Bunim/Murray Productions is teaming up with retired Brazilian footballer, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, for a limited-run series based on his life in the ’70s, the company announced on Monday. The scripted series will delve into his life while playing for the New York Cosmos alongside other international players.
Pele will serve as an executive producer on the series, alongside his manager Paul Kemsley, Bunim/Murray CEO Gil Goldschein, as well as co-president of Entertainment & Development, Jeff Jenkins.
Pele is considered the greatest soccer player in history. He’s been named “World Player of the Century” by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics and “Athlete of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee. He was recently portrayed on screen by Kevin de Paula in the 2016 biopic “Pele: Birth of a Legend” from writer-directors Jeff and Michael Zimbalist.
“Growing up playing soccer competitively and now coaching my kids’ teams, I have always admired Pelé and aspired to share his story and approached PK about doing this series. As soccer continues to gain legions of fans around the world, now is the right time to delve into and dramatize his story,” Goldschein said in a statement. “Pelé’s talent, humility and charisma make him an outstanding role model, and we anticipate that this series will have mass global appeal.”
“When Gil and Jeff (Jenkins) approached me with this idea, I very quickly said yes,” said Kemsley. “Bunim/Murray has an amazing track record for creating revolutionary TV shows, and it was clear to me that we share a passion for Pelé and soccer. I have no doubt they will capture the magic that was New York City in the late 70’s and also honor the legacy of one of the greatest athletes this planet has ever known. Pele, Sport 10, and I couldn’t be happier with this new partnership.”
Doug Adler and 6 Other Sportscasters Who've Been Accused of Racism (Photos)
Tennis analyst Doug Adler found himself out of a job at ESPN earlier this year after describing Venus Williams' "guerrilla" style of playing at the Australian Open. Adler, who's suing ESPN over the termination, isn't alone. Read on for other sports personalities who've been accused of racism.
Legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell was accused of racism after referring to Washington Redskins wide receiver Alvin Garrett as "that little monkey" in 1983, though Cosell denied being racist and Garrett later said that he didn't feel like it was a demeaning comment.
Kelly Tilghman received a two-week suspension from Golf Channel after suggesting that golfers hoping to challenge Tiger Woods should "Lynch him in a back alley."
Jimmy "the Greek" Snyder's infamous theory that black people make better athletes because of how they're "bred" got him fired from CBS in 1988.
Jason Whitlock was accused of perpetuating a stereotype about Asian men in 2012 when he tweeted, as New York Knicks player Jeremy Lin racked up a 38-point performance against the Lakers, that "Some lucky lady in NYC is gonna feel a couple inches of pain tonight." Whitlock later apologized.
Baseball sportscaster Steve Lyons was canned from Fox in 2006, when he jokingly suggested that Lou Piniella, who is of Hispanic heritage, might have stolen his wallet and added, "I don't understand him, and I don't want to sit too close to him."
ESPN's Rob Parker drew criticism when he seemed to suggest that he didn't feel Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III was black enough, asking, "Is he a brother, or is he a cornball brother?" and saying, "I keep hearing these things. We all know he has a white fiancée. There was all this talk about he's a Republican."
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From Howard Cosell to Jimmy ”the Greek“ Snyder and beyond, these sports commentators have been called foul on the topic of race
Tennis analyst Doug Adler found himself out of a job at ESPN earlier this year after describing Venus Williams' "guerrilla" style of playing at the Australian Open. Adler, who's suing ESPN over the termination, isn't alone. Read on for other sports personalities who've been accused of racism.
