Last night, while the Los Angeles Lakers lost 107-102 to the Memphis Grizzlies, Kobe Bryant set a rather unfortunate record. He now has the most missed shots in NBA history, at 13,418, breaking the old record set by Celtics legend John Havlicek. Bryant has been in the league for 19 seasons, and he takes quite a few shots, so it’s not surprising that he’s bricked a few over the years. In honor of Kobe’s new high watermark, let’s look at some of the other less celebrated records in sports history.
Most interceptions in NFL history: Brett Favre (336)
Cheer up, Brett. Peyton Manning may have broken your record for most touchdown passes, but he’s still 110 away from your most interceptions mark!
Most yards allowed in NFL history: 2012 New Orleans Saints (7,042)
After Saints coach Sean Payton was suspended for the 2012 season for his role in the New Orleans Saints “bountygate” scandal, the Saints defense was lost without him.
Most turnovers in NBA history: Karl Malone (4,524)
I could make a lame joke about “The Mailman” accidentally losing your parcel, but that would be a waste of time. So, let’s just say this was the byproduct of a 19-year career and move on.
Most technical fouls in a single NBA season: Rasheed Wallace (41)
These days, it’s hard not to like Sheed — he retired 2013 as one of the game’s elder statesmen — but in his younger days, with the infamous Jail Blazers, his temper got the better of him a lot. In the 2000-01 season, Wallace had 41 techs in 80 games — more than every other game! Will this record ever be broken? Come on, DeMarcus Cousins, you can do it!
Most home runs allowed in MLB history: Jamie Moyer (522)
Yeah, this is what happens when you pitch until your 49. But hey, Moyer also started a World Series game at the age of 45, so longevity has its benefits.
Most strikeouts in MLB history: Reggie Jackson (2597)
As you can tell by now, a lot of really good players end up with records like this. It’s a product of being a valuable player for many years; your weaknesses become exacerbated along with your skills. It’s a shame Adam Dunn is retiring, though. He needed only 219 more strikeouts for the all-time record. And it probably would have only taken one year.
Most ejections in MLB history: Bobby Cox (156)
As the manager of the Braves, Cox led his team to a World Series, and several playoff appearances. Still, he’ll be at least partially known for his fiery temper. At 156, he was just six away from an entire season’s worth of ejections!
Worst plus/minus in NHL history: Bob Stewart (-260)
It’s hard to say how much of this was Stewart’s fault, as he spent most his career on bad teams (the now defunct California Golden Seals did not win many games). Still, when you play in the NHL for ten years, and in your time on the ice, the other team scored 260 more goals then your team did, that might not be the first thing you tel your grandchildren.
Most penalty minutes in NHL history: Tiger Williams (3,966)
Throughout the 70s and 80s, Williams was one of the most feared fighters in the league, serving as an enforcer for the Maple Leafs, Canucks, and Kings at various stages in his 14-year NHL career. Fighting is becoming increasingly frowned upon in the NHL these days, so don’t expect to see this record broken any time soon.
