101 Dumbest Moments in Business

Ah, what a dumb year it was! Fortune chose the absolutely dumbest of the dumb that the gods of fate and humor delivered into our laps - and yours - this past year.

Stanley O'Neal
5. Stanley O'Neal
Payback is a bitch
In August and September, as his company is racking up the largest quarterly loss in its 93-year history, Merrill Lynch CEO Stanley O'Neal squeezes in 20 rounds of golf, including three rounds on three different courses in a single day. In October, O'Neal announces his "retirement," walking away with a compensation package valued at $161.5 million.
Last updated January 16 2008: 5:51 PM ET
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Eli Lilly

Leona Helmsley

Merrill Lynch

Stanley O'Neal

Chuck Prince

High-tech toilets

KFC/Taco Bell
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The complete 101 See the full list, featuring the very best of the very worst moments this year. (more)
Sex, drugs & celebrities When it comes to crossing the line, bold-faced names rarely disappoint. (more)
Bosses behaving badly The mind-boggling mishaps that took place in the executive - and hotel - suite. (more)

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