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TNT's Ernie Johnson Give Emotional Speech on COVID-19

Longtime broadcaster gives emotional speech on the pandemic, sports, and his connection to both

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While Turner Sports is broadcasting an all-star golf tournament between a pair legendary golfers and NFL quarterbacks on Sunday, famed broadcaster Ernie Johnson will not be a part of the event. In an emotional address, he explained why.

At the start of TBS’ broadcast of “The Match,” Johnson spoke from his home that touched on how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives, saying that, like so many, he has “wrestled with what’s safe, what’s wise, what’s cautious, amidst a chorus of voices.” He noted how our culture has tried to grapple with the global crisis by taking refuge in “the simple, the exotic and the legendary,” as the montage gave nod to docuseries like “Tiger King” and “The Last Dance,” which have dominated the public consciousness alongside the virus.

But for Johnson, the pandemic has been deeply personal. His son, Eric, has dealt with muscular dystrophy for years, and since 2011, he has required permanent use of a ventilator to breathe. He had been diagnosed with lung infections multiple times and would be at great risk of dying if he contracted COVID-19. For that reason, Johnson decided not to commentate on today’s charity golf game between Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady.

“I would have loved to have been part of the broadcast team down there at Medalist today,” Johnson said. “I just didn’t think it was worth the risk of bringing in an unseen foe into our house.”

Johnson’s remarks sent his name trending on Twitter, earning him praise from sports fans and figures alike.

“In typical Ernie Johnson fashion, a terrific piece about what we are all going through,” golf analyst and teacher Peter Kostis tweeted. “No agenda. Just passion and perspective. Well done EJ.”

“Ernie Johnson is truly unmatched. Will never be another!” sports anchor Taylor Rooks added. “We’re lucky to have him on our screens and in our homes.”

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"The Pride of the Yankees" (1942)
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“Rocky” (1976)
In the ultimate underdog story, newcomer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) gets a shot at the world heavyweight title against champ Apollo Creed. Rocky proves he has the goods, going the entire 15 rounds against Creed, but loses in a split decision. Rocky would get a rematch though and win the title in “Rocky II”.
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"Breaking Away" (1979)
One of the most inspiring underdog stories ever made, the Little 500 bicycle race in Bloomington, Indiana, is a local classic as made famous by this film. In the film's closing race scene, the locals -- dressed in plain white T-shirts with their nickname the "Cutters" -- upset the richer college students with more expensive bikes and uniforms, riding across the finish line in pure glory.
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“Chariots of Fire” (1981)
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“The Natural” (1984)
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“Hoosiers” (1986)
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“Major League” (1989)
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“A League of Their Own” (1992)

“A League of Their Own” proved that girls can play baseball, and ends in a play at the plate that determines the championship. Geena Davis’ Rockford Peaches may lose that final game, but as Tom Hanks taught us, “there is no crying in baseball!”
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“Hoop Dreams” (1994)

Steve James’ revolutionary documentary follows inner-city Chicago kids William Gates and Arthur Agee throughout their high-school basketball careers. The film culminates in both striving to reach the finals of their city wide championship tournament.
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“Remember the Titans” (2001)

Based on the true story of Virginia’s first integrated high school football team (led by coach Denzel Washington), the Titans not only change the views of an entire town, but they go undefeated on their way to a thrilling state championship against an all-white team.
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“Friday Night Lights” (2004)

The film that spawned the critically acclaimed TV series (which in turn may spawn a film of its own) is memorable in that its featured team doesn’t win the championship. The Permian Panthers mount a great comeback, but come up one yard short of the state title.
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“Miracle” (2004)

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"DodgeBall" (2004)

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“The Fighter” (2010)

David O. Russell‘s
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"Senna" (2010)

The best sports documentaries are as riveting as their scripted counterparts, putting viewers right in the action as if they are watching it unfold live. "Senna" is one of the finest examples, using primarily archival footage with no narration and few interviews to show the bitter Formula 1 rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost that led to the 1989 and 1990 championships being decided in controversial fashion at Japan's famed Suzuka Circuit. 
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"Survive and Advance" (2013)

ESPN's "30 for 30" series included a look at arguably the most famous championship run in college basketball history. In 1983, Jimmy Valvano led the North Carolina State Wolfpack on a streak of nine consecutive overtime or one-point wins, culminating in a last-second basket to win the championship over top-ranked Houston. In this documentary, even though the outcome is known, every game's heart-stopping drama is recreated perfectly. 
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"Creed" (2015)
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