Forbes Poll Has Burress on the Most Disliked Players List

The top few vote-getters on the “dislike” meter show that few things get you there like legal trouble. Occupying the two spots immediately behind Vick: New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress, fresh off prison time on a gun rap, and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, 20 months removed from being investigated (though never charged) for sexual assault.

Of course, running afoul of the law isn’t the only thing that turns off fans, most of whom tend to value athletes that show strong work ethics and team-first attitudes (there’s also talent, but those who lack it don’t spend much time in the spotlight in either a good or bad way.)  Peyton Manning, for instance, is seen as a guy who’s all about work, preparation and winning, sort of a Roethlisberger without the legal woes (albeit with even more talent).