Have you ever wondered who made it to the list of the most hated skaters in the history of skateboarding? You’d be surprised or maybe not, at the names you’ll find on that list. This piece is cut deep. It’s time to learn why these names are on the skateboarders’ hit list.
This article delves into the stories of skaters who, for various reasons, have found themselves at the center of debate and criticism within the skateboarding community.
If you’re a visual learner, here is a video titled “Top 10 Most Hated Pro Skaters” to provide additional context.
A video titled ‘The Most HATED Skaters in History‘ from the Skate Or Die YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Many controversial skaters, like Jeremy Rogers and Nyjah Huston, faced criticism due to their rapid rise to fame, lifestyle changes, or perceived attitudes.
- Even widely respected figures like Tony Hawk have faced criticism for “selling out” through video games and attaining mass mainstream appeal.
- As skaters mature, the concept of “hating” pro skaters often becomes less relevant, with focus shifting to local community dynamics and personal enjoyment of the sport.
Who are the top most hated skaters in the history of skateboarding?
We’ve scraped together a list of the most hated skaters. To be clear, this does not mean that I hate the skaters or that I just like them in any way. This is just a list of people who may have been in some controversy, or are so overly represented and skateboarding that some people just can’t stand them anymore.
1. Jeremy Rogers: The skater-turned-rapper
Once a promising skateboarder, now dubbed the ‘King of Catastrophe,’ Jeremy Rogers takes the top slot on our hate register. His speedy transition from a kickflipping champ to a wannabe rapper was too ugly to stomach. The reckless display of wealth and preference for bling over the board didn’t add to his charm either.
Jeremy had a killer start, snatching the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title from Transworld in 2005. Yet he flipped his career trajectory, throwing him into an abyss of sneers and mockery. Skateboarding took a backseat as the drastic persona change kicked in, adorned with tattoos, iced chains, and below-par rhyme schemes.
The disdain was further fueled when he prematurely announced retirement despite amassing followers through his undeniable street-shredding skills.
- Rise to Fame: Rogers quickly became a shining beacon of raw talent in the skateboarding world.
- The Fall: His abrupt retirement from skating to pursue a rap career was seen as a betrayal by many fans.
- Image Overhaul: Rogers’ new persona, complete with face tattoos and iced-out chains, was a stark contrast to his skateboarding roots.
- Attempted Comeback: Despite efforts to return to skating and launch his own board company, the damage to his reputation had already been done.
2. Nyjah Huston: The prodigy with a polarizing persona
Earning himself the silver spoon in our hate rally is Nyjah Huston, a skate-whiz kid who is often seen as a jock in skater clothing. His swift climb to fame and fortune fired envy and resentment among some skaters and fans, while his seemingly flashy and extravagant lifestyle didn’t do him any favors.
Despite being a colossal talent, Nyjah’s cocky demeanor and robotic skating style stirred a wave of dislike. However, his detractors’ views tend to overlook his significant contributions to the sport, including some outstanding skate parts and momentous competition wins. Love or hate him, his skill set is a textbook for budding skaters, but his public image needs a bit of polishing.
- Early Success: Huston started skateboarding at age four and was dominating competitions by twelve.
- Skill vs. Style Debate: Despite his undeniable talent, Huston has been criticized for his “robotic” or “style-less” approach to skating.
- Lifestyle Controversies: His rapid rise to fame and fortune, coupled with a lifestyle of mansions and parties, has alienated some in the skateboarding community.
- Perceived Arrogance: Huston’s confidence has often been interpreted as cockiness, further fueling the controversy surrounding him.
3. Ryan Sheckler: The poster boy of commercialization
The bronze of our notorious podium hosts Ryan Sheckler, who earned his rep through a mesh of false claims, TV serial stardom, and unwarranted sponsorships. His rise as a child prodigy quickly spiraled into a gyre of resentment, largely galvanized by his image as a young, rich, good-looking skater heavily draped in sponsor logos.
Ryan’s career is like a well-scripted drama series with adolescent blunders, public displays of riches, and flashy endorsements. One of Ryan’s controversies that pinned him as a hate magnet was claiming an untrue trick down to ‘El Toro.’ The trick never landed, and the skateboarding community rolled its eyes when the truth skated out.
- Child Prodigy: Sheckler’s early success as a young skater set him apart from his peers.
- Reality TV Star: His MTV show “Life of Ryan” brought him mainstream fame but criticism from core skaters.
- Endorsement King: Sheckler’s numerous sponsorships and commercial success led to accusations of “selling out.”
- Public Image: The combination of his child-prodigy status, MTV celebrity, and commercial success created a perfect storm of controversy.
4. Mark ‘Gator’ Rogowski: A dark chapter in skateboarding
Mark’ Gator’ Rogowski, a great star of Vert Skateboarding in the 80s, lurks in the shadows of our infamous list. His loathsome descent was precipitated more by personal failings than professional controversy. Gator’s here for his dreadful crimes, overshadowing his previous skateboarding prowess.
After the bankruptcy of his sponsor, Vision, Mark fell from grace and into relative obscurity. His attempt to resurface by embracing the burgeoning street style was futile, and his personal life took a dreaded nosedive. He committed a series of heinous crimes that plunged him into lifelong infamy and jail time, making him one of skateboarding’s most tragic and detestable figures.
- ’80s Vert Star: Rogowski was a pioneer of vert skating and enjoyed a successful career during the 1980s.
- Career Decline: The shift from vert to street skating in the ’90s left Rogowski struggling to adapt.
- Personal Troubles: Unable to reinvent himself, Rogowski’s personal life took a dark turn.
- Criminal Acts: Rogowski’s involvement in a brutal crime led to a life sentence in prison, forever tarnishing his legacy.
5. Rob Dyrdek: From skater to entertainment mogul
Picture this: A skater evolves into a reality TV star with multiple shows like Rob & Big, Ridiculousness, and Fantasy Factory. Sounds like a killer ride, right? Not quite for Rob Dyrdek, though. Made for Laughs’ TV persona clashed with his skateboarding roots, tickling the palate of controversy.
Dyrdek’s decision to step into the mainstream was considered a cop-out in an age where being’ sold out’ is scorned. Though he might have skated away from core fans, one can’t discredit his contribution to skateboarding, setting 21 separate Guinness World Records for various skate-related feats.
But, in the process, it’s fair to say he ditched the vert for views, causing a significant chunk of skaters to turn their backs on him.
- Skateboarding Roots: Dyrdek started as a respected pro skater with significant achievements.
- Reality TV Fame: His shows like “Rob & Big” and “Fantasy Factory” brought him mainstream success but criticism from core skaters.
- Business Ventures: Dyrdek’s numerous entrepreneurial efforts have been seen by some as moving too far from skateboarding’s core values.
- Guinness World Records: He holds 21 skateboarding world records, a testament to his skill but also fuel for controversy.
6. Tony Hawk: The mainstream icon
Surprisingly, even Tony Hawk, often considered the face of skateboarding, has faced criticism from within the community. Don’t get me wrong, Tony hawk is an all-around all right guy. At least from what I can tell. But the reason some people and sometimes including myself can’t stand him is because he’s so overly represented in the skateboarding world.
- Pioneering Achievements: Hawk’s technical innovations, including landing the first 900, are undeniable.
- Video Game Empire: His successful video game franchise brought skateboarding to the masses but was seen by some as “selling out.”
- Mainstream Appeal: Hawk’s ability to make skateboarding accessible to the general public has been both praised and criticized.
- Corporate Partnerships: His numerous endorsements and business ventures have led some to view him as overly commercialized.
7. Bam Margera: The Jackass effect
Bam Margera’s involvement with the Jackass franchise and his own shows brought him mainstream fame but alienated some within the skateboarding community.
- Skate Videos to MTV: Margera’s transition from skate videos to MTV shows marked a significant shift in his career.
- Off-Board Antics: His stunts and pranks often overshadowed his skateboarding abilities.
- Personal Struggles: Public battles with addiction and behavior issues have further complicated his image.
- Departure from Skating: Many felt Margera’s focus on entertainment took him too far from his skateboarding roots.
While Margera’s stunts often resulted in injuries, they pale in comparison to some of the most severe skateboarding accidents. For a sobering look at the risks involved in the sport, check out our article on the 10 most devastating skateboard injuries: statistics every skater needs to know.
8.Mike Vallely
Mike Vallely is known for his aggressive style on and off the board, often tarnishing his reputation in the skate community. Few recognize his contributions to street skating due to his brash, aggressive persona and frequent outbursts.
Vallely’s physicality earned him a reputation as a bully, amplified by several virally filmed altercations, notably his part in a massive brawl during a demo tour. Love or hate him, his passionate approach to skateboarding remains quite divisive.
9. Jason Lee: The actor
Jason Lee’s successful transition from professional skateboarder to Hollywood actor was seen by some as abandoning his roots.
- Skate Career: Lee was a respected pro skater and co-founder of Stereo Skateboards.
- Acting Success: His move to acting, with roles in popular shows and movies, brought him mainstream fame.
- Community Reaction: Some in the skateboarding world felt Lee had distanced himself too much from the sport that launched his career.
6. Steve Berra
Steve Berra has accumulated a lot of resentment over the years, mostly for his controversial online content and divisive opinions about skateboarding. He founded the popular website ‘The Berrics’ with Eric Koston, but some fans criticized the site’s commercial approach.
The Berra-Koston partnership fragmented, and an ugly public spat nearly overshadowed their shared legacy. Disputes aside, ‘The Berrics’ remains a popular platform for skate tutorials and videos, albeit with a hefty side-serving of haters.
9. Brandon Biebel
Known for his party boy image and flamboyant fashion sense, Brandon Biebel danced on thin ice, testing the patience of many skaters. Even though Biebel boasted solid skate skills, his lack of commitment to the sport and regular absence from sessions bred contempt.
This DUI holder was not a big fan of keeping himself low-key. Biebel often crossed the skateboarding-entertainment line, shifting the focus from his skill to his scandalous lifestyle, which led to his reputation going for a toss.
10. Bob Burnquist
Bob Burnquist, a vert skating legend, closed our notorious list due to his infamous dramas and intense rivalries. Even though Burnquist was undeniably talented, his disputes and arguable favoritism toward certain skaters created an unwelcome vibe.
His controversial episode during the famous X-Games event soured many skaters towards him, and his contrived rivalry with Danny Way did nothing to polish his image. Despite his greatness, the tension he often brewed left a bitter taste in many.
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Notable mentions
- Steve-O: Known more for his Jackass stunts than his skating, Steve-O’s connection to skateboarding is often overlooked or criticized.
- Pierre André Senizergues: The former pro freestyle skater faced backlash when he launched the skate shoe company Etnies, with some viewing his move into business as selling out.
- Steve Williams:, despite his skateboarding talent, has faced criticism for his business ventures outside of skating.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Contrary to the backflip belief, tremendous talent doesn’t cement a skater’s popularity, especially if it’s wrapped up in a controversial character or unappealing antics. Some skaters tumble into hatred due to their ‘too loud’ lifestyles, switching boards for bling, or just too swift and unjustified climb to success.
There is a thin line between respect and resentment. Unfortunately, some skaters’ kick push isn’t always on the right side.
Often, the hate sparked against skaters does not stem from their skating skills but from their personal or professional conduct off the ramps. Unpalatable acts, public controversies, or even careless declarations can quickly earn them a relatively unfavorable reputation.
Well, yeah! Heads up on Mark ‘Gator’ Rogowski, a once successful skateboarder who, grappling with bankruptcy and the fading glory of vert skating, spiraled down to commit heinous crimes. It was a story that escalated quickly and ended on a dark note. If curious, you can find more information about Gator’s downfall here.
Not at all. Most skaters on this ‘hate list’ are incredibly skilled, boasting several accomplishments. Usually, their actions outside the park or the public image they portray garner them an unfavorable reputation.
Well, yeah! Heads up on Mark ‘Gator’ Rogowski, a once successful skateboarder who, grappling with bankruptcy and the fading glory of vert skating, spiraled down to commit heinous crimes. It was a story that escalated quickly and ended on a dark note. If curious, you can find more information about Gator’s downfall here.
It could, especially if the progressing friction leads to disconnected sponsorships or lost opportunities. However, it’s important to remember that, as opposed to other sports like session skateboarding, where team dynamics come into play, street and park skaters mostly compete individually, allowing them to weather criticism to a certain extent.
Dislike within the skateboarding community often stems from perceived breaches of the sport’s core values. Skaters identified as sell-outs, those who commercialize the sport excessively, or those involved in controversial behavior tend to receive much of the criticism.
A: A skater becomes controversial when their actions or behaviors spark widespread debate or disagreement within the skateboarding community. Factors such as making non-traditional career moves, engaging in socially unacceptable behavior, or representing the sport in a way that other skaters deem inappropriate can all contribute to a skater being seen as controversial.
Dislike within the skateboarding community often stems from perceived breaches of the sport’s core values. Skaters identified as sell-outs, those who commercialize the sport excessively, or those involved in controversial behavior tend to receive much of the criticism.
Controversies can have both positive and negative impacts on a skater’s career. While some controversies might damage a skater’s reputation within the community, they can sometimes bring more attention and fame to the skater. The long-term effects often depend on how the skater handles the controversy and their subsequent actions.
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A personal perspective
As the author of Skateboard Session, I’ve observed these controversies over the years. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that the concept of disliking skaters, especially those in the public eye, becomes less relevant. The genuine frustrations often lie closer to home – with the local skatepark gatekeepers and elitists who, despite their skill, create a toxic environment for others.
It’s important to remember that fame brings its own pressures. Many of these controversial figures are dealing with challenges we can’t fully understand. As we mature in the sport, it becomes easier to separate the person from their skating and to appreciate the contributions each has made to skateboarding, regardless of their public image.
Every time I drop into a new park, meet a new group of skaters or enroll in a new skating class, I always keep this in mind: Skateboarding is about unity and camaraderie, not popularity or hate polls. After all, whether you are the most loved or most hated skater, at the end of the day, we all circle back to the same four wheels that bind our love for this insane sport.
Personal anecdote | in my non-expert opinion
As someone gravitating around the skateboarding orbit, the dramatic falls off the ramp and into the hate pit struck me as oddly instructive. After carefully considering all these stories, I came to see the unchartered depths of the skateboarding universe, far beyond the tricks and flips. An ecosystem borne out of passion but, at times, tainted by controversy. So, buckle up, newbies, because in the world of skating, the hardest hits often go beyond the park. Hop in the ride, and let’s shred it all the way. It’s gonna be one hell of a ride.
Conclusion
The stories of these controversial skaters remind us that skateboarding, like any passionate community, is complex and multifaceted. While it’s easy to judge from the outside, it’s important to remember that every skater, regardless of their public image, has contributed to the sport in their own way.
As the skateboarding community continues to evolve, so too will our perspectives on these figures and the nature of controversy within the sport.
What’s your stance on the most hated skaters in our lineup? Who do you think can you possibly forgive, as a stakeholder of this badass pavement revolution? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article insightful, feel free to share it with fellow skaters.
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