Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Season 3 Episode 3 Alan Eagleson; Charles Barkley

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel takes a deep dive into the world of sports once again in season three with episode three, titled 'Alan Eagleson; Charles Barkley.' This exciting new episode explores two very different aspects of the world of sports as it highlights the successes and controversies surrounding two prominent athletes, past and present.

Titled for the two leading stories that the episode centers around, the first story is about the notorious Alan Eagleson. Eagleson was the head of the NHL Players Association back in the 70s and 80s. At that time, he was considered a legend in the sport, he helped players secure significant pay raises and put pressure on the National Hockey League to open up its books to allow players insight into the league's operations. But as this segment reveals, there was much more to Eagleson's story than just an advocate for players' rights.

The story takes us deep into Eagleson's troubled past, which includes several allegations of corruption and abuse of power. While he may have fought for the players' rights, he was also manipulating them, and lining his pockets. Eagleson was accused of stealing from the players he was meant to serve, forging documents and even mishandling their pensions. In the end, Eagleson was charged and sentenced to 18 months in prison for mail fraud as well as racketeering. The episode explores the high cost of Eagleson's crimes and the lasting effect it had on NHL players, who lost years of their pension and medical benefits.

The second story revolves around the life of a retired basketball player turned television commentator, Charles Barkley. Charles Barkley might be one of the most recognizable NBA players of all time, having played in the league for 16 seasons, earning eleven all-star game appearances, and winning a gold medal representing the United States in the 1996 Olympics. But long after his playing days, he remarked publicly that he is known for his role as a television commentator more than he is known as a former athlete.

While Barkley is loved for his honesty and sharp wit, he is also known for his controversial opinions on topics far beyond the basketball court. Throughout the episode, viewers will find out how Barkley crafted his own persona over the years and their views on his controversial comments. We learn what drives his opinions and how he navigates the flack he receives. They explore his views on race, politics, and more. The episode goes on to explore how his outspokenness has brought controversy but also helped foster a discussion around issues topics we often shy from discussing.

The episode exposes how each athlete -Alan Eagleson and Charles Barkley - although having walked a very different path in the world of sports - have had an undeniable impact on the sporting world. From their victories to their wrongdoings, they’ve all contributed to making the sports world what it is today. Overall, this episode gives viewers a view of the good, the bad, and the gray that exists in athletic greatness, and how this sport impacts societies, culture and, ultimately, the world.