Synopsis
Gary's World
One of the most outspoken athletes in sports today, Gary Sheffield has never shied away from controversy. During an all-star career that's included stops in Milwaukee, San Diego, Los Angeles, Florida, Atlanta, New York, and now Detroit, he's always said what's on his mind, often rocking the clubhouse or the boardroom. But all is usually forgiven, because his bat speaks even louder than his words. Correspondent Andrea Kremer goes one-on-one with "Shef" to discuss his career, his commentary and his most recent move in this Real Sports/Sports Illustrated collaboration.
Shock Value
Midway through the 2002 WNBA season, the Detroit Shock found themselves at the bottom of the standings, desperately in need of change. Fortunately, a savior was right around the corner. Former Detroit Pistons star Bill Laimbeer, a four-time all-star and one of the most notorious players in NBA history, was working as a Pistons broadcast commentator. Signing on to coach the Shock during the 2002 season, he brought his "Bad Boy" swagger to the team and took them from dead last to WNBA champions in just one year. In 2005 the Shock added Rick Mahorn, another former Pistons "Bad Boy," as an assistant coach. With Laimbeer and Mahorn at the helm, the Shock captured yet another WNBA title in 2006. Correspondent Jon Frankel profiles the "baddest" team in the WNBA.
Five-Year Plan
Little kids playing around with their parents at the golf course rarely draw a second look. But when five-year-old Kyle Lograsso of Telford, Pa. tees up, everybody stops to watch. He's already shot a 41 on nine holes and can drive the ball over 170 yards. Even more impressive is the fact that Lograsso accomplishes all this with one eye. At two, having already learned the sport simply by watching TV, he was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer, in both eyes. Despite undergoing months of chemotherapy and the removal of his left eye, Lograsso never let go of the passion he has for golf. Now, he looks to follow in the footsteps of his golfing heroes. Correspondent Frank Deford visits with this inspirational golf prodigy.
Still Unsatisfied
Real Sports revisits the untiring Sir Ranulph Fiennes, proclaimed the "World's Greatest Living Explorer" by the "Guinness Book of World Records." Born in 1944 in Great Britain, young Ranulph wanted little else than to follow the noble path of his father, a decorated military man who was killed in WWII. After emerging as a promising officer, he was abruptly dismissed for his role in an impulsive -- and illegal -- stunt. The years that followed were filled with extraordinary adventures and grueling expeditions that led Fiennes around the globe. In 1982 he completed the first circumnavigation of the earth over both poles. At age 59, less than five months after undergoing double-bypass heart surgery, he completed seven marathons in seven days on six different continents. In 2005, he reached an altitude of 28,500 feet attempting to climb the harrowing north face of Mount Everest. Correspondent Mary Carillo revisits Sir Fiennes, who is a cousin of actor Ralph Fiennes, to discuss his latest inspirations and accomplishments.
124: July 17, 2007
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