ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

[daflyboys]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

So since we talked alot about the OJ 30 for 30 in here:

‘Drunk’ OJ Simpson kicked out of Las Vegas hotel

Anyone not see this comin'?

Also watched the Ric Flair episode. Was a wrestling fan back when I was in junior high school. Talk about your studies in narcissism.

[SPTO]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

So since we talked alot about the OJ 30 for 30 in here:

‘Drunk’ OJ Simpson kicked out of Las Vegas hotel

Anyone not see this comin'?

Also watched the Ric Flair episode. Was a wrestling fan back when I was in junior high school. Talk about your studies in narcissism.

1. You have to be really drunk and unruly to be kicked out of a hotel.....In Las Vegas. Sheesh, seems like the Juice courts controversy everywhere he goes.

2. The Flair 30 for 30 is supposed to air tonight here in Canada. I'm very much looking forward to it. I've heard that it gets really raw and cuts to the heart of Flair not only as a wrestler but as a man. I did see one article the other day of how he used to masturbate twice a day during the apex of his women banging days. Goodness.....I still love the guy but he lived his gimmick to the hilt!

[SPTO]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

I saw the Ric Flair doc last night. I've got to say that was probably the most open and honest Ric has ever been in regards to his lifestyle though not necessarily his career. The only thing i'd have done to make the doc better would be to flesh out the wrestling aspect as there's easily another half hour that could be mined out of it. For instance, while it's true that age and declining skill contributed to Ric's self confidence issues in the 2000s I think there could've been more context. As most of us should know it was the politics and BS by Bischoff and the total focus on the NWO that derailed not only WCW after a time but Bischoff did everything he could to discredit and get Flair off of TV and out of WCW for good. I think the film could've benefited from a little contextualization that way.

On the personal side, while Jim Ross spoke of Ric not saving his money it would've served well to bring up some of the legal issues that surrounded Ric in that regard as well as to his conduct with his at that time. Certainly, that wife (I can't remember what # she was) wasn't in the film but they could've talked about that period with a little more depth.

Other than that this was a great study and insight into a man who seemed to have it all but in reality he was (and I hate to say it) still is a very insecure person who needs the distraction of wrestling, booze and women (not necessarily in that order) to keep his mind off of the real person he is. Listening to the stories about his escapades with women and drink you wonder how the hell he's lived as long as he has.

I just hope for his sake, after his brush with death that he's taking at least a little better care of himself.

[VDusen04]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

Is there a specific service or website where I could watch a number of these newer 30 for 30's via streaming? I feel like I've missed a lot of good ones but don't know where to go to catch up. I notice Netflix's list was kind of skimpy and dated.

[DJ]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

Is there a specific service or website where I could watch a number of these newer 30 for 30's via streaming? I feel like I've missed a lot of good ones but don't know where to go to catch up. I notice Netflix's list was kind of skimpy and dated.

I don't think they are available anywhere currently. Disney/ESPN pulled most of its content off of Netflix as they prepare for their own streaming service.

[areobee401]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

The next 30 for 30 documentary, “Seau,” directed by Kirby Bradley, recaptures the glory days of NFL great Junior Seau while foreshadowing a tragedy that would rock the league. The film will debut exclusively on Thursday, Sept. 20, on ESPN+, the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International group and ESPN. Trailer: https://es.pn/2MhNGak

Seau was a legend long before he retired from the NFL — surrounded by a passionate fan base, deep respect from his peers and a loving family, he experienced a unique sense of purpose that extended beyond the playing field. Despite appearing to have everything, his decision to end his own life at 43 remains both deeply disturbing and largely unexplained. This revealing account of the Hall of Famer’s life and death seeks answers, exploring the remarkable path from an immigrant Samoan family to NFL stardom, and the many obstacles faced throughout two decades spent as an American football icon at the heart of a brutal and unforgiving game.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, 30 for 30 documentary “The Last Days of Knight,” directed by Robert Abbott, will make its television debut on ESPN, after first premiering on ESPN+ in April with the launch of the service. “The Last Days of Knight” details the previously untold, behind-the-scenes story of CNN’s investigation into why high school All-Americans were leaving the Indiana University men’s basketball program under Coach Bob Knight, and the fallout that ensued after the story broke. Trailer: https://es.pn/2GymLoQ

30 for 30 continues with “42 to 1” on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. The film, co-directed by Ben Houser and Jeremy Schaap, chronicles one of the most famous upsets in sports history: Buster Douglas’ shocking knockout of the then-undefeated Mike Tyson. Tyson was the most feared fighter of modern times. Douglas, meanwhile, was dismissed as a 42 to 1 underdog. No one thought he had the heart required of a champion. But at the Tokyo Dome on February 11, 1990, Douglas came to fight. Defying opinion, he proved to everyone that there was greatness in him. This is a film about how Douglas pulled off a victory that changed the course of sports history, channeling the absolute best version of himself, if only for one fight, when it mattered most and no one thought it was possible.

Another new feature-length 30 for 30 documentary, set to premiere Thursday, January 31, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN, takes a close look at an unbelievably eventful few days in the life of Deion Sanders, the two-sport athlete and NFL Hall of Famer whose love of the spotlight spawned the self-given nickname “Prime Time.” No event encapsulates Deion’s limitless abilities and unparalleled conviction like the 24 hours in October of 1992, when Sanders sandwiched a pro football game between a pair of postseason baseball games in two different cities, located one-thousand miles apart. The yet-to be-titled film is directed by Ken Rodgers (“The Two Bills,” “Four Falls of Buffalo”) and produced by NFL Films.

https://mobile.twitter.com/espnpr/status/1040251900820643841

[JayBee74]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

"42-1" debuts tomorrow night. It depicts the stunning February 1990 upset of Mike Tyson at the hands of Buster Douglas.

It is preceded by a rerun of the recently aired "The Last Days Of Knight".

[Caulfield]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

I hope espn retires the 30 for 30 brand, and in September 2019 rebrands as 40 for 40.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

I remember that Tyson/Douglas fight so well.

I watched it live on HBO at my girlfriends house. I remember calling my uncle after the first 5 rounds and telling him to turn the fight on ASAP because Douglas was simply kicking the crap out of Tyson. Peppering him with punches all night. Sticking a left jab on his eye all the time. Doing exactly what I always thought a bigger fighter had to do. Stay outside, use a stiff jab and do not fight inside with Tyson.

I was stunned at what I was watching, but by the 5th round I knew if he could keep this pace up, and not get caught by a Tyson haymaker...he would win this fight. The 8th round...he got caught. But he got up.....and then finished the round strong. Then in round 9 he pounded Tyson....and I thought he was going to finish him in the 9th....Tysons legs were rubber. But he held on.

Round 10 it was goodnight for Iron Mike and the greatest upset in sports history (yes sports history) happened. Iron Mike was never the same fighter after this loss. His air of invincibility gone forever. It was a downward spiral taking place even before this fight. The Douglas knockout was the grand finale to his downfall of probably becoming the most dominant heavyweight fighter of all time. He cut ties with Kevin Rooney and his manager and went with Don Kings crew. His marriage to Robin Givens was an utter nightmare. Just all kinds of bad things. Of course the stories of how he did not train hard (he was put on his *** by Greg Paige in a sparring session) and got all lit up on cocaine the night before the fight have been told.

But for one magical evening, James "Buster" Douglas fought the perfect fight and did the unimaginable. He knocked out Mike Tyson.

I went to Krispy Kreme right after it was all over for a hot doughnut run. I was telling everyone around me Tyson was knocked out tonight. Not a single person believed me. This was before phones, twitter and the 24 hour news cycle. It was shocking. I was telling people "Yes....Buster Douglas knocked out Tyson in the 10th round!!!".

What a night to remember. I have watched the replay of that fight many times. It still is fantastic to watch. Douglas simply beat Tyson to the punch all night.

[Caulfield]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

...But for one magical evening, James "Buster" Douglas fought the perfect fight and did the unimaginable. He knocked out Mike Tyson.

I went to Krispy Kreme right after it was all over for a hot doughnut run. I was telling everyone around me Tyson was knocked out tonight. Not a single person believed me. This was before phones, twitter and the 24 hour news cycle. It was shocking. I was telling people "Yes....Buster Douglas knocked out Tyson in the 10th round!!!".

dang, that was a long time ago! lol

[JayBee74]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

But for one magical evening, James "Buster" Douglas fought the perfect fight and did the unimaginable. He knocked out Mike Tyson.

I think he had the talent to beat Holyfield but was not in peak shape and pretty much called it in. Fortunately for him, his super upset of Tyson made him $25 million.

42-1 wasn't anything special and paled by comparison to HBO's Legendary Nights The Tale Of Tyson-Douglas.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: ESPN 30 for 30 Discussion Thread

I think he had the talent to beat Holyfield but was not in peak shape and pretty much called it in. Fortunately for him, his super upset of Tyson made him $25 million.

42-1 wasn't anything special and paled by comparison to HBO's Legendary Nights The Tale Of Tyson-Douglas.

Agree 100%. If he would have trained hard and had been in the same shape he was for Tyson....he probably wears down Holyfield and beats him. He was a much stronger and bigger heavyweight. Holyfield had incredible heart and determination though. He was a warrior and always in incredible shape. Douglas was so fat, and so out of shape for that fight. It was disgraceful to be frank. He looked like a total tomato can and bum that night. 3rd round knockout? Wow. It was brutal. He had all three belts and just gave them away.

But like you said....he cashed in 25MM for that title defense. And of course Holyfield would go on to have a fantastic career and run as the heavyweight champion. And man did he light up Tyson both times they fought. Granted Tyson was not the same fighter.....but I think Holyfield beats Tyson in 1990 too. Tyson simply got too arrogant and forgot where he came from with Rooney, Cus and Cayton guiding him. Once he went with King.....it was over.