Crying Athletes

Brazilian racing star Helio Castroneves choked back tears after he was acquitted of tax evasion charges Friday. "I just want to thank God and my fans, and all of the people who prayed for me," he said while holding a rosary. Click through to see other athletes who have cried on big stages.

John Watson Riley, Reuters

Tennis superstar Roger Federer cried after losing to rival Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final in January. Federer said he shed some tears again recently when he was married to his longtime girlfriend.

Andrew Brownbill, AP

Former Bills defensive end Bruce Smith teared up after learning he was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in January. "I cry because I am not less than a man but because I am a man," said Smith.

Chris O'Meara, AP

Terrell Owens completely lost it following Dallas' loss to the Giants in the 2008 playoffs. Hiding behind his sunglasses, a teary-eyed Owens defended second-guessed Tony Romo, saying, "That's my quarterback."

Tony Gutierrez, AP

An emotional Tiger Woods walked off the 18th green at Royal Liverpool hugging caddie Steve Williams after winning his third British Open in 2006. Woods dedicated the win to his father who had died after a lengthy battle with cancer earlier in the year.

Alessia Pierdomenica, AP

After starting 275 consecutive games at quarterback and every Packers game since 1992, Brett Favre finally broke down. The Green Bay legend let the tears flow when he initially announced his retirement early in 2008. Favre would return to play a full season with the Jets.

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

There has to be a first time, even for "His Airness." Michael Jordan was moved to tears after winning his first NBA Championship in 1991. Jordan would go on to win six titles and six NBA Finals MVP awards in his playing career.

Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE / Getty Images

Following previous denials, three-time Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones wept as she apologized for using performance-enhancing drugs and her role in a check-fraud scam in 2007. "I have let my country down, and I have let myself down," she said.

Mary Altaffer, AP

Nancy Kerrigan vaulted into the public eye after she was clubbed near the knee following a practice in January 1994. Despite the setback, Kerrigan went on to win the silver medal in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.

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Karma caught up with Tonya Harding in the 1994 Olympics. Harding, who had been linked to the Kerrigan attack, was left in tears because she had the wrong shoelaces. After consulting the judges, she was allowed to repair the laces and finish her short program.

Chris Cole, Allsport / Getty Images