ESPN's Highs and Lows in Ethics and Entertainment Throughout the 1980s, anchor Chris Berman offered topnotch analysis - with flair: before his iconic turban, his head floated in a crystal ball. Illustrations by MCKIBILLO Best-Written Show on TV Early on, SportsCenter became a breakout hit, bringing attitude, clever wordplay, and humor - as well as Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann - to the drab world of sports commentary. ESPN 2 was launched in 1993 to attract fans of niche sports: snowboarding, strength competitions, even poker. The network's coverage of Pete Rose's gambling showed it could compete with the major TV stations and newspapers in terms of serious newsgathering. The popular ad campaign depicted Bristol as a sports mecca where athletes and mascots (in uniform) mixed freely with anchors. Outside the Lines, launched in 2002, is still earning kudos for its investigations. Playmakers - the network's first fictional drama, which aired in 2003 - angered the NFL. It was quickly canceled. The Crossfire of sports, Pardon the Interruption features screaming matches. The Decision handed NBA star LeBron James editorial control of the announcement of his new contract. Fans everywhere booed.