There is a part in horror movies that the heroine / victim is about to do something irrationally dangerous. You know that disaster will follow but you can’t stop watching. You stamp your ticket for an emotional roller coaster ride and, in the end, you call it entertainment.

There are three athletes who take me for this roller coaster ride. Try as I might sometimes I am drawn in and watch. I know that there, most likely, will not be a happy ending. Nevertheless, in spite of myself, I sometimes watch.

Number One: The top spot is John Daly, the professional golfer whose motto is ‘grip it and rip it’. Some have argued that John Daly may be the PGA professional who has the most natural gifts as a golfer. That would include Tiger Woods. The difference is that Tiger Woods takes care of his physical self and works at his game. It is an achievement if John Daly shows up at the correct time. He seems to be well liked by his fellow golfers and he certainly has a following. However, John Daly is like a tradgic hero. Disaster is bound to follow on the golf course or off the golf course.

In 2005, in a playoff with Tiger Woods for the American Express Championship, John Daly missed a three foot putt. Professional golfers should not have trouble with three foot putts. John Daly should not have trouble with three foot putts. It was a stunning miss and even Tiger Woods stood in disbelief.

Number Two: Lamar Odum is a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has the physical size, strength and skills to be a potential all star. He can pass and he can rebound. The expectation for Lamar Odum is double figures in scoring and rebounding, in every game. Sometimes it happens and Lamar Odum just dominates. Other times, it is as if Lamar Odum disappears on the basketball court.

He vanishes. - There was speculation that Lamar Odum and Kobe Bryant were not a good pair. Lamar Odum has not been the complimentary offensive threat that the Lakers have needed to go along with Kobe Bryant. With the trade for Pau Gasol, it was thought that Lamar Odum would fill the role of being the third offensive option. It didn’t happen. Unfortunately, in the final round of the NBA playoffs, Lamar Odum “disappeared”. It was, and is, inexplicable.

Number Three: There is no doubt that Alex Rodriguez wants to be a legendary baseball player. His skills are unquestionable. Ever since he has become a professional baseball player, he has been able to hit, score runs and fill the venues with fans. He is paid an astronomical salary for his baseball skills.

The regular season is Alex Rodriguez’s showcase. During the regular season, Alex Rodriguez’s talents are on display. There is no dispute about his value to a baseball team. Then, when the play-off comes, a different Alex Rodriguez emerges. He does not perform at the same level. It is as if the opportunity for the greatness that he seeks overwhelms Alex Rodriguez. Some athletes dream of those moments in the spotlight to shine. For Alex Rodriguez, the spotlight does not focus on athletic skills so much as it highlights demons and the inner struggles of a superbly gifted athlete.

This list is not complete. These are just my top three. There are others like Michelle Wie, who rightly deserves a mention. You may have your own top three who perform, entertain and leave you wondering… ‘what just happened there?’. These are just some athletes who entertain and who will take you on that ride to heartbreak.

Catherine Forsythe