A Chicago-produced documentary, ‘I’m Fine (Not) Really,’ showcases the emotional effects that athletes struggle with, and it will be making its local TV debut Monday.
Chicago producer-director Darryl Roberts interviewed dozens of athletes for the documentary, which centers around the relationship between athletes and their fans.
"One of the things I found out during the documentary that really intrigued me is Dr. Daniel Wann, a psychologist, wrote a book about sports fandom,” Roberts said. “He said that the de-evolution of sports fans is coinciding with society becoming less civil."
Phil Esposito, who’s with the Chicago non-profit that was behind the documentary, Mondo Cares, told WBBM the big pay days for athletes, and big prices for tickets, sometimes makes fans think they can go too far.
"To really hear the full perspective of super fans that have absolutely no patience for these athletes who are showing human frailty, weakness, really shocked me,” Esposito said. “When you exceed that line and now you're becoming abusive, now you're making a scene at these events, that's when I think you're really crossing the line."
Roberts added: "We have so much access to the athletes now, that we think it's prudent to go on their social media and tell them they suck. Most sports fans are still well-behaved but it's those few, that group's getting bigger and bigger that's part of the problem."
‘I'm Fine (Not) Really’ will be on on NBC Sports Chicago and on Channel 5 on Monday.
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