ESPN Cancels 'Playmakers' After One Year


BayouBandit03

BayouBandit03

Future TxSu Law Student
BRISTOL, Conn. - ESPN canceled "Playmakers" after one season Wednesday, ending a show that drew criticism from the NFL and some players.



The show focused on a fictional team and featured plots that included drug use, marital infidelity, racism and homophobia.


ESPN is paying the NFL $4.8 billion over eight seasons for the rights to Sunday night games. League commissioner Paul Tagliabue had expressed concerns that "Playmakers" was one-dimensional and perpetuated racial stereotypes.


"Many considerations went into this decision, not the least of which was the reaction from a longtime and valued partner," ESPN VP of programming and production Mark Shapiro said.


"Playmakers" garnered critical praise and was watched by an average of 2 million people each week, five times the ratings the network drew for that time slot the previous year.


The show also drew criticism from current players, with Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp refusing to do interviews with ESPN. By the end of the season, however, there were reports that players approached the network to inquire about roles on the show.
 
I stopped watching the show after they showed the gay dude trying to be hard in the locker room with a speech about Black people should understand gay rights.
 



Originally posted by BayouBandit03
The show also drew criticism from current players. By the end of the season, however, there were reports that players approached the network to inquire about roles on the show.
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Hmmmmmmmmmm
 
Originally posted by buckwheat1911
I enjoyed the show also. I hope HBO or Showtime can pick the show up.
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ESPN said in USA TODAY that they owned the show and nobody else will pick it up or produce it for another network. Talk about KISSING the NFL's ARSE.

I understand they are in business with them, but what happens next time the NFL don't like something. Is ESPN going to keep cancelling "hit" shows they produce to keep the NFL happy.
 

The show also drew criticism from current players, with Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp refusing to do interviews with ESPN. By the end of the season, however, there were reports that players approached the network to inquire about roles on the show.
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Where is Leon when you need him?

:lol:
 
:nod: :nod2: I actually enjoyed the show.........Even though most of the "after-the-game and practice" stuff was negative:devil2: :shame: The truth hurts so they cancel it :shame: :shame:
gyard.gif
 
I watched the show, and it was 'entertaining', but it seemed to focus too much on the 'negative' side of professional football.

I can't blame the NFL for saying something about it....

I wouldn't endorse a show that only talked about me and my problems, either.... :rolleyes:
 
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