Clubhouse Article

ESPN Films: Goose

April 4th, 2012 by Colin M Jarman

The documentary, GOOSE, tells the story of Reece “Goose” Tatum, arguably one of the most influential athletes of all time, yet unknown to many basketball fans today. The film takes a look at Tatum, the leader of the Harlem Globetrotters from 1942-1954, who despite the segregated era, became the most well-known and highest paid athlete in the world. He possessed a rare combination of basketball talent and comedic genius and is credited with introducing the no-look pass and the no-look hook shot, as well as pioneering the concept of free agency when he walked away from the team at the peak of his fame.

The film includes guest interviews with Julius Erving, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Bill Cosby and Ernie Banks. It is narrated by Anthony Mackie (star of the The Hurt Locker & 8 Mile).

Premiered on ESPN America on Weds, April 4th. Check local listings for repeat showings.

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The story of Reece “Goose” Tatum, arguably one of the most influential athletes of all time, yet unknown to most basketball fans today, will come to life in a documentary called GOOSE. The film will debut on ESPN on February 26 at 9:30 PM EST as part of the networks’ Black History Month programming. Produced by Mannie Jackson, chairman of Boxcar Entertainment, in association with TeamWorks Media, GOOSE will celebrate the basketball legend, who was posthumously elected to theNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2011.

Jackson, former chairman and owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, is the driving force behind educating the world about the man nicknamed “Goose.” “This is an important untold story about human conditions, greatness and an American hero. The impact of this athlete and celebrity is still very much felt today,” said Jackson.

As the leader of the Harlem Globetrotters, the most skilled squad in the world, Goose was more than just the architect of some of basketball’s most iconic shots. A true sports icon, he possessed a rare combination of basketball talent and comedic genius, which made him a household name around the world. In 1948 and 1949, Goose was a key part of the famous Globetrotters team that beat George Mikan and the world champion Minneapolis Lakers in a seminal moment in basketball history. His impact on the game has transcended generations, as the no-look pass and the no-look hook shot, which he introduced to the game, have become staples in basketball.

With beginnings in Negro League Baseball prior to his basketball career, Goose went on to become one of the most dynamic athletes of his time and the highest paid athlete in the world. In a segregated society, Goose reached across color lines to appeal to fans of all races. At the peak of his international fame and fortune, he did the unthinkable when he left the Globetrotters, pioneering the concept of free agency and establishing himself as an entrepreneur by owning two sports teams.

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“My vision was to share with the world one of the greatest sports stories never told; in fact, one of the greatest stories never told – until now. Reece “Goose” Tatum is an American icon. Goose inspired an entire generation. Not simply because of the way he changed the game on the court, while achieving global fame of epic proportions. But because of his groundbreaking entrepreneurial success and creation of wealth, and his role as the pioneer of free agency. Goose’s legacy, in the face of the most challenging human conditions, provides a beacon of hope to legions of individuals, at every socio-economic level.”

Mannie Jackson, Chairman, Boxcar Entertainment – Creator and Executive Producer, GOOSE

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For details of other recent ESPN FIlms, click on the links below:

CATCHING HELL	Finding Steve Bartman
RENEE	The Renee Richards Story
THE DOTTED LINE	Morgan Spurlock’s look at Sports Agents
CHARISMATIC	Horse & Jockey Rags to Riches
UNGUARDED	The Chris Herren story
ROLL TIDE / WAR EAGLE	The Alabama Auburn Rivalry
THE REAL ROCKY	Chuck Wepner – The Bayonne Bleeder who inspired the “Rocky” films
THE MARINOVICH PROJECT	Robo-QBTodd Marinovich –
THE ANNOUNCEMENT	Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson relives the day he announced to the world that he had AIDS.

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