10 shocking revelations from sports books

French rugby player Mathieu Bastareaud has lifted the lid on his personal demons in an autobiography. Photo / Getty Images.

French rugby player Mathieu Bastareaud has lifted the lid on his personal demons in an autobiography -- Head High: Confessions of an enfant terrible of rugby.

Bastareaud details his battle with depression and alcohol plus a suicide attempt -in the wake of falsely claiming he was assaulted in Wellington six years ago. We look at other famous and infamous claims and revelations from the world of sports books.

Andre Agassi: Open (2009)

A lauded book in which the American tennis legend revealed much, including his use of crystal meth. But that was nothing compared to the news he wore a toupee on court. Oh yes...he didn't like tennis.

Paul Kimmage: Rough Ride (1990)

Pro cyclist turned journo lifted the lid on the extent of cycling's drug cheating. Brave and ground breaking, he expected praise but was sued and ostracised for his troubles.

Jim Bouton: Ball Four (1970)

A work revered to this day. The pitcher revealed the inner secrets of baseball, in a whimsical diary form. He mocked coaches, detailed the customary use of amphetamines and even exposed players' voyeurism amongst many other things. Became a pariah for his troubles.

Jaap Stam: Head to Head (2001)

It is said that the book led to Alex Ferguson chucking the Dutch defender out of Manchester United. Stam claimed players were told to dive in the European Cup...and that David Beckham wasn't overly bright.

Tony Cascarino: Full Time (2000)

Absolute gem of a sports book (written with Paul Kimmage) which included the claim that the record-setting Republic of Ireland footballer didn't actually qualify to play for Ireland. In Cascarino's own words he was a "fraud" and a "fake".

Ashley Cole: My Defence (2005)

The poor defender trembled with rage and nearly drove off the road when his agent told him Arsenal had "only" offered $125,000 a year for his services, a whopping $10,000 short of Cole's expectations. More pathetic than shocking probably.

Sean Long: Longy (2009)

English league player told the world that, along with a team mate, he bet on opponents Bradford knowing that his St Helens team were not going to field a strong side. This did wonders for the book but not his reputation surprise, surprise.

Sachin Tendulkar: Playing it My Way (2014)

The master batsman took the blade to India's former coach, Aussie Greg Chappell. It included the claim Chappell wanted to take control of Indian cricket in tandem with Tendulkar, starting with a coup against captain Rahul Dravid before the 2007 World Cup.

Roy Keane: Keane (2002)

Football's Mr Angry detailed his vicious revenge attack on opponent Alf Inge Haalaand in a Manchester derby. "Take that you @#$ per cent," summed it up.

Dennis Rodman: Bad as I Wanna Be (1996)

The flamboyant basketball superstar detailed how -- despite having scaled the sporting heights -- he still felt like an "empty soul" who on one occasion, sat in his truck with a gun contemplating suicide.