For those immune to incessant ESPN promotion, the network recently aired "Without Bias," the latest film in its "30 on 30" series.
I'd watched and enjoyed some of the other films (Who Killed the USFL?, Muhammed and Larry), but wasn't sure if I wanted to relive the Len Bias tragedy. I know all the details. Why subject myself to the pain?
Well, I caved and watched. It's worth your time. Bias was a spectacular athlete. And he had a better jump shot than I had remembered. He was going to bring to Boston the one thing the Celtics lacked - youth and athleticism. He was going to carry the Celtics into the 90s and be the nemesis Michael Jordan never had.
I'll never forget the day I learned of his death. I was in junior high school and overheard the news from a guidance counselor. I didn't want to believe it, and refused to believe it until I could get home and get my hands on the newspaper.
The one part of the movie that really strikes a chord is the 9-1-1 call. I can't get over the calmness in the voice of Bias' close friend, Brian Tribble. He was so matter of fact.
The film does a great job of charting Bias' rise and fall, and there's some great commentary from Michael Wilbon, John Thompson and others. It's definitely worth your time.