American Sports Story: Lance Armstrong’s drug scandal and 5 real-life events I wish the show would address after Aaron Hernandez’s season

Ryan Murphy has several titles on TV schedule 2024inclusive Grotesquery and (the highly criticized one) monsters. Another show produced by Murphy is the newly minted American Sports Story. As the title suggests, the anthology series created by Stu Zicherman focuses on notable stories related to athletics. Season 1 focuses on the rise and fall of late New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez. A second season has not been announced as of this writing, but I think Lance Armstrong and a few other subjects should be highlighted.

With well reviewed first season of American Crime StoryRyan Murphy and co. dipped their toes into the world of sports by examining the OJ Simpson murder trial. The Story of Sport it gives the creative and his team a chance to really research the athletes and their stories. Like its predecessors, this series features dark subject matter, and that trend is likely to continue if FX greenlights another season. This statement is part of what informed my thinking when I devised the following list of real events that could serve as storytelling material for future episodes.

Lance Armstrong talks to Peter Attia MD — (Image credit: Peter Attia MD)

Lance Armstrong is at the center of a 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 made charges based on Armstrong’s blood samples from 2009 and 2010. After legal proceedings, it was determined that the motorcyclist led a major doping ring and not only was dispossessed of various awards, but also received. a lifetime ban from the International Cycling Union. Armstrong later admitted that he doped for much of his career.

This particular situation seems to be made for American Sports Story. A theoretical Lance Armstrong-focused season would feature plenty of highs (complete with what could be some excellent cycling sequences) as well as massive lows. A story like this may not be as bleak as the Aaron Hernandez situation, although it represents a low point in sports history.

Joe Paterno speaks during a press conference

(Image credit: Big 10 Network)

Penn State is embroiled in a child sexual abuse scandal

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

The case also had far-reaching effects on the school as a whole. According to the FBI’s findings, late head football coach Joe Paterno and school board officials were aware of the incidents and failed to report them. Paterno, who was also accused of covering up details of Jerry Sandusky’s abuse of a minor male, was eventually fired as coach in 2011. Additionally, the NCAA revoked Penn State’s victories between 1998 and 2011, although they were finally reinstated in 2015.

A number of events involved in the case were covered in the 2018 HBO film, Paternalwhich stars Al Pacino in the titular role (and can be streamed with a Maximum subscription). However, it should Story to cover all of this during one of its seasons, it could use the extended time to dive into the details even more.

Metta Sandiford-Artest discussing "Evil at the Palace" on Netflix's Untold

(Image credit: Netflix)

Ron Artest participates in “Malice At The Palace” and other controversies

Long considered one of the NBA’s most distinctive personalities, Ron Artest (whose legal name is now Metta Sandiford-Artest) is no stranger to success as well as controversy. The all-star and championship winner has had his share of legal troubles, with the most significant being “Evil from the Palace”. That altercation in 2004 saw Artest involved in a massive brawl involving fellow Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and fans. He was subsequently suspended for the remainder of that season and missed 86 games, including the playoffs.

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

In addition to all this, a season of American Sports Story it could highlight his younger years, including the time he witnessed the death of 19-year-old Lloyd Newton during a basketball tournament. Mr Artest – who is a media personality today – has settled down considerably and his story does not have a seriously grim ending. However, his life and career would still be quite a compelling season for the most recent American Story series.

Simone Biles in the arena during the Tokyo Olympics.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Sexual abuse by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and others uncovered

One of the most tragic incidents to happen in the world of athletics in the last decade is the sexual abuse scandal involving USA Gymnastics. The matter came to light in 2016 and eventually saw more than 500 gymnasts claim they were sexually abused as minors by coaches, gym owners and more since the 1990s. Larry Nassar — a longtime doctor for USAG — was a key figure in the situation, as 256 women accused him of sexual abuse, including famous Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas.

Ago, Larry Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years after pleading guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct. In addition, officials from USAG, the United States Olympic Committee and others were either fired or resigned. The scandal as a whole is still regarded as the biggest in sports history. And with that, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was featured in a future season of American Sports Story.

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

(Image credit: CBS)

“Fast Eddie” Johnson’s NBA career is marred by legal issues

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

After an unsuccessful stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Florida native had a successful run with the Tampa Bay Thrillers of the Continental Basketball Association. That run would spark 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 has been involved in a number of incidents, including a situation in 1980 that saw him jump from a two-story building while being chased by two men who were shooting at him. Diagnosed with manic depression during his playing days, the disgraced guard 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 was later convicted of sexual assault of a minor, lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor, and trespassing. He was eventually sentenced to a mandatory life sentence for his crimes and died of unknown causes while working at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in 2020. Given all that is known about Johnson, he certainly seems like a subject that would appeal to the producers of a scripted drama series.

Oscar Pistorius interviews with the Paralympic Games

(Image credit: Paralympics)

Oscar Pistorius is convicted of murdering his girlfriend

Originally from South Africa, Oscar Pistorius established himself as a sprinter, winning honors at multiple Paralympic Games, the Paralympic World Cup and more. The famous runner was put on trial for murder in 2013, however, after he killed his girlfriend, 29-year-old paralegal and model Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorious shot her four times in his Pretoria home, claiming he thought she was an intruder. The athlete was eventually found guilty of manslaughter and reckless endangerment with a firearm for a separate incident.

While the Paralympian received five years for manslaughter and a concurrent three-year suspended prison sentence for the reckless endangerment charge, the state appealed his conviction in 2015. As a result, Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of murder and sentenced to six years – only for the state to appeal again for a longer sentence. Pistorius was then sentenced to 15 years and in January 2024 he was paroled. In short, this case seems like it would fit the Ryan Murphy-produced sports series.

As it stands, we’ll just have to wait and see what lies ahead The Story of Sport but based on the actual scenarios that have been exposed, the producers have options for future seasons. Of course, even if new episodes are ordered, they probably wouldn’t go anywhere on TV schedule 2025but it’s still interesting to think about what might happen if the show moves on.

New episodes from American Sports Story airs Tuesdays at 10pm ET on FX and are available to stream the following day with a Hulu subscription.