full of players who struggle with the temptations of fame, money, and groupies. While some stars stay out of trouble, others get caught in scandals that damage their reputations.
From Wilt Chamberlain’s wild claims to Kobe Bryant’s legal battles, these stories remind us that athletes are human—flaws and all. Some learn from their mistakes, while others repeat them.
For fans, it’s a lesson in separating the player from the person. We may love their game, but their personal lives can sometimes be a whole different story.
What do you think about these scandals? Should players be judged for their off-court behavior, or should we only focus on their basketball skills? Let us know in the comments!