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 22
Aired 25 January 1999 • 60 min
2. Episode 23
Aired 25 February 1999 • 60 min
Included: the rivalry between the Fox network and Disney (owners of ABC and ESPN) in sports television; the recent Olympics scandal; the new NBA labor agreement; and Kentucky Wildcats coach Tubby Smith.
3. Episode 24
Aired 22 March 1999 • 60 min
A look at the UCLA-Houston basketball clash at the Astrodome in January 1968 that thrust the sport into the national spotlight. Also: a profile of Dick Vitale; and Major League Baseball's economic structure. Correspondents include James Brown and Larry Merchant.
4. Episode 25
Aired 20 April 1999 • 60 min
Included: a report on counterfeit golf equipment; an interview with NBA rookie Jason Williams; a look at the lack of racial diversity in NASCAR.
5. Episode 26
Aired 25 May 1999 • 60 min
Included: a report on NHL "goons"; a look at sports-induced riots; and a profile of pro boxer Elvir Muriqi, whose father and sister are in the Kosovo Liberation Army. Reporters include Armen Keteyian and Jim Lampley.
6. Episode 27
Aired 22 June 1999 • 60 min
Included: an interview with John McEnroe; a report on Major League umpires; a look at sexual harassment in women's sports; and a profile of tennis's Venus and Serena Williams. Jim Lampley and Frank Deford report.
7. Episode 28
Aired 26 July 1999 • 60 min
Included: a profile of sports agent Tank Black; a look at the academic scandal affecting the Minnesota men's basketball team; and profiles of baseball's Derek Jeter and track and field's Marion Jones. Bryan Burwell and Armen Keteyian report.
8. Episode 29
Aired 23 August 1999 • 60 min
Included: profiles of football coaches Jimmy Johnson and Lou Holtz; a look at the muscle-building supplement androstenedione; and a report on coach George Scholz's racial discrimination suit against the Orlando Magic. Correspondents include Frank Deford and Sonja Stetoe.
9. Episode 30
Aired 13 September 1999 • 60 min
Included: a profile of Jets coach Bill Parcells, a look at baseball's committment to hiring minorities, Ronney Jenkins' departure from the BYU football team, and coaches accused of improper sexual conduct. Correspondents include Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant.
10. Episode 31
Aired 12 October 1999 • 60 min
Scheduled: Profiles of former Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain and San Antonio center Tim Duncan; a look at cockfighting; and a report on Title IX. Reporters include Larry Merchant and James Brown.
11. Episode 32
Aired 16 November 1999 • 60 min
Included: a look at the 1966 college-football classic between Notre Dame and Michigan State; a profile of the WNBA's Cynthia Cooper. Reporters include Jack Whitaker and Mary Carillo.
12. Episode 33
Aired 14 December 1999 • 60 min
Included: a profile of Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning; a look at concussions in the NFL; Lehigh University RB Ronald Jean; a report on collecting trading cards.