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Bleacher Report
Sports Docs | Why We Watch
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1
3:52
Ray Lewis Inspires Arian Foster
by BleacherReport 72,104 views
Arian Foster and Ray Lewis explain the beginning of their unique friendship, sparked during the second quarter of the Ravens vs Texans game back in 2010. Ray Lewis in the twilight of his career and Arian Foster at the height of his career talk about what it takes to grow in the NFL and in life. Take an inside look at these two inspiring athletes.
Producer: Amir Ebrahimi
Editors: Jacques del Conte Mike Kattenberg
Special thanks:
Ray Lewis
Arian Foster
Arian Foster B-roll courtesy of Under Armour
Nelly
Celebrity Sweat
B/R video team -
2
4:45
Inside MLB Fan Cave
by BleacherReport 2,341 views
Take a look inside the MLB Fan Cave as baseball greats like Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera show us their acting talents. Nas does his thing and Kate Upton gets down with the Cave Dwellers. See what it's like to experience the ultimate fan dream of living in the MLB Fan Cave and watching every single one of their home team's games. For more info, a chance to be a part of the Fan Cave during the Playoffs or a chance to be a Cave Dweller next year please go to MLB.com.
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3
4:31
Tennesee Titans' Tommie Campbell: From Airport Janitor to the NFL | Why We Watch
by BleacherReport 3,442 views
From a very young age, Tommie Campbell dreamed of one day playing in the NFL. One of the most highly-touted players coming out of Aliquippa High School in Pennsylvania, Campell signed with the nearby University of Pittsburgh in 2005 and was expected to have quite an impact.
But four years after graduating from high school, Tommie was about as far from the NFL as one could get. He wasn't in school. He wasn't playing football. Campbell was working as a janitor at the Pittsburgh International Airport.
Bleacher Report recently caught up with Tommie in his hometown, where he shared insight on what he went through and how he was able to get his football career -- and his life - back on track.
Director/Producer: Sarah Kreiger
Editor: Wade Grayson
Assistant Editor: Matt Rosenberg
Camera: Ben Hernstrom, Ryan Boosel, Sarah Kreiger, Matt Rosenberg
Special Thanks:
Tommie Campbell
Larry Dorsch
Mike Conway
Beth Conway
Greg Diulus, Vantage Management Group
Tad Makowiecki
Justin Philips
Ryno Productions
Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WhyWeWatch
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WhyWeWatch -
4
1:21
Worst Slams Street League 2012
by BleacherReport 38,747 views
Sean Malto, Chaz Ortiz, Matt Miller and Steezus Christ breakdown the worst Slams of Street League 2012.
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5
5:02
Street League 2012: Best Moments & Highlights | Why We Watch
by BleacherReport 30,833 views
Rob Dyrdek, Nyjah Huston, Sean Malto, Chaz Ortiz, Paul Rodriquez, Mikey Taylor, Matt Miller and Steezus Christ share their favorite moments from this season's Street League Series.
We recently sat down with these world class skaters at the 2012 Street League Championship in Newark, NJ. This is a tight group who not only love the competition but also have a huge amount of respect and admiration for each other.
Check out what they had to say about the growing street skating league and the best moments of 2012.
Producers: Amir Ebrahimi, Ryan O'Leary
Director/Editor: Amir Ebrahimi
Camera: Amir Ebrahimi, Hunter Mandel, Kevin Sprague
Production Assistants: Hunter Mandel, Kevin Sprague
Footage Licensed to Street League Skateboarding
Special thanks:
Rob Dyrdek
Sean Malto
Nyjah Huston
Kelle Huston
Chaz Ortiz
Paul Rodriguez
Steezus Christ
Matt Miller
Mikey Taylor
The Whole Street League team
Prudential Center
Hunter Mandel
Ryan O'Leary
Kevin Sprague
Follow Why We Watch on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WhyWeWatch
Like Why We Watch on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WhyWeWatch -
6
1:18
2012 Street League Championship: Highlights & Course Build Timelapse
by BleacherReport 1,838 views
Street skating has continuously evolved over the past ten years and Rob Dyrdek's Street League has been at the forefront of this evolution. Instead of just a single competition, Dyrdek created a street skating league made up of multiple events across the United States. The 2012 Street League Series consisted of three regular season stops in Kansas City, MO, Ontario, CA and Glendale, AZ. Each winner was awarded $150,000.
The culmination of the 2012 season: The SLS Championship recently held at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Featuring a grand prize of $200,000, the world's Top 8 Street Skaters - Nyjah Huston, Chris Cole, P-Rod, Sean Malto, Ryan Sheckler, Chaz Ortiz, Luan Oliveira and Bastien Salabanzi - all battled it out in the ultimate skating arena.
Watch what goes into building these amazing courses as we showcase the 2012 Street League Championship course from its beginning through to the competition - all in just over one minute.
Make sure to check back with Why We Watch for more from the Street League Series...
Producers: Amir Ebrahimi, Ryan O'Leary
Editor: Amir Ebrahimi
Production Assistants: Hunter Mandel, Kevin Sprague
Footage Licensed to Street League Skateboarding
Special thanks:
Rob Dyrdek
Street League Skateboarding
Prudential Center
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WhyWeWatch
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WhyWeWatch -
7
3:18
New York Jets' Brandon Moore - Why We Watch
by BleacherReport 3,710 views
Brandon Moore has gone from undrafted free agent to one of the most well-respected players in the entire National Football League. Now in his tenth season, the veteran guard takes a few moments to look back on his career and shares insight on how he was able to succeed.
In addition, Moore reflects on the Jets' disappointing 2011 season and shares his thoughts on Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and the Jets' offense as well as his expectations for the upcoming season.
For more information on the New York Jets and the National Football League, visit www.newyorkjets.com and www.nfl.com.
Follow @WhyWeWatch on Twitter!
Director/Producer: Sarah Kreiger
Editor: Fred Widland
Camera: Frank Angelcyk, Amir Ebrahimi
Special Thanks:
The New York Jets
Nikolaos Filis
Alex Tarshis -
8
4:21
I'm a Celebrity Mascot - Why We Watch
by BleacherReport 3,925 views
Mascots are awesome! We know what they do at sporting events, but as a sports fan we're out of the loop on a lot about the life of a mascot. The mystery is "how do you become a mascot?" Which is a great question; there's a different answer for both college and professional levels. You can even receive a free education for being a college mascot!
There is much preparation for the season (Training, diet, dance class, etc.), Mascots work throughout the year, long after their respective team's seasons are over. We take a look inside the "Celebrity Mascot Games" YES there is an All-Star game for mascots.
We sat down with former pro mascots to find out why being a mascot is more than just putting on a costume and dancing. We answered a lot of questions fans may have about the mascot world.
Producer: Lance Fresh
DP: Nicholas Oliver
Editor: Kevin Losani
http://www.Mascotgames.org
http://www.newhopeforkids.org
Special Thanks:
Jennifer Lastik
Jeff Melinat
Marlon Lozano
Sherry Latimer
Brent Nelson
Meredith Painter
Robert Boudwin
Central Florida Sports Commission
New Hope For Kids
All of the Participating Teams -
9
2:37
Nyjah Huston breaks down epic slam from Rise and Shine Video
by BleacherReport 106,837 views
Nyjah Huston is tearing up the street skating world, executing moves as if controlled by a video game joystick. At 17, Huston has already enjoyed a full career - including a comeback at the age of 16. The last year-and-a-half, Nyjah has dominated street skating's most notable competition, Rob Dyrdek's Street League, and there is no sign of him slowing down.
Nyjah started skating at the age of 5 and has been pushing the progression of street skating ever since winning his first major Skate competition at the age of 9. By the age of 11, Nyjah was the youngest X-games competitor at the time. Although Nyjah Huston is the instant favorite to win any competition he enters, his passion for skating can be found in blowing minds with tricks on some of the most dangerous stairs and handrails around the world. That reality is documented in "Rise and Shine" the latest Nyjah Huston skate video produced by long time sponsor, Element Skateboards.
Bleacher Report caught up with Nyjah Huston in Huntington Beach at his home court, Quicksilver Park. In this edition of Why We Watch, Nyjah Huston breaks down one of the craziest slams ever recorded, and what it takes to jump back on board and get the job done.
It leaves us all asking the same question, what will Nyjah Huston do next?
Director/Producer: Amir Ebrahimi
Editor: Jacques del Conte
Camera men: Mark Stewart, Aaron Chervenak
Special Thanks to:
Kelle Huston
Marc Falkenstien
Cole Mathews
Element Skateboards
Quick Silver Skate park
For full version of " Rise and Shine " check i tunes -
10
3:03
Chris Weidman UFC Why We Watch
by BleacherReport 11,269 views
Boxing has Rocky Balboa ...
MMA has Chris Weidman.
The Long Island mixed martial artist is the combat sport's true underdog story.
The 28-year-old was an All-American wrestler during his college days at Hofstra University, and then became a wrestling coach there after he graduated. But he was looking for more of a challenge. After meeting trainer Ray Longo, Chris found that challenge in MMA.
MMA promoter Bellator offered Weidman a contract, but Chris -- despite living in his parents' basement with his wife and daughter -- didn't agree with the terms of the deal and declined.
In 2011, Weidman then attended a StrikeForce event with his best friend. UFC called to see if Chris could fill the card of an injured fighter, to fight Alessio Sakara.
Despite nursing broken ribs and being overweight, Weidman whipped himself into shape and took the fight on only 3 weeks notice.
Weidman won the match and has not looked back.
He is undefeated and goes for win #9 against Mark Munos July 11th in San Jose.
Bleacher Report gets an inside look at how a young, hungry and relatively unknown fighter is trying to make a name for himself in the rough and tumble world of MMA.
Credits:
Director/Producer: Amir Ebrahimi
DP: Gregg Conde
Editor: Jacques del Conte
Sound: Tyson Dai
Camera op: Nora Schaffer
PA: Hunter Mandel
Special thanks to:
UFC
Ray Longo
Ray Longo GYM -
11
2:22
Billy Corgan: Inside Resistance Pro Wrestling Preview
by BleacherReport 9,607 views
In a warehouse in Chicago, one would think Billy Corgan, founder of the best selling alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins would be hard at work on his next album, Oceania (which drops June 19th). While Corgan did bring a guitar to the Teamsters Auditorium on S. Marshfield Rd in early May, he was actually there overseeing the creative direction of Resistance Pro, a new wrestling league founded by Corgan & the Baron Brothers, Jacques & Gabriel.
SUBSCRIBE now for new episodes! - http://goo.gl/hMQhf
"Rock n' roll for me at some point became too obvious and too commercial and too corporate and too predicable." - Billy Corgan
Corgan states, "It still has that rebellion built into it. There's actually an opportunity by being radical and being rebellious you can succeed and that was exciting to me."
Check out a preview for Billy Corgan: Inside Resistance Pro Wrestling and Subscribe Now (http://goo.gl/hMQhf) to stay tuned for more!
Want to see Resistance Pro for yourself?
Check Out Resistance Pro: Taken by Force LIVE
Friday June 15, 2012
Excalibur Nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn St.
Director / Producer
Weston Green
Editor / Producer
Jacques del Conte
Camera Ops.
Chris Cascarano
Chuck Przybyl
Simon Brubaker
Special Thanks
Jacques and Gabriel Baron
Lissa Druss Christman
Billy Corgan
Todd Frugia
Chris Nowinski
Chase Turner -
12
3:59
Travis Rice: Snowboarding into the Future
by BleacherReport 152,775 views
Subscribe to Why We Watch on YouTube: http://goo.gl/DLnCl
Follow Why We Watch on Twitter: http://goo.gl/oKCDz
Like Why We Watch on Facebook: http://goo.gl/v2yPo
National Geographic called him "the best all-around snowboarder in the world." Red Bull produces feature films showcasing his talent. He snowboards some of the most dangerous and exotic back country terrain in the world. If you don't already know him, you should.
Travis Rice grew up the son of a ski patrolman in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. At 18, he drove out to Mammoth, CA and weaseled his way into the Superpark Competition, beating out the competition when he launched a backside rodeo over a 110-foot gap jump. After that performance, Rice was asked to be a part of his first sports action film, Transcendence. Since then, he was won countless awards, including two X-Games Gold Medals and starred in the critically acclaimed snowboarding films: First Descent, Art of Flight and That's It, That's All.
In 2012, Travis launched the first-ever Red Bull Supernatural in Bald Face, British Columbia, where he invited the 18 best back country snowboarders in the world to compete in natural conditions. It was the ultimate contest for the best all-around snowboarder and Travis aptly paced the competition.
The future is bright for Travis Rice, with everyone waiting to see what he will do next, not just as a snowboarder, but as one of the sport's true innovators.
Credits:
Aimee Denaro, Producer
Mike Kattenburg, Editor
James Weitz, Camera
Lindsay Rappaport, "B" Camera
Thanks to:
Red Bull Media House
Brain Farm Cinema
Transition Productions
Kemp Curley
Curt Morgan
Degree, Masters of Movement
Weber Shandwick, Chicago -
13
2:56
Billy Corgan's Fight Club: The People's Fight (Part 4/4)
by BleacherReport 1,262 views
In a warehouse in Chicago, one would think Billy Corgan, founder of the best selling alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins would be hard at work on his next album, Oceania (which drops June 19th). While Corgan did bring a guitar to the Teamsters Auditorium on S. Marshfield Rd in early May, he was actually there overseeing the creative direction of Resistance Pro, a new wrestling league founded by Corgan & the Baron Brothers, Jacques & Gabriel.
SUBSCRIBE now for new episodes! - http://goo.gl/hMQhf
This is the final part of the four part series "Billy Corgan's Fight Club"
Check out Part One of Billy Corgan's Fight Club: Inside Resistance Pro Wrestling and Subscribe Now (http://goo.gl/hMQhf)
Part 1 - http://goo.gl/grL7d
Part 2 - http://goo.gl/RrFeO
Part 3 - http://youtu.be/-DiUoyHYCEQ
Part 4 - The People's Fight
Director / Producer
Weston Green
Editor / Producer
Jacques del Conte
Camera Ops.
Chris Cascarano
Chuck Przybyl
Simon Brubaker
Special Thanks
Jacques and Gabriel Baron
Lissa Druss Christman
Billy Corgan
Todd Frugia
Chris Nowinski
Chase Turner -
14
2:24
Billy Corgan's Fight Club: With a Little Help from my Friends (Part 3/4)
by BleacherReport 1,218 views
Subscribe for the entire series! http://goo.gl/KhYXL
In a warehouse in Chicago, one would think Billy Corgan, founder of the best selling alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins would be hard at work on his next album, Oceania (which drops June 19th). While Corgan did bring a guitar to the Teamsters Auditorium on S. Marshfield Rd in early May, he was actually there overseeing the creative direction of Resistance Pro, a new wrestling league founded by Corgan & the Baron Brothers, Jacques & Gabriel.
SUBSCRIBE now for new episodes! - http://goo.gl/hMQhf
"Rock n' roll for me at some point became too obvious and too commercial and too corporate and too predicable." - Billy Corgan
Over the next four weeks Bleacher Report's documentary series Why We Watch will release a new video every Tuesday going behind the scenes of Corgan's venture into the world of sports entertainment. On the subject of wrestling, Corgan states, "It still has that rebellion built into it. There's actually an opportunity by being radical and being rebellious you can succeed and that was exciting to me."
Check out Part One of Billy Corgan's Fight Club: Inside Resistance Pro Wrestling and Subscribe Now (http://goo.gl/hMQhf) to stay tuned for more over the next few weeks.
Part 1 - http://goo.gl/grL7d
Part 2 - http://goo.gl/RrFeO
Part 3 - With a Little Help from my Friends
Part 4 - http://goo.gl/IOusr
Director / Producer
Weston Green
Editor / Producer
Jacques del Conte
Camera Ops.
Chris Cascarano
Chuck Przybyl
Simon Brubaker
Special Thanks
Jacques and Gabriel Baron
Lissa Druss Christman
Billy Corgan
Todd Frugia
Chris Nowinski
Chase Turner -
15
2:00
Billy Corgan's Fight Club: Inside Resistance Pro Wrestling (Part 2/4)
by BleacherReport 2,486 views
SUBSCRIBE now for new episodes! - http://goo.gl/hMQhf
"Tonight. It's Vader Time"
This week, Bleacher Report's documentary series Why We Watch continues it's series focusing on the underground wrestling league coming out of Chicago, IL, called RESISTANCE Pro.
Billy Corgan's Fight Club: Inside Resistance Pro Wrestling
PART II: Resistance Pro answers the question "what is RESISTANCE Pro?" and goes further behind the scenes as Lonesome Jay Bradley reveals how he has creative input, even when facing one of the most feared fighters in wrestling, Vader.
Part 1 - http://youtu.be/h0uAZWlCEq4
Part 2 - Resistance Pro
Part 3 - http://goo.gl/Tsaz6
Part 4 - Release 7/3
Director / Producer
Weston Green
Editor / Producer
Jacques del Conte
Camera Ops.
Chris Cascarano
Chuck Przybyl
Simon Brubaker
Special Thanks
Jacques and Gabriel Baron
Lissa Druss Christman
Billy Corgan
Todd Frugia
Chris Nowinski
Chase Turner -
16
4:23
Chasing Silver: The 200m Usain Bolt 2008 Olympic Race
by BleacherReport 5,544 views
We all know that Usain Bolt broke the World Record in the 200m race in Beijing....but do you know who got the Silver? And why was it one of the Olympics biggest controversies?
Credits:
Aimee Denaro, Producer
Fred Widland, Editor
Nicolas Oliver, Camera (Orlando)
James Weitz, Camera (Los Angeles)
Lindsay Rappaport, "B" Camera (Los Angeles)
Thanks to:
USOC
NBC Sports Group
Churandy Martina
Shawn Crawford -
17
4:02
Bo Jackson Bikes for Alabama Tornado Recovery
by BleacherReport 3,174 views
Subscribe to Why We Watch on YouTube: http://goo.gl/DLnCl
Follow Why We Watch on Twitter: http://goo.gl/oKCDz
Like Why We Watch on Facebook: http://goo.gl/v2yPo
The State of Alabama stretches 190 miles through the very heart of the American South, and every last square foot is home to Bo Jackson.
The multi-talented and multi-sport megastar was born in Bessemer, nestled in the heart of the Alabama and played his collegiate athletics at Auburn. Though his alma matter is entrenched in a deep, bitter rivalry with the University of Alabama, it didn't stop Bo from reaching across the aisle when the state was ravaged by tornadic activity in April 2011.
In fact, Tuscaloosa, the home of the Alabama Crimson Tide, suffered the brunt of the damage, with folks on both sides of the Iron Bowl Rivalry lending their support.
For his part, Jackson organized "Bo Bikes Bama" - a five day bike ride across Alabama to raise support and morale for a state in desperate need of both. This year was the first advent of the bike race with the hope that it will become an annual event.
Supporting Bo were thousands of Alabama residents who came out to cheer on the cause and several high profile athletes including Ken Griffey Jr., Picabo Street and of course, Lance Armstrong - all of which lent their celebrity to raise the event's profile.
Bo's career of amazing fans through his athletic prowess may have ended early, but it hasn't stopped him from, as he says, "Putting a little sunshine in somebody's life."
-To donate to the Alabama Governors relief fund please go to
http://bobikesbama.com/
Director/producer: Amir Ebrahimi
Editor: Jacques del Conte
Camera men: Herby Strickland, Mark Ramsey
Extra Special Thanks to Julie Ward at Big Communications
Special thanks to;
Lance Armstrong
Ken Griffey Jr.
Peek a Boo Streets
Paige Smith
Yumi Ozama at NIKE
Brain Strong at NIKE
Jonathan Graves
Craig Parks at Arts and Labor
Andrew Logan at Arts and Labor
Becca Mocwaters at Flywheel sports
Flywheel Sports Atlanta
Faris at Cahaba Cycles
Cahaba Cycles Alabama
Trek bikes
Susana Schuler
The good people of Alabama
Tuscaloosa Fire Department
Ryan O'leary -
18
2:17
NHL Playoff Beards: A Growing Tradition
by BleacherReport 10,858 views
Subscribe to Why We Watch on YouTube: http://goo.gl/DLnCl
Follow Why We Watch on Twitter: http://goo.gl/oKCDz
Like Why We Watch on Facebook: http://goo.gl/v2yPo
When the Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cups in the early 1980s, they didn't just start a hockey dynasty, they also initiated another tradition that will live and grow far beyond faded memories of Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy. That tradition? The playoff beard.
That's because a few weeks of not shaving, growing a playoff beard in a sign of team solidarity, has taken on a life of it's own 32 years later.
Now, it's customary for every player on every playoff team to ditch the razor as an act of superstition before the hockey gods. Playoff beards come in many forms, large and out of control, well groomed, mustache and goatee. There are even those young players not able to grow a true beard at all.
But no matter the shape or size, it's about the bond between teammates with fan participation creating a unified front.
Even the most casual fan dons a playoff beard at this point, beginning the growing process on day one of the playoffs and not ridding themselves of facial hair until their team wins the cup or is eliminated from contention.
The advent of the Beard-A-Thon in recent years ties in a charitable aspect, raising money for each playoff teams' individual charity. In the past four years, more than $2M has been raised by the foundation.
Playoff beards are one of the many unique elements that make the NHL playoffs so fantastic and so intriguing to watch.
They're just another reason of Why We Watch.
Producer:
Ryan O'Leary
Editor:
Fred Widland
Shooters:
Casey DeMarco
Hunter Mandel
Patrick Rosenbaum
Special Thanks:
Aimee Denaro
Aidan Bradley
John Cimperman
Josh Bernstein
Scott Hartnell
Zach Hill, Philadelphia Flyers
Local West, NYC
NHL & NHL Network
NHL Store
Ken Daneyko
Mike Levine, New Jersey Devils
Beard-a-Thon Foundation
Cenergy -
19
3:18
Ironman Lew Hollander: Longevity Secrets
by BleacherReport 6,985 views
Subscribe to Why We Watch on Youtube: http://goo.gl/mND7a
It may defy logic and reason, but there are 80-something-year-old men racing in -- and actually finishing -- Ironman competitions.
And just last October, Lew Hollander finished Kona, the legendary end-of-season Ironman race in Kona, Hawai'I, at ... 81-years-old!!! He became the oldest EVER to finish an Ironman.
(For the record, 80-year-old France Cokan also finished the same race a short time after Lew.)
How does Hollander do it? What does he do to keep his body in shape and mind sharp to deal with the grueling 2.4-mile swim, 111-mile bike and 26.2-mile run?
Why We Watch talked with Lew about his preparation, workout routine and overall conditioning that allows him to be able to compete year-in and year-out at such an advanced age.
Find out how this incredible athlete keeps himself in such tremendous shape as he shoots for breaking his own record later this year.
Follow @WhyWeWatch on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/whywewatch
Like Why We Watch on Facebook -http://www.facebook.com/whywewatch
Director/Producer - Chris Peterson
Editor - Fred Widland
Camera - Patrick Wright
Camera - Nicholas Teti
Special Thanks to:
Lew Hollander
France Cokan
Dave Scott
Ironman
World Triathlon Corporation
Peterson Bicycle - Renton, WA -
20
6:41
Union Rags + Michael Matz Documentary - Belmont Stakes 2012 Winner
by BleacherReport 5,361 views
The next Why We Watch, Bleacher Report's short form documentary series, takes us to the world of thoroughbred horse racing...
Follow @WhyWeWatch on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/whywewatch
Its five thirty in the morning at the beautiful Palm Meadows training facility in Florida and upon our arrival we find world-renowned horse trainer Michael Matz is already hard at work.
We caught up with Matz a day before the Florida Derby where his front-runner Union Rags would run in an important preliminary to racing's Triple Crown. This is not unfamiliar territory for Matz. He was, of course, the trainer of Barbaro.
In 2006, Barbaro famously won the Kentucky Derby and became a favorite to be the first Triple Crown winner in 28 years. However,
Barbaro took one wrong step that not only lost the Preakness but also proved to be fatal. Seven months after the Preakness, Barbaro was euthanized.
Matz is now back with Kentucky Derby favorite Union Rags.
Why We Watch spends time with Matz at his training faculty just a day before the Florida Derby. Although Union Rags would lose, he came on notably faster than the two front-runners. The extra 1/8 of a mile should prove to make the difference that Union Rags needs to win the Kentucky Derby.
Matz could not of been more gracious as he sits down with Why We Watch to talk about the demons of Barbaro and the possibilities of Union Rags chances at the Run for the Roses.
Director/Producer: Amir Ebrahimi
DP: Charles Castilla
Editor: Mike Kattenburg
PA: Tom Mazza
Special thanks to:
Michael Matz
Vintage Farms
Palm Meadows Training Facility
Palm Meadows Race Track
Randy Moss
David Joseph
Peter Brette
Stephanie Ball
Paul Madden
Frank L. Festa
Stacy Clark
NBC Sports
NBC Universal
G.D. Hieronymus
Thad Kesten
Jesse Kelsey
Lauren Warren
Julie Balog
Keeneland Race Track -
21
6:21
Katie Collier: Mighty Warrior
by BleacherReport 6,444 views
It's an average day, and as Katie Collier answers her alarm, she's not just worried about normal high school matters like tests, her social life or getting to class on time.
That's because this morning she's headed to chemotherapy.
And, as her peers are shuffling off Seattle Christian High School, she's beginning another round of treatment at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
After treatment, Collier's day defies normal logic. She'll join her friends at school, then go home to tackle homework and head to practice in the evening - balancing the normal stressors of high school life with the grueling side-effects of chemotherapy with the grace of someone twice her age.
The 18-year-old is nearing the end of her six-month long battle with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), but she's far more than a cancer patient. At 6'3", she's a McDonald's All American forward and one of the best female players in the country. Her talents have earned her a basketball scholarship to the University of Washington in the Fall.
Plenty of stories are told about people who succeed before the storm or overcome adversity afterward, but Katie's tale is unique. She's thriving while in the midst of the storm, and that's why we watch.
Director/Producer Amir Ebrahimi
DP Patrick Wright
Editor Mike Kattenburg
Photo credit David Laudan
Special thanks to;
Ann Collier
Megan Collier
The Collier Family
Seattle Cancer Care
Dr. Elihu H. Estey
Seattle Christian High School
McDonalds
Ronald McDonald House
United Center
The Chicago Bulls Media Department
Dave Jensen
Washington University
David Laudan
Scott Chamberlain
Suong Wong
Craig Wrolstad
Onalaska High School -
22
3:22
JR SportBrief Talks Manny Pacquaio, Alex Rodriguez & YouTube Success
by BleacherReport 3,000 views
JR SportBrief combines his creativity, love for sports and media production background into his every day life. See how it all started here!
Subscribe to Bleacher Report! http://goo.gl/SCiMd
JR SportBrief loves his sports. He loves to watch them, talk about them, report on them and argue about them. In Bleacher Report's latest episode of Why We Watch, we caught up with JR during a shoot he covered for Degree's Masters of Movement. Set out in the desert of Los Angeles National Park, JR interviews Travis Rice, Bear Grylls, Darren Berrecloth, and Miles Daisher. Then he sits down with us, next to a Joshua Tree, and talks about his rise to YouTube stardom.
He talks about his love for sports, how the idea for Sportbrief was created and why he's grateful for each day. From meeting sports celebrities like Alex Rodriguez and Manny Pacquiao to dancing with the Knicks dancers at Madison Square Garden -- no day is boring for JR Sport Brief. Every day is a new challenge, a new video and a new slew of fans. It's a great time to be JR SportBrief.
Credits:
Aimee Denaro, producer
Mike Kattenburg, Editor
James Weitz, Camera (Los Angeles)
Lindsay Rappaport, "B" Camera (Los Angeles)
Special Thanks:
JR Sportbrief
Degree, Masters of Movement
Weber Shandwick PR
Mr. C Beverly Hills -
23
4:50
Nate Mallett - Necessary Roughness
by BleacherReport 39,428 views
Bleacher Report's Why We Watch documentary series wanted to show that there are consequences for a stupid idea. Running onto the field at a sporting event is a stupid idea. Most televised sporting events will now cut away from fan shenanigans, to not glorify these individuals' actions. Part of the reason broadcasts do that is because of Nate Mallett.
On December 24, 2005, Nate jumped from the stands and onto the field at a Browns-Steelers blowout game. He was young, dumb and full of...beer. Little did he know that James Harrison would pick him up and body-slam him on the ground, immediately propelling Nate into the spotlight. But it was at this moment that a seed was planted in Nate's mind. And over the course of the next few years, while Nate was dealing with endless fines, court appearances and jailtime for his actions on that day, he came to a realization that his life was worth more than he gave himself credit for.
Nate started down a new path, finding God, finding sobriety, and finding purpose. He joined a church band, and completely turned his life around. That one stupid drunk decision to run on the field, became the turning point and start of a new life.
Follow us on Twitter @WhyWeWatch.
Director/Producer: Chris Peterson
Editor: Tony Agapiou
Special Thanks to:
Nathan Mallett
Bill Carollo
WJW Fox 8
NFL
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers
James Harrison
Faith Harvest Fellowship
Omahoma Bob's BBQ
Wooster, OH -
24
1:24
New York Rangers Fans Shave Playoff Beards
by BleacherReport 2,969 views
See upset New York Ranger fans shave their long, disgusting & full grown beards on camera!
Subscribe! http://goo.gl/4c5Rx
Next on Why We Watch, we show you the beards becoming history!
The players from the Islanders' 1980's dynasty are believed to be the originators of growing facial hair in unison during the playoffs. It certainly worked for them. The Islanders are the last North American pro sports franchise to win four straight championships!
A couple of big New York Rangers' fans here in the Bleacher Report New York City office are in mourning since the New Jersey Devils ousted the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Kevin and Casey were so intent on following their favorite hockey team this post-season, that they grew their facial hair in support of the Rangers chase of Lord Stanley's Cup. The Rangers were looking for their first NHL title since 1994.
Unfortunately, the Blueshirt's run came to end ... and so the end comes to those beards!
Check out the guys' take on why they did it and see them take the razor to their face and reduce those playoff beards to barber floor sweep-aways.
Producer: Ryan O'Leary, Aimee Denaro
Camera: Amir Ebrahimi
Special Thanks:
Kevin Losani
Casey DeMarco -
25
5:00
Steelers and Eagles Combine: The Steagles, Undrafted
by BleacherReport 3,919 views
In 1943, America was deep into the throes of World War II. In order to keep a sense of normality, President Roosevelt demanded that all sports continue play. There was only one problem for the NFL though, 600 of their players and coaches were deployed and fighting in the war.
Many of the teams survived by recruiting retired players or using college players. But in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney and Philadelphia Eagles owner, Burt Bell, had another idea.
They decided to merge the two rival Pennsylvania teams and thus created, The Steagles.
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Even with this merger, they were still a bit of a hapless team. Most of the players were left behind to play because they weren't fit for service. They had a receiver who was blind in one eye, a lineman who was partially deaf and a quarterback with bleeding ulcers.
In addition, the two coaches, Greasy Neale and Walt Kiesling hated each other. The only way they were able to coexist on one team was by dividing up their duties between offense and defense.
If that wasn't hard enough, all players were required to work towards the war effort for 40 hours a week, which didn't leave much time for practice. But even with all of these obstacles, the Steagles prevailed and ended with a winning season of 5-4-1. This was the first winning season for the Eagles and only the second time in franchise history for the Steelers.
So, after all of hardships that went into being a Steagle, these athletes still came together for the sake of the NFL and their team.
It's something we could never imagine happening today, but if they hadn't done it then, maybe there wouldn't be a Steelers or Eagles team now.
Credits:
Aimee Denaro, Producer
Jacques del Conte, Editor
Ben Hernstrom, Camera (Pittsburgh)
James Mueller, Camera (Pittsburgh)
Robert Czyzewicz, Camera (Philadelphia)
Patrick Rosen, Camera (Philadelphia)
Special Thanks to:
Ray Didinger
Robert Dvorchak
Brenda Galloway at Temple University Library Archives
Philadelphia Enquirer
Clark Bar, Pittsburgh
Sofitel Philadephia -
26
2:33
MLB's 2012 Field of Dreams Game
by BleacherReport 1,578 views
What would it be like to play against some of the best baseball players of all time and play against them with friends in your hometown? Just ask Tim Wisecup.
Subscribe for more exclusive sports coverage: http://goo.gl/L9i2n
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhyWeWatch
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whywewatch
Credits:
Writer/Producer: Jim Forman
Editor: Mike Kattenburg
Cameraman: Matt Shedenhelm
Special Thanks:
Tim Wisecup and family
Major League Baseball
PepsiMax
Columbus Clippers
Huntington Park -
27
2:05
Yankees Fans React to Mariano Rivera's Knee Injury
by BleacherReport 3,656 views
It is a turbulent time for Pinstripe Nation.
Legendary closer Mariano Rivera suffered a season-ending knee injury in Kansas City Thursday and the Yankees -- and Yankee fans all over -- are dealing with the aftermath.
Rivera tore his ACL and meniscus while jumping for a fly ball during batting practice at Kauffman Stadium. The sight of him being carried and then carted off the field is not one Yankee fans will forget any time soon.
Now the Yankees have to figure out what to do with the back end of the bullpen. Is the closer David Robertson and Raphael Soriano?
For the Pinstripe faithful, it's not only a question of the rest of this season ... but what about the end of the great Rivera's career.
Most believed the Mariano was probably going to retire at season's end, but Rivera certainly didn't want it to end this way.
On Friday afternoon, the 42-year-old Rivera said emphatically: "I'm coming back. You can write it in big letters. I'm not going out like this."
Yankee fans hope he is right.
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Producer: Amir Ebrahimi
Editor: Jacques del Conte
Writer: Jim Forman
Special Thanks:
Getty Images -
28
6:03
Ironman Competitor Lew Hollander: Iron Will
by BleacherReport 9,496 views
Follow @WhyWeWatch on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/whywewatch
Like Why We Watch on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/whywewatch
Some say that your body is a temple. Well, Lew Hollander's temple is 81 years old and still fit to compete in Ironman triathlons - a grueling sport consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run, in one day.
In 2011, Hollander became the oldest Ironman finisher at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, but even in the oldest age division, he has some strong competition. France Cokan is just as fierce a competitor as Lew, and the two competitors have been battling for years. Their rivalry is friendly, yet ruthless, both leaving everything they have in their aging bodies out on the course. The one who crosses the finish line at the bitter end takes the prize.
What is the secret to their longevity? Quite simply, there is no secret. They'll both be the first to tell you it's about putting in the effort to maintain your body, with special focus on diet and nutrition.
Beyond just discipline, these men are true athletes. Their age makes them unique, not antique. And ultimately it doesn't matter the sport, whether it's table tennis or the NBA, rivalry makes the heart grow stronger.
For more Why We Watch HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL567DC8BD07DE7EF1" click here.
Follow us on Twitter HYPERLINK "https://twitter.com/" \l "!/WhyWeWatch" @WhyWeWatch.
Director/Producer - Chris Peterson
Editor - Fred Widland
Camera - Patrick Wright
Camera - Nicholas Teti
Special Thanks to:
Lew Hollander
France Cokan
Dave Scott
Ironman
World Triathlon Corporation
Peterson Bicycle - Renton, WA -
29
6:25
Immaculate Reception: Right Place Right Time
by BleacherReport 10,891 views
The Pittsburgh Steelers have many historic events, but none more legendary than Franco Harris's Immaculate Reception. Exploring a moment in NFL Football legend on this week's Why We Watch.
Subscribe to Why We Watch on YouTube: http://goo.gl/hMQhf
Follow @WhyWeWatch on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/whywewatch
Like Why We Watch on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whywewatch
Four decades ago, on December 23, 1972, the city of Pittsburgh received the greatest Christmas present any Steel City resident could ask for: a winning football team.
The hapless Steelers operated in utter hopelessness for 40 years prior, earning just one winning season since 1943. But this Steelers bunch flipped the script and the Steeler faithful finally had something to stand behind. Led by Head Coach Chuck Noll, Quarterback Terry Bradshaw, Defensive Tackle Joe Green and Running Back Franco
Harris, the team earned a playoff birth for the first time in franchise history.
Just two days before Christmas, the Steelers' first playoff game was sold out and spirits ran high throughout Three Rivers Stadium. But little did fans know they were about to witness the "greatest play in football history".
Despite their season's success, the Steelers found themselves down by one point with twenty-two seconds left in the 4th quarter. Bradshaw threw on 4th-and-ten with the Steelers' last chance to reverse their fate hanging in the balance. But the play didn't go down the way it was drawn.
Instead of the ball reaching John "Frenchy" Fuqua -- the intended target -- it ricocheted and landed gracefully in the hands of rookie Franco Harris, just above the shoelaces, who then ran the ball for a touchdown and gave the Steelers its first ever playoff win.
The play itself was serendipitous, and to witness it was a stroke a luck, but what happened after the game was even more spectacular. The Steelers went on to four Superbowl wins in the next eight years, becoming the powerhouse franchise that we know today. Those who were there to witness it say that it was the greatest sports moment of their lives. A turning point for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city and of course, their fans.
Be sure to subscribe to Why We Watch and Bleacher Report on Youtube http://goo.gl/hMQhf
Credits:
Producer: Aimee Denaro
Editor: Jacques del Conte
Camera: Ben Hernstrom Corey Messer James Mueller Sebastian Alvarez
Special Thanks to:
Franco Harris
Michael Ord
Sharon Levosky
Bob Dvorchak
Guy Junker
Kathy Goss
David Goss
Matt Goss
Gregory L.Peterson
Jerome Bettis Grille 36
Clark Bar
Mario's Southside
The Pittsburgh Steelers
Linda Parker at The Post-Gazette
Matthew Strauss at the Heinz History Center
Photo/Video Footage Credit:
Library and Archives Division, Sen. John Heinz History Center
Getty Images -
30
5:24
Kurt Angle: Encore - Why We Watch (US)
by BleacherReport 20,428 views
Bleacher Report's Why We Watch next takes a look at ...
Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle is looking to turn back time ... 16 years worth, to be exact.
In 1996, Angle won Gold in the heavyweight division of the freestyle wrestling competition at the Atlanta Games.
After spending much of the next decade-and-a-half as one of pro wrestling's pre-eminent figures, Angle hopes to accomplish a feat that few -- if any -- have ever attempted: trying to go for Gold again, 16 years later.
While Angle has reached the pinnacle at both the amateur (he won two NCAA titles as well) and the professional levels (multiple-time champion of both the WWE and TNA federations), he believes now is the time to go for Olympic glory once again.
Despite his age and critics claiming he's doing it just for the publicity, Angle has been in serious Olympic-style training since the middle of 2011 in his attempt to make the 2012 U.S. wrestling team.
Bleacher Report's Why We Watch caught up with Angle in his Pittsburgh-area gym to discuss his dream of going back to the Olympics. In this exclusive interview, Angle reveals his passion for the sport and what got him to consider the idea of trying out for the Summer Games at age 43!
The WWW feature includes commentary from B/R wrestling guru Alfred "Big Nasty" Konuwa and 1984 Gold Medalist Jeff Blatnick about Angle's chances of realizing his dream.
Like Why We Watch on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/WhyWeWatchHostedByBleacherReport
Follow Why We Watch on Twitter: @WhyWeWatch
Why We Watch
Director/Producer: Jim Forman
Editor: Fred Widland
DP: Lou Yellin, Al Figols, Adam Ballachey
Sound: Annmarie Knight, Aaron Chervenak
Special Thanks to:
Kurt Angle
Jeff Blatnick
Alfred "Big Nasty" Konuwa
Dave Hawk
U.S. Olympic Committee
International Olympic Committee
Getty Images
Shenendehowa (NY) High School
Manion's Gym (Carnegie, PA) -
31
5:09
Clipper Darrell - The Real Story on Why the Clippers 'Fired' Darrell Bailey
by BleacherReport 15,642 views
Bleacher Report's Why We Watch documentary series set out to capture the passion and fervor of Clipper Darrell (aka Darrell Bailey), who for the better part of two decades, wrapped his identity around that of his beloved Los Angeles Clippers and become known simply as "Clipper Darrell".
However, recent events could dramatically change his name forever.
While Bleacher Report was attempting to gain access to the clipper players for a feature on their most loyal fan, the clippers denied access, which brought up dialogue between the VP of Marketing and Darrell that lead to the Clippers allegedly requesting Darrell Bailey to remove "Clipper" from his moniker. He was further asked to remove his suit and consider himself a "normal" fan.
Since the mid-90s, the Clippers' biggest fan supported the listless Los Angeles franchise from his ninth row perch, donned in his iconic blue-and-red colored suit and team cap. Clipper Darrell became a staple at the Staples Center - the most visible and enthusiastic fan the Clippers have ever known.
Discussions persist between the Clippers and Darrell to determine his status with the organization, the results of which will ultimately affect his identity forever.
We all watch in anticipation of the outcome
Why We Watch
Director/Producer: Amir Ebrahimi
Editor: Mike Kattenburg
DP: Adam Ballachey
JP: Lance Darrell
Sound: Aaron Chervenak
Special Thanks to:
Darrell Bailey
Roger Lodge
James Allen
Long Beach State
Los Angeles Clippers -
32
1:01
The Clipper Darrell Saga Teaser - Why We Watch
by BleacherReport 7,725 views
Bleacher Report's Why We Watch documentary series next spotlights one of the NBA's most loyal and charismatic fans, Darrell Bailey, better known as "Clipper Darrell". But recent events have greatly strained the relationship between Clipper Darrell and his beloved Los Angeles Clippers.
For the better part of two decades, the Clippers' biggest fan supported the listless Los Angeles franchise from his ninth row perch, donned in his iconic blue-and-red colored suit and team cap. Clipper Darrell became a staple at the Staples Center - the most visible and enthusiastic fan the Clippers have ever
known.
His passion and ardent fervor for the Clippers attracted other fans, media and even players to Darrell - his infectiously positive personality serving as a magnetic force for the likes of current team members Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Yet, as of a few days ago, the Clippers Franchise asked Clipper Darrell to remove the franchise's name from his, demanding that he be known simply as, "Darrell" from now on. He hasn't been known by that singular name since the year before the team last made the playoffs in the mid-90s.
While shooting the piece, Why We Watch was positioned on the front-lines of this emerging battle between organization and individual, documenting events as they transpired in real time.
-------
Subscribe for more Clipper Darrell - http://goo.gl/hMQhf -
33
6:20
Janet Guthrie: Paving the Way
by BleacherReport 2,692 views
Long before Danica Patrick thought about getting behind the wheel of a race car - five years before she was even born, in fact - another woman was burning up the track & ruffling more than a few feathers on her way to making racing history. In 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first female to compete in the Daytona 500 and later that year accomplished the same feat at the Indianapolis 500. Though Guthrie only raced professionally for a few years, her impact on the sport was enormous, and resonates even today. Janet was a trailblazer even before she set foot on a racetrack, earning a degree in Physics, her pilot's license, and a promising career in Aviation. She even applied for the first Scientist-Astronaut Program in the United States. In other words, Janet had no problem asserting herself in "a man's world". However, when she decided to enter the world of Indy & NASCAR racing, Guthrie was met with scorn from both members of the racing community and the media who felt that the race track was no place for a woman. 2012 marks the 35th Anniversary of her historic races, and Janet recently sat down with Bleacher Report to reflect on her career, her historic achievements, how she felt about breaking down barriers and battling for the respect of the racing community.
-
34
1:07
Christy Martin: Unfinished Business Teaser - Why We Watch
by BleacherReport 652 views
An upcoming installment of the new Bleacher Report series "Why We Watch" is just days away. The episode features the career of women's boxing champion Christy Martin.
The tenacious Coal Miner's Daughter burst onto the boxing scene in the mid-90's with an entertaining style and surprising knockout punch that had everyone talking after each and every Pay-Per-View appearance.
Christy had captured so much attention that she ended up on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996.
However, a brutal attack in November, 2010, left her stabbed, shot and hospitalized ... and her trainer/husband under arrest and charged with attempted murder.
Now, after Christy's attempt to collect her 50th win failed last year, she's considering another attempt to reach that milestone.
Christy tells us about what is was like for a small town girl from West Viriginia to make it all the way to boxing's biggest stages ... and what it will take for her to recover from her most tragic episode to grab one more chance at pugilistic glory.
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Watch the first episode of 'Why We Watch' about NBA heckler Robin Ficker here -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vSb1o0Inag
Check out the full list of 'Why We Watch' content here - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL567DC8BD07DE7EF1
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/whywewatch -
35
6:24
Robin Ficker: Court Jester
by BleacherReport 22,183 views
Why We Watch is Bleacher Report's new, short-form documentary series offering fans a closer look at the defining people, places and moments that shape our love and passion for sport. Each week, Why We Watch ventures behind the scenes in an effort to illuminate the sporting world far behind a typical headline.
From NBA super-heckler Robin Ficker to trailblazing female racecar driver Janet Guthrie, one time women's boxing champion Christy Martin to the genesis of the Immaculate Reception, the series brings fans a unique perspective on the teams and sporting events that often go unreported - answering the question, Why We Watch.
----
Court Jester: Robin Ficker
Why We Watch, Episode 1
Bleacher Report commences it's introspective documentary series "Why We Watch" featuring Robin Ficker -- the most infamous heckler in NBA history and arguably all of sports.
Opposing teams not only faced a formidable Bullets side when on the road, but also faced the constant barrage of insults coming from Ficker's permanent position behind their bench.
No player was spared from Ficker's mockery -- the likes of Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller succumbed to the heckler's psychological warfare.
Fed up with his antics, the NBA created the "Ficker Rule", saying a fan could not interfere with communication between coach and player. In the process, Ficker was banished to the rafters, but quit attending NBA games before he met that fate.
Today, Ficker can be found lending his verbal talents and passion as a staunch supporter of the University of Maryland Wrestling Team, right back on the sidelines, where he belongs.
Ficker never once relied on alcohol or profanity for his tirades -- instead, pure passion for the sport drove him, and that's Why We Watch.
---------
Director/producer: Amir Ebrahimi
Editor: Mike Kattenberg
DP: Tim Matkosky
PA: Nate Keezer
Special thanks to;
Maryland University
Coach Kerry McCoy
Robin Ficker
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/whywewatch -
36
3:03
Robin Ficker on Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kris Humphries - Why We Watch Unfiltered
by BleacherReport 5,229 views
Catch famous Heckler Robin Ficker as Bleacher report lets Ficker catch up on the past 10 years of NBA notable stories! Make sure to watch the featured story on Robin Ficker!
-Why We Watch is Bleacher Report's new, short-form documentary series offering fans a closer look at the defining people, places and moments that shape our love and passion for sport. Each week, Why We Watch ventures behind the scenes in an effort to illuminate the sporting world far behind a typical headline.
From NBA super-heckler Robin Ficker to trailblazing female racecar driver Janet Guthrie, one time women's boxing champion Christy Martin to the genesis of the Immaculate Reception, the series brings fans a unique perspective on the teams and sporting events that often go unreported - answering the question, Why We Watch.
----
Court Jester: Robin Ficker
Why We Watch, Episode 1
Bleacher Report commences it's introspective documentary series "Why We Watch" featuring Robin Ficker -- the most infamous heckler in NBA history and arguably all of sports.
Opposing teams not only faced a formidable Bullets side when on the road, but also faced the constant barrage of insults coming from Ficker's permanent position behind their bench.
No player was spared from Ficker's mockery -- the likes of Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller succumbed to the heckler's psychological warfare.
Fed up with his antics, the NBA created the "Ficker Rule", saying a fan could not interfere with communication between coach and player. In the process, Ficker was banished to the rafters, but quit attending NBA games before he met that fate.
Today, Ficker can be found lending his verbal talents and passion as a staunch supporter of the University of Maryland Wrestling Team, right back on the sidelines, where he belongs.
Ficker never once relied on alcohol or profanity for his tirades -- instead, pure passion for the sport drove him, and that's Why We Watch.
---------
Director/producer: Amir Ebrahimi
Editor: Mike Kattenberg
DP: Tim Matkosky
PA: Nate Keezer
Maryland University
Coach Kerry McCoy
Robin Ficker -
37
6:00
Christy Martin: Unfinished Business
by BleacherReport 7,592 views
On the next Why We Watch ...
For a time in the mid-1990's,the biggest name in boxing wasn't Lennox Lewis ... or Evander Holyfield ... or even Mike Tyson. It wasn't even a guy ... she was Christy Martin.
Growing up in southern West Virginia, Christy (then Salters) was an all-state basketball player who looked toward a career as a teacher when she got to college.
But a tryout in a women's Toughman contest changed all that. She was then introduced to boxing trainer Jim Martin. She learned to fight and was hooked on the sweet science. Jim would become her trainer, manager and husband.
After some success, she signed with Don King and her career would never be the same.
Christy burst onto the national boxing scene with several action-packed bouts on the undercards of Mike Tyson bouts in 1995 and 1996.
Her bouts -- complete with furious combinations, (at times) blood and plenty of knockouts -- would be the topic of water cooler chatter after every pay-per-view performance.
She was so popular that Sports Illustrated chose her as a cover girl in April, 1996.
She would make millions in the fight game, but age and a limited supply of quality opponents slowed her career.
But one goal still eluded her -- a 50th win.
In 2010, as she was going after that milestone, a horrible incident would change everything.
A marriage that appeared happy to the public, was not so in private. An incident in her home left her with stab and gunshot wounds, fighting for her life ... and her husband under arrest and charged with attempted murder.
Why We Watch catches up with Christy as she discusses her life, the attack and her hopes for another shot at 50 wins.
Why We Watch
Director/Producer: Jim Forman
Editors: Christopher Coots, Mike Kattenburg
DP: Brent Christy, Lance Darrell
Sound: Jack Pennington
Special Thanks to:
Christy Martin
Steve Farhood
Showtime
Getty Images
Ultimate Gym/Charlotte, NC -
38
5:12
Trevor Barron: One Step at a Time
by BleacherReport 3,032 views
Track & Field is widely regarded as the premiere event of The Olympic Games. It has made legends of Carl Lewis, Bruce Jenner, Michael Johnson and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, to name a few.
Sprinters are marveled at. Decathletes celebrated. Marathoners lauded.
However, there is one discipline that gets little recognition and not much respect. It even encounters some ridicule...
Racewalking.
You've probably seen it. Perhaps you've been one to snicker at the sight of a bunch of guys clumped together, walking funny and have wondered "What are they doing?"
What most people do not know is that race walking is one of the oldest events of the Modern Olympics. Since 1904, athletes have been competing with little to no notice, particularly in the United States.
Enter Trevor Barron -- a 19-year old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania who is garnering a lot of attention in the racewalking world. Barron took up the sport about ten years ago. He showed immediate promise despite the fact that he suffers from a rare form of epilepsy. With the help of brain surgeries in 2006 that curbed his seizures, Trevor has only continued to improve and is now competing on the international level. Barron can cover one mile in just over six minutes. You read that correctly -- six minutes. He is aiming to represent the United States at this summer's Olympic Games, and some say there is even a chance that he could bring home a medal in the 20K event.
Trevor, his father, Bruce, and his coach, Tim Seaman, each sat down with Bleacher Report recently to shed some light on this event and Trevor's place in it as he prepares to compete on the world's biggest stage in London.
Director/Producer: Sarah Kreiger
Editor: Jacques del Conte
DP: John Britt, Lou Yellin
Special Thanks to:
Trevor Barron
Bruce Barron
Tim Seaman
USA Track & Field
Adam Schmenk
Ross Krempley -
39
1:03
Immaculate Reception: Right Place, Right Time - Teaser
by BleacherReport 1,670 views
Four decades ago, on December 23, 1972, the city of Pittsburgh received the greatest Christmas present any Steel City resident could ask for: a winning football team.
The hapless Steelers operated in utter hopelessness for 40 years prior, earning just one winning season since 1943. But this Steelers bunch flipped the script and the Steeler faithful finally had something to stand behind. Led by head coach Chuck Noll, quarterback Terry Bradshaw, Joe Green and Franco Harris, the team earned a playoff birth for the first time in franchise history.
Just two days before Christmas, the Steelers' first playoff game was sold out and spirits ran high throughout Three Rivers Stadium. But little did fans know they were about to witness the "greatest play in football history".
----- ----
Subscribe! - http://goo.gl/hMQhf
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/whywewatch -
40
0:54
Lew Hollander: Iron Will - 'Why We Watch' Sneak Peak
by BleacherReport 578 views
Coming soon on Why We Watch ...
It is considered among the most difficult physical challenges for the human
body. Yet, tens of thousands compete in Ironman competitions all over the
world each year.
While most Ironman contests are traditionally very competitive for the
best times, these days another number is stealing competition headlines.
Two men are gaining attention, not for their runs or cycling times, but for something else altogether.
Lew Hollander and France Cokan's notoriety surrounds their age.
Both are in their 80s!
Despite their octogenarian status, they regularly compete in these grueling
tests and, indeed, finish their races when many a quarter of the age do not.
Ironman experts and younger competitors marvel at their talent,
fortitude and heart, as Hollander and Cokan continue to battle each other
year-in and year-out.
We tell their incredible story of determination and endurance on the next Why We Watch. -
41
1:21
Worst Slams Street League 2012
by BleacherReport 38,747 views
Sean Malto, Chaz Ortiz, Matt Miller and Steezus Christ breakdown the worst Slams of Street League 2012.
