flashman181

The Best That Never Was

The 1981 recruiting of high school football player Marcus Dupree by multiple big-time college programs, his resulting injury-prone college and professional career, and how his pursuit by college and USFL teams changed the recruiting process

Simply amazing story. The tie in with the deputy sheriff involved with the “Mississippi Burning” three deaths was the first shock – just shows high school football even ranks above deep racism in these good old boys. Then we have the influence of religion in this story – the other classic trait in the south – where he trusts a minister more than any other actual sporting people like coaches!. Clearly a sublime athlete who could have been anything it is a story of wasted talent pure and simple but sadly Marcus himself is a bit pure and simple. He was big and fast and at times he glided across the field and you couldnt work out how they couldnt catch him ; other times he simply ran over the top. He struggled with weight and injuries but in a clear sign of some internal fortitude a few years after being crippled by a knee injury he dropped 50 kgs and got into shape all by himself. He subsequently did finally make it into the NFL even if a shadow of former self. The afro and the big glasses simply add to the whole package of someone just that little bit different and behind it all driving him was the story of a crippled younger brother who would never run. The coach from his Oklahoma College days gives a very frank and honest interview as well admitting his part in Marcus never filling his true potential post high school

The Announcement

No not the year I was voted Cleo’s Most Eligible Bachelor but rather

The events and aftermath of former Los Angeles Lakers player Magic Johnson announcing to the world that he tested positive for HIV.

Magic comes across as a genuine good guy – but then he is narrating the story. However you never hear bad things about him really and the standout friendship seems to be with old coach Pat Riley who really does come out of it smelling of roses. It was a magic time indeed in LA when he first ascended the throne and no doubt doing a lot of slam dunking off the court and not denying it. The Lakers were an extension of Hollywood La La land at the time and riding high. In the background all this time was his one true love Cookie who he did eventually settle down and marry – maybe not the smartest cookie in the box . The irony I guess is it appears he was ready to settle down and rack the cue so to speak – and then found out he was HIV positive. Of course how he , and those in the game, handle that devastating news is the crux of the yarn. Kudos to the Mailman for appearing as he was one of the loudest nay sayers at the time – no doubt reflecting the views of many but having the balls to say it then . There was never any accusation of drugs or homosexuality but in another one of those ironies his son who was conceived when he was HIV positive but not aware was tested HIV negative – as was Cookie – and is now openly gay. Magic also had a son from a previous relationship who it appears also is HIV negative but sadly stopped growing when he hit 5 feet 10. Some touching moments especially the HIV positive girl he consoles on live TV soon after announcement who appears in end credits now fully grown. No doubt it helps being a millionaire but he does show how to handle life changing events

Slaying the Badger

Before Lance Armstrong, there was Greg LeMond, who is now the first and only American to win the Tour de France. In this engrossing documentary, LeMond looks back at the pivotal 1986 Tour, and his increasingly vicious rivalry with friend, teammate and mentor Bernard Hinault. The reigning Tour champion and brutal competitor known as “The Badger,” Hinault “promised” to help LeMond to his first victory, in return for LeMond supporting him in the previous year. But in a sport that purports to reward teamwork, it’s really every man for himself.

Sadly I thought this was the sequel to one of my favorite movies “Stroking the Beaver” but alas it was about cyclists. Once over my initial disappointment I was indeed engrossed as demanded and it is of course topical as La Tour de Frog is currently on. It gave a great insight into the team dynamics in this most odd of sports and of course another reason to hate the French – as if needed. LeMond comes across as the quintessential clean cut boy which he may well be but hard to imagine he rose to the heights he did without some partaking in a little skullduggery . The Badger at least agreed to be interviewed and is convincing in his own way where as the coach comes across as a prize twat. It did not make me want to sit down and watch this years race at all – not when I can get my cycling fill watching the Velodrome in Glasgow where we regularly win – but it was well worth the 90 minutes for an insiders look at the sport and the pre One Ball Armstrong era which forever tainted the sport.

The Price of Gold

The world couldn’t keep its eyes off two athletes at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer – Nancy Kerrigan, the elegant brunette from the Northeast and Tonya Harding, the feisty blonde engulfed in scandal. Just weeks before the Olympics on Jan. 6, 1994 at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Kerrigan was stunningly clubbed on the right knee by an unknown assailant and left wailing, “Why, why, why?” As the bizarre “why” mystery unraveled, it was revealed that Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, had plotted the attack with his misfit friends to literally eliminate Kerrigan from the competition. Now two decades later, “The Price of Gold” takes a fresh look through Harding’s turbulent career and life at the spectacle that elevated the popularity of professional figure skating and has Harding still facing questions over what she knew and when she knew it.

Trailer trash V Beauty Queen. Harding comes across as a very interesting if somewhat shady character who had a tough life and always had to fight hard for everything she got but couldnt escape the impact of shady characters she hung around with and on occasion married. Her pleas of innocence do not ring true but certainly she aint the sharpest skate on the ice so ignorance may have played some part. Kerrigan did not participate in the story which is unfortunate but then she appears to be very much the manufactured “star”. Ice skating does at least make cycling look mildly interesting so did have that going for it and while enjoyable in a Jerry Springer way it does scream “Only in America” – that is if you can hear it over Kerrigan screaming herself.

June 17, 1994

Quick-cut archival footage captures the various US sporting events on the day in question and the emotions they generated, including but not limited to the opening of the World Cup soccer tournament, the Knicks/Rockets battle in the NBA Finals, Arnold Palmer’s last round in the U.S. Open, and the New York Rangers’ celebration of their Stanley Cup victory — all of which are overshadowed by O. J. Simpson’s run from the police.

Naturally the OJ story dominates and reminds you of the bizarre nature of it all – which must have been surreal at the time in the city. The constant pleas of the police to soothe OJ down and prevent a tragedy do them proud. One cant help but think of Seinfeld though with the glove trial (6’54”)and the Kramer/Gendason car chase. Arnie was of particular interest to moi and as so often happens in these cases ends with a whimper not a bang – or in this case a 3 putt.

Run Ricky Run

A profile of Ricky Williams focuses on his brief 2004 departure from the NFL, when he sought self-redemption amidst media criticism and fresh rumors of marijuana use.

Odd story about one cool dude. A rare talent that struggled with many issues but eventually found peace, it would appear, through yoga, weed and the love of a good woman. Once again a creepy Dad is in the background whose impact is difficult to fully assess but no doubt significant. No doubt the yoga etc maintained his physical ability beyond that normally associated with a man his age in a brutal sport. Or maybe he was still stoned

Fernando Nation

The euphoria created by Fernando Valenzuela’s 1981 arrival with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

As with majority of these “sports” docos there is much more to the story. In this case the new Dodgers stadium was built on previous Mexican housing projects Chavez Ravine thus causing massive social upheaval – and pissing off the Mexican “fans” . The call went out for a “Mexican Pitcher” and they hit the mother lode with a chubby unassuming youngster Valenzuela. The “fans” came back in droves as Fernandomania was born in an historic 1981 season – Rookie of the Year/Cy Young/World Series championship

Tim Richmond: To the Limit

The career of NASCAR driver Tim Richmond, his flamboyant lifestyle, and his 1989 death from AIDS.

Nascar doesnt float my boat but it was clear this guy was a talent. He liked to party too and had charisma to burn. Then he started to cough a lot and was generally unwell. The story kept being rolled out was Pneumonia and then a relapse. The rumours started of course but continually denied. It was 1991 that Magic Johnson informed the world he was HIV positive. It wasnt going to happen in 89 in a “real man’s sport”. As with Johnson it was contracted through sampling many ladies at different times. Or at the same time. Where he loses any sympathy with this viewer was his continued exploits with ladies when he knew he was infected .

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

Ok I may be the only person who watches these but as a service to the ignorant will provide synopsis and comments as work my way through. Their basketball docos are simply superb and you dont have to be a sports nut to enjoy them. I wont rate them as all invariably 5/5 trust me

The Two Escobars

The lives of soccer player Andrés Escobar and drug lord Pablo Escobar; the intertwining of crime and soccer in their native Colombia; and the connections between the murders of both men. (2 hours in length)

Colombia have just made it through to the last 16 in current World Cup. In the 1994 WC in USA they were the favorites after stunning lead up form based on a local structure built up over a few years supported by drug money. The fate of Pablo eventually impacted on Andres in a way that is difficult to accept but easy to understand in the prevailing society at the time. Thank me I live in Aussie land – we dont win soccer matches but I can walk down the street rather comfortably anytime of day

The Fab Five

The story of the 1991 Michigan men’s basketball recruiting class, called the Fab Five, one of whom (Chris Webber) was later involved in a notorious pay-for-play scandal. (95 mins)

The Freshman roster known as the Fab Five included Webber, King, Howard, Jackson and Rose. They were black and cocky , loved hip hop and wore baggy shorts – all before this was commonplace in NBA. Did not take long before they were the starting five – unheard of in College basketball. Went through to successive NCAA but there was no fairytale and of course the infamous Webber timeout. Then the payment scandal broke. Sadly Webber would not be interviewed but does not take away from an enthralling story. There is a great relationship running throughout the story between the white coach and these supreme black athletes.

The Real Rocky

A profile of Chuck Wepner, the original inspiration for Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa character, and how the glory of Rocky eluded Wepner as he took several strange turns in an effort to stay in the spotlight.

Could just be another story about a Joe Palooka who could bleed at the weigh in apart from a) interaction with Ali and b) continual tie ins with Stallone movies and characters. It portrays Ali in a rather poor light ( he actually appears in Fab Five doco as well!) as the influence of Don King pervades world boxing as well but Stallone comes out a lot worse. Eventually they settled out of court for undisclosed sum. Chuck actually speaks better now than either Ali or Stallone but his face still looks like Playdough experiment gone wrong

Kings Ransom

The 1988 trade of Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings and the effect it had on Gretzky, the fans in Edmonton, and the popularity of hockey in Southern California.

Ice Hockey is also a popular topic for these docos and there was no bigger player than Gretzky. The story mostly revolves around the reality of economics of running a sporting franchise and the need to make trades much to the chagrin of the loyal fans. Interesting tie in much like Colombia soccer – Gretzky could not deliver a championship in the several years with them but the seed was planted and they are now 2014 Stanley Cup Champions

There are over 2 seasons of docos and a series of shorts and webispodes. Luckily I have no life

State against State, Mate against Mate. Cheats against Churchgoers. After 101 matches it is definitely a great rivalry played with real passion. Ever since Artie gave The Crow a clip around the year there has been no love lost – on the field. At this time of year we hate the Blues. But really only this time of year. Because in three months they may be playing for Australia. In NRL loyalty tends to follow club – state – country. Because Australia is clearly the best nation in the world at NRL then most focus centres on SOO as the true pinnacle of the sport. The only rider to that is we barrack for any team playing Manly on any given day. Despite a scoreline of 8-0 recently the series is always closer than that would indicate. But they have cleaned the game up too much. Yes no one wants cheap shots ala Big Man’s jawstopper but a couple of punches man to man is better than constant niggle. As Gallen said after match two it is embarrassing as everyone runs in for the brouhaha only to suddenly realise you cant throw a punch so you get the clown next to ya to “hold me back or Ill have him” hoping against hope they dont let go. So instead we get the niggle and spoiling tactics. Its a good rivalry certainly but has lost some sting

If you want an international sporting event to get in a lather about then look no further then the Ashes cricket tests. Poms are genetically programmed to be hated. Ok there is no real physical impact but you can do some damage with a little red rocket from 22 yds. Because you cant throw punches we have sledging. Some is humorous of course but most are cheap shots said to someone who is wrapped up like the Michelin Man but cant hit back. A win over the Poms does indeed make the weetbix taste better the next morning. There is however too much nonsense in between to truly nominate cricket as the ultimate contest.

Aussies have a good rivalry with the All Blacks in Union but it has been a long time since it has been an even contest. For a true rivalry to flourish you need hatred and you need even matching. There are likely good rivalries in AFL but who really cares and of course when it comes to soccer if you get paid 3 million a day to fall over on cue then the contest can lose some appeal. There are many classic rivalries in NBA and NFL I am sure but they are more akin to SOO I imagine and I know nothing about them and care even less. So leaving team sports to one side what about personal rivalries? Glad you asked.

Borg and McEnroe. Scrunchies at 20 paces ? Federer and Nadal – zzzzzzz. Palmer and Nicklaus. Woods and Mickelsen. As much as I love Golf its hard to get too wrapped up in multi-millionaires fighting over another million. Prost and Senna? Ok this one is interesting because these guys do scary shit. They are rich of course but maybe earn it more then getting up and down from the bunker. It was a genuine rivalry and more important one could impact directly on the other – as they often did. This of course brings us to the ultimate example for a great sporting rivalry

It involves proud men. It involves brutal interaction. It left both a shell of their former self and it enthralled us for years. In reality there was no clear winner. I was lucky enough to grow up with it. One cannot be mentioned without the other. It is of course Ali and Frazier. No handbags or gladrags here folks. It was cage fighting before they added the cage. It had everything. Two black men who were polar opposites. Ali was at times despised and then admired. Frazier was always quietly respected but never got the accolades initially he should have. He actually helped Ali early on in his boxing exile. Their styles were so opposite and of course this is the first ingredient of a great match. Heavyweight Boxing was the ultimate sporting event in the world. Think World Cup condensed down to 15 brutal rounds. The first match was simply and literally the “Fight of the Century”. Frazier won fair and square but of course in boxing if not knocked out then you can always claim foul. The second match was largely a dour affair but duly set the series up for the ultimate decider – The Thrilla in Manila. This was no dead rubber folks. Frazier was past his prime having been cleaned up by Gorgeous George but when the man opposite was Ali he did a Rolf Harris. No he didnt grope young girls, he grew an extra leg duh! It was brutal but fascinating. Both men were never the same even though Ali went on to record a significant win over Norton later. Frazier hated Ali simple as that. Ali had been cruel for years, often to pump up the box office but there was also deliberation there at times. The excellent “Thrilla in Manila” doco, a must watch for any Frazier fan, shows a bitter and twisted but ultimately decent man seemingly content in his quite existence but simply unable to forgive one man. Even revelling in his darker moments in Ali’s declining health. The playing of his phone call back message by his brother was a most poignant scene in the doco. He was proud of his role in damaging Ali. Ali was and is one of my sporting idols but he was no angel. A supreme athlete and sublime showman that ultimately fulfilled his true promise outside the ring.

So in future when someone starts blabbering on about the great sporting rivalry before your eyes do some reading, watch some footage. Understand what a real rivalry is and how it impacts totally on the participants. Then make sure you jot down the odds for your next bet and hope your latte isnt too frothy because that can really rile you up.