Breaking the Bank: The Most Colossal Fines in Sports

1. Howard Was Accused of Being Crude Towards Fans

2017 is the Year of Fine.
Estimated Total Fine: $35,000*
When Dwight Howard stuck his tongue out at supporters during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, he was fined $15,000. The NBA wasn't exactly "happy" about Howard's tongue-wagging, which apparently had sexual overtones.
Howard Offended by Poking Fun at Fans ©Getty Images/Abbie Parr
The incident sparked a lot of discussion about whether or not players should be allowed to express emotion while playing or if they should just play the game with their heads down. Whatever your stance, it is certain that the NBA does not condone this kind of conduct and that there is a consequence. For Dwight Howard, that cost amounted to $35,000.

2. Frank Gore Was Penalised For Excessive Ankle Display

The estimated total fine amount for 2013 was $10,500.
The NFL actually fined three-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore $10,500 for wearing his socks too low. During the NFC Championship game between the Atlanta Falcons and Gore's San Francisco 49ers, the league's uniform policy was broken.
Frank Gore was penalised for excessive ankle display. © Getty Images/Abbie Parr
Gore's fine, according to many, is a prime illustration of how "nit-picky" the league has grown over unimportant matters. There are more important things to worry about than how long players' socks should be, according to Frank Gore and the other infractions related to footwear.

3. Bertuzzi Ends Moore's Professional Career

The year 2004 was fine.
Estimated Total Fine: $250,000*
The former hockey player for the Vancouver Canucks, Todd Bertuzzi, was fined a quarter of a million dollars for hitting Colorado Avalanche player Steve Moore in the back of the head during a game. In 2004, Moore was involved in an incident during a game that left him with three shattered vertebrae, brain damage, and multiple additional cosmetic wounds.
Moore's Career Is Placed on Hold by Bertuzzi, @BR_OpenIce, and Twitter
Bertuzzi's actions resulted in an indefinite suspension and criminal accusations, although an out-of-court settlement was eventually struck. Todd's unwarranted act of aggression also resulted in a 20-game suspension. Bertuzzi's suspension was the fourth-longest the league had handed down at the time.