Ep 7. Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Ep 268 (July 2019)

Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel is a long-running sports documentary series that has won 33 Sports Emmy Awards since its inception in 1995. Each episode covers a diverse range of subjects, including sports figures, events, and issues that impact the world of sports and beyond. In the Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Ep 268 (July 2019) episode, viewers will be treated to a unique and thought-provoking look at a number of stories related to sports.

The episode features a segment on the rise of esports, focusing on the popularity of games like Fortnite and League of Legends. The segment explores how esports have become a billion-dollar industry, and how organizations and individuals are vying for a piece of the action. With the rise of esports tournaments and events, traditional sports leagues and franchises have taken notice, and the segment looks at how some are moving into esports to tap into the growing audience.

Another segment in the episode focuses on the opioid crisis in American professional sports. This crisis has been brewing for years, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% of athletes may misuse prescription painkillers at some point in their careers. The segment explores the stories of former athletes who have battled addiction, as well as the role that medical professionals and teams have played in exacerbating the problem. The segment also looks at some of the solutions that are being proposed to address this issue, including the use of medical marijuana.

In addition to these stories, the episode includes a segment on the changing role of cheerleaders in the NFL. In recent years, there have been a number of lawsuits and controversies related to the treatment of cheerleaders, including allegations of harassment and unfair pay. The segment explores some of these issues, as well as the ways in which some teams are working to improve conditions for their cheerleaders. The segment also looks at the history of cheerleading and how it has evolved over time.

The episode also features a profile of Hidilyn Diaz, a weightlifter from the Philippines who won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics. The segment explores Diaz's upbringing in a poverty-stricken area, as well as her journey to becoming one of the country's most beloved athletes. The segment also looks at Diaz's ambitions to win another medal at the 2020 Olympics, and the challenges she faces as a weightlifter in a country where the sport is not well-known.

Overall, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Ep 268 (July 2019) provides a thought-provoking look at a number of issues related to sports. With its diverse range of stories and its commitment to in-depth reporting, the episode offers a unique perspective on some of the most pressing issues facing athletes, teams, and sports fans today.