Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel — Season 12
About this season
A monthly sports newsmagazine which was "spawned by the fact that sports have changed dramatically, that it's no longer just fun and games, and that what happens off the field, beyond the scores, is worthy of some serious reporting," according to Bryant Gumbel, the host.
Episodes (12)
1. Episode 106 - Authentic Imitations; Staph Infections in Sports; All in the Family; It Was Written
Aired 17 January 2006 • 60 min
A look at fraud in the sports-memorabilia industry; profiles of Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson III and his father; a visit with tennis star Maria Sharapova; a report on the increase in staph infections among athletes.
2. Episode 107 - The World of Oz; Mind Over Matter; Tragic Hero; More
Aired 7 February 2006 • 60 min
Included: a profile of Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, a look at athlete meltdowns, a visit with 1984 Olympic skiing champ Bill Johnson and another look at the 1966 Texas Western NCAA basketball champs.
3. Episode 108 - Native Son; Courtside Career; In Their Element; Gentle Giant
Aired 7 March 2006 • 60 min
Segments include a look at Vietnam-born, U.S.-raised pitcher Danny Graves, who visits the country with his Vietnamese mother; a profile of college-hoops analyst Billy Packer; and a report on Gallaudet University's basketball team.
4. Episode 109 - Show Me the Money; Out of Left Field; An Uncommon Man; Buckeye Woes
Aired 11 April 2006 • 60 min
Included: a look at horse racing's Jockeys' Guild, a visit with former baseball player Darren Daulton, a profile of ocean swimmer Gordon Pugh and a look at Ohio State's embattled basketball program.
5. Episode 110 - The Commish; In the Headlines; Making Strides
Aired 16 May 2006 • 60 min
A Bob Costas interview with retiring NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, a profile of NFL draft bust Ryan Leaf, a report on the Duke lacrosse controversy and an update on Texas track-and-field coach Bev Kearney.
6. Episode 111 - The Air We Breathe; A Game of Years; Still Going
Aired 20 June 2006 • 60 min
Included: a look at the effects of coal-fired power plants on young athletes; a visit with the baseball-playing inmates of San Quentin Prison; and a profile of tennis great Martina Navratilova, who continues to compete and has written a diet-fitness book.
7. Episode 112 - Terrell Owens; To Catch a Thief; The Dark Side of the World Cup; Ski Lift
Aired 18 July 2006 • 60 min
Included: a visit with wide receiver Terrell Owens; a profile of James Hogue, an imposter who conned his way into Princeton; and a visit with skier and disabled veteran Kirk Bauer. Correspondents include Bernard Goldberg and Mary Carillo.
8. Episode 113 - The Negotiator; T206; Rough Riders; Back in the Game
Aired 15 August 2006 • 60 min
Frank Deford interviews NBC sports chief Dick Ebersol. Also: a report on the rare 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card, one of the most sought-after treasures among sports collectors.
9. Episode 114 - Driving Alone; Under the Influence; Bigger Is Better; Common Goal
Aired 19 September 2006 • 60 min
Included: an interview with IndyCar driver Danica Patrick; a look back at a 1985 drug scandal involving the Pittsburgh Pirates; a report on 300-pound players in high-school football; and an update on a soccer team made up of homeless players.
10. Episode 115 - Gameday; Impossible Choice; Playing with Pain
Aired 31 October 2006 • 60 min
Included: A look at ESPN's "College Gameday" football program; an interview with the authors of "Game of Shadows;" a visit with the brother of a quadriplegic, who struggles to grant a final wish; a report on alleged prescription-drug abuse by athletes. Correspondents include Jon Frankel, Frank Deford and Bernard Goldberg.
11. Episode 116 - Outcast; Bringing Down the House; Drug Runners; Still Jumping
Aired 21 November 2006 • 60 min
Segments include an interview with cyclist Floyd Landis; a look at card-counting in blackjack; a report on a drug-recovery program that promotes marathon training; and a visit with fitness expert Jack LaLanne.
12. Episode 117 - Uninsured; Born to Run; Battle of the Bulge; Hard Times
Aired 26 December 2006 • 60 min
A selection of top segments from 2006 includes a look at the lack of medical insurance for jockeys; a report on the proliferation of 300-pound high-school linemen; a profile of U.S. gold medal skier Bill Johnson; and an interview with James Hogue, who conned his way into Princeton.