Muhammad Ali was hugely controversial in his time.  His refusal to serve in the military opened up a new discussion about Islamic beliefs that may seem contradictory today, but he was stripped of his heavyweight crown, and had to endure years of disdain and anger.

Muhammad Ali was hugely controversial when he refused the draft. He was stripped of his heavyweight boxing title and found guilty of draft evasion. His stand based on his Muslim beliefs may seem peculiar today, but he had to endure years of disdain and anger.

Cmon guys, how are all of you forgetting OJ Simpson??? Everything he has done since retiring seems controversial. Easily should be on the list. Maybe even number one considering what he has done with his post football life.

Other honorable mentions should be Ty Cobb and owners like Al Davis and Mark Cuban. Not to say i dislike them but boy are they controversial.

If you look up the definition of controversy you'll probably agree that Ali (in the past) and Rose (in the present) are the two most controversial. Maybe Thomas a distant third.

On second thought, Bonds is far more contoversial than Thomas, IMO.

Barry Bonds, Dennis Rodman, Tonya HArding, Mike Tyson, OJ Simpson

OJ Simpson, Michael Vick, Ty Cobb, Ali and Ricky Williams

Rick Pitino, Pete Rose, Roger Clemens, Michael Vick and O J Simpson

Terrell Owens, Michael Vick, O.J.Simoson, Mike Tyson and Tanya Harding

I was going to say you forgot OJ Simpson, but then I realized maybe you're just giving him a chance to slash his way to #1.

OJ, Pete Rose, Mike Tyson, Black Sox, Tonya Harding & Vick (tie)

Ali,Rose,Charlie Finley,Tyson and King George (yanks )