Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Season 14 Episode 8 All Bets Are Off; Par for the Course; Sold Out; Back in the Game

In the 14th season of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, episode 8, the show covers four different stories from the world of sports. The first story, "All Bets Are Off," delves into the controversial issue of sports gambling and its impact on American society. The episode explores the effects of the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down a federal law prohibiting sports betting in most states. The segment also examines the efforts by professional sports leagues to monetize gambling, as well as the potential consequences of increased sports betting.

The second story, "Par for the Course," takes viewers on a journey through the world of golf, exploring the history and culture of the sport while also highlighting some of the current challenges facing the game. The episode features interviews with golf legends like Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods as well as with young rising stars of the sport. Viewers will learn about the increasing globalization of golf, as well as the growing popularity of backyard golf courses in urban areas.

In the third segment, "Sold Out," Real Sports investigates the explosive growth of the sneaker market and the impact of this trend on basketball culture. From limited-edition releases to high-tech performance shoes, the episode examines the cultural significance of sneakers, tracing their evolution from simple athletic footwear to symbols of status and identity. The segment also explores the reasons behind the rise of the resale market for sneakers and the sometimes-violent clashes that have occurred at sneaker releases.

Finally, in "Back in the Game," Real Sports tells the story of former NFL linebacker Keith Mitchell, who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while playing football but eventually found healing and a new calling in the practice of yoga. The episode follows Mitchell as he travels the country sharing his story and advocating for the use of alternative therapies to treat traumatic brain injuries and other football-related injuries.

Through these diverse stories, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel continues to explore the many different aspects of the sports world, providing viewers with a nuanced and thought-provoking look at the people, places, and events that shape the sports we love.