10 Strange Injuries That Sidelined Pro Athletes

Owen ChaseThu, February 26, 2026 at 11:10 PM UTC

0

While many sports injuries result from contact, training strain, or simple fatigue, other setbacks also occur in day-to-day life. A late night at home, a casual meal, or even a hobby can suddenly pull an athlete out of action. At the end of the day, these incidents remind us that no matter how elite the player, they're not immune to freak accidents.

Glenallen Hill – Cuts and Bruises

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Severe arachnophobia set off a chain of events that sidelined a major league outfielder in 1990. A vivid nightmare about spiders caused Glenallen Hill to bolt from bed and crash through a glass table in his home. The resulting injuries included deep cuts and carpet burns. Doctors placed him on the disabled list for two weeks.

Clint Barmes – Broken Collarbone

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

After breaking his collarbone in a fall, Clint Barmes missed nearly three months of the 2005 season. The Rockies infielder had slipped while carrying a package of deer meat up the stairs. At first, he blamed groceries to avoid dragging Todd Helton, who gifted him the meat, into the story.

Wade Boggs – Bruised Ribs

Credit: ebay

If you followed baseball in the 1980s, you knew Wade Boggs for his consistency at the plate and near-constant presence in the lineup. He built a reputation in Boston as one of the most dependable hitters in the game. But in 1986, he had to skip six games after bruising his ribs trying to remove cowboy boots while standing in his hotel room.

Joel Zumaya – Wrist Inflammation

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Wrist inflammation in his throwing arm forced Joel Zumaya to sit out part of the 2006 ALCS. The Detroit Tigers lost a key bullpen arm during a high-stakes postseason series. Doctors initially blamed the usual suspects, such as pitching workload and travel. But the real cause surprised everyone: excessive time playing Guitar Hero.

Jason Pierre-Paul – Finger Amputation

Credit: Youtube

Advertisement

On July 4, 2015, a firework exploded in Jason Pierre-Paul’s hand and caused severe damage. Surgeons amputated a finger and repaired other injuries. He returned wearing a padded club, which limited hand use during tackles. The team adjusted practice routines as he adapted. Subsequent surgery allowed him to wear a glove again.

Dustin Penner – Back Spasms

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Back spasms can derail a game day plan in seconds. In 2012, the Los Angeles Kings ruled out Dustin Penner after his back locked up during breakfast. The injury happened as he leaned forward to take a bite of the pancakes. Medical staff confirmed the spasms and ordered rest. Penner eventually returned without lasting issues, though the team had to adjust lines for that night.

Lionel Simmons – Tendonitis

Credit: ebay

During his rookie season with Sacramento, Lionel Simmons developed wrist tendonitis from overuse of a handheld gaming device. The setback forced him to sit out several games, and as the second overall draft pick, he carried early expectations. The incident prompted conversations about recovery habits and how quickly downtime can affect a young athlete’s availability.

Steve Sparks – Dislocated Shoulder

Credit: ebay

A motivational speaker had just ripped a phone book in half during a spring training event, and Steve Sparks decided to give it a try. His attempt ended with a dislocated shoulder. Milwaukee staff treated the shoulder, but the timing pushed Sparks out of contention for a roster spot. He was sent to the minors before the season began.

Plaxico Burress – Gunshot Wound

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

While at a nightclub in New York, Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg with a concealed handgun. The injury ruled him out for the rest of the 2008 season. Legal trouble followed, including a conviction for illegal gun possession and a prison sentence. The Giants lost a key offensive player during their title defense.

Marty Cordova – Facial Burns

Credit: ebay

Marty Cordova’s absence in 2002 drew curiosity after reports claimed he fell asleep in a tanning bed. That version of the story stuck for years, but it wasn’t the truth. Cordova later explained he had suffered facial burns during a cosmetic procedure to treat ingrown beard hairs. To protect his professional reputation, he allowed the tanning rumor to continue.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”