Countdown to Brazil
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, ESPN)
As the two-year countdown to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil approaches, Bob Ley visits the mecca of the Jogo Bonito (“the beautiful game”). In a 30-minute special, Sunday’sOutside the Lines presents a taste of the colorful streets and vibrant Carioca spirit, examines the country’s passion for a game that has led to five world titles and ultimately explores the most pressing question of all: are the Brazilians ready to host the biggest soccer world event in 2014?
Visit ESPNFrontRow.com for a Bob Ley podcast and photos of his trip to Brazil.
From Sunday’s OTL:
“The history contained in this stadium is second to none. For many people, the soul of soccer, the soul of football resides right here at Maracana, and if you’re a fan of the beautiful game you could be excused for getting a chill when you walk in for the first time. The enormity of this stadium is impossible to convey, impossible to describe and the job of renovating it is just as large. The question is: will they be ready on time? “— Bob Ley
“Personally, I think that Brazil – I know that this displeases the large majority of Brazilians and hurts Brazilian pride – but I think that Brazil doesn’t have the means, technically and financially, to hold a World Cup or any Olympic Games.” — Joao Maximo, veteran journalist
“We will be ready. Brazil will be ready, and the states will be ready.” — Ricardo Trade, Chief Operating officer of Brazil’s organizing effort
Remembering Dan Wheldon
SportsCenter (Sunday, 10 a.m., ESPN)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udgvptZHbBk
Racing lost one of its brightest young stars when IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon died last October following a multi-car crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As the two-time Indianapolis 500 race winner is honored at Sunday’s race, those closest to Wheldon reflect on what made him so special on and off the track. IndyCar drivers Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Wheldon’s wife Susie and others share their stories and reveal what made Wheldon beloved by his fans, friends and family.
“I know that he was great driver and accomplished a lot in his short time, but he was just an amazing person and just someone that made everything better, every way, and you know you miss that so much.” — Susie Wheldon, Dan’s wife
“The fans could relate to him. He was such a main personality, and people loved him because of who he was.” — Scott Dixon, IndyCar driver
Hannah Storm Interviews NBA’s Anthony, Bryant, Durant and Howard
NBA Face to Face with Hannah Storm (Friday, 8 p.m., ESPN2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibeI-R7DW8o
Hannah Storm interviews four of the NBA’s biggest stars — Carmelo Anthony (Knicks), Kobe Bryant (Lakers), Kevin Durant (Thunder) and Dwight Howard (Magic) – in this SportsCenter special. In addition, performance painter David Garibaldi, who auditioned on America’s Got Talent!, will create near life-size illustrations of the players.
Venezuelan MLB Prospects: Crime Up, Academies Down
Baseball Tonight (7 p.m., Sunday, ESPN)
ESPN Deportes SportsCenter (Sunday, 11 p.m.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZUDNowo3ts
Since 1989, when Major League Baseball opened the first of an eventual 26 baseball academies in Venezuela, the country has produced more than 200 Major Leaguers and currently has 25% of all foreign players in the minor league system. However, as crime escalated in the South American country, making Venezuela one of the most dangerous in the world, MLB has shut down most of these academies. ESPN explores the short and possible long term impact this will have on Venezuelan prospects and their paths to the Majors. Ernesto Jerez reports.
“You’re always going to have a bodyguard right next to you, and, just try to stay away from other people, just try to stay at home as much as you can and spend time with your family.” – Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies outfielder who has been robbed twice at gunpoint in his homeland
The Last Ride of Bear and Billy
ESPN.com
Legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant’s former driver, Billy Varner, now struggles to remember the man behind the myth. He’s not alone. Wright Thompson reports this Outside the Lines piece.