Inspired by Justin Upton’s vetoed trade to the Seattle Mariners, today’s daily gallery looks at some of the biggest rejections in the history of professional sports. Simply put, these figures believe in this popular breakup phrase — it’s not you, it’s me.

Upton, a 25-year-old former all-star, exercised his no-trade clause to block a trade to the Mariners. Reportedly , the Arizona Diamondbacks’ outfielder would have fetched a return of relievers Charlie Furbush and Stephen Pryor, infield prospect Nick Franklin, and one of three pitching prospects; James Paxton, Danny Hultzen or Taijuan Walker.

Toronto Maple Leafs’ great and former captain Mats Sundin refused to waive his NTC clause during the 2007-2008 season. The recently inducted Hall of Famer would end up leaving his beloved Leafs and signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks midway through the following season.

In 1991 the Quebec Nordiques loved Eric Lindors so much that they selected him first overall in the NHL Entry Draft. Unfortunately, the Oshawa Generals’ star didn’t feel the same way. Lindros wouldn’t play a single game for the Nordiques and ended up getting trade to the Philadelphia Flyers for Peter Forsberg, Ron Hextall, Chris Simon, Mike Ricci, Kerry Huffman, Steve Duchesne, 2 1st round selections one of which turned out to be goalie Jocelyn Thibault and $15 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle rejected a trade to the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2007-2008 season that would have landed sniper Jeff Carter and a first round draft pick. Ouch! Former Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher must wish that a hot-tub time machine really did exist.

Speaking of rejections, former New Jersey Nets centre Alonzo Mourning flat-out said “no thanks”, when he found out that he had been included in a package for Toronto Raptors’ superstar Vince Carter back in the winter of 2004.

In the 1999 NBA Entry Draft the Vancouver Grizzlies selected Maryland guard Steve Franics second overall. Sadly for Grizz’ fans, Francis refused to play for the now extinct franchise, and would eventually be traded to the Houston Rockets.

December 2, 1995 will forever be remembered by Montreal Canadians’ fans as a dark day in the franchise’s illustrious history. After being shelled for nine goals against the Detroit Red Wings, all-star goalie and future Hall of Famer Patrick Roy proclaimed that he would never play a single game for the Habs again, aka, “don’t call me ever again” in breakup terms.

Former NFL wide receiver and full-time “diva” Terrell Owens rejected a trade to the Baltimore Ravens in 2004. Owens would eventually wind up a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

And last but certainly not least, Toronto Raptors mega-star turned super-villain Vince Carter, was traded to the New Jersey Nets in December of 2004 after some lackadaisical play on the court, and a subsequent trade demand. A love story turned tragedy to say the least.