Girls Youth Football: Is it Safe?
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, ESPN)
ESPN.com
This spring, in the midst of a concussion crisis that has led to concerns about the safety of youth football, a group in Utah established a new girls tackle football league for ages 10-13. Kelly Naqi examines whether the reward of equal opportunity is worth the risk of injury.
“Being tackled is having fun. I like it. I like hearing the pads and everyone cheering me on. I just like to get pumped up when I get back up and I want to tackle again.” — Gracie Merrill, Girls Tackle Football League player.
“I’m absolutely positive this is a terrible idea; there is no brain trauma that is good brain trauma.” — Dr. Robert Cantu, Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery, Boston University.
“It still shocks me, some people ask should we give girls the opportunity to play football – this opportunity that boys have had for years.” – Sam Rappaport, advisor to the Girls’ League and executive at USA Football.
Love is Stronger
E:60 (Tuesday, 9:30 p.m., ESPN)
Chris Singleton stepped onto the baseball field that night like he had so many times before. An outfielder for Charleston Southern University, the 19-year-old faced the cameras to address something unspeakable: less than 24 hours earlier, his mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and eight others were shot and killed in the Charleston Emanuel AME church massacre. For the first time since that press conference, Chris Singleton speaks exclusively with E:60’s award-winning correspondent, Bob Woodruff, about a mother’s love, a night of horror and how baseball saved his life.
Just How Big is the Jen Welters Coaching Internship?
Jane McManus talks to some groundbreaking women in sports about what the future might hold for the Arizona Cardinals’ new coaching assistant.
LIFTED
SportsCenter (Sunday, 10 a.m., ESPN; multiple airings throughout day)
Born with a life-threatening liver condition, Chevi Peters wasn’t expected to live past the age of two. Thirty-eight operations later, the 31-year-old powerlifter is competing in four events at the Special Olympics World Games this week in Los Angeles. While he can deadlift 350 pounds, Chevi’s strength goes far beyond the lift of a barbell, with his remarkable will to win – and will to live. SC Featured captures Chevi’s quest for gold, with Tom Rinaldi reporting.
“It makes me get stronger, makes me get bigger. It builds up my confidence. If you put your mind to it, the hard work and dedication, anything is possible.” – Chevi Peters.
“I think what motivates him is proving everybody wrong. He’s been told since a young age that he can’t do a lot of stuff. And for him to come and do things that are really incredible. He likes to shock people on the numbers and how good he really is.” – John Lair, Chevi Peter’s coach.
ESPN the Magazine; ESPN.com
Chevi Peters feature by Tom Friend
The Sports Reporters
Sunday, 9:30 a.m., ESPN; 10:30 a.m., ESPNEWS
This week’s Panel*
John Saunders (host)
Mitch Albom
Israel Gutierrez
Frank Isola
(subject to change)
As Seen on ESPN Front Row:
With World Games, ESPN and Special Olympics continue “perfect” collaboration
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