Unacceptable Behavior: A Call for Accountability

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez is a gripping series executive produced by Ryan Murphy, inspired by the investigative work of The Boston Globe and the compelling Gladiator podcast from Wondery. This 10-episode limited series airs every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on FX, with the series finale scheduled for November 12. While the narrative has been dramatized for television, the first season of American Sports Story chronicles the tumultuous journey of real-life NFL star, Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez was convicted of murdering Odin Lloyd and tragically took his own life in prison in 2017, leaving a complex legacy that continues to resonate in sports and society.

Thomas Sadoski takes on the role of Brian Murphy, Hernandez’s agent, who navigates the intricate and often brutal behind-the-scenes world of the NFL Draft. Known for his performances in The Newsroom, Life in Pieces, and John Wick, Sadoski’s recent projects include Lilly and The Crowded Room. He expresses pride in being part of American Sports Story and emphasizes his hope that the series will shine a light on the industry’s exploitation of young athletes for profit, urging accountability for those who prioritize financial gain over player welfare.

Screen Rant conducted an interview with Sadoski, delving into his portrayal of Murphy and the agent’s deep-rooted concern for Hernandez, along with his aspirations for American Sports Story to ignite meaningful discussions in the industry.

Sadoski’s Real-Time Engagement with the Hernandez Case

“This serves as a powerful indictment of how young athletes are exploited for financial gain by universities and professional sports programs.”

Screen Rant: This limited series is rooted in a deeply unsettling true story. What was your prior knowledge about Aaron Hernandez before you accepted this role?

Thomas Sadoski: I was well-informed; I followed the case as it unfolded in real-time. I was an avid listener of the Gladiator podcast and held a great appreciation for the Boston Globe as a credible institution. Their history of high-quality and impactful journalism spans generations, and being involved in a project with such a reputable organization was incredibly exciting for me.

Engaging with professionals who are at the top of their craft, like the reporters at the Boston Globe, was a significant motive for my involvement in this project.

With such a powerful story, what aspects were crucial for you as an actor in portraying it authentically?

Thomas Sadoski: I appreciated that Stu and Ryan were committed to a raw and unfiltered portrayal. In many ways, this series serves as a profound indictment of how young men are frequently sacrificed for the sake of financial profit by universities and professional sports organizations. This narrative needed to be told, especially in light of the evolving dynamics in the sports industry, which is often treated as a business rather than a nurturing environment.

While I have noted some positive changes in recent years, it is disheartening that these changes came too late for many individuals who suffered as a result. A reckoning is needed, and I am proud to be part of a show that addresses this reckoning and brings these issues to the forefront.

Given that Brian Murphy was a real person, did that knowledge influence your interpretation of the character?

Thomas Sadoski: Absolutely, it does. Portraying real individuals poses a unique challenge, as you must honor their humanity and complexity. In this case, I had to be particularly mindful since Brian Murphy is a person who has a family and a life outside of this narrative. I immersed myself in court transcripts and conducted extensive research to grasp the nuances of his role in this situation and to portray his humanity effectively. It was essential to me that I didn’t reduce him to a mere caricature.

It’s important to recognize that he worked with the information he had, and unfortunately, he lacked complete insight because he wasn’t provided with all the necessary details by those responsible. What stood out to me was his genuine effort to support a troubled young man, and I aimed to reflect that in my performance.

Sadoski Believes Brian Murphy Could Have Positively Influenced Aaron Earlier

“He appeared to be an outlier in how he treated Aaron and the aspirations he had for him.”

What motivated Brian to pursue Aaron as a client? Was it merely his talents, or was there a deeper connection?

Thomas Sadoski: Brian recognized that Aaron was an exceptional talent, even by NFL standards. He possessed a unique athleticism and skill set that was rare. However, I sensed that Brian also had a paternal instinct that led him to believe that, with the right guidance and opportunities, Aaron could thrive not only as a phenomenal athlete but also as a good person. This combination of potential and character inspired Brian’s desire to be involved in Aaron’s life, and I aimed to reflect that dynamic in my portrayal.

In Episode 4, we see a developing trust between Brian and Aaron. Can you share your experience in creating that relationship with Josh Rivera?

Thomas Sadoski: The unfortunate truth is that had Brian Murphy met Aaron Hernandez five years earlier, the trust they could have built may have significantly impacted both their lives and the lives of others affected by Aaron’s actions. While I do not believe Brian could have single-handedly saved Aaron, he certainly represented a different approach to mentorship that was lacking in Aaron’s life. During the rehearsal process, Josh and I quickly established a connection, which allowed us to explore the depths of our characters’ relationship. Josh is an incredibly talented actor, and we both trusted each other to take creative risks, leading to a dynamic and authentic portrayal.

The series provides an insightful look into the intense NFL draft process. What mental and emotional preparations did Brian aim to provide for Aaron?

Thomas Sadoski: Many people underestimate the complexities involved in evaluating young athletes and the emotional toll it takes on them. The rigorous process can be overwhelming, especially for those who are unprepared for its realities. I believe that Brian recognized the need for honesty: “Your playing ability is not the issue; it’s about trust.” He saw the potential for good in Aaron and aimed to protect that, which was unfortunately lacking in many others’ interactions with him. Brian was genuinely committed to helping Aaron navigate this challenging time, and I wanted to convey that sincerity in my performance.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Aaron was ultimately an adult responsible for his choices. His past experiences of betrayal by adults might have contributed to his difficulty in trusting others. This complicated dynamic made it harder for him to open up to Brian, despite the latter’s genuine intentions.

Sadoski’s Aspirations for Accountability in American Sports Story

“There must be a reckoning in which people reflect and acknowledge, ‘This was absolutely unacceptable behavior.'”

Aaron’s brother also sought Brian’s assistance. Do you believe Brian dismissed him, or did he genuinely see potential in D.J. as a coach rather than a player?

Thomas Sadoski: I believe Brian’s intentions were sincere. His willingness to extend help to D.J. did not feel like mere lip service. He genuinely sought to assist these young men, which is evident from his actions. He had no obligation to secure D.J. a position to maintain Aaron as a client; his efforts were driven by a desire to support them. The unfortunate developments surrounding D.J. in the past year, marked by violence, are tragic. Nevertheless, Brian’s commitment to helping these young men remains commendable, highlighting the complexities faced by individuals in the sports industry.

You mentioned earlier the importance of legacy. What do you hope audiences will take away from this series regarding Aaron Hernandez and the broader sports industry?

Thomas Sadoski: My goal with any project is to leave a lasting impact that resonates beyond the screen. It’s crucial to remember the innocent lives lost due to Aaron Hernandez’s actions, lives that had immense value and were cherished by those around them. Their stories deserve to be acknowledged. Furthermore, it’s imperative to recognize the need for accountability within the sports industry, particularly regarding the treatment of young athletes. This series should prompt conversations about the exploitative practices of coaches and athletic administrators who have profited from the labor of young men. There must be a societal reflection on unacceptable behaviors and their consequences.

Specifically, figures like Urban Meyer, who was the coach during Aaron’s time at Florida, exemplify the need for accountability. I firmly believe that such individuals should not be allowed to work with young athletes, given their questionable character. This series serves as a call to action for the industry to reevaluate how it operates and to ensure that the well-being of athletes is prioritized over profit.

In-Depth Look at American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez

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