Watch Outside the Lines

Outside the Lines is a long-running investigative sports journalism program that aired on ESPN from 1990 to 2020. The show, which regularly presented in-depth coverage of controversial or underreported sports stories, often took a hard-hitting approach that was atypical for the sports media of its time. Its roster of reporters, among them Bob Ley and Jeremy Schaap, sported serious journalistic credentials and a willingness to dig deep beneath the surface of the stories they covered.

The show was helmed by the media scholar Robert J. Thompson, whose commentary on the intersection of sports and culture frequently provided insight into the stories being covered. Thompson joined the program in 2005 and remained a mainstay throughout his tenure, helping to shape the editorial direction of the show throughout his tenure.

One of the most notable things about Outside the Lines was its willingness to tackle stories that other sports outlets might shy away from. This included investigations into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, the impact of concussions on football players, and the treatment of female athletes in a variety of sports. The show also frequently covered the business and legal aspects of sports, exploring topics such as the NCAA's handling of amateurism rules, the effects of corporate sponsorship on athletes, and the role of labor unions in professional sports.

Despite its willingness to take on serious subjects, the show never lost sight of the fact that sports are ultimately about people. This meant that even when covering difficult topics, Outside the Lines often focused on the human stories behind the headlines. From examining the struggles of families impacted by the opioid crisis in rural America to chronicling the journey of an Iraqi refugee who became a star on his high school wrestling team, the show frequently highlighted the ways in which sports intersected with issues of identity, community, and social justice.

Throughout its history, Outside the Lines was defined by its commitment to fairness, accuracy, and ethical journalism. This meant that the show was sometimes criticized by those who felt that its coverage was too tough or too controversial. However, the program's dedication to high-quality reporting and its willingness to ask difficult questions made it a respected and influential voice within the world of sports media.