Every sports figure has their haters. It's inevitable when you're in the spotlight.Â
In the age of 24/7 sports coverage, some athletes have gained more notoriety than others. Whether the hate is warranted or not is up to the fans to decide. Â Â
Here are the 10 most polarizing figures in sports today.Â
John Cena

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John Cena is the most polarizing superstar in the WWE. Either you love him or you loathe him.Â
The biggest reason why fans are divided is because there are two different generations of fans. The veteran fans see right through Cena's gimmick and want the old WWE back; the new fans enjoy having a hero to cheer without a storyline.Â
Cena is the face of the new, more family friendly WWE. With his "honesty, loyalty, respect" and "rise above hate" slogans, he's the ultimate role model for little boys. Cena embodies everything the new WWE is about, which also happens to be everything the older fans hate.Â
On one hand, what Cena is doing could be considered a mockery of professional wrestling. On the other hand, he's bringing in a new generation of fans to the beloved WWE.Â
Tim Tebow

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Tim Tebow is the most polarizing athlete in sports today.Â
Between the quarterback's evangelical faith and unconventional methods of winning, he is arguably the most talked about figure in sports. Almost everyone has an opinion on Tebow.
He took the NFL by storm in 2011 by winning seven of his first eight starts, many with a dramatic fourth quarter ending. Some question whether he's just a mediocre quarterback whose success can be credited to divine intervention.
Tebow wears his religion on his sleeve. While some fans admire his public devotion to God, others feel like it is just a show. The infamous "Tebowing" became a nationwide sensation, with thousands of people dropping to one knee in the quarterback's signature pose.
Tebow is the new face of the NFL, whether you like it or not. Now that he is in New York, expect to see much more of him. Â
LeBron James

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Two words: The Decision.Â
In July 2010, LeBron James announced on ESPN that he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to take his talents to South Beach with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In that moment, it became very easy to hate the NBA's former golden boy.
Not only did The Decision scream arrogance, but James' legacy was put in jeopardy.
His choice clearly demonstrated his insecurities in his ability to win. Michael Jordan was so great because he didn't run from challenges and worked to make his team better in order to win championships.
By joining forces with two other All-Stars, it seemed like James was taking the easy way out.Â
Although there are many fans who say James is one of the greatest NBA players ever, their argument is met with one question: "Where is his ring?" Â Â
Michael Vick

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Michael Vick is one of the most controversial figures in the NFL. The Eagles' quarterback is still working to repair his image after his 21-month imprisonment for involvement in a dog fighting ring. His name is synonymous with animal abuse.
Many people are offended that Vick was offered a second chance in the NFL. No matter how he tries to redeem himself, they will continue to see him as a bad person who has no respect for man's best friend.
The 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year is Philadelphia's golden boy. The uniqueness he brings to the field each week excites football fans, and his ability to run the ball makes him special.
In August 2011, to the dismay of some haters, the Eagles rewarded him with a six-year, $100 million contract.
Vick's off-the-field controversies may spark strong opinions among NFL fans, but they cannot deny his talents on the field. Â Â
Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. is without a question the most polarizing figure in boxing.Â
With 42 wins, zero losses and 26 knockouts, Mayweather is gifted beyond criticism in the ring. Outside of the ring, however, is a different story. He enjoys playing the villain, showboating and flashing his money whenever he gets a chance. In fact, he calls himself "Money" Mayweather.
In September 2011, Mayweather defeated Victor Cruz with a controversial fourth-round KO. He punched Cruz square in the jaw while Cruz was apologizing for an intentional head butt.
While some fans say Cruz failed to follow the basic instructions of protecting yourself at all times, others say Mayweather took a cheap shot. Â
Through the controversy, Mayweather's fans love him unconditionally, declaring that he is the most dominant boxer today. They repeat his catchphrases and claim the "Money Team."
We'll have to wait until he finally fights Manny Pacquiao to see whether Mayweather is the real deal or all image.
Tiger Woods

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Tiger Woods is easily one of the most famous athletes on the planet. With 14 major championships and countless endorsement deals, he's enjoyed a career most athletes only dream of.
His fall from grace after a 2009 sex scandal has been difficult to watch. The backlash from his reckless marital infidelitiesâ"and injuriesâ"have left the once-dominant golfer a shadow of his former self. Woods went from being a clean-cut role model to another cheating athlete.
After his poor performance at the 2012 Masters, fans question whether Woods will ever be his old self again. While some are rooting for him to regain his place at the top, many still despise him. Â Â
Tom Brady

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It is easy to love Tom Brady if you're a New England Patriots fan. It is also easy to hate Tom Brady if you're not.Â
Brady has performed at a Hall of Fame level time and time again. His level-headed play and clutch drives have kept the Patriots as one of elite teams in the NFL. Each season, his name is mentioned in Most Valuable Player discussions.Â
On the other hand, Brady has a supermodel wife in Giselle Bundchen. His A-list lifestyle causes many fans to despise him both on and off the field. Is it jealousy? Maybe. Nonetheless, Brady is one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL.Â
Kobe Bryant

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There is no denying that Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA right now. The five-time NBA champion is arguably the closest thing we have to Michael Jordan. However, while Bryant may be the most accomplished player, he is definitely not the most popular.Â
There is no middle ground when discussing the Lakers' superstar; either you love him or hate him. As the fifth all-time leading scorer in league history, it is clear why fans love him. But why do people hate him?
It could be his arrogance or cockiness. It could be his smug demeanor and alienating personality. It could be also be that fateful summer in 2003 when a woman accused Bryant of sexual assault, a detrimental blow to his public image.Â
Despite his polarizing force, Bryant will still go down in history as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Â
Alex Rodriguez

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Alex Rodriguez is a great baseball player with a lot of talent. However, with that talent comes a lot of baggage.Â
His inconsistent play in key situations have caused some Yankees fans to hate him. He batted just .111 in last year's postseason and was the final out in game five, which eliminated the Yankees from the playoffs.
His admitted steroid use has tainted his image in the eyes of Yankees and non-Yankees fans. He is one of the poster boys of the steroid-era. Â
A-Rod is constantly in the press with his famous girlfriends, and simply, people are tired of seeing and hearing about the overpaid star.
Metta World Peace

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At his best, Metta World Peace plays some of the best defense the NBA has ever seen. He's a tough enforcer who players dread matching up with.Â
He's also one of the most entertaining basketball players. His colorful personality shines through, as seen in his postgame interview after winning the 2010 NBA Championship. He also won the 2010-11 NBA Citizenship Award for his charitable efforts.Â
So why do some fans absolutely despise the player formerly known as Ron Artest? When he loses control, it gets beyond ugly. Just check out the Malice in the Palace.Â
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