Author Archives: FSM Staff

A Legend in Pro Wrestling Also Had A Small Hollywood Career

Terry funk was a legend in the professional ring. He truly loved the sport and wrestled well into his golden years. After his passing last month, fans have been coming together to share their favorite Terry funk stories and moments. Chainsaw Charlie has been mentioned more than a few times. Many are surprised to find out Funk had small career in Hollywood which included stunt work on Sylvester Stallone’s film Rocky III. Since there are already many stories out there dedicated to Funk’s life and career in the squared circle, FSM is ranking Terry Funk’s Top 4 Movie Roles:

4. The Ringer – In this 2005 comedy, Funk plays a debt collector who gets a little physical with the main character’s (Johnny Knoxville) uncle in order to get some cash that is owed.

3. Road House – Funk appeared in the 1989 action film Road House in the role of Morgan, a tough bouncer and one of the henchmen working for the film’s antagonist, Brad Wesley, played by Ben Gazzara. Most notably, the film also stars Patrick Swayze as a bouncer named Dalton who is hired to clean up a rowdy bar. Terry Funk’s presence in the film certainly added to the action and intensity of some of the fight scenes.

2. Over the Top – Funk’s role in the 1987 Sylvester Stallone film Over the Top was the character Ruker, a fellow arm wrestler and antagonist to Stallone’s main character, Lincoln Hawk. Over the Top is a sports drama film centered around the world of professional arm wrestling, and Terry Funk’s appearance added to the fighting atmosphere of the movie. The film has become a bit of a cult classic over the years.

1. Paradise Alley – In the film, Terry Funk’s character, Frankie the Thumper, is a professional wrestler. Frankie is one of the wrestlers in the local wrestling circuit that the Carboni brothers, played by Sylvester Stallone (Cosmo), Armand Assante (Lenny), and Lee Canalito (Victor), are involved with. Frankie the Thumper is known for his wrestling skills and is part of the wrestling world that the Carboni brothers navigate as they pursue their dreams and get involved in various wrestling matches and events throughout the film. The film portrays their interactions and challenges within the wrestling community in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen during the 1940s. Funk also served as the stunt coordinator.

Which was your favorite Terry Funk movie? Did it make our list?

FSM Exclusive: Intro to Pinnacles National Park

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For the wanderers out there considering a visit to Pinnacles National Park, Free Sports Mag takes a quick look at California’s newest park in this exclusive 30-minute video.

But first, some cool background information about Pinnacles directly from the NPS website:

Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. What remains is a unique landscape. Travelers journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Hikers enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life: prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the inspiring California condor.

The most recent update to Pinnacles is its redesignation from National Monument to National Park when in 2013, Pinnacles became the 59th National Park. It was originally designated as a monument because of its unique geologic features such as rock spires and crags that are remnants of volcanic activity millions of years ago. However, the abundance of cultural and natural resources in the park, including its many federally protected species, made it an appropriate candidate for a National Park. The United States Senate and President Obama passed the bill that redesignated Pinnacles to a National Park which included a 3,000 acre expansion of wilderness to be named the Hain wilderness, in honor of the homesteader Schuyler Hain who worked to protect it in the early 1900s. The redesignation has also increased visitation and tourism to nearby communities.

Click here to see FSM’s quick review of the park and campsite!

Magic Johnson’s Fast Break Turns 35

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Magic Johnson’s Fast Break is a basketball video game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. The game was developed and published by Tradewest, and it features basketball legend Magic Johnson as its namesake and cover star. Now 35 years old, FSM explores of if the game stands the test of time…

The game itself received mixed reviews from players and critics, which may have impacted its commercial success. Some praised it for its fast-paced gameplay and action, while others criticized it for its lack of depth and limited gameplay mechanics. The graphics and sound were considered decent for the NES era, but weren’t groundbreaking in terms of presentation.

However, the basketball game does offer a unique and fast-paced interpretation of the sport. While the game is played scrolling from side-to-side, similar to other classic basketball games of its time, the gameplay significantly differs as gamers are playing 2 on 2 instead of the traditional 5 on 5. Of course, 2 on 2 makes it easier to have Fast Breaks (and earn more money in the game) and makes for a different gaming experience. There is also the big Pepsi banner at half court which hardcore fans always seem to remember.

Overall, Magic Johnson’s Fast Break aimed to provide action-packed basketball, focusing on quick decision-making and high-scoring gameplay. While it did not have the complexity and realism of modern basketball games, it offered an enjoyable and engaging experience for players during its time on the NES platform.

The game did not end up being as successful for Nintendo compared to some of the more popular sports games released for the NES around that time. While it had a unique concept and featured a well-known sports personality like Magic Johnson (but no other NBA players), it didn’t achieve the same level of recognition as games such as Double Dribble and Tecmo NBA Basketball which became more established and had broader appeal. Fast Break didn’t become a standout title for the NES and is often not as well-remembered as the iconic games mentioned above. Ultimately, the game’s success can be considered modest but not on the level of major NES hits.

In the end, whether someone considers Magic Johnson’s Fast Break to be good or not depends on personal preferences and nostalgia for retro gaming. If you’re a fan of basketball and enjoy classic NES games, it might be worth trying out to see if it appeals to you. However, keep in mind that video game standards and expectations have evolved significantly since the NES era, so it may not hold up to modern gaming experiences.

Alex Karras’ Top 3 Comedic Roles

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Alex Karras got further into acting after his successful career as a professional football player ended. Upon retiring from the NFL, Karras pursued different opportunities in the entertainment industry beyond the smaller roles he landed while he was an active player. FSM presents the abridged version of his foray into acting and discusses his top 3 comedy performances:

Alex Karras played as a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL) from 1958 to 1970. He had a notable career and was known for his strong presence on the field. Following his retirement from football, Karras ventured into sports broadcasting. He worked as a color commentator for NFL games and also had a stint as a co-host on “Monday Night Football” in the mid-1970s.

Karras made his acting debut in the late 1960s, appearing in a few guest roles on television shows such as “Daniel Boone” and “The Bing Crosby Show.” These early experiences sparked his interest in pursuing acting further. It was once retired however that his roles became larger and more prominent, as he had more time to dedicate to his new craft. His roles often matched his personality on the field – loud, boisterous and no nonsense.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Karras began to land his most notable roles in film and television and FSM has ranked the Top 3 comedic ones for your reading pleasure.

Mongo in “Blazing Saddles” (1974): Karras played the character of Mongo, a hulking and dim-witted brute in Mel Brooks’ iconic comedy film. His portrayal of Mongo and the memorable scene of him punching out a horse made him a fan favorite.
Sheriff Wallace in “Porky’s” (1981): In this raunchy teen comedy, Karras portrayed the role of Porky’s brother, a corrupt Sheriff who helps with straightening out wild teens from other counties. His comedic timing and tough-guy persona certainly enhance the film’s humor.
Doc in “Webster” (TV Series, 1983-1989): Karras’ portrayal of George Papadopoulos, or “Doc,” in the television series “Webster” captured the hearts of viewers for many years. This popular sitcom followed the lives of a young orphan (played by Emanuel Lewis) and the couple who adopted him. Karras’ portrayal of the kind-hearted and lovable father figure earned him recognition and popularity among TV audiences across the board. He mostly made audiences laugh while hitting the serious notes as needed.

Alex Karras passed away on October 10, 2012 due to kidney failure. His death marked the end of a remarkable life that encompassed achievements in both professional football and acting.Throughout his acting career, he showcased his skills and versatility, transitioning from his football background to become a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

The History of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

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The Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest has become a legendary annual event held on July 4th at Coney Island, New York. The origins of this contest can be traced back to a friendly competition among immigrants in the early 20th century.

The contest’s roots can be found in the tradition of settling disputes among working-class men on Coney Island. According to popular legend, in 1916, a group of four immigrants—Irish immigrant James Mullen, Polish immigrant Max Bruck, German immigrant Chris Nicoll, and an unidentified man—decided to hold a hot dog eating contest to settle an argument about who was the most patriotic among them. As the story goes, they gathered in front of Nathan’s Famous, a popular hot dog stand owned by Nathan Handwerker, and began consuming as many hot dogs as possible in a set amount of time.

Nathan Handwerker saw the potential in this spectacle and embraced it as a promotional opportunity for his business. The contest gained attention and became an annual event at Nathan’s Famous. Over the years, it grew in popularity and attracted participants from various backgrounds.

In 1972, the contest took a hiatus but was revived in 1974 by PR man Max Rosey, who wanted to use the event to generate publicity for Nathan’s Famous. The contest has been held every year since then and has become a cherished tradition, drawing thousands of spectators to witness competitive eaters from around the world battle it out to consume the most hot dogs in a given time period.

Today, the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest is organized by Major League Eating (MLE), a professional competitive eating organization, and has gained international recognition as one of the most prestigious events in the competitive eating circuit. It is broadcast live on television every 4th of July and has catapulted many participants to fame in the world of competitive eating.

The origins of Major League Eating can be traced back to the early 1990s and the efforts of brothers George and Richard Shea. In 1997, George and Richard Shea, who were public relations professionals, were hired by the owners of Nathan’s Famous to rebrand and promote the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest. Recognizing the potential for competitive eating as a spectator sport, the Shea brothers sought to elevate it to a professional level and establish a governing body to oversee the events.

Later that same year, the brothers founded the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) as the governing body for competitive eating. The IFOCE was responsible for establishing rules, rankings, and standards for various eating contests. They aimed to transform competitive eating into a legitimate sport and attract sponsors, media coverage, and public interest.

Under the IFOCE, the Shea brothers worked to expand the competitive eating circuit, organize events, and attract top eaters. They introduced a structured ranking system and established guidelines for competitions to ensure fairness and safety. Over time, the IFOCE gained recognition as the leading authority in the world of competitive eating.

In 2001, the IFOCE was rebranded as Major League Eating (MLE) to reflect its professional approach and enhance its marketability. MLE continued to expand its reach and popularity by organizing and sanctioning eating contests across the United States and internationally. The Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest remained one of MLE’s flagship events, drawing significant media attention and shaping the perception of competitive eating as a competitive sport.

Major League Eating continues to oversee and promote competitive eating events, maintain rankings and records, and collaborate with sponsors, broadcasters, and participants to elevate the sport’s profile. It has played a significant role in popularizing and professionalizing competitive eating, turning it into a recognized and respected form of competition.

The first champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest under the organization of Major League Eating (MLE) was Takeru Kobayashi. Kobayashi, a competitive eater from Japan, made his debut in the contest in 2001 and quickly revolutionized the sport with his unique eating technique and extraordinary capacity.

In his first year, Kobayashi shattered the existing world record by consuming 50 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes, doubling the previous record. His incredible performance not only earned him the title but also captured the attention of the media and spectators, propelling competitive eating into the mainstream.

Kobayashi went on to dominate the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest for the next six years, winning the championship from 2001 to 2006. His unorthodox “Solomon Method,” which involved separating the hot dog from the bun and consuming them separately, allowed him to eat at an astonishing pace and set multiple records.

However, in 2007, Kobayashi’s reign as the champion came to an end when he was defeated by Joey Chestnut, an American competitive eater. Chestnut consumed 66 hot dogs and buns, surpassing Kobayashi’s previous record of 63. This marked the beginning of Chestnut’s own dominant era in the contest, as he went on to win the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest for several consecutive years.

It’s worth noting that in recent years, Kobayashi has not competed in the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest due to contractual disputes with Major League Eating. Nonetheless, his contributions to the sport and his initial victories played a crucial role in establishing the contest’s popularity and setting the stage for future champions.

Joey Chestnut is the reigning champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest under Major League Eating (MLE). Chestnut has been a dominant force in the competitive eating world and has held the title for numerous consecutive years. His record-breaking streak began in 2007 when he defeated Kobayashi (ending his six-year reign as champion). Since then, Chestnut has continued to dominate the competition, consistently consuming a large number of hot dogs and securing the championship year after year. Think you beat him? You can start practicing this Independence Day!

Find ways to watch this year’s contest by clicking here.

Remember Woody Strode for Breaking Barriers

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Woody Strode broke barriers and made significant contributions to society in various aspects of his life and career. While Strode’s impact may not be as widely recognized as some other historical figures, his determination and success in breaking barriers in professional football and Hollywood have made a lasting impact on the sports and entertainment industries, as well as on the fight for racial equality. Free Sports Magazine proudly presents the abridged story of his life.

Western movie fans may not know Woody Strode was a professional American football player before transitioning into acting. Born on July 25, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, Strode attended UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), where he excelled in athletics, particularly in football and track and field.

Strode played as a standout fullback and defensive lineman for the UCLA Bruins football team during the late 1930s. His performance in college earned him recognition, and he was named to the All-American team in 1939. Making things more interesting, one of Strode’s teammates was THE Jackie Robinson. Yes, you read that correctly. Woody Strode and Jackie Robinson were indeed teammates on the same football team.

In 1939, both Strode and Robinson played for the UCLA Bruins which went undefeated with a record of 8-0-1 that season. During their time at UCLA, Strode played as a standout fullback and defensive lineman, while Robinson played as a running back. Strode’s physicality, strength, and versatility on the field, combined with Robinson’s speed and agility, contributed to the team’s success. Their undefeated season in 1939 remains a notable achievement in UCLA football history to this day.

After college, Strode played professional football in the NFL (National Football League). He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, becoming one of the first African-American players in the league’s modern era. Strode played for the Rams for two seasons before finishing his football career in Canada, where he played for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Following his football career, Strode transitioned into acting and appeared in numerous films and television shows. Strode’s athletic background often played a role in the types of characters he portrayed on screen, bringing a physicality and presence to his performances. The football star turned thespian delivered several outstanding performances throughout his acting career. While opinions may vary on his best movie performances, there were some notable ones that garnered critical acclaim and showcased his talent. Each film showcased different facets of his skillset, making it difficult to pinpoint a single best performance:

1. Spartacus (1960) – Strode portrayed the character of Draba, a gladiator in this epic historical drama. His memorable fight scene with Kirk Douglas’s character remains one of the film’s highlights.

2. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – Strode’s role as Pompey, a loyal ranch hand, in this classic Western showcased his strength and stoic presence. His chemistry with John Wayne’s character added depth to the film.

3. Sergeant Rutledge (1960) – Strode played the title role of Sergeant Braxton Rutledge, a Buffalo Soldier accused of rape and murder. His portrayal of Rutledge’s dignity and strength in the face of injustice was highly praised.

4. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – In this Sergio Leone spaghetti Western, Strode portrayed Stony, one of the gunmen hired to intimidate the protagonist. He showcased his physicality and intensity in a standout performance.

5. The Professionals (1966) – Strode’s role as Jake Sharp, a member of a group of mercenaries, displayed his versatility as an actor. He brought depth to the character and shared excellent chemistry with his co-stars.

While Woody Strode had a successful and exciting career, he should be most remembered for the multiple barriers he broke on the field, in front of the camera, and in real life.

He was one of the first African-American players in the modern era of the National Football League (NFL). He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes in professional football.

As an actor, he faced challenges and racial barriers in the film industry. However, he managed to carve out a successful career in an era when opportunities for Black actors were limited. He played diverse roles that went beyond stereotypes, helping to open doors for other African-American actors in Hollywood. Strode worked alongside Sidney Poitier, another trailblazing African-American actor, in the film “The Defiant Ones” (1958). Their performances in the movie, which addressed racial tensions and prejudice, helped bring attention to issues of racial equality and social justice.

Woody Strode passed away on December 31, 1994 after a battle with lung cancer. His final film was The Quick and the Dead (1995) which was released posthumously and directed by Sam Raimi of Evil Dead and Spiderman fame. In the movie, Strode finds himself in the Wild West yet again and is surrounded by an all-star ensemble cast for one last time. And while it is easy to watch Strode portray a wandering gunfighter named Charlie Moonlight, it is easier to forget his achievements and contributions as an athlete and actor were made in the face of many racial barriers. Strode’s courage and talent is not be forgotten and should continue to serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, actors, and other professionals.

FreeSportsMagazine.com Pays Tribute to the Iron Sheik

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The sports world lost a legend on June 7th, 2023 when the Iron Sheik departed the squared circle of life. At 82 years of age, he led a full but often complicated life. What was undisputable was that he was appropriately hated during his time actively wrestling and appropriately beloved during his time after. Free Sports Magazine is proud to offer this tribute to the #1 Jabroni:

The Iron Sheik, born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri on March 15, 1942, is an Iranian-born professional wrestler and former Olympic wrestler. Known for his flamboyant personality and his portrayal of a villainous character in the wrestling world, the Iron Sheik enjoyed a successful career that spanned several decades.

Vaziri’s journey began in his native Iran, where he developed a passion for wrestling. He competed in various international tournaments and even represented Iran in the 1968 Olympic Games. After immigrating to the United States, he continued his wrestling career and gained prominence in the professional wrestling circuit.

In the 1980s, the Iron Sheik rose to superstardom as a member of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). With his signature move, the Camel Clutch, and his provocative interviews, he quickly became one of the most hated villains in the industry. His intense rivalry with Hulk Hogan, which culminated in Hogan dethroning him for the WWF Championship in 1984, is often remembered as a defining moment in wrestling history.

Beyond his in-ring persona, the Iron Sheik faced personal struggles, including substance abuse issues, which impacted his career and personal life. However, in later years, he embarked on a path of recovery and found renewed popularity through social media, where his outspoken and often humorous posts endeared him to a new generation of fans.

Perhaps one of the Sheik’s most infamous moments occurred outside the ring. This moment can be revisited with smiles so many years after the fact. It’s One of those crazy stories that undoubtedly get shared at funerals or when friends get together to remember loved ones lost.

In January 1987, a highly publicized incident involving the Iron Sheik (Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) and Jim Duggan occurred, commonly referred to as “The Busted Incident” or “The Sheik-Duggan Arrest.” The incident took place during a time when professional wrestling promotions had a vested interest in preserving the illusion of the wrestlers’ characters outside the ring.

The story goes that on January 23, 1987, Vaziri and Duggan were traveling together in a car for a World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) event. However, they were pulled over by the police in New Jersey for suspected drug possession. During the search, marijuana was found in the vehicle, leading to their arrest.

This incident caused a significant scandal within the wrestling industry at the time. The media coverage exposed the scripted nature of professional wrestling and brought negative attention to the wrestlers involved. The WWF promptly took action, swiftly punishing both wrestlers for their actions.

The Iron Sheik was released from the WWF shortly after the incident, with the company citing his arrest and his behavior as the reasons for his termination. Meanwhile, Jim Duggan received a suspension from the WWF, which was also seen as a disciplinary measure.

While the incident tarnished their public image, both wrestlers eventually managed to rebuild their careers. Jim Duggan, in particular, made a successful comeback and became a beloved figure in the wrestling community. As for the Iron Sheik, he found a new level of popularity in later years, thanks to his outspoken and humorous presence on social media.

At the time of his passing, the Iron Sheik is regarded as a wrestling legend and a cultural icon. His unique blend of charisma, athleticism, and controversial antics left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Despite the challenges he faced, his enduring legacy will continue to inspire and entertain professional wrestling fans around the globe.

Body Slam: A Forgotten Movie of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Era

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“Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” refers to a significant crossover between the worlds of professional wrestling and rock music that took place in the 1980s. It primarily revolves around the partnership between the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and the music industry, particularly with the involvement of musicians and collaborations with MTV.

During this era, the WWF recognized the potential of combining the popularity of professional wrestling with the mainstream appeal of rock music to create a larger fan base. This led to various initiatives and events that blended the two worlds, resulting in a phenomenon known as “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.”

One of the key figures in this crossover was Cyndi Lauper, a prominent pop singer of the time. Lauper’s association with professional wrestling began when she appeared as a manager for wrestler Wendi Richter. This led to a storyline feud between Richter and Lauper’s rival manager, Captain Lou Albano, which culminated in a highly publicized match at the inaugural WrestleMania event in 1985.

The success of this collaboration prompted further integration of music and wrestling. The WWF featured rock musicians in their programming, such as Rick Derringer performing “Real American” for Hulk Hogan’s entrance theme. Additionally, the WWF created animated series called Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, which featured animated versions of wrestlers teaming up with various rock stars in comedic adventures.

The “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” era represented a significant period of cross-promotion and entertainment convergence, bringing together the larger-than-life personalities of professional wrestling with the energy and appeal of rock music. It played a crucial role in expanding the fanbase of both industries and capturing the pop culture zeitgeist of the 1980s.

The natural progression of this awesome pairing was to bring the action of pro wrestling and sounds of rock music to the movie screen. However, this is where interest seemed to stop for most people. Perhaps purchasing a ticket and spending a day at the movies was always going to be a bit overkill for fans perfectly happy to watch Cyndi Lauper just have fun from their own living room for or parents who got a free cartoon for their kids every Saturday morning. Whatever the reasons, this effort to hit the big screen ultimately left us with movies like No Holds Barred (which Jim Ross once referred to as No Profits Allowed) and the should be cult-classic Body Slam.

Body Slam was a comedy released in 1986, revolving around a down-on-his-luck music promoter named M. Harry Smilac, played by Dirk Benedict of The A-Team fame. Smilac just happens to get involved in the world of professional wrestling and mischief ensues.

The film follows Smilac as he encounters a washed-up pro wrestler named “Quick” Rick Roberts, portrayed by Rowdy Roddy Piper. Smilac sees an opportunity to combine his love for music and wrestling by managing Quick Rick and a wrestling rock band called Kick at the same time.

With the help of his assistant Candace, played by Tanya Roberts, Smilac sets out to promote Quick Rick and his wrestling partner Tonga Tom, played by Sam Fatu. They embark on a tour with Kick, hoping to achieve success and fame by merging the worlds of music and wrestling. As the story progresses, Smilac faces challenges, including rival wrestling promoters, the constant chaos of managing a group of wrestlers and musicians, and the difficulty of putting on a show that features both live music and wrestling. Of-course the film culminates in a climactic showdown and a high-stakes wrestling match.

Body Slam combines elements of comedy, wrestling action, and music, creating an entertaining story about an unlikely group of characters trying to find success and redemption in their respective fields. Other wrestlers and personalities of note appearing in the film include Captain Lou Albano, Afa Anoai, Barbarian, Billy Barty, John Astin, Fans of The A-Team will especially enjoy this film as Dirk Benedict drives around in a Ferrari in some scenes and is essentially playing the Templeton Peck character (he juggled commitments to both projects during this time). That’s perfectly fine because Rock ‘n’ Wresting is a venture that the Face man would get into to make a buck.

Body Slam was not a financial success. The film was met with negative reviews and failed to attract a significant audience. The movie’s poor performance contributed to its status as a relatively obscure and forgotten film today. While it has gained a small following among fans of professional wrestling and ’80s movies, it hasn’t achieved the same level of cult status as some other films from the era. Its lack of critical acclaim and commercial success prevented it from attaining widespread recognition or a dedicated cult following. This isn’t surprising when thinking about the mainstream audience but perhaps a little more unexpected when considering the fandom of wrestling fans.

That Time the Harlem Globetrotters Got Stuck On Gilligan’s Island

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The iconic Gilligan’s Island made a return in 1978 with a made-for-television movie called “Rescue from Gilligan’s Island.” The movie served as a sequel to the original series and brought back the original cast members, including Bob Denver as Gilligan, Alan Hale Jr. as the Skipper, Jim Backus as Thurston Howell III, Natalie Schafer as Lovey Howell, Russell Johnson as the Professor, Dawn Wells as Mary Ann, and Tina Louise as Ginger.

The storyline of “Rescue from Gilligan’s Island” revolves around the castaways finally being rescued after many years. However, upon their return to civilization, they face a variety of challenges and comedic situations. The movie was well-received by fans of the original series and provided closure to the story of Gilligan’s Island. Or did it?

The success of “Rescue from Gilligan’s Island” led to three subsequent made-for-television movies featuring the castaways which expanded on the original series and continued the adventures of the beloved characters. One of these forgotten gems may be of some interest to sports fans around the Globe.

In a two-part episode titled “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island,” which aired in 1981, the Harlem Globetrotters made a guest appearance on the television show. This crossover episode was a fun collaboration between the popular comedy series and the legendary basketball team. While the Globetrotters still exist today, the squad that took the court on the island in 1981 was a who’s who of iconic street ballers including Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal. It was perhaps the team’s most distinguished lineup from over the years.

The Globetrotters’ presence on the island is a result of this unexpected turn of events. In the storyline of “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island,” it is explained that the Harlem Globetrotters were on a cruise ship named the S.S. Minnow II, which was named after the ill-fated original S.S. Minnow from the Gilligan’s Island series. The ship gets caught in a storm and ends up stranded on the same deserted island where the main characters of Gilligan’s Island have been marooned. The Globetrotters and the castaways of Gilligan’s Island end up having to work together to solve a series of challenges and conflicts on the island. Naturally, many shenanigans ensue.

Mainly, both parties discover that a band of Russian spies, led by a character named Vasily Kandinsky, is also on the island engaging in nefarious activities. Throughout the episodes, the Harlem Globetrotters display their basketball skills while getting involved in comedic adventures with the castaways. They face challenges such as building a raft, searching for treasure, and of course outsmarting the spies. Their unique talents and comedic interactions contribute to the lighthearted and entertaining atmosphere of the show.

Ultimately, with the combined efforts of the Globetrotters and the castaways, they manage to thwart the spies’ plans and create a plan to escape the island. The episodes conclude with a fun and lively basketball game between the Globetrotters and the castaways, adding a final touch of humor and entertainment to the story. You’ll have to watch the episode to see which team won!

Athletes that Deserve a Movie, and the Actors that Should Portray Them

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(PointSpreads.com) – Not all heroes wear capes. Many of them wear football pads, cleats, sneakers, and skates, and some even carry a bat or a stick. We’re talking about transcendent athletes who can make the jump from the field of battle to the silver screen.

With the release of Air – a movie inspired by Michael Jordan – PointSpreads.com, known for its reporting on the latest sports betting news (and the latest point spreads, of course), has compiled a shortlist of athletes whose larger-than-life personas, accomplishments or backstory would be worthy of the big screen – as well as the best actor to portray each one. Which athlete will be the subject of the next Hollywood megahit?

“That sounded like a fun bet, so we decided to put some odds to it,” says Robert Jones, a former bookmaker at a major sportsbook and senior contributor at PointSpreads.

Tom Brady

Now that he’s retired, Brady is the glamor boy who showed the world he was much more than a pretty face. Brady had a career spanning two decades, rarely got injured, and has more records than Motown.

A handsome face and an ‘aw-shucks’ demeanor is what is needed to play the seven-time Super Bowl champ. So, who is the perfect fit? We believe Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, Patrick, would be the man to do justice to the role, according to PointSpreads.com.

“We think Brady has great odds of a Hollywood portrayal of his life and career. The man is a legend. The consensus around our office would be +300, or 3-to-1 odds, just behind Kobe Bryant,” Jones says.

Kobe Bryant

The Black Mamba needs to be memorialized in film, and not just any movie, but one that will stand the test of time. An all-time classic with superb directing and cinematography worthy of capturing one of the most electrifying ball players ever to grace the hardcourt.

His tragic death, made even more heart-wrenching when his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other souls lost their lives in a plane crash on that fateful day in January of 2020, will have the audience misty-eyed and searching for Kleenex. PointSpreads.com’s pick to play Kobe is Michael B. Jordan.

“There must be a Kobe film coming. I’d give it +150 odds,” Jones says.

Conor McGregor

Another celebrity that is no stranger to the pages of PointSpreads.com is Conor McGregor. Love him or hate him, it’s impossible to ignore him. The Irish MMA superstar exploded onto the scene with outrageous trash-talking and a unique fighting style that seamlessly blended a hammer-fisted boxing approach with the nuanced techniques of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art rarely seen within the confines of the Octagon.

McGregor is a natural southpaw but can switch to orthodox at the drop of a dime and his Billionaire Strut, fashioned after WWE founder Vince McMahon’s imperious swagger, is cinematic gold. Tom Hardy, an acclaimed martial arts practitioner himself, gets the gig with no audition required.

“McGregor’s personality, backstory and Irish heritage appeal to a big demographic and there must be a producer in Hollywood wanting to make this happen. I’d give it a solid +450,” Jones says.

Simone Biles

Considered to be the greatest gymnast in the history of the sport, Simone Biles is a 4’8” pixie mounted on a pair of hydraulic lifts and a body of twisted steel that allows her to do what few others have been able to do.

Seven Olympic and 25 World Championship medals comprise her gymnastics resume but the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to her by Joe Biden in 2022 reflects how truly transcendent and entrenched in the fabric of American culture she has become. Marsai Martin has our full support to recreate the wonder that is Simone Biles on the big screen.

“Simone captured our hearts and attention and any movie about her would most certainly be well received. I’d give it 6-to-1, or +600 odds that we’ll be seeing a trailer with her likeness in the near future,” Jones says.

Image credit: Brian BAHR / AFP (PointSpreads.com)