NBA Power Rankings: The 25 Most Scandalous Moments in League History (I)

To this day, Kobe Bryant's detractors still use allegations of rape in arguments over his basketball ability or accomplishments.

That's what scandals can do to professional athletes.  No matter how irrelevant the scandal is to the player's game, he'll never be able to completely put it behind him. Many of the scandals or incidents detailed in this list weren't the direct responsibility of the NBA, but damage to a player or former player's image is always tied to the league that gave him exposure.

25: Marv Albert

Marv Albert barely makes the list because a broadcaster's issues can't damage the league as much as a player's or coach's.There's no decent way to say what Albert did.  I'll just tell you that he eventually plead guilty to misdemeanor assault charges and issued a public apology to fellow announcers for things he did to a mistress.

24: Greg Oden

A little over a year ago, Greg Oden took nude photos of himself and sent them to his girlfriend.  He earned the ensuing media firestorm and criticism. I hope people learned a lesson when this all went down, what Oden did is always a terrible idea.

23: Gloria James

I have no reason to say anything disrespectful about anyone's mother.  But LeBron's mom has put herself in the tabloids for at least two too many times. When LeBron still played for Cleveland, there were rumors of an affair between Gloria James and Delonte West.  More recently, she was arrested for allegedly assaulting a valet worker.