Competitive fire and high-pressure moments can strain team relationships, leading to fights
Punches, locker room showdowns, and leaked videos expose the ugliest teammate battles
These altercations can significantly affect a team's performance and an individual's career
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Winning championships demands trust, communication and sacrifice. Players spend months together traveling, practicing and chasing the same goal, creating bonds that often resemble family. But just like any family, those relationships can become strained when frustration, egos and high-pressure moments begin to pile up.
When teams are losing — or even when they’re winning but personalities clash — small disagreements can quickly snowball. A missed assignment, criticism during practice, or resentment over playing time has sparked some of the ugliest confrontations sports have ever seen. Most are settled behind closed doors, but every so often, they explode into full view.
From punches thrown during practice to locker room showdowns that forever altered careers, these are some of the most infamous teammate fights in sports history.
Michael Jordan vs. Steve Kerr (Chicago Bulls, 1995)
Jordan’s legendary competitive fire boiled over during a Bulls practice before the 1995-96 season. Frustrated by Kerr’s physical defense, Jordan punched the Hall of Fame coach in the face after the two exchanged words. Jordan later apologized, Kerr accepted it, and the incident ultimately strengthened their relationship as the Bulls went on to win three straight NBA championships.
Draymond Green vs. Jordan Poole (Golden State Warriors, 2022)
One of the most shocking altercations in NBA history became even bigger after a leaked video showed Green walking across the court and knocking Poole out with a single punch. The fallout lingered throughout Golden State’s season, with many believing the fractured relationship affected the team’s chemistry. Poole was traded the following offseason, while Green remained with the Warriors.
Bobby Portis vs. Nikola Mirotić (Chicago Bulls, 2017)
What began as another heated Bulls practice ended with Portis punching Mirotić in the face, leaving him with multiple facial fractures and a concussion. Portis received an eight-game suspension, while Mirotić spent weeks recovering before eventually returning to the lineup. The two briefly coexisted before Mirotić was traded later that season.
Michael Westbrook vs. Stephen Davis (Washington Redskins, 1997)
Training camp erupted when wide receiver Michael Westbrook repeatedly punched teammate Stephen Davis after the two argued following a practice play. Coaches and teammates had to restrain Westbrook as he continued trying to physically attack Davis. The NFL fined Westbrook $50,000, and the footage remains one of football’s most infamous teammate fights.
Geno Smith vs. IK Enemkpali (New York Jets, 2015)
A dispute over a $600 plane ticket escalated into one of the NFL’s most bizarre teammate altercations. Enemkpali punched starting quarterback Geno Smith in the locker room, breaking his jaw and forcing him to miss several games. The Jets released Enemkpali the same day, and the incident helped pave the way for Ryan Fitzpatrick to become New York’s starter.
Jonathan Papelbon vs. Bryce Harper (Washington Nationals, 2015)
After Harper failed to run out a fly ball, closer Jonathan Papelbon confronted the young superstar in the dugout before grabbing him around the throat. Teammates rushed in to separate them as fans watched in disbelief. Papelbon was suspended and released shortly afterward, ending his brief tenure in Washington.
Ozzie Guillén vs. Carlton Fisk (Chicago White Sox, 1985)
The White Sox teammates got into a heated argument during a game over defensive positioning before throwing punches in the dugout. Television cameras captured the confrontation as teammates scrambled to separate the fiery veterans. Decades later, it’s still remembered as one of baseball’s most infamous teammate fights.
Terrell Owens vs. Hugh Douglas (Philadelphia Eagles, 2005)
This one absolutely belongs in the conversation. Owens and veteran defensive end Hugh Douglas exchanged punches after Douglas criticized T.O.’s effort during rehab. Owens later stormed into the locker room, challenging anyone else who wanted to fight.
Joey Barton vs. Ousmane Dabo (Manchester City, 2007)
One of the most violent teammate fights ever. During training, Barton repeatedly punched Dabo, leaving him unconscious with serious facial injuries and a detached retina. Barton later received a suspended jail sentence because of the attack.
Shaquille O’Neal vs. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers, 1999 Training Camp)
This wasn’t just trash talk. During a closed-door Lakers practice before the 1999-2000 season, Shaq and Kobe reportedly squared up and exchanged punches before teammates and coaches pulled them apart. The fight stemmed from months of tension over leadership, ego and Kobe’s growing role on the team. Ironically, the two would go on to win three straight NBA championships together, but their rocky relationship remained one of the defining storylines of the dynasty.
