Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story

Miniseries

Canadian sprinter Johnson's definitely-not-biased account of the doping controversy that rocked the 1988 Olympics when he tested positive for banned steroid use, going from hero to zero in 9.79 seconds in what some called "The Dirtiest Race in History". The series takes a revealing and satirical look at the events surrounding the legendary race and the scandal behind the scandal.

Where to Watch Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story • Miniseries

6 Episodes

A Rival
E1
A RivalTo be the best one has to beat the best; and when Ben Johnson starts racing in the early 1980s, all the best sprinters are juicing; so Ben did what he had to do and evened the playing field; don't hate the player, hate the game.
White Father
E2
White FatherCharlie Francis uses his failures as a sprinter for Team Canada to motivate a movement; he seeks out black athletes to take Canada to the top; with Charlie's knowhow and Ben's black-thleticism, they changed track forever.
The Man with the Plan, Astaphan
E3
The Man with the Plan, AstaphanWith the science changing month to month, Charlie and Ben bring in Jamie Astaphan to focus on performance enhancement; Jamie takes the team to new heights, but isn't satisfied with how little credit he's getting.
The Race
E4
The RaceBen has spent ten years building up to this ten seconds. When the moment comes, he meets it. Too bad they found all those steroids in his pee-pee. Ben hits rock bottom when he has to watch Carl Lewis walk away with his gold medal.
Mama's Boy
E5
Mama's BoyWe go back to Ben's childhood in Jamaica to see the origins of his drive. His love for his mother, Gloria Johnson, was at the centre of his decisions. She was so proud when he won gold. But when he had to give it back, he broke her heart.
Ben v. Everybody
E6
Ben v. EverybodyCanada is hurt after Ben test's positive for steroids; Ben is punished for embarrassing them in front of the world; a whole new race takes place to see who hurts Ben the hardest.