The next film in the award-winning “30 for 30” series by ESPN won’t be one you can watch through your cable provider.
The sports giant is launching its own sports streaming service called ESPN+. With it comes “The Last Days of Knight,” an in-depth look at the tumultuous end to former basketball coach Bob Knight’s career at Indiana University.
IT'S OFFICIAL! Our next film "The Last Days of Knight" will premiere and start streaming April 12 on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/lU70gUyl3X
— ESPN Films 30 for 30 (@30for30) April 3, 2018
As seen in the trailer, “The Last Days of Knight” comes from director Robert Abbott, a former CNN producer whose investigation of Knight began in 1999 to learn why three former high school All-Americans left Knight’s program at IU.
“I was amazed at how much of the story had never been told before,” Abbott said in a press release. “[The film] finally tells the story of why Neil Reed went public with me, and how that decision changed his life.”
Reed was the IU basketball player who in 2000 accused Knight of choking him during a practice in 1997. Video of the incident later surfaced, after which Knight, known as much for his anger and outbursts as his winning streak, was put on a zero-tolerance notice by the then-university president.
Months later, allegations of Knight grabbing a student’s arm led to his firing by the university.
That’s the story everyone knows, at least. With “The Last Days of Knight,” Abbott looks to go even deeper with the events surrounding Knight’s exit. ESPN calls the film “a tale about success, power, abuse, institutions, journalism and ultimately, a search for truth.”
When ESPN+ launches, “The Last Days of Knight” won’t be your only viewing option. The service promises access to the entire library of over 100 “30 for 30” films, in addition to an array of live sports options.
However, it’s worth noting that the ESPN+ service does not include the core ESPN channel or professional football or basketball.
ESPN+ launches April 12, with "The Last Days of Knight" dropping a day later on April 13. The service is available for $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually.
