In the Sunday Sports Selection series, we showcase a sports-related product (gadget, book, film, equipment, etc.) that we have enjoyed and think you may find of interest as well.

In 2003, the top sports network in the world, ESPN, tried their hand at producing a scripted drama. The result — an instant hit.

With cutting and brash stroylines, an incredible theme track (that I even personally used as my plate music my freshman year of college baseball), and realistic football scenes, ESPN’s Playmakers jumped onto the scene in 2003 and instantly was getting rave reviews.

The show that centered around a fictional professional football team garnered critical acclaim in its first season. With a bevy of interesting storylines from a defensive player who is bothered by a hit to an opposing quarterback that leaves the quarterback paralyzed to an aging running back who must deal with an up-and-coming young stud to the drug problems the young, stud running back faces to interracial relationships to closet homosexuality and the homophobia of the other players, the show looked like it was destined for a long and epic run on the world wide sports network.

But despite winning awards, the critical acclaim, and being a show that young males scheduled their weeks around (much as females do for shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Desparate Housewives, and Dancing with the Stars), the show was not continued after the first season.

Why, you ask?

The show was shut down because ESPN was pressured by the NFL to end the show. Being ESPN’s most important franchise, the NFL used its weight to kill the network’s successful dramatic series. Complaints by owners and the NFL commissioner caused ESPN to cancel the controversial drama.

Even though the ESPN brass had no balls to stand up against the NFL, the first season of Playmakers is still a worthy edition to any sports fans’ DVD collection.

What others have to say about the series:

That is unfortunate, because “Playmakers” is dynamic and entertaining television. We’ve got issues dealing with recreational drugs, steroid use, spousal abuse, shootings, rape, homosexuality–all the hot button topics you can imagine. On another network this show would have had breakout potential. So, yes, there are plenty of soap opera shadings to keep the non-sports enthusiasts occupied–but this is also a fascinating study on the love of the game and the sacrifices made by it’s players. Whether you love or hate football, or are just indifferent, there is much to admire. (Amazon.com user K.Harris)

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What an opportunity ESPN lost when they succumbed to Paul Tagliabue’s “take it off the air” threat. Playmakers is nothing short of remarkable television sports drama about a fictional NFL team “The Cougars.” From the get-go, things are not what they seem and we watch as owners, management, players, media and fans try to make the world of football the scrubbed up product we watch in our homes every week. What is swept up under the carpet though is the real world, which includes drug addiction, a world of crime, cancer, homophobia, sexuality, aging, rage, racial discrimination, injury and fear. Sadly that’s all the NFL seemed to see in this series. What they blinded themselves to was the show was also filled with hope, compassion, loyalty, friendship, and the bond that sports can bring between human beings.

A uniquely powerful show that should hold appeal for every football fan, but also to those with little interest in professional sports. (Amazon.com user G P Padillo)

I tried to look around to find some different options of purchasing the series on TV, but it became pretty evident that the cheapest and most reliable place to get the DVD is once again Amazon.com. You can get it new for as cheap as $15 if you search the site or used for only $5 — each a great value.

Shotgun Spratling

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