Bryce Harper earned the hostility of Nationals fans last week after signing with the Phillies. That got us thinking: Which athletes do D.C. fans love to hate?
Sidney Crosby
The prime nemesis of the Capitals' playoff disappointments of the 2000s and 2010s, Crosby has won three Stanley Cups during his Penguins career, Pittsburgh beating Washington in the playoffs during all three title trips. However, all was made right when the Caps knocked off Crosby and the Pens in the second round of the 2018 playoffs on their way to the franchise's first Stanley Cup.
Odell Beckham Jr.
One of the most disliked players in the entire NFL, Beckham annoys Redskins fans even more because of how he has torched Washington over the years. And while the best days of his beef with Josh Norman came when the CB was with the Panthers, their matchup is always one to watch when the Giants and Redskins face off.
Ezekiel Elliott
The best player on the Redskins' fiercest rival, there's little question why D.C. fans hate the one they call "Zeke." In his Cowboys career, Elliott has rushed for 484 yards and six touchdowns against the Redskins, the most productive he's been against any one opponent.
Brad Marchand
The Caps may not have gone back-to-back, but certainly many D.C. fans were pleased to see Marchand and the Bruins fall to the St. Louis Blues in the 2019 Stanely Cup Final. 106.7 The Fan's Danny Rouhier dubbed the diminutive forward a "punk" back in January, Marchand an irritant to Caps players and fans for the last decade.
Bryce Harper
Harper not only left the Nationals after seven seasons, but he signed with the arch-rival Phillies FOR 13 YEARS. Time will tell how much abuse Harper receives from the Nationals Park crowd when he returns April 2 -- and then nine or 10 more times each of the next 12 seasons -- but if the initial vitriol is any indication, the boo birds will be in full chorus every time he steps to the plate in D.C. for the rest of his career.
The Five Athletes D.C. Fans Love to Hate 1
Timothy T. Ludwig and Jason Getz-USA TODAY SportsThe Five Athletes D.C. Fans Love to Hate 2
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsThe Five Athletes D.C. Fans Love to Hate 3
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY SportsThe Five Athletes D.C. Fans Love to Hate 4
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY SportsThe Five Athletes D.C. Fans Love to Hate 5
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsThe Five Athletes D.C. Fans Love to Hate 6
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