Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Season 22 Episode 1 Episode 1

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel is a sports journalism show that airs on HBO. It has been on the air since April 1995 and is still going strong, with season 22 premiering on March 23, 2021.

Episode 1 of season 22 covers a range of topics, from the world of professional sports to the impact of sports on society at large. As always, the show takes an in-depth, nuanced look at each subject, using interviews, profiles, and investigative reporting to shed light on the issues at hand.

One of the most compelling stories in this episode is a profile of Nicole Hause, a professional skateboarder from Minnesota who is making a name for herself in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men. Hause talks about her love for skating and the challenges she's faced as a female skater, from being told she couldn't use the same facilities as male skaters to being underestimated by judges and other competitors. Despite these obstacles, Hause has become one of the top skateboarders in the world, and she's using her platform to advocate for greater equality in the sport.

Another feature in episode 1 focuses on the rise of esports, which are competitive video gaming tournaments that have exploded in popularity in recent years. The segment looks at the intense training regimens and high-stakes competitions that characterize this world, as well as the potential impact of esports on traditional sports like basketball, football, and baseball. Some experts argue that esports could actually help to grow interest in these traditional sports, while others worry that it's a distraction that could draw funding and attention away from more established athletes and organizations.

There's also a fascinating investigation into the prevalence of hazing rituals in high school sports. The show talks to athletes, coaches, and parents about the culture of hazing, which often involves physical and emotional abuse as a way to initiate new team members. While some argue that hazing is a harmless tradition that builds camaraderie among teammates, others say that it can have serious and lasting negative effects on the mental health and well-being of the athletes involved. The segment explores the reasons why hazing persists and what can be done to stop it.

Finally, episode 1 wraps up with a roundtable discussion about the intersection of sports and politics. The guests include former NFL player Martellus Bennett, ESPN commentator Bomani Jones, and former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, and they cover a wide range of topics, from athlete protests during the national anthem to the role of sports in promoting social justice. The conversation is lively and thought-provoking, offering a range of perspectives on a complex and ever-evolving issue.

Overall, episode 1 of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel season 22 is an exciting and thought-provoking look at some of the most pressing issues in sports today. It's a great example of why this show has been so successful for so long, using top-notch reporting and compelling storytelling to explore the complex and ever-changing world of sports.