Unmatched
A look at the rivalry and friendship between tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.
The weakest to date. Of mild interest if you did not know of their friendship I guess but largely a love in and lets face it one of these sheilas broke our Sharkies heart. The other one he married.Archival footage shared over a cuppa and backslaps is a tad dull. Everts boobs appeared to have increased over time. I suspect they may be married by now
No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson
The 1993 trial of Hampton, Virginia high school athlete Allen Iverson, convicted for his role in a racially tinged melee, and its impact on both the community and on Iverson’s life. (90 minutes in length)
A complex lad it would appear with a lot of anger issues. The trial clearly highlights racism in the community but this kid was no angel. Overall comes across as a story of wasted potential despite some of his achievements. A sad reflection on a time and a place. May be Todd Carneys role model ?
Without Bias
The death of Len Bias from a cocaine-induced heart attack, two days after Boston selected him as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, and its impact on casual drug use, especially by the sports community.
Another great, if sad, basketball yarn. Excellent participation by those closest to the event but do find it very hard to understand how their faith can lead parents to say its all ok “he is with God now.” This mother lost two sons in relatively quick succession and no doubt does excellent work now but dont know how she got there. The plight of the second, less known, son is probably even sadder
The Band that Wouldnt Die
A profile of Baltimore’s love affair with football and the Colts, focusing on the Colts Marching Band. After the Colts decamped for Indianapolis in 1984, the band remained in Baltimore and helped promote the eventual return of theNFL to the city.
Only in America. An interesting story though highlighting initially the complicity of professional team owners but essentially the story of community being held together by their love of their team living on in the band that never went away. And there is a happy ending with the Ravens winning the big one in 2000 and 2012. If it was the Dallas Cheerleaders with Debbie, I may have been glued to the screen more – at least I assume that is glue.
Catching Hell
The relationship between Chicago Cubs fans and Steve Bartman following Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series
But oh so much more. Compares the impact on a player and on a fan whose actions (in different eras) directly impacted on a game, a series and a clubs history. Baseball is a game loaded with curses and this story addresses the two best – Bambino and Billygoat. There is even an interesting seque to the definition of scapegoat. Deals significantly with the Bill Buckner Red Sox howler as well as the vilified Cubs fan who interfered with a foul ball – or not ? Baseball can be paint drying territory but this insight to the culture is tres fascinating. On a side note great to see Wrigley Field again – wish I had seen this before visiting last year as would have sought out seat 113
flashman181 