Athletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

I was watching the highlight of Alonzo Mourning refusing to be brought off the court in a stretcher last night and instead limping off with the help of teammates. I thought about how much my pereption of him changed over the years. When he was a young guy, I didn't like him at all. He was one of those Georgetown guys from that era of cockiness and there was just something about him I didn't like. He was one of those players I actively rooted against.

But over the past several years, I've really come to have a great deal of respect for Mourning. He'e committed, about as passionate as an athlete could be, and he's had one hell of a career. And by all accounts, he's a fine human being.

Brett Favre is another. I just didn't like anything about the guy throughout the 90s and couldn't stand the Packers (still don't love the Packers). But he's a guy I've come to really admire and actively root for. He plays football like a kid plays the game. He will be sorely missed when leaves and I wish the NFL had a few more like him.

In baseball, that guy is Jeter. I alwasy thought he was over-rated (and probably still think so a little), but I've also come to realize what a great player he's truly been, and I've developed a lot of respect and admiration for him.

So who are some of the athletes you've completely changed yor perception of throughout their careers?

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

I'm the opposite on Favre. I used to love him, but the entire soap opera of the retirement game with him has changed my opinion. I know it's mostly media driven, but I can't help but think he likes the attention given to it on a yearly basis and plays it on purpose.

David West- As a UD fan, I couldn't stand the guy. It seemed every minor touch of him was called a foul, and he could mug on defense with no call. And when the smallest thing didn't go his way, he would pout and whine. Now though, I look back and realize what a special player he was in the A-10. I still think he was a whiny baby, but the emotion is gone. He was amazing. I love watching him on the Hornets.

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

Peyton Manning
Ray Lewis
Ichiro
Greg Maddux

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

Ken Griffey Jr.
Barry Bonds... sorry...
Roger Federer.
Duke Athletics as a whole.

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

The Los Angeles Dodgers, particularly Garvey, Lopes, Cey, Valentine, Yeager and ahh yes, Tommy Lasorda.
Terry Bradshaw
Franco Harris
Reggie Jackson
Bert Campaneris
Richie Allen

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

I was with ya up until Jeter. Dude is a massive tool. The way he hung Pay-Rod out to dry was the epitome of class. :rolleyes:

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

What in the world made you gain respect for Ray Lewis???

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

Joe Montana and Larry Bird

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

Reggie Miller.

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

Roger Staubach

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

Actually I despised Pete Rose early on because I was young and my parents and grandparents didnt care for him. Later in Pete's career I really came to respect him for his work ethic and his overacheiving baseball career.

I still respect Pete as a player, but as a person, well thats another story:rolleyes:

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

Clemens
Deion Sanders
Bo Jackson
John Smoltz
Biggio
Bagwell


Kobe Bryant

Marshall Faulk
Donovan McNabb
John Elway

Mark Messier
Patrick Roy

I could make a list of actors and actresses too. Politicians. Teachers. Co-workers. Lots of people that took time to learn to appreciate.

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

I used to root against Jordan, but now I realize I was lucky to watch the greatest play the game.

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

Andre Agassi

He was a complete jerk who was full of himself when he first hit the tour. He did a 180 degree turnaround by the end of his career.

Re: Ahtletes you loathed when they were young, but admired by the end!
 

The only ones I could think of were tennis players. Jimmy Conners and John McEnroe. Maybe Magic Johnson somewhat.