How Gotham Chopra’s Sports Emmy-Nominated Series ‘Why We Fight’ Tackles Opioid Addiction

“As much as it is a show about fighting, it is also a show about opioid addiction,” the “Tom vs. Time” director says after docu-series’ host relapsed during production

Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra
Getty Images

As the 39th Annual Sports Emmy Awards kick off Tuesday night, the Religion of Sports team under Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra (above right) hope that their gritty docu-series “Why We Fight” will be victorious in the Outstanding Serialized Sports Documentary category.

The eight-episode series on Verizon go90 network, executive produced by UFC champion-turned WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey, is far from your typical sports drama — especially as its host unexpectedly relapsed into opioid use during production.

The show was built around active fighter/host Zac “Kid Yamaka” Wohlman, who was recovering from painkiller addiction stemming from injuries in the ring.

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