Fox's 'Madness' On The Mark Documentary Of Fresno State Hoops Program Is Outstanding By Randy Williams Fox gives television viewers plenty of reasons to be skeptical of its product with shows like "Caught on the Job" and "World's Wildest Police Videos." However, "Between the Madness," a documentary produced in association with Black Canyon Productions and Broadway Network Television, is excellent. Fox Sports Net received unlimited access to Jerry Tarkanian's Fresno State basketball team for 150 days, from Midnight Madness to March Madness, thus the show's title. Produced by Gary Cohen and Paul Doyle, Jr., the footage ranges from sad to shocking but is never boring. Some of the show's highlights include: The story of the team's problems with substance abuse, which lead to numerous player suspensions. Particularly interesting are guard Chris Herren's struggles, which force him to enter a Utah rehabilition center early in the season. Numerous in-depth conversations with Tarkanian, whose undying affection for his players is remarkable. Coverage of Fresno State's late-season run, which leaves the team just short of an NCAA bid. Cohen, Doyle & Co. do an excellent job of covering the Bulldogs' program from the court to the classroom and beyond. The documentary is very evenhanded and manages to show the human side of the story without betraying the facts. Fox interviewed countless people - Tarkanian, his players, the local beat writer, players' girlfriends, assistant coaches and tutors, etc. - but it probably would have been wise to talk to Fresno State administrators and faculty about their concerns with the program. Of course, that may be a subject better left for "60 Minutes," whose Mike Wallace skewered Fresno State in a segment late in the season. If you're a college basketball fan, or even if you're not, "Between the Madness" is a program you won't want to miss. It will teach you about basketball, about Fresno State and, most importantly, about life. Grade: A (An outstanding piece of work) Return to top To post a comment on the review or this program, Speak Out. To e-mail your opinion to Randy, click here.