WORLD NUMBER ONE Dustin Johnson withdrew from the Masters in Augusta on Thursday after injuring his back in a freak fall down stairs on the eve of the tournament.
Johnson is just the latest in a long line of athletes who have ended up on the sidelines after suffering accidental injuries.
Here AFP looks at five of the most bizarre sporting mishaps:
- Derrick Rose -
The injury-prone NBA star needed 10 stitches to his arm in 2008 after his attempt to slice an apple in bed went awry. The precocious then-rookie suffered the injury after rolling onto the knife he had used to carve the piece of fruit.
- Darius Vassell -
Former Aston Villa and England striker Vassell attempted to speed up his recovery from a swollen toe in unorthodox fashion — by using an electric drill to bore through a nail in an attempt to relieve pressure.
It led to an infection and forced Vassell to miss three games in 2002.
- Jason Pierre-Paul -
New York Giants star Pierre-Paul suffered career-threatening injuries when a July 4 celebration went badly wrong in 2015. The hulking defensive end attempted to light a firework in his hand, which exploded, leading to the loss of his right index finger.
- Santiago Canizares -
Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper was looking forward to the 2002 World Cup when he arrived at the team’s training camp in Jerez, Spain, just weeks before the finals in South Korea and Japan. But his hopes of playing in the tournament ended when he dropped a bottle of aftershave in his bathroom, severing tendons in his foot.
- Rio Ferdinand -
The Manchester United and England defender suffered one of the most infamous injuries of modern times during his spell with Leeds in the early 2000s. The centre-half ended up in the treatment room after an extended period watching television with his feet on a coffee table damaged tendons in his knee.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
It’s a disgrace Stephanie Roche’s goal isn’t in there.
Agreed, Lisa De Vanna’s effort wasn’t better than Stephanie Roche… She should be on the list.. Some savage goals in there otherwise… Zlatan to win… His rocket goal for PSG this season in CL will be a contender next year too… Unbelievable player when he decides to make an effort.
It did not qualify for this year’s award
Well it is from July 2012 to July 2013. So it would be even more of a disgrace if it was selected!! Next year for her!
Zlatan. No question!
Where is van Persie’s tilte clinching volley against Aston Villa from Wayne Rooney’s pass? One of the purest volleys you will see.
Premier League goal of the season aswell.
Zlatan. No competition. Incredible goal
Has to be zlatan
Di Natale goal is class… I’m surprised he was never offered a big contract by a PL team to play in England.
Can’t see how Neymar’s is there compared to the others, lovely goal but just a volley outside the box?
I find it hard to believe there wasn’t better goals scored than his, i think fifas love affair with brazil and Barcelona may have something to do with it!
Stephanie Roche.
Neymars isn’t that great. Van persies is way better. But the matic goal for me.
No Mexes?
Luduena goal is class
That Nemanja Matic goal is awesome