The 15 Greatest Trash Talkers in Sports

Some talked to unsettle an opponent, some could not help themselves, and a few turned it into the whole act.

1

Mike Tyson

Delivered threats in a soft lisp, which made them worse.

2

Muhammad Ali

Invented the form, in verse.

3

Conor McGregor

Built a career on press conferences before the fights.

4

Michael Jordan

Quiet, constant and aimed at whoever was guarding him.

5

Larry Bird

Told opponents where the shot was going, then put it there.

6

Gary Payton

The Glove talked for 48 minutes a night.

7

Kevin Garnett

Intensity that spilled into a running commentary.

8

Charles Barkley

Never stopped, on court or in the studio.

9

Reggie Miller

Specialised in silencing whole arenas, loudly.

10

Richard Sherman

One postgame interview became a national argument.

11

Deion Sanders

Prime Time backed all of it up.

12

Chael Sonnen

Talked his way into title fights.

13

Draymond Green

The modern league's designated antagonist.

14

John McEnroe

Aimed most of it at the officials.

15

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Speaks about himself in the third person, sincerely.