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American Sports Story: Lance Armstrong’s Drug Scandal and 5 Real-Life Events I Wish the Show Addressed After Aaron Hernandez’s Season

Umito October 25, 2024

Ryan Murphy has several titles on the TV schedule 2024including Grotesquerie And (the much criticized) Monsters. Another Murphy-produced show is the new History of American sports. As the title suggests, the anthology series created by Stu Zicherman focuses on notable stories related to athletics. Season 1 centers on the rise and fall of the late New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez. A second season has not been announced as of this writing, but I think Lance Armstrong and several other topics should be highlighted.

With the well-reviewed first season of American crime storyRyan Murphy and co. delved into the world of sports by examining the OJ Simpson murder trial. Sports history gives the creative and their team a chance to really care about the athletes and their stories. Like its predecessors, this series features dark subject matter, and this trend is expected to continue if FX greenlights another season. This statement is part of what informed my thinking as I developed the following list of real events that could serve as storytelling material for future episodes.

Lance Armstrong speaks with Peter Attia MD — (Image credit: Peter Attia MD)

Lance Armstrong at center of doping scandal

Retired American cyclist Lance Armstrong faced doping allegations for years, before serious action was taken. The United States Anti-Doping Agency conducted an investigation and made allegations based on Armstrong’s blood samples from 2009 and 2010. After a legal proceeding, it was determined that the biker had run a large doping ring and was not only stripped of various awards, but also received a life ban from the International Cyclist Union. Armstrong later admitted to doping for much of his career.

This particular situation seems to be made for History of American sports. A theoretical season centered on Lance Armstrong would feature many highs (with what could be some excellent bike sequences) as well as his huge lows. A story like this may not be as dark as Aaron Hernandez’s situation, even if it represents a low point in sports history.

Joe Paterno speaks at a press conference

(Image credit: Big 10 Network)

Penn State embroiled in child sex abuse scandal

In 2011, Pennsylvania State University was plunged into controversy when reports of child sexual abuse allegations surfaced against former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. It was alleged that Sandusky was involved in numerous incidents that occurred between 1994 and 2009. He was ultimately convicted of 52 counts of child molestation and ultimately convicted of 45. For his crimes, Sandusky was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison.

The affair also had far-reaching consequences for the school as a whole. According to the FBI’s findings, the late head football coach, Joe Paterno, and school board officials were aware of the incidents and failed to report them. Paterno, who was also accused of covering up details of Jerry Sandusky’s abuse of a minor, was ultimately removed from coaching in 2011. Additionally, the NCAA revoked Penn State’s victories between 1998 and and 2011, although they were eventually reinstated in 2015.

A number of events involved in this case were covered in the 2018 HBO-produced film, Paternowhat stars Al Pacino in the titular role (and is available for streaming with a Maximum subscription). However, it would be necessary History cover all of this in one of its seasons, it could use this extended time to delve into even more detail.

Metta Sandiford-Artest discusses "Malice at the Palace" on Netflix's Untold

(Image credit: Netflix)

Ron Artest Takes Part in ‘Malice At The Palace’ and Other Controversies

Long considered one of the NBA’s most impactful personalities, Ron Artest (whose legal name is now Metta Sandiford-Artest) is no stranger to success or controversy. The all-star and championship winner has had his fair share of legal troubles, the biggest being being “Malice in the Palace”. This 2004 altercation saw Artest become involved in a massive brawl involving other members of the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and fans. He was then suspended for the remainder of the season and missed 86 games, including the playoffs.

Even before that famous night, Metta Sandiford-Artest had been involved in other contentious situations during her career. Notably, he had a heated confrontation with Miami Heat coach Pat Riley, broke a camera at Madison Square Garden and drank Hennessy brandy at halftime of a Chicago Bulls game. And even after “Malice”, Artest was arrested for domestic violence.

On top of all that, a season of History of American sports could highlight his younger years, including the time he witnessed the death of 19-year-old Lloyd Newton during a basketball tournament. Mr. Artest – who is now a media personality – has calmed down considerably and his story does not have a truly dark ending. However, his life and career would still make a pretty compelling season for the latest American history series.

Simone Biles in the arena during the Tokyo Olympics.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Sex Abuse by USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar and Others Uncovered

One of the most tragic incidents to occur in the world of athletics over the past decade is the sexual abuse scandal involving USA Gymnastics. The case came to light in 2016 and ultimately saw more than 500 athletes alleging they were sexually abused as minors by coaches, gym owners and others, starting in the years 90. Larry Nassar – a longtime USAG doctor – played a central role in the situation, as 256 women accused him of sexual abuse, including famous Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas.

In the process, Larry Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison after pleading guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct. Additionally, officials from USAG, the United States Olympic Committee and others have been fired or resigned. The scandal, as a whole, is still considered the largest in sports history. And, with that, I wouldn’t be surprised if this featured in an upcoming season of History of American sports.

Eddie Johnson stands at the free throw line while playing for the Atlanta Hawks

(Image credit: CBS)

‘Fast Eddie’ Johnson’s NBA Career Beset by Legal Troubles

A talented player best known for his on-field exploits with the Atlanta Hawks from 1977 to 1986, “Fast Eddie” Johnson was known for his volatile attitude and wild offseason antics. Johnson struggled with drug addiction, having become addicted to cocaine while a college player at Auburn University (where he also had problems with coach Bob Davis).

After an unsuccessful stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Florida native enjoyed a successful run with the Tampa Bay Thrillers of the Continental Basketball Association. This run would spark his return to the NBA as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics, before being suspended from the league in 1987 for missing mandatory counseling sessions. After that, he never played professional basketball again.

Throughout his career, Eddie Johnson has been involved in a number of incidents, most notably in 1980, where he jumped from a two-story building while being chased by two men who shot at him. Diagnosed with manic depression while playing, the disgraced shooter was convicted of several crimes, including robbery, battery, drug possession, burglary and more.

In 2006, “Fast Eddie” was arrested for sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl and was later convicted of sexual assault of a minor, lewd and lascivious assault of a minor, and trespassing. He was ultimately sentenced to life in prison for his crimes and died of unknown causes while serving time at the Santa Rosa Correctional Facility in 2020. Given everything that is known about Johnson, he definitely seems like a subject that would appeal to the producers of a scripted drama series.

Oscar Pistorius talks with the Paralympics

(Image credit: Paralympic Games)

Oscar Pistorius found guilty of murdering his girlfriend

Oscar Pistorius, originally from South Africa, made his name as a sprinter, winning honors at several Paralympic Games, the Paralympic World Cup and more. The famous runner was placed at the center of a murder trial in 2013, after killing his girlfriend, 29-year-old paralegal and model Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorious shot her four times at her Pretoria home, saying he thought she was an intruder. The athlete was ultimately convicted of culpable homicide and reckless endangerment with a firearm for a separate situation.

While the Paralympic athlete was sentenced to five years in prison for culpable homicide and a concurrent three-year suspended prison sentence for inadvertent endangerment, the state appealed his conviction in 2015. As a result , Oscar Pistorius was convicted of murder and sentenced to six years in prison. only for the state to appeal again for a longer sentence. Pistorius was later sentenced to 15 years in prison, and in January 2024 he was conditionally released. In short, this case seems to fit the sports series produced by Ryan Murphy.

As things stand, we’ll just have to wait and see what’s in store. Sports history but, based on the real-life storylines that have been presented, the producers have options for future seasons. Of course, even if new episodes were ordered, they probably wouldn’t make it anywhere in the market. TV schedule 2025but it’s always interesting to think about what might happen if the series moves forward.

New episodes of History of American sports airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX and is available to stream the next day with a Hulu Subscription.

Apre-salomemanzo

Apre-salomemanzo

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