One of the biggest changes wrought by the COVID-19 is to the world of sports. To deal with the absence, the sports entertainment business has tried several different things. They’ve re-run classic games and playoff series. Sports radio has debated all-time greats for local teams. But one of the best ways to get a sports fix in the time of COVID is through documentaries. There are several great looks at life behind the scenes that sports fans should take a look at now.
The Last Dance
The best-known sports documentary in recent weeks has been the ten-part ESPN special “The Last Dance.” This takes a look at Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their time at the top of the NBA during the 1990s. This has been an interesting look behind the curtain for basketball fans. It’s also re-invigorated several old controversies. For example, Jordan’s old teammate Horace Grant has denounced the doc as full of lies.
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
“Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez,” tells the twisting tale of the New England Patriots’ star who became tangled in a world of violence. Featuring interviews with the people Hernandez grew up with, this documentary seeks to answer the question of what went wrong. Over the course of three episodes, this project paints a complete picture of a deeply troubled young man.
The Test: A New Era For Australia’s Team
In terms of standalone documentaries, there are plenty of great films to choose from. “The Test: A New Era For Australia’s Team” is a great introduction to the sport of cricket. Though under-appreciated in the US, cricket is a big deal in India, Australia, and the UK. This film shows the development of the Australian national team, from the aftermath of a 2017 scandal to a face-off against England at the Ashes.
Maradona in Mexico
“Maradona in Mexico,” tells the story of Diego Maradona after his playing career ended. At one point, he attempted to transition to the management side, working with a second-tier club in Mexico. He only lasted one season with the Dorados. In the cartel-controlled state of Sinaloa, Maradona was forced to confront some of his own demons. He famously struggled with substance abuse and found himself working in a place awash with the drug. Maradona’s passion comes through in this documentary.