Charges with Rex Chapman podcast set for small screen doc adaptation

NBA veteran and podcast host Rex Chapman

Digital content studio Portal A and Steve Nash’s CTRL Media have teamed up to adapt the podcast Charges with Rex Chapman for television.

Hosted by NBA-veteran-turned-media-personality Chapman, the documentary series will feature first-hand accounts of high-profile scandals from the world of sports.

The TV adaptation will look to build on the podcast’s success, with some of the world’s most beloved and notorious athletes reliving the momentous events that spawned their infamy.

The series will remain anchored in the world of sports, but Chapman will also branch out to feature similar stories from across entertainment and pop culture, the producers said.

Filmmaker Evan Jackson Leong (Linsanity, Level Up with Stephen Curry) is set to direct the show, which is currently being shopped to prospective networks and streaming platforms.

After a storied career at the University of Kentucky and 12 successful seasons in the NBA, Chapman fell victim to opioid and gambling addictions in retirement, which triggered a pattern of illegal activities and ultimately led to his arrest in 2014.

Since then, Chapman has used his platform and his fast-growing audience on Twitter to share his unique perspective on the stories of the day.

Chapman said of the podcast: “We built a platform where world-class athletes could feel comfortable reliving their lowest moments – and their stories are proof that your rock bottom doesn’t define you. I know this is true because I’ve lived it and I’m fired up to be bringing this show to the screen.”

Portal A co-founder Nate Houghteling added: “We knew Rex had a passionate following, but we were blown away by the podcast’s reception and how the honesty of his guests struck a chord with listeners. While the media loves to cast athletes as either heroes or villains, Charges shows that the truth is far more complex and compelling than the headlines.”