ESPN’s “30 for 30” films have highlighted some of the more memorable athletes, moments, and controversies since they began in 2009. The upcoming multi-part one on OJ Simpson is being lauded as perhaps the best one yet, and it very well may be. However, there is apparently another documentary in the works that, based on the subject matter, has the potential to be excellent as well.
The Portland Trail Blazers boast a history that contains Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler, Lenny Wilkins, and Jack Ramsay. A less celebrated portion of the team’s past is a period during the early 2000s when the team was known as the “Jail Blazers.”
During a radio interview on Wednesday, Damon Stoudemire, who played in Portland from 1998 through 2005, said a “30 for 30” is in production on those Blazers teams.
From Damon Stoudamire on our show just now – The 30/30 Portland has longed wanted on the Jailblazers is currently being made.
— Dirt & Sprague (@DirtAndSprague) March 23, 2016
Portland’s rosters during that time were filled with players who were talented on the court. Unfortunately, away from it, legal trouble was a common theme.
Shawn Kemp’s first season with the Blazers ended prematurely when he entered rehab for substance abuse problem. Rasheed Wallace and Stoudamire were charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession after a traffic stop. Zach Randolph was cited for underage drinking. Charges were later dropped, but Ruben Patterson was arrested on domestic abuse charges. Qyntel Woods was also cited with marijuana possession, along with driving without a driver’s license. Woods also plead guilty to misdemeanor animal abuse in a dog fighting case at a later date. That’s just to name a few. There was also a reported incident during a practice where Randolph punched Patterson in the face.
That period in Blazers history is one that certainly has not been forgotten by fans of the team and NBA who are old enough to remember it. Combine the personalities and stories involved and you have the ingredients for what should make for an fascinating documentary.
UPDATE: An ESPN spokesperson says there is no 30 for 30 on the subject in the works. They believe Stoudamire misspoke.
Our Take: Maybe a “Jail Blazers” documentary is being made, with hopes of it being similar to a 30 for 30 one.
