A lot of athletes get hurt on the field, but there are a select few who get injured off the field. When you have a job making millions, you have to be careful what you do in your off time. Here are the top 5 dumbest ways athletes have hurt themselves off the field.
Joel Zumaya
The relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers from missed the American League Champion Series in 2006 because he injured his right wrist and forearm. How did he do this? Playing too much Guitar Hero. The former pitcher went to the doctor to get his sore left arm checked out when the doctor diagnosed him with a case of playing video games too much. Zumaya admitted to playing Guitar Hero almost everyday during his off time. He was placed on the DL list.
Jason Pierre- Paul
The New York Giants Defensive End lost his finger over the 4th of July weekend this year. The 26-year-old had an accident with a firework, which ended up in his index finger being amputated and a fracture in his right thumb. The recovery time is estimated at six weeks. We are still waiting to see if he will be able to practice or even play this year.
C.J. Wilson
Wilson was another football player who injured himself while celebrating Independence Day. The cornerback from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost two fingers when he was lighting off fireworks. He underwent at least two surgeries. His dad said the fireworks did not pop out of the canister when they exploded resulting in the football player losing his index and middle finger. There is still no word on if he will play this year.
Steve Smith
The wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers participated in a local YMCA adult flag football league during the 2010 off-season. During the championship game, he ended up breaking his left forearm and missed the beginning of the 2010-2011 season. The Panthers decided not to void his contract after his injury.
Chris Hanson
The Jacksonville Jaguars punter decided he wanted to motivate his team in 2003. Hanson put an axe and wood stump in the Jaguars’ locker room with a sign that said, “keep chopping wood”. Everyday, players would take chops at the wood. Hanson tried it and ended up cutting his leg. He missed most of the season and the Jags ended with a 5-11 record.