8 Athletes Who Competed After Serving Prison Time

 

From boxing rings to Olympic tracks, some stars went from prison cells back to the spotlight.

Here are 8 athletes who made comebacks after serving time

Mike Tyson (Boxing)

Convicted in 1992, served 3 years for rape.

Released in 1995, reclaimed WBC & WBA titles in 1996, fought until 2005.

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Michael Vick (NFL)

Sentenced in 2007 to 23 months for running a dogfighting ring (served 18).

Returned with the Eagles in 2009, won Comeback Player of the Year in 2010, played through 2015.

Plaxico Burress (NFL)

Convicted in 2008 for illegal gun possession, served nearly 2 years.

Released in 2011, signed with the Jets: 45 catches & 8 TDs. Later played for Steelers before retiring in 2013.

Marion Jones (Track & Field → Basketball)

Sentenced in 2008 to 6 months for perjury linked to PED use.

After release, she joined the WNBA’s Tulsa Shock (2010–11), playing 47 games.

See also: September 4, 2002: Oakland A’s Win 20th Straight, Set AL Record

Steven van de Velde (Beach Volleyball)

Convicted in 2014 of child rape, served 1 year.

Returned to international competition in 2017. Represented Netherlands at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Oscar Pistorius (Paralympics)

Convicted of murdering Reeva Steenkamp in 2013, began sentence in 2014.

Served nearly 9 years, paroled in Jan 2024. Returned to competition in 2025, sparking fierce debate.

See also: Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa Slams PSR Rules After Quiet Transfer Window

Ángel Cabrera (Golf)

Convicted in 2021 for assault, served over 2 years.

Released in 2023, returned to pro golf, and competed at the 2025 Masters Tournament.

Brittney Griner (WNBA)

Detained in Russia in 2022 on drug charges, served 10 months.

Released in Dec 2022 via prisoner swap. Returned to Phoenix Mercury in 2023, became All-Star, and won Olympic gold in 2024.