Where can I watch Pony Excess?

Available on

Synopsis

Pony Excess, a captivating documentary released in 2010, delves into the rise and fall of the Southern Methodist University (SMU) football program during the 1980s. At the heart of this compelling narrative is the Pony Express, a legendary backfield that propelled SMU to unprecedented success. However, as the accolades piled up, so did the moral compromises. The film paints a vivid picture of a time when ambition and greed intertwined, leading the university to increasingly bow to the whims of Dallas's affluent oil barons. This period of excess ultimately culminated in the NCAA's unprecedented decision to impose the death penalty on the football program, a scandal that not only devastated the team but also left a lasting scar on the school's identity.

Through a blend of archival footage and interviews with key figures, Pony Excess explores broader themes of corruption and accountability in college sports. It showcases the stark contrasts between the euphoria of victory and the harsh consequences of unchecked ambition. The documentary doesn't shy away from the human stories behind the statistics, revealing the dreams and disappointments of players, coaches, and fans alike. As viewers witness the unraveling of a once-mighty program, they are invited to reflect on the lengths to which institutions will go in the pursuit of glory. For anyone intrigued by the intersection of sports, ethics, and the cultural fabric of 1980s America, Pony Excess offers a gripping and thought-provoking journey that resonates far beyond the gridiron.

Video: Trailer for Pony Excess, the ESPN documentary about SMU's death penalty sentence

Quick Facts