Bad Boys (2014)
A part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, this documents the notorious Detroit Pistons teams in the 1980s.
I was surprised how normal Dennis Rodman seemed. No one could have predicted his name would become a byword for odd and unusual behavior.
Professional sport needs more people like Bill Laimbeer who revel in playing the bad guy.
Despite his accolades, Isiah Thomas demanded constant validation. His performance in a losing effort on an injured ankle against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals, is one of the most impressive displays in basketball history, but leading his team to walk off the court before time expired in Game 4 of the 1991 Eastern Conference finals is one of the most embarrassing moments in the NBA history.
After a 1987 game, a young Dennis Rodman said Larry Bird was overrated because he was a white basketball player. Without knowing all the details, Thomas backed up his teammate. The ensuing controversy reminds us of the role basketball has played in American race relations.
I recommend this if you’re at all interested in the history of the NBA.
Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall (2013)
When Jack Hall’s son died from a drug overdose, the World War II veteran killed the man he felt was responsible. He was convicted for the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. This movie chronicles the hospice program at the Iowa prison where he spent his final days.
Most prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment will end up like Jack: old and scared. Regardless of how evil or violent any of these criminals may have been, they will get old, and feeble, and frail, and die. No one is frightening on their deathbed.
It’s difficult to watch octogenarian Jack and not feel compassion, but does he deserve it? He intentionally ended someone’s life. Why should he be afforded a dignified death, when he was unwilling to afford one to his victim? Is compassion earned, or is it inalienable?