Ep 2. The Prince of Pennsylvania

In 1992, John du Pont, heir to the multi-billion-dollar chemical company fortune, murdered Olympic gold medal-winning wrestler Dave Schultz on his estate in Pennsylvania. The story of du Pont and Schultz is the subject of the 30 for 30 documentary episode "The Prince of Pennsylvania."

The episode explores the complex relationship between du Pont and Schultz, two men who came from vastly different backgrounds. Du Pont, a wealthy and eccentric figure, was known for his interest in sports and his attempts to sponsor and train athletes at his Foxcatcher Farm. Schultz, on the other hand, was a blue-collar wrestler who trained and competed with his brother Mark, another Olympic gold medalist, and was known for his humility and dedication to the sport.

Despite their differences, du Pont and Schultz became close friends, with du Pont offering to sponsor Schultz's wrestling career and even building a state-of-the-art wrestling facility on his estate. However, their relationship was tinged with darkness, with du Pont becoming increasingly erratic and paranoid, and Schultz struggling to balance the demands of his sponsor and his loyalty to his family.

The episode features interviews with Schultz's family and friends, as well as former wrestlers, coaches, and employees at Foxcatcher Farm. Through their stories, we see the true extent of du Pont's erratic behavior, including his bizarre ramblings and his obsession with guns. The episode also explores the broader culture of wrestling in the United States, and the ways in which athletes like Schultz were often exploited and taken advantage of in their pursuit of success.

Ultimately, "The Prince of Pennsylvania" is a gripping and tragic story of two men whose lives intersected in ways that led to a shocking and violent end. It is a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked wealth and power, and the toll it can take on those who find themselves caught in its path.