8 Sports Documentaries To Binge While You #StayAtHome
By: Baigen Seawell
While we adjust to the “new normal”, the world of sports comes to a screeching halt. Athletes at every level come to terms with the uncertainty of what to expect. Announcers and anchors have found solace in repurposing their studio around their home and family life, while still having time to check in and give glimmers of hope with an occasional sports update.
In the meantime, from a spectator’s standpoint, we get to be immersed with what could be considered the “Good Ol’ Days”. Games tracing back months, years, and decades prior; they bring waves of nostalgia to keep us occupied while we stay at home.
While I’ve been hunkered down, I’ve found interest in rewatching and discovering sports documentaries. Apart from reruns of games and SportsCenter highlights, documentaries give an in depth and personal look on the topic, while giving a cinematic vibe for the viewer.
Here’s 8 Sports Documentaries to quell your sports palate.
1. The Dark Side of the Ring - VICE
The Dark Side of the Ring gained traction with the covering of Chris Benoit, a Canadian wrestler who became overshadowed by the tragic murder-suicide now tied with his name. But VICE covers the likes of many wrestlers in the industry, from Tony Atlas, to Eddie Guerrero. For the unconventional sports buff, this may be the series for you.
2. The Death of Will Smith - VICE
The Death of NFL Star Will Smith covers the tragic and seemingly avoidable death of the New Orleans Saints Defensive End. Smith was a catalyst in the 2010 Saints Super Bowl run, who faced an untimely death over a roadside scuffle. VICE strictly covers the side of Cardell Hayes, the man behind the killing of smith for the majority of the documentary. The narrative discusses the “legal and local bias” against Hayes while digging up some touchy subjects in the process.
3. The Ghosts of Ole Miss - ESPN
The Ghosts of Ole Miss discusses the deep rooted history of racial segregation. Directly covering University of Mississippi and the integration of their first black student, James Meredith and the 1962 Ole Miss Riots. The story goes into detail of the history of Ole Miss, and the deep rooted racism at the time where Ole Miss went undefeated the year Meredith would enroll at the institution.
4. Benji: The True Story of a Dream Cut Short
Benjamin Wilson was a high school phenom out Simeon High School who was considering numerous offers at the height of his basketball career. He lost his life, while the basketball world could only imagine what could have been if he hadn’t been gunned down. Benji covers Wilson’s brief moment here on earth, along with highlighting his talents.
5. Without Bias - ESPN
ESPN covered the life of 1986 Draft Pick Len Bias, who would have been a Boston Celtics hopeful. Like Wilson, his career was cut short. With Bias dying from a drug overdose, the sports world would stop in its tracks. Without Bias paints the picture of the David Stern-Era, where basketball would gain a surge of popularity, along with having some of the biggest names to ever play in the game. Like Benji, we can only speculate of what could have been if Bias played in the league.
6. The Carter Effect - Netflix
In Toronto, Canada, basketball was not what it is today over two decades ago. It was also when Vince Carter would make his debut as a Raptor, virtually changing the face of basketball in the country rapidly. The Carter Effect features rapper and Toronto native, Drake, former NBA Guard, Steve Nash, and more to discuss the direct and quick growth, decline, disdain and forgiveness for Carter and his career starting out in the Six.
7. Let Them Wear Towels - ESPN (Nine for IX)
A personal favorite for me. Let Them Wear Towels is an ESPN Nine for IX, which directly discusses women’s rights and the evolution of women in the world of sports. The documentary follows numerous female pioneers in sports journalism. Though Sports Media is still a largely white male dominated field, we can appreciate the growth and diversity that chips away at the glass ceiling. Let Them Wear Towels shows how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.
8. No No: A Dokumentary
No No is a doozie. This documentary is at the top of the list for a slew of reasons, from the backstory, to the shock and awe at the athletic prowess. It covers the life of Dock Ellis, an MLB pitcher who struggled with an addiction to amphetamines, and alcohol. More impressive, yet disturbing, Ellis pitched a no-hitter… on LSD. This documentary has a bunch of twists and turns to keep you satisfied.
There is your personal list of documentaries to intrigue you while you’re bored in the house and the house bored. Let me know what other documentaries you find interesting! And as always, stay safe!
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