30 For 30 Topic Suggestions

For those that don't know, ESPN 30 for 30 is a series of documentaries that focus on a specific topic in sports, often spilling over into society as a whole.  Some of the topics covered, and some of my favorite documentaries include analyzing the Steve Bartman incident and the reaction of the fans, Michigan's Fab Five men's basketball team who revolutionized the game on and off the court, and the rivalry between Auburn and Alabama and the dynamic relationship between the two schools.  I highly recommend watching any of the documentaries.  This is just a list of some topics I hope they cover and I think would make great and compelling stories for sports and non sports fans alike.

Fantasy Football
Any way you look at it, fantasy football is part of the NFL in today's world.  They have fantasy experts, shows, and websites dedicated just to looking at the NFL through a fantasy lens.  I love playing fantasy football (even though I'm 1-5) and got hooked easily.  The stars of The League, a television show about fantasy football, admitted that they were not sure what it was all about before the show, but became engrossed when they were in a league in real life.  This documentary could analyze the decision making and risk management that actually goes into it.  It could delve into the social aspect of it and compare real life vs fantasy perceptions when it comes to certain players.  Perhaps they could chronicle someone like Matthew Berry, a famous and dedicated fantasy expert, to see what goes into placing certain values with players.  It would be something that a lot of people could relate to considering the popularity of the sport, and could serve as one of the more fun and upbeat videos in the 30 for 30 series.

Tim Tebow
This is in no way endorsing Tebowmania.  No matter what you think about him, his story would make for one heck of a documentary.  He is a caring, openly religious, and passionate person in a sport that glorifies flashiness and flamboyancy.   His childhood story alone is compelling as he was born in the Philippines and was home schooled.  This created an interesting dynamic in high school because he was allowed to choose where he wanted to play, instead of being confined to a certain district.  He won a national title as a freshman, became the first sophomore Heisman Trophy winner, won his second national title as a junior, decided to stay for his senior year, and won the Sugar Bowl in his last game at Florida.  Add in his memorable speech after Florida was upset by Ole Miss in 2008 (the year they won the national title) and you have a full script right there.  But wait, there's more.

His pro career has been quite the spectacle.  There was a constant controversy in Denver over Kyle Orton and him which led to people taking sides with either "believing Tebow can be an NFL quarterback" or "believing Tebow cannot be an NFL quarterback."  This dynamic would be interesting to delve into given the pure athleticism and passion Tebow brought along with his unconventional throwing motion and lack of the "ideal" NFL QB style.  Even after leading the Broncos to the playoffs in 2011 and beating the Steelers in the opening round, they essentially kicked him out in favor of Peyton Manning coming off of neck surgery.  I'm sure the people at ESPN could get how Tebow truly felt when the sweepstakes for Manning was going on, and when he chose Denver.  The Jets project is still too early to report on, but what a documentary that would be.

Fan Violence
I only got this idea recently because of all the stories I have read about fan violence this year in the NFL.  A Bears fan was stabbed to death in Jacksonville when the Bears played the Jags.  Type in "NFL fan fight" on Youtube and a whole host of results come up.  I understand being passionate about your team and hot headed when they lose.  Trust me.  I'm a Cowboys fan and I feel that way every time Romo drops back to pass.  But c'mon sports fans.  I think this documentary would be helpful as well because people could see these actions and discover how frequent and brutal some of these attacks are.  Not only that, but they bring a bad reputation to the team that you are supporting.  No team of fan base (well, maybe Philadelphia) wants to be known as brutal, hostile people.  You can be hostile with noise and insults, but to assault someone because he or she likes a different team is ridiculous and pathetic.  ESPN should get some testimonies from some of the fans involved in these fights, especially the extreme cases.  I'm sure it would be quite emotional, but send a strong message to the fans.

September 28, 2011
For those that don't know, this was the most insane day of baseball and perhaps sport that I have ever witnessed.  Nothing made sense.  Craziness ruled.  The Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox completed their historic collapses to miss the playoffs despite having comfortable leads heading into the final month of the season.  The Red Sox loss was even more devastating given the scenario.  They had the luxury of facing the last place Orioles and were up 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th with two outs.  Jonathan Papelbon, a proven closer, gave up the game tying and game winning runs to sink the Sox.

The Tampa Bay Rays, meanwhile, were getting crushed by the Yankees, who had nothing to play for.  They were down 7-0 going into the 8th when things got out of control.  They rattled off six in that inning and scored the game tying run in the bottom of the 9th.  Then, in the 12th inning, the Rays completed their comeback and clinched the final AL wild card just moments after the Red Sox lost.

The Braves gave up a 3-1 lead, allowing the go ahead run in the 9th to lose 4-3.  The Cardinals played the lowly Astros and won comfortably, earning them a playoff spot.  For those that saw what transpired, they will never forget it.  It was unbelievable not just from a baseball perspective, but from an entertainment perspective.  This would make for one of the most intense and edge of your seat documentaries in this series.  This is one that I think will eventually be made because of the sheer excitement and unpredictability that day displayed.

Matty O.