Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Episode 23
Feb 25, 1999 · 60 min
Included: the rivalry between the Fox network and Disney (owners of ABC and ESPN) in sports television; the recent Olympics scandal; the new NBA labor agreement; and Kentucky Wildc
Episode 24
Mar 22, 1999 · 60 min
A look at the UCLA-Houston basketball clash at the Astrodome in January 1968 that thrust the sport into the national spotlight. Also: a profile of Dick Vitale; and Major League Bas
Episode 25
Apr 20, 1999 · 60 min
Included: a report on counterfeit golf equipment; an interview with NBA rookie Jason Williams; a look at the lack of racial diversity in NASCAR.
Episode 26
May 25, 1999 · 60 min
Included: a report on NHL "goons"; a look at sports-induced riots; and a profile of pro boxer Elvir Muriqi, whose father and sister are in the Kosovo Liberation Army. Reporters inc
Episode 27
Jun 22, 1999 · 60 min
Included: an interview with John McEnroe; a report on Major League umpires; a look at sexual harassment in women's sports; and a profile of tennis's Venus and Serena Williams. Jim
Episode 28
Jul 26, 1999 · 60 min
Included: a profile of sports agent Tank Black; a look at the academic scandal affecting the Minnesota men's basketball team; and profiles of baseball's Derek Jeter and track and f
Episode 29
Aug 23, 1999 · 60 min
Included: profiles of football coaches Jimmy Johnson and Lou Holtz; a look at the muscle-building supplement androstenedione; and a report on coach George Scholz's racial discrimin
Episode 30
Sep 13, 1999 · 60 min
Included: a profile of Jets coach Bill Parcells, a look at baseball's committment to hiring minorities, Ronney Jenkins' departure from the BYU football team, and coaches accused of
Episode 31
Oct 12, 1999 · 60 min
Scheduled: Profiles of former Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain and San Antonio center Tim Duncan; a look at cockfighting; and a report on Title IX. Reporters include Larry Merch
Episode 32
Nov 16, 1999 · 60 min
Included: a look at the 1966 college-football classic between Notre Dame and Michigan State; a profile of the WNBA's Cynthia Cooper. Reporters include Jack Whitaker and Mary Carill
Episode 33
Dec 14, 1999 · 60 min
Included: a profile of Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning; a look at concussions in the NFL; Lehigh University RB Ronald Jean; a report on collecting trading cards.