As a seasoned film enthusiast with a penchant for unraveling complex narratives and a soft spot for sports dramas, I must say that “American Sports Story” is proving to be an intriguing watch. The series’ portrayal of Aaron Hernandez’s life journey is both captivating and thought-provoking, albeit somewhat oversimplified in its depiction of his struggles.
In my perspective as a movie critic, “American Sports Story” portrays the tumultuous journey of Aaron Hernandez, a football player whose life was plagued by two destructive habits that threatened his very existence – an addiction to marijuana and a secret attraction to men. Had these compulsions been conquered, perhaps Aaron would have experienced a life untouched by regret and violence. The first vice was his reliance on marijuana, the second, a clandestine liaison with males. If only these insatiable desires had been vanquished, Aaron might have lived a tranquil, balanced life, free from scandal and conflict.
What I mean is, I was joking to some extent. This series isn’t on the verge of becoming like the sensationalized “Reefer Madness,” and its portrayal of Hernandez’s sexuality doesn’t veer into offensive territory. However, there’s a certain oversimplification in how the show narrows down Hernandez’s issues to just a few primary themes.
The story unfolds from Aaron’s triumphant moment in the 2009 BCS National Championship with the Florida Gators against Oklahoma, a victory that elevated his campus fame yet subjected him to heightened scrutiny and pressure. However, this doesn’t deter him from engaging in questionable activities. He resorts to smoking marijuana before each practice, skillfully bypassing mandatory drug tests using a “whizzinator” – a device resembling a leg prosthesis that dispenses pre-prepared, preheated clean urine. Coach Urban Meyer grows increasingly exasperated with Aaron and other misbehaving players, leading to mounting stress and extended work hours that take a toll on his physical wellbeing.
As time moves swiftly, the series hasn’t delved deeply into Aaron’s romantic connections with women. For now, Shayanna is absent from the narrative, but Aaron has a new girlfriend at UF who dislikes his marijuana usage. Interestingly, she’s unaware that he is the football player suspected of frequenting library bathroom stalls and engaging in clandestine relationships with men. Here, we witness Aaron’s well-known paranoia resurface, particularly when his teammates begin guessing who the closeted player might be. He responds to this speculation with aggressive outbursts during practice, becoming especially hostile when Meyer momentarily substitutes him for freshman QB recruit Jordan Reed.
In this rephrased version, it appears that Aaron Hernandez is meticulously displaying every instance where his title character might have altered their path and chosen a different route than the one they ultimately took. Here, author Chelsey Lora portrays Tim Tebow’s guidance as a potential turning point; witnessing Aaron repeatedly falling short in Meyer’s tests and avoiding responsibility, Tim extends an invitation to church service. During that service, addressing the congregation before imparting some more personal advice, Tim talks about the importance of embracing Jesus Christ in one’s life to combat self-doubt and succumbing to temptations.
From my perspective, I used to be a lot like old Aaron, perhaps even skeptical of some suggestions. Yet, today, I realize that failing to adhere to the right path could potentially jeopardize my future. A series of scenes portray my momentary metamorphosis into a devout young man, as I rid my computer of adult content and discard my marijuana. It’s noteworthy that these habits and their implications are distinct – while using drugs before practice might not be advisable, it’s crucial for me to embrace my authentic self regarding my sexuality rather than suppressing it. Nonetheless, in Aaron’s mind, both of these issues seem to hinder his potential as a top-tier player.
As I’ve been putting in the hard yards, the fruits of my labor become evident, initially. The Gators are on an extraordinary winning streak, leading up to the SEC championship game against Alabama, a match we’ll face after everyone returns from Thanksgiving break. Meyer himself commends me for my progress. However, my journey home to Bristol sets off a series of setbacks. It all starts with my frustration towards Jeff, who seems determined to fill the void left by my father at home, alongside Terri. The situation worsens when Bo invites me over to Tanya’s and offers me a joint, the temptation to ease my turmoil becomes irresistible.
When Aaron resumes his old habit of smoking joints with Dennis SanSoucie in a car, it’s clear that he has “slipped back” into using marijuana and pursuing romantic relationships. However, Dennis declines his advances as he is getting married to a woman he met in the Marines, trying to fit in without drawing attention. Aaron accuses him of being a pretender, but they both are merely putting up facades.
On campus again, Aaron confides in Tim inside the chapel, confessing his mistakes at home and questioning if he’s fated to stray. It seems Aaron struggles with self-impatience; each setback strikes him deeply, and he finds it hard to embrace Tim’s advice that faith, like all things, requires practice. In truth, Tim’s attempt to help Aaron concentrate while also alleviating pressure doesn’t achieve either goal. Following an unbeaten regular season, Aaron falters at the SEC championship, denying Tim a national title in his final year of college.
The loss impacts Meyer greatly, leading to an episode that resembles a panic attack but is mistaken for a heart attack. He comes to terms with the need for a fresh start among new students. Thus, when Aaron expresses his desire to stay for senior year, Meyer no longer harbors anger or disappointment towards him; he simply doesn’t have a spot on the team next season. From the coach’s perspective, this isn’t a form of punishment or tough love, but rather a move that benefits both parties: Meyer gets a chance to start anew, and Aaron can declare for the NFL draft, reaching greater success in the professional realm. It’s possible that another team will be fortunate enough to correct him if Florida couldn’t. For now, Meyer will simply handle any off-the-field issues discreetly.
Over the past couple of episodes, I’ve noticed an intriguing mini-storyline unfolding for Meyer. Tony Yazbeck portrays him as a character who strives to be honorable and compassionate, working tirelessly to secure victories and maintain harmony amidst his team, all while grappling with anxiety fueled by the relentless negative press surrounding his rowdy surrogate sons. However, Meyer is also entangled in the misconduct of figures like Aaron, often sacrificing the children’s well-being for his own professional advancement. He puts up a tough exterior, but metes out only minor penalties, essentially encouraging the troublemakers to conceal their indiscretions rather than eliminating the behavior entirely.
As Aaron receives the John Mackey Award, Meyer comments that he seems destined for either the Hall of Fame or jail. This predictable observation is a bit heavy-handed in its foreshadowing of Aaron’s future. The series, American Sports Story, becomes intriguing when it delves into the inner workings of college football teams, shedding light on the individuals – often men – who maintain this system with minimal public oversight. However, when it overemphasizes the protagonist’s struggles, particularly his sexual orientation and a harmful drug habit, it can feel like an educational program for teenagers.
The End Zone
• The series hasn’t overlooked Aaron’s CTE; director Paris Barclay incorporates some distressing scenes from Aaron’s point of view following one tackle, with intense bursts of white and red lights. However, it seems to me that the show is underplaying this significant aspect in Hernandez’s narrative, at least for now.
I chuckled a bit, finding it amusing that Aaron had adult content of that nature displayed openly on his computer from where I was sitting.
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2024-09-25 07:54