30 For 30 Season 5 Episode 19 Bullies of Baltimore
- TVG
- February 5, 2023
- 100 min
In the 1980s, the city of Baltimore was known for its high crime rates and rampant drug use. In the middle of it all, a powerful youth football league emerged, led by a group of coaches known as "the Bullies." These coaches, many of whom had ties to the city's drug trade, demanded absolute loyalty and obedience from their young players, using physical and verbal abuse to ensure compliance.
But for some of the young players, their experiences on the football field were only the beginning of their struggles. As they grew older, many of them became entangled in the city's violent drug culture, leading to tragic outcomes for some.
Through interviews with former players, coaches, and community members, "Bullies of Baltimore" explores the complex legacy of this youth football league and its impact on the city's troubled history. The episode highlights the role that sports can play in shaping young lives, both positively and negatively, and asks difficult questions about the responsibility of adults who work with children in vulnerable communities.
Ultimately, "Bullies of Baltimore" is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by urban communities across the country, and the difficult choices that must be made in order to pave a path to a better future.