They are the Disrupters.

They're not out partying at all hours. They're not on performance-enhancing drugs. They don't get arrested. But they nibble and gnaw at the well-constructed chemistry of a team. Despite their talents, more often than not they are shoved out the door by a combination of front office decision-makers, coaches and teammates.

Jason Akermanis, a Brownlow Medal winner and three-time Premiership player, fits that bill. He was a quirky character, flamboyant on the field and interesting off it: how many other footballers teach themselves Spanish?

But his perceived selfishness - and his big mouth - continually got himself in trouble. He wore out his welcome in Brisbane and has now been sacked by the Western Bulldogs.

Predictably, world sports are full of guys like this. In fact, I could have written all day and into the night. But I had to draw the line somewhere, so I stopped at eight.

Feel free to add your own in the "Comments" section below.

Terrell Owens, NFL

This year, T.O. will sign with his fifth team in eight seasons. He's a superbly conditioned athlete and at times has been called the best wide receiver in the game. He's also a self-promoting loudmouth who always manages to rub his teammates the wrong way. Ironically, in San Francisco, Owens created a stir by insinuating that one of his teammates was gay. In Philadelphia, he bravely played in a Super Bowl with a broken ankle, but ruined any good will by hinting strongly that quarterback Donovan McNabb choked under pressure. He had similar chemistry problems with quarterback Tony Romo in Dallas, and after a short stint in Buffalo last season, he's on the hunt for yet another team.

Milton Bradley, Major League Baseball

Although carrying the same name as the famous board game company, Bradley's antics are anything but child's play. A talented outfielder who made the All Star team in 2008, Bradley is widely considered a bad teammate. In 2007, he ruptured an ACL when his manager tried to keep him from attacking an umpire. In 2008, he tried to confront a radio announcer who allegedly said negative things about him. And in 2009, Bradley booked himself a ticket out of Chicago by blasting the Cubs organisation for its "negativity" and saying "...you understand why they haven't won here in 100 years." After being traded to the Mariners, Bradley created controversy in Seattle by leaving the dugout in the middle of a game, saying he had personal issues to deal with. Bradley has played for eight different teams since entering the majors in 2000.

Sean Avery, National Hockey League

Like Akermanis, Avery is a different cat; in fact, he spent a summer interning at one of New York's biggest fashion houses. Like T.O., he's an attention seeker, but Avery has taken things further, throwing out anti-French Canadian and alleged (but never verified) racist comments towards opponents. At just 5'10", he's considered one of the NHL's biggest pests, and has even had a rule named after him. In the 2008 playoffs, Avery planted himself in front of goalie Martin Brodeur and would not move. There was no rule against it, so the NHL intervened and immediately made it illegal. His biggest stunt however, was calling a media conference and saying that an opposing player - who was dating Avery's ex-girlfriend - was "falling in love with his sloppy seconds." The NHL suspended him for that comment.

William Gallas, European Soccer

The outspoken Frenchman has captained Arsenal and been part of two World Cup campaigns. He's also been accused of creating instability in the locker room and undermining teammates. He once said his fellow Gunners were not "brave enough in battle," he was openly critical of young Arsenal star Theo Walcott, and former Arsenal defensive stalwart Kolo Toure claimed Gallas was the reason he left the North London club for Manchester City. Gallas also left Chelsea under bitter circumstances, and recently decided not to speak with the media in South Africa as a silent protest against French coach Raymond Domenech.

Stephon Marbury, NBA

Perhaps as much misunderstood as disliked, Marbury was a two-time NBA All Star and one of the most explosive players in the league. But the self-promoting, self-centred "Starbury" became known as a guy who cared only about his own personal statistics. Case in point: the 2004 Athens Olympics, where Marbury set a scoring record, but Team USA could only win bronze. His constant bickering with Knicks' coach Larry Brown turned the public (and probably some teammates) against him. Marbury has now taken his circus act to China, although there's no doubt he could still play in the NBA.

Albert Haynesworth, NFL

In 2009, defensive tackle Haynesworth signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins. After playing last season with the team, Haynesworth has now demanded a trade and may or may not show up for the start of pre-season training next week. He's unhappy with new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who is changing the team's defensive formation. Keep in mind the Redskins finished 4-12 last season. Few of Haynesworth's teammates have expressed sympathy for his stand.

Jeff Kent, Major League Baseball

A potential Hall of Fame second baseman, Kent - if you believe the rumours - was one of the most disliked players in baseball history. Kent was never afraid to criticise anyone, even a fellow teammate. He once said legendary Dodgers' broadcaster Vin Scully "talks too much." Kent also had a very frosty relationship with teammate Barry Bonds, although that doesn't necessarily count against him. Kent, like Akermanis, was a bit of an enigma in that he donated time and money to plenty of worthy causes, yet rarely signed autographs or interacted with fans.

Zlatko Zahovic, European Soccer

The Slovenian was a superb player in Portugal, Greece and Spain, and took part in a Champions League final with Valencia. But he was known as a temperamental teammate who wasn't afraid to go public with his spats. He ended up leaving Olympiacos before the season ended and also had words with Valencia boss Hector Cuper. He saved his worst tantrum for the biggest stage, however. After Slovenia surprisingly qualified for the 2002 World Cup, Zahovic threw a fit after being substituted in the first group match with Spain, insulted coach Srecko Katanec, and was sent home the next day.