Coach Carter

Coach Carter is a GREAT movie. Every time this movie comes on, I see it because to see those young boys evolve into responsible young men is awesome. It's based on a true story about real life coach Ken Carter benching his team for poor academic results. His rationale was he wanted students to understand there's more to life than basketball. At first, the students rebelled against him but throughout the movie, they respected Coach Carter because he didn't waiver in his conviction. During the school board hearing where parents and faculty had to vote on whether to end the lockout, Carter did have two people backing him, but the others voted to end the lockout. When he said, "If you vote to end the lockout, you don't have to fire me; I Quit!" It takes guts to stand behind your beliefs even if you may have to walk out. Not many people have that strong conviction. This movie is indicative of many inner-city communities, where students put more focus on sports than academics. If you are athletically gifted, then you should milk that talent. Only the very elite make it to the NBA, NFL or major leagues in baseball; then what? You have to have a Plan B. A touching scene in the movie is where Timo Cruz's (Rick Gonzalez) cousin Renny is shot and Timo rushes over to comfort him. Timo goes to Coach's home and breaks down, saying he wants to get back on the team and Coach lets him back.That was a near death experience for the team because the shooting happened right across the street. That's support when the community is willing to overlook your poor academic record and focus on your athletic gift. Coach Carter had a brick thrown through his window at his shop and someone shouted "Open up the gym, let the boys play". For me, true support would entail me having poor grades and getting the help needed to get back & stay on track.