American Sports Story: Lance Armstrong’s Drug Scandal and 5 Real-Life Events I’d Like to Address in Aaron Hernandez’s Postseason Series

Ryan Murphy has many titles on TV schedule for 2024including Grotescaria AND (very criticized) Monsters. Another series produced by Murphy is newly minted The history of American sports. As the title suggests, Stu Zicherman’s anthology series focuses on significant stories related to athletics. Season 1 centers around the ups and downs of late New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez. As of this writing, season two hasn’t been announced yet, but I think Lance Armstrong and a few other topics need to be highlighted.

WITH well-reviewed first season American crime historyRyan Murphy and company. immersed themselves in the world of sports while investigating the OJ Simpson murder trial. Sports history gives the creator and his team a chance to really delve into the athletes and their stories. Like previous installments, this series deals with dark subject matter, and that trend will likely continue if FX greenlights another season. This statement fits into my thinking as I compiled the following list of real events that could serve as storytelling material for future episodes.

Lance Armstrong talks to doctor Peter Attia — (Photo: Peter Attia, MD)

Lance Armstrong at the center of the doping scandal

Retired American cyclist Lance Armstrong was the subject of doping allegations for years before serious action was taken. The United States Anti-Doping Agency conducted an investigation and brought charges based on Armstrong’s blood samples from 2009 and 2010. After court proceedings, it was found that the motorcyclist headed a large doping group and was not only stripped of various awards, but also received an A lifetime ban from the International Cycling Union. Armstrong later admitted to doping for much of his career.

This particular situation seems to have been created The history of American sports. The theoretical Lance Armstrong-centric season will feature plenty of highs (along with some excellent cycling sequences) as well as his huge lows. Such a story may not be as bleak as Aaron Hernandez’s, although it represents the worst moment in sports history.

Joe Paterno speaks during a press conference

(Image source: Big 10 Network)

Penn State is embroiled in a child sex abuse scandal

In 2011, Pennsylvania State University was mired in controversy when reports of child sexual abuse allegations were made against former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. It was alleged that Sandusky was involved in numerous incidents that occurred between 1994 and 2009. He was ultimately convicted of 52 counts of child molestation and ultimately found guilty in 45. For his crimes, Sandusky was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison.

The case also had a far-reaching impact on the entire school. FBI findings indicate that late head football coach Joe Paterno and school board officials were aware of these incidents and failed to report them. Paterno, who was also accused of concealing details of Jerry Sandusky’s molestation of a male minor, was ultimately fired as coach in 2011. Additionally, the NCAA invalidated Penn State’s victories from 1998 to 2011, although they were eventually reinstated in 2015.

A number of events related to this case were described in a 2018 film produced by HBO. Paternowhich stars Al Pacino in the title role (and can be streamed via Maximum subscription). But he should History to cover all of this in one of his seasons, he could use the longer time to delve even deeper into the details.

Discussion by Metta Sandiford-Artest "Malice in the Palace" in Netflix's

(Image source: Netflix)

Ron Artest is involved in ‘Malice in the Palace’ and other controversies

Long considered one of the NBA’s most distinctive personalities, Ron Artest (now Metta Sandiford-Artest) is no stranger to both success and controversy. The All-Star and champion has had numerous legal issues, the most important of which were being “Anger in the Palace.” During an argument in 2004, Artest got into a massive fight involving other members of the Indiana Pacers, the Detroit Pistons and fans. He was subsequently suspended for the remainder of the season and missed 86 games, including the playoffs.

Even before that infamous night, Metta Sandiford-Artest had been involved in other controversial situations in his career. In particular, he got into a heated confrontation with Miami Heat coach Pat Riley, smashed a camera at Madison Square Garden, and drank Hennessy cognac during halftime of a Chicago Bulls game. And even after “Malice” Artest was arrested for domestic violence.

On top of all that, it’s the season The history of American sports he could highlight his younger years, including the moment he witnessed the death of 19-year-old player Lloyd Newton during a basketball tournament. Mr. Artest – today something of a media personality – has calmed down significantly and his story does not have a particularly grim ending. However, his life and career will still be quite a fascinating season for the newest one An American story number.

Simone Biles in the arena during the Tokyo Olympics.

(Image source: Netflix)

Sexual harassment by US gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and others uncovered

One of the most tragic events to hit the world of track and field over the past decade is the sexual abuse scandal involving the USA Gymnastics team. The case came to light in 2016, and ultimately more than 500 gymnasts said they experienced sexual abuse as minors by coaches, gym owners and others starting in the 1990s. Larry Nassar – a longtime USAG doctor – played a key role in this situation, as 256 women accused him of sexual abuse, including famous Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas.

in the aftermath, Larry Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years after pleading guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct. Additionally, officials from USAG, the United States Olympic Committee and others were fired or resigned. The scandal as a whole is still considered the biggest in sports history. And as such, I wouldn’t be surprised if he shows up next season The history of American sports.

Eddie Johnson is at the free throw line while playing for the Atlanta Hawks

(Photo: CBS)

“Fast Eddie” Johnson’s NBA career has been plagued by legal problems

“Fast Eddie” Johnson, a talented player best known for his on-court heroics with the Atlanta Hawks from 1977 to 1986, was known for his volatile attitude and wild off-season antics. Johnson struggled with drug abuse, becoming addicted to cocaine while attending Auburn University (where he also had problems with coach Bob Davis).

After an unsuccessful run with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Florida native had a successful run with the Tampa Bay Thrillers of the Continental Basketball Association. This streak sparked his return to the NBA as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics before he was suspended from the league in 1987 for missing mandatory counseling sessions. After that, he never played professional basketball again.

Throughout his career, Eddie Johnson was involved in many incidents, including one incident in 1980 when he jumped from a two-story building while being chased by two men shooting at him. The disgraced shooter, who was diagnosed with manic depression during his playing days, was convicted of a number of crimes including robbery, battery, drug possession, burglary and more.

In 2006, “Fast Eddie” was arrested for sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl and later convicted of sexual battery related to a minor, lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor, and trespassing. He was ultimately sentenced to a mandatory life sentence for his crimes and died of unknown causes while serving his sentence at the Santa Rosa Correctional Facility in 2020. Given everything that is known about Johnson, he definitely seems like a subject that would appeal to producers of a drama series.

Oscar Pistorius interview with the Paralympic Games

(Photo: Paralympic Games)

Oscar Pistorius convicted of murdering his girlfriend

South African native Oscar Pistorius rose to fame as a sprinter, winning honors at several Paralympic Games, Paralympic World Cups and more. However, the renowned runner found himself at the center of a murder trial in 2013 after he killed his girlfriend, 29-year-old paralegal and model Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorious shot her four times in his Pretoria home, claiming he mistook her for an intruder. The athlete was ultimately found guilty of culpable homicide and reckless endangerment with a firearm in a separate incident.

Although the Paralympian received five years for culpable homicide and a concurrent three-year suspended prison sentence for the charge of reckless endangerment, in 2015 the state appealed the verdict. As a result, Oscar Pistorius was instead found guilty of murder and sentenced to six years – only for the state to appeal again for a longer sentence. Pistorius was subsequently sentenced to 15 years in prison and was sentenced in January 2024 released on parole. In short, this case seems to be a good fit for a Ryan Murphy-produced sports series.

At this stage, we just have to wait and see what lies ahead Sports history however, based on the real-world scenarios presented, producers have options for future seasons. Of course, even if new episodes are ordered, they probably won’t end up anywhere on the platform TV program for 2025but it’s still interesting to think about what could have happened had the series moved forward.

New episodes The history of American sports airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX and can be watched the next day via a Hulu subscription.