Original subtitles

(gavel knocking)

- Let me go. She needs me.

Let me go.

(cries)

- Well look who it is.

A man smart enough to end up in cuffs.

- How do you keep it all together?

Hm.

Everything falling apart in your life and

still you believe.

(light dramatic music)

(motorcycle turns off)

("All I Got" by Jon Blaq)

(kids talking in distance)

- Nice shot.

Composure, you gotta keep that composure.

Come on, Rob, what are you gonna do?

What are you gonna do?

Come on guys.

You have to know when to take it hard to the hole,

or when to pull up and shoot.

A player that doesn't know that is not gonna play

this game long.

When you leave the court at that final buzzer,

you better be able to look me in the eye and say

that you give it all.

All you had, is left on the floor.

Give us strength to fight,

to the last man to the last play to the last bell

we fight.

- [All] We fight.

- [Coach] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Coach] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Coach] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Coach] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Coach] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Coach] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Coach] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Coach] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Coach] Amen. - [All] Amen.

(cheers and clapping)

(students chattering)

(change jingling)

(beep)

(change jingling)

(sighs deeply)

- I'll catch up with you. - [Girl] Bye.

- Hey coach.

- What's up man?

What's going on?

What, you want me to walk you to class?

What's on your mind?

- It's my dad.

He's a punk.

Sometimes,

sometimes I just want to punch him, you know?

He's just...

He's so sick.

- Sick how, man.

(dramatic music)

- Kurt.

(door slides)

Sit down.

I'm just thinking to myself, when was the last time

that we had a father son chat?

- I can't recall, sir.

- Neither can I.

So, how's school?

- It's good I guess.

- Girlfriend?

- No.

- No?

Boyfriend?

- What? No.

Any other questions, sir.

- Kurt, relax.

I'm just making sure that I know my son.

You know they say that teenagers change, so I'm just

determining the level of your adjustment.

- What do you even know about us?

- You can stop with the histrionics.

- Do you know your wife calls her friends cry--

- That's enough.

- [Voiceover] Stop it Jim.

- He did that to you?

- I didn't say that. I just--

- Well what did you say?

You better say something, what?

- Never mind. Just...

I tripped whatever, you know.

He was yelling, I got scared.

- Um.

Listen, listen man.

Relationships with our parents can be very

complicated, okay?

They can be very very complicated.

We want to protect them a lot of the time because

they protected us right?

But there comes a time when a parent can do something

that's gonna cause you to,

to not see them for over 20 years.

That's, you know, tragedy.

It hurts, a lot, but it does happen.

All I'm saying is that you know, there

can be a time when

you shouldn't protect them.

- Coach, he's a judge, what am I supposed to do,

call the cops?

- I would suggest that you pray to know what to do.

- I don't know how to pray.

Can you help me get the conversation started or something?

(clears throat)

(distant praying)

- Mr. Paul, this is Judge Rogers, Kurt's father.

- Pleasure to meet you, sir.

What happened, Kurt, you been--

- Judge Rogers was in my office today

before I finished lunch.

- You pervert.

If I find out you laid a hand on my son.

- Dude, are you serious right now?

- You do understand that praying is against school policy?

- I know the policy.

- You people use religious coercion and propaganda to

brainwash kids like my boy.

I presided over three cases where so called Preachers

were praying.

- Dad, you're tripping.

- Shut up!

Don't use that kind of language with me.

I never should have brought you to this school.

God does not exist.

And no so called coach is gonna change that fact.

- Well maybe he doesn't exist,

because if he did exist,

he wouldn't have made you such a jerk.

- [Principal] Aiden, stop!

Stop!

Clean out your office, get out of here.

(glass clattering)

Get out of here, Aiden,

get out of here.

- What are you talking about?

What are you doing? - [Principal] You're fired!

You're fired. - [Aiden] I'm fired?

For what? - [Principal] Go!

Get out of my school.

- I didn't do anything, Mr. Patterson.

- You did. Go.

- Mr. Patterson, those are my boys that I coach.

- Those were your boys.

- Mr.--

- [Principal] It's done.

I'm sorry, go.

- Mr...

- Go, go home.

It's time, go home.

Go home.

(dramatic music)

("Miracles" by Mz. Nonz)

(light chattering)

- Alright, listen up.

I've got some bad news.

Coach Paul's been terminated

and he's not gonna coach tonight (disgruntled shouting)

nor any further.

(lockers slam and shouting)

I'll have my starting five at tip off.

Everybody be ready.

(lockers slamming)

- [Voiceover] Are you serious?

(bell chimes)

(machine beeps)

- [Voiceover] Hey lawyer, who doesn't answer the phone.

Calling to let you know that we're not doing

business with you anymore.

Your line's closed,

and you need to get out of this thing before you end

up getting hurt.

- Everybody's sweating bullets.

Weaves going back and oh... (laughs)

One girl's had separated,

it looked like two different people.

(laughter)

I'm telling you, I would've been so embarrassed.

- [Man] Oh my God.

- Miss Lilly, on a church Sunday,

fell out with a heat stroke.

Roll it went up over her head. (laughter)

It was so embarrassing.

Oh, Lord, I mean,

it is so hot and we can't get a drop from the sky.

- It hasn't been this bad for years.

- It really hasn't.

I mean, I can't remember when we had a drought like this.

It was...

Oh...

- [Man] What?

- You know when it was?

That summer I found out I had a twin.

And I would sit under that big old live oak tree.

I said, "God you just saving your tears until I find

my baby brother and then you going rain down those

cool tears of joy. (laughs)

Baby brother, shoot.

Dog gone it.

- Well you are five minutes older than me.

- Well how do you know?

I'm gonna check the records.

You better stop talking that older sister stuff,

thank you, Bill.

- We found out we liked the same flavor ice cream.

- I know, it's crazy.

Both hate okra.

- Oh you know it's true.

Can't stand it.

(laughter)

- Hm mm mm.

Hmm.

So how's the practice going?

- It's good, doing very good.

- And my case?

- Good.

You know, I filed all the papers.

I just keep waiting and waiting for the trial date.

- Well it's filed and that's good, that's progress.

That's really good.

Yeah.

So how you doing for money?

- I'm good.

Well I could use a little loan if you've got it.

Just until the next settlement comes in.

- Michael,

you know I don't put icing on cornbread.

No, I cannot.

You know I invested all my savings

on the case for son and all those experts you said I needed.

I don't know if you know but all of that came

out of my house.

- And you will get it back.

- [Woman] When? - [Man] Off the top.

- When? It's been two years Michael.

- Laurel, some of these things take time.

- Well I don't have time.

Because now the bank is making rumblings about

taking my house.

- How much does the bank say they want to save your house?

- $10,400, can you find that?

- I'm not gonna let anybody take that house from you.

Okay?

Nobody.

- Promise?

- I promise.

- In Jesus name.

I believe in you.

(mumbles)

I don't want this ice cream to melt.

("Miracles" by Mz. Nonz)

- You know they can't keep a good man down.

Tonight.

Princeton, Memphis, Oregon, FSU, those will be easy.

Thanks for that, hope you still got the touch.

- Excuse me?

You that lawyer, with all the ads everywhere?

- That would be me.

Michael Brown.

- Do you like throwing money away?

- Excuse me?

- All those games you picked, they're all wrong.

Princeton is, Charmin soft.

Oregon is fast, they can't shoot the ball.

Memphis just got a new coach, what are you doing?

Florida State, they need to stick to playing football.

- [Waitress] Aiden Paul.

- Yeah.

Thank you.

- Hey, thanks.

In case you need a good lawyer.

- [Waitress] Water, coffee, or juice?

- Water and

I'll have the light menu.

- [Waitress] Can you cover this?

(motorcycle shuts off)

(sighs)

- Thank you.

- Any time brother.

- Thanks for taking care of the boys today, Ray.

- We missed you.

We got outscored by 20 in the second half.

(sighs)

- This thing's got me thrown, I mean, really.

I got no idea how he could've found out about that

on the same day, I mean it doesn't make any sense.

- I know.

(high pitched buzz)

- You did?

- Yeah.

Look man,

I feel bad.

I was hoping,

this might help you get on your feet.

Just read it.

The lady's a good lady,

and it's a private school and all, but I mean,

it's a gig.

- [Voiceover] Then they started to concentrate, but they

didn't have to concentrate under pressure.

This is a big deal right here for this...

- [Voiceover] Kansas just used its last time out.

- Oh.

- [Voiceover] He backed off as well. Wow. (slams pen down)

- [Voiceover] He's got one more, Kansas at the very least

will have a shot to tie with 10.8 seconds.

(sighs)

- [Voiceover] Kansas has made only two three on the night.

They must make one here to extend the game.

Thomson driving, almost lost the handle.

Chambers for the tie, (cheering and yelling)

Unbelievable.

Dosier at mid court, for the championship no, we're

going into overtime in San Antonio.

Jim the free throws did it.

It put Memphis in this (mumbles) position.

(pen slams on table)

(sighs)

- In Heaven.

Beyond my understanding.

My faith is in you.

(dramatic music)

(knock on door)

(knock on door)

- What's up, Coach?

- What's up, man?

- Come on, man. Stop acting like you ain't happy to see

us or something.

I know you miss getting down with us, huh?

I know you miss that.

What's up, Coach?

- [All] Coach!

- [Voiceover] What's up, Coach?

- What's up?

- Hey Coach.

- What's up, man?

Look guys, the important thing is is that

you stay together,

right, because you're a team.

That's what a team does, a team stays together,

no matter what. So,

no excuses.

- Look, this Coach Clemmins.

I have no idea what he's doing,

and I don't think he does.

- Hey coach, for real.

They did you wrong.

They did you real wrong.

I don't know if we can

do this without you on the sidelines, man.

- Yeah you can, man.

Yeah you can.

Well, you know man,

there's no place I'd rather be,

you know that.

You believe that when I say that right?

But,

it's out of my control.

- Coach, you can sue them.

- No, man, everybody wants to file a lawsuit.

That's not me. I'm not filing a lawsuit.

- So you're just gonna sit back and accept it?

Just gonna sit back and do nothing?

- No I'm actually looking for a job, man.

- How's that job,

get you back on the sidelines with us coach?

- I guess it doesn't Ron.

- You told us to never give up.

Go for our goals, our dreams, everything.

And now look at you.

What are you gonna do?

- All that,

all that talk about us

being part of a team,

all that talk about us being like your sons,

just talk right?

Just tough, talk.

- Seeing as life is really complicated okay?

You don't know that because you're

16, 17 years old but, it really is.

Tried everything I could.

- I think it's pretty simple, coach.

You always taught us,

to fight.

You always taught us to play hard.

And now that it's time for you to fight and play hard,

you just punk out.

- Punk out?

(dramatic music)

(sighs)

I love all you guys, but you gotta go alright?

I'm...

I'm not your coach anymore, okay?

- [Voiceover] You kicking us out now?

- Come on.

- I knew you were nothing

but a fake,

white boy pretender.

- Man, get out of my house.

(slams door)

My house. (punches wall)

My house.

(dramatic music)

("I Ain't Got No Quit" by D-Woodz)

- Hey.

You're the swami.

You were right about those games, you know?

- Yeah, you were right too,

I think I might need a lawyer.

- Let's talk.

- I saw your sign out there,

on the road,

and in the diner,

and then I found your card here.

Three times, do you know the significance of that?

- I can't say that I do.

- Oh, it's the Holy Trinity, Jesus died and then

rose on the third day,

there's 27 books of the Bible which is three to the third

power--

- 66 books in the Bible.

- Right.

- [Both] 27 in the New Testament.

- Alright, well 66 is still a multiple of three and

Jesus prayed three times in the Garden of Gethsemane.

before his arrest. - Okay.

- [Aiden] After that-- - [Michael] Okay, okay

I get it. Three's a sign.

- Right.

- Look.

I don't even know if I believe there is a God.

But I sure know you can't pray with kids in schools.

- You ever try that?

- Praying?

Who hasn't?

- What'd you ask for?

- For what?

- For what?

- That I wouldn't have a wife that cheated.

- And?

- I'm divorced.

- Because she cheated?

- No.

- You did.

- I don't think I can help you.

- Counselor, what do you want most in life?

- Make money, be happy.

- Well, all I want to do,

is help kids.

I want to help boys become men.

To coach them and help them, it's the only thing I know

how to do.

That's what I'm good at, that's my calling

is to do that and

that's why I'm here right now, is because a kid came

to me for help and

and I gave it to him,

the best way I know how, the only way I knew how to help him

and they took everything away from me for that.

So I'm here now asking

for your help,

and yeah, you would be putting your neck out on the line,

but that's what I did for somebody who needed help

and that's why I'm here so...

Come on, let's make some history.

- I need a retainer.

Up front in case you have a crisis of faith.

I'll do the rest on contingency.

- How much do you need?

- $10,500.

- Mr. Brown, I'm unemployed, I don't have access to

that kind of money.

- I can't do it for free, swami.

- Would you take $5000, Mr. Brown?

("I Ain't Got No Quit" by D-Woods)

- [Woman] Michael?

- What are you doing here?

How did you know where I was?

- Do you realize what you are doing?

I just want to pay my score.

They're gonna make me tell them everything.

Everything I know.

You should check your office.

- Why?

- They left a message.

(keys jingle)

(door slams)

(dramatic music)

- [Voiceover] You know you give a person a chance

and they just take advantage of you, today you just

can't be nice, didn't want to listen to the pretty face

that you got involved,

after you knew your line was closed.

I want my money.

And whatever happens to the people you love,

that's all you.

(bells jingle)

- We should go, get out of here.

- Go?

Go where?

- Anywhere, just not here.

A vacation, hm?

I mean you spend all your time around these old things

nobody wants.

- Oh, so I guess I'm nobody, huh?

- Well I didn't mean nobody.

I just meant we should be, more spontaneous.

Leave.

- I have to work.

- You own the shop.

- And I need $10,400 remember?

- I remember.

But a few days won't hurt.

I mean the case is gonna be settled real soon.

- It will?

- It will.

- Michael look at me.

In my eyes and tell me you think this case is gonna

be settled soon.

- It will.

- We're the same.

Exactly same DNA.

- It will.

- Michael...

(light orchestral music)

- This is a...

- I've known about it for a while.

I just wanted to see how long it was gonna take

for you to tell me about it.

- Why didn't you--

- Why?

Because with people you love,

you tend to be more forgiving.

But I just kept hoping that you would do something,

do something to make it right.

- Laurel...

- And you want me to leave,

my life.

You look around here and

you see old stuff, but I see treasures.

The people who made all this stuff,

they've long since passed, but what they put their

hands to

is treasure.

That's their legacy and I used to have one of my own.

That died in that car accident, so right now

I just want to make their legacy live on

right here.

So no, I don't need a vacation.

I am where I need to be.

- I'll pay you back.

Every cent.

- I have to work.

- Laurel, I'll pay you back.

I promise.

I promise.

- Oh God.

- That's my sister, my heart.

I did this to her, I got to fix it.

I'm gonna fix it.

Watch me.

- I pledge allegiance

to the flag of the United States of America,

and to the republic for which it stands

one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Have a nice day.

- Under God.

- Do I know you?

- Under God.

One nation under God.

Approved by Congress in 1954,

is there a specific reason you excluded that phrase?

Oh, you've been served,

by Michael Brown, attorney at law.

Mr. Paul will see you in court.

- And the plaintiff should be allowed a hearing

for immediate reinstatement.

My client's season will be nearly over in 60 days,

your Honor.

- My client needs more time for discovery.

We need more time.

Six months is what we're thinking.

- Six...

Your Honor, this hearing should take place this week.

- That's not feasible and besides that's absurd.

- That is not absurd--

- I have heard from both of you upwards of an hour,

you want to forever try the case to make the plaintiff

suffer, and you

want to catch them with their pants down so they can't

prepare properly.

Both positions strategically valid, both positions

logically flawed.

Gentlemen, you have 30 days to complete discovery.

Trial begins in another 30 days,

I'm sorry if you're client has to miss his basketball

season but my docket does not revolve around basketball.

And I'm sorry if you're client has to work to

prepare for trial but sometimes counselor,

that's the way it goes.

Thank you, gentlemen.

- Thank you your Honor.

- [Michael] Thank you your Honor.

- You're welcome.

- I had hoped you'd be a little more sympathetic

to my client's case your Honor.

- I am a man of both fact and faith Mr. Brown,

and I would suggest you find a strong dose of both

before this trial begins.

- I'm Joseph T. Herrington, trial lawyer,

Judge Rogers asked that I,

that we intervene and bring our two hundred years

of collective experience to bare.

Now who is this lawyer who is

shaking a stick in the beehive.

Smart, filed a

claim for retaliation.

Doesn't depend on the success of the underlying claim.

Nevertheless.

Michael Brown, Yale Law in 1985,

three disciplinary complaints, suspended for six months,

last chance reinstatement.

Misses deadlines.

Last five years filed 65 cases, 58 settle,

three lost at trial,

two dismissed due to lack of prosecution and

one little victory for a rear end car accident,

verdict, uh,

$2,500

(laughter)

We will not simply scorch the earth,

they'll be no settlement, they'll be no compromise,

they'll be no way out.

Still,

you go get me a

settlement conference with Mr.

Michael Brown.

(rattles door handle)

(truck engine turns off)

- Aiden Paul?

Aiden?

- The first amendment does not give coaches the right

to impose their religion on their students either.

Coaches are government employees,

when they are coaching, they are bound by the establishment

clause of the first amendment.

This means that they cannot encourage, organize,

or participate in prayer.

When they get home, they can pray,

but whenever they coach, they coach and not preach.

- You know, you've managed to divide the community

in a way I haven't seen I a while.

Your resume is impressive but I must say,

and I'm not one to beat around the bush,

there is no one in the state who will hire you.

- [Voiceover] Aiden Paul?

- Good afternoon.

- How may I help you?

- This is my first time here, so I don't really know what

to do but I have to apply for unemployment benefits.

- Fill out these forms and wait over there. Next.

- Ma'am, I'm sorry I'm not trying to violate any thing,

but I've just been waiting in line for three hours.

- [Woman] Denied.

- You lost Michael.

Don't let this escalate.

It won't be good for either of us.

- I'll have the money.

Long before it's due.

Guaranteed.

(door shuts)

- Hi.

- Hey.

I've been looking for you for over a week.

Trial's around the corner,

I'm meeting with the defense in less than 24 hours.

- I've been busy.

- Your phones off.

- I'm staying at a friend's house right now.

And I don't need that extra bill.

- Well good news and bad, which first?

- Um,

I don't know why don't we let the good news drown out

the bad news?

- Alright bad.

The firm of Herrington Smith and Hail took over the case.

We drew the partner Joseph Herrington, he's tough.

Hasn't lost a trial in 20 years.

- So we can't win?

- Oh yeah, yeah we can beat him.

But we may not have to.

That's the good news.

They called, wanted to talk settlement.

- Well that's...

That's a good thing, right?

- Good? That's very good.

- See I pushed for this trial to come up fast,

that put pressure on them,

they don't want to put their resources in this and

know that it's bad PR so,

they want me to come by tomorrow.

- Like a get my job back, like very soon, good thing?

- I told them if getting your job back wasn't on the table

we wouldn't talk.

They said let's talk.

It'll all be over tomorrow.

- Sorry, after conferring with my client we decline to

make an offer.

- You never had any plans to settle.

That's considered deception, deceit, old fashioned lying.

- I did no such thing, there's always a possibility,

albeit a lower than slight chance, but

anything's possible.

- Well.

If that's the way you want to play it.

- You're really not gonna dismiss this suit are you?

- I don't quit.

- After you learn a few things about your client,

I'm sure that withdrawing might be a smart move.

- Patience prevents me from folding prematurely.

- I got to give you a little credit.

Realizing that if you argue the merits that the actual

constitutionality, the prayer, you lose so instead,

you plead retaliation.

That may get you an A in my common law class but

in the end, these are little consequence here.

- That's presumptuous.

- Provatic maybe.

Reality is

if you argue prayer,

you lose.

- I'll take that under consideration.

- You realize this trial starts in two weeks?

Per your request?

- That's fine counselor.

I wouldn't mind hastening the headline,

Joseph Herrington loses.

Now that headline,

I'd toiler for.

- T.

Joseph T. Herrington.

Not Joseph Herrington the plumber,

Joseph Herrington sanitary worker,

Joseph T Herrington, litigator,

that's something you seem to forget.

There will be no settlement.

- Very well.

Joseph Herrington. T.

- With your client and his lawyer, I would expect this

to be the shortest deliberation in history.

We're done.

- $5,000.

One hand.

(light piano and violins play)

(police siren in distance)

(knocking on window)

I wasn't sure if I should run or slug you.

- You said that you wanted to talk so I hope you got

some good news for me.

- You should've made an appointment.

My life doesn't revolve around this case.

- I never seen another soul anywhere near this office.

Hopefully we'll just be back to normal living,

you know as soon as we get the settlement.

Thank God for that.

- You lost your job, your house, your team,

your record,

still you thank God.

You lost your job for praying.

If prayer was so powerful, wouldn't you still be working?

- What am I supposed to do?

Just be faithful when I am

rolling in the riches,

balling,

on top.

- They're not settling.

- They're not settling?

- They're not settling.

- That's funny because I thought that you told me

they called you

and said that they wanted to settle.

- They called,

but they snuck me.

- Snuck you?

Oh I see so they outsmarted you is what you're saying.

- Say it any way you want.

But that's not the worst part.

- That's not the worst part?

What's the worst part?

- No matter what happens, just keep praying right?

- Why don't you go ahead and tell me the worst part?

- Look,

you see that stack of motions they filed.

That's 50 grand in fees sitting on that desk.

- Where's your stack of motions?

- You didn't pay me 50 grand.

- Well what is five grand stack look like?

That's really it?

That's really it?

- And there's more.

- More?

Oh there's more?

- More.

- There's even more. Wow.

- You should've told me.

- This is supposed to be sealed.

Why are you handing me this?

This is (knocking on desk) sealed.

This is sealed record.

- If that gets in.

You can't win.

- What do you mean if it gets in?

It's not supposed to be in, it's not supposed to be here,

you're not supposed, no one is ever supposed to be able to

look at this.

Because it's supposed to be sealed.

We're dropping this lawsuit right now, do you understand?

- [Michael] Drop it?

- Yeah. I can't go to trial

with a lawyer-- - They have it!

- Who can't keep something that was sealed as

a minor record. - Their money unsealed it.

- There's no way this should be here right now,

do you understand?

There's no way.

- So you just want to drop it?

- Yeah, that's right.

- All my time.

The kids are important.

Et cetera and so forth.

You know I don't get you, swami.

I don't get you.

One minute you're all about prayer and the next minute

you're ready to quit.

- Ready to quit?

- I'm not quitting anything, I'm getting out of suicide

right now, that's what I'm doing.

I lost my job, I lost my bike, I lost my house,

I lost my living, I lost everything.

And all I keep... I'm waiting for answers,

all I keep getting is you, sitting here telling me

it gets worse.

Oh they outsmarted me. Oh.

You're sealed record from when you were 10 years old

is now public because they have money and we don't.

- That's right.

I tell you this so you know what we're up against.

I tell you this so that you can understand,

they're playing for keeps.

You get it?

You get it?

And all you got is me.

Hm, me.

The only person crazy enough or desperate enough

to take your case.

The only person who's willing to stick their neck out

for you.

The only person who...

You can't quit.

We can't quit.

I didn't tell you this to quit.

I told you this to fight!

Now you asked me something the other day.

You asked me did I want to make history,

well I'm telling you now.

Let's make history.

- What are we gonna do about this, Mr. Brown?

(dramatic dark music)

(keys typing)

- [Judge] Mr. Brown?

- Ladies and gentlemen,

our legal system trust the community to enforce the law.

Today, you are that community,

your job is important.

And relatively simple.

You have to decide if Aiden Paul violated a rule,

and whether any violation deserved termination.

Now,

they will tell you that Mr. Paul was terminated for

praying with a player,

and that that prayer constituted a violation of policy,

and for that,

termination was proper.

And then you'll hear the truth.

The truth is,

that Mr. Paul threatened to report the school's

principal's violations to the Board,

and later, that same day, he was fired.

Those are the facts ladies and gentlemen.

At the end,

(soft violins play)

actually,

the reason we're here

is prayer.

And where you believe

it's greatest value lies.

Thank you.

- Oh.

The truth.

The truth.

You know, when someone tells you,

they declare that they rely on the truth all too often,

in actuality, the truth,

it evades them.

Because they're so blinded by their

passionate stand of their position.

Now I have no doubt that Mr. Brown believes his client's

position carries the shield of the truth.

But reality is far from that barometer.

You see in 1962, our Supreme Court held

that teacher led prayer is unconstitutional.

I'm gonna say it again, listen very carefully.

The Supreme Court held that teacher led prayer

is unconstitutional.

Opening up prayer in school is akin to opening up

Pandora's box, why, because we don't want

our children indoctrinated with whatever religion,

whatever religion, just happens to be popular

at the moment.

So we say no.

You want to discuss those things, you want to ask questions

you do it inside your own home.

The separation of church and state

is an enforceable,

constitutional

principle.

Mr. Paul very simply, violated that principle,

and the school,

they terminated him for doing such.

That termination, you know what that termination does?

It protects our children from the undue influence of

people who happen to be popular.

People that our children look up to like Mr. Paul

who will do anything to win.

Influence.

People who influence our children.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, with that verdict

I want you to inform the plaintiff,

I want you to inform Mr. Paul that we as a community

we respect and we uphold the law.

No matter how many athletic events

you may coach to victory.

We respect,

and we uphold the law.

Thank you.

(thunder)

- Your Honor,

plaintiff calls Kurt Rogers to the stand.

(distant talking)

- It has been brought to the court's attention that

Mr. Kurt Rodgers was never properly served a subpoena

to testify in court today.

- Judge I was informed by the witness that he would testify

today,

but I would move to admit his deposition testimony.

- Your Honor we object to the admission of this deposition,

we were not informed of the deposition because

Mr. Brown deprived the defense the opportunity to

cross examine the witness, the deposition is inadmissible

hearsay under rule 801.

- Mr. Brown?

- I anticipated the witness would be here to testify

your Honor.

- Not good enough.

If the defense did not have the opportunity to cross

examine the witness, the testimony,

it's not admissible.

- Your Honor, these witnesses are inappropriate.

The facts of this case turn on whether Mr. Paul's

termination was a violation of school policy.

- Your Honor, is counsel gonna allow us to put on our

case or continue these jack in the box objections?

- Is opposing counsel gonna adhere to one single rule?

- I agree with Mr. Herrington, this case is not about

Mr. Paul's character, it is only about whether he

was terminated for violating a rule,

or for pretexual reason.

(gavel bangs)

Next witness.

- [Michael] Mr. Patterson, you claimed that Coach Paul

was terminated for praying with a student?

- [Mr. Patterson] That's correct, yes.

- Isn't it true that on the same day he was terminated,

he informed you that he was going to report you to the

Board for the misallocation of funds assigned to the team?

- Not in that way, no.

- In what way then Mr. Patterson?

- I recall he

mentioned some kind of a complaint, but

I don't recall him threatening me to

threatening to report me to my superiors, no.

- But if he was to do so on the same day that he was

terminated,

it would look pretty bad for you wouldn't it?

- Yeah, if you say so.

- Well did you?

- Did I what?

- Did you miss allocate funds?

- Absolutely not, sir, and I'm insulted.

- Oh I'm so sorry to insult you, sir.

Do you need a moment to gather yourself?

- Objection your Honor.

Argumentative.

- Sustained. That statement will be stricken.

- Mr. Patterson praying with a student

is not a terminable offense is it?

- Yes it is.

- According to your policies,

conviction of a felony, forgery, falsifying records,

stealing, fighting, immoral or indecent conduct,

these are listed as terminable offenses,

and funny thing is, there's no mention of prayer.

- It's not specifically stated, I'll give you that,

it's assumed under indecent conduct.

- I'm sorry.

Are you saying that your school district categorizes

prayer as indecent conduct?

- Yes, but not in the way you may think however.

- Well pray tell how do you do so?

- Indecent defined as not being the norm,

not fitting, not indecent as obscene.

- The definition that you're relying upon,

this definition is written in your policies?

- [Mr. Patterson] No I don't think--

- No it is not.

You would agree, Mr. Patterson, that being transgender

is not the norm?

- Honor, objection.

- A little grace your Honor.

- Very little.

- Yes I would agree.

- And there is a transgender teacher working at your

school, and a parent complained because this teacher

discussed it with a student.

- I believe that's true, yes.

- And according to your definition,

not being the norm is indecent, right?

- According to that logic, I guess.

- And that teacher still teaches, yes?

- Mr. Brown, precisely what is your point?

- My point is that you chose to terminate Coach Paul

for praying with a student but you chose not to

terminate a transgender teacher who discussed

their sexual identity with students.

Mr. Patterson.

Tolerance and understanding is a river,

that flows both up stream and down.

Does it not?

(thunder)

- Guard said it's about that time, he's locking up.

- My mentor was never allowed to enter the room down there.

He and everyone that looked like him were forced to

sit up here.

Argue from the balcony.

Separate.

- Shackled by stupidity, huh?

- Shackled by stupidity.

- So I'm up tomorrow?

- It comes down to you.

- They can't bring up the things about the past?

- No I don't think so, but

don't open the door.

(sighs)

I thought you said at the beginning of this thing that

if we argue prayer's okay at any time,

then we're gonna lose?

100%.

- We might.

But what are we really fighting for?

Just a job.

- History, right?

- History remembers those who

win in a spectacular fashion.

Or lose in the same way.

Either way, you and I will be remembered.

- [Voiceover] Coach?

Hey old man.

- We know you gotta take the stand.

- And we know you've kind of always had our backs and...

- [Voiceover] We wanted to have your back.

- Just don't let them shake you coach.

You know they say a solid d wins championships.

- Hey man, I appreciate it, guys.

What we in a huddle now?

What we gonna do? Do we fight? We fight.

- [All] We fight.

- [Aiden] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Aiden] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Aiden] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Aiden] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Aiden] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Aiden] We fight. - [All] We fight.

- [Aiden] Amen. - [All] Amen.

(clapping)

- [Aiden] You guys, thank you for coming.

- What? They followed me.

What can I say?

(upbeat, powerful music)

You were terminated, for praying with one of the students

and that that violated the rules.

Did you or did you not pray with Kurt Rodgers?

- I did.

- And why?

- I did it because I recognized pain in his eyes.

I knew it.

And

so then I made a choice to help one of my players.

That was all.

- You do understand that not everyone believes

prayer helps?

- I'm not concerned with what everyone believes,

or what everyone thinks.

I just know that I'm the only person who's walked

a mile in my own shoes,

and I know

the hopelessness of a life without any faith,

know what that can be like.

Everything I do, and everything I did

was to

help my players, and help them become better men.

- [Mr. Brown] Your witness.

- You understood that prayer in school is against the rules?

- No I didn't.

The constitution guarantees my right to free speech.

Period.

- Strain lay interpretation be that as it may,

is it your claim that

prayer helps,

helps.

That prayer has helped you.

- Yeah.

- Helped you as a child?

- Uh huh.

- Prayer's helped you as far back as you can remember?

- I've been praying all my life and

it has always helped me through troubles yes.

- In 1991, when you were 10 did you--

- [Mr. Brown] Objection, your Honor.

This is case is not about Mr. Paul's character,

as a child or an adult.

The facts of this case turn on whether Mr. Paul's

termination was a violation of school policy and

I quote Mr. Herrington.

- He has you there Mr. Herrington--

- Counselor's just a tad late with that objection,

Mr. Paul is the one who opened up the door to his past,

on a principle that prayer has always helped him.

In 1991,

were you arrested for murder?

Don't look at your counsel, he can't answer that for you,

you're up there all on your own.

In 1991, were you arrested for murder?

- I was.

- And did pray help you then?

- It did.

- Did prayer help you when you

pushed a man through a glass window?

- Yeah.

- Did prayer help you when you punched the man and you

broke his nose?

Did prayer help you when you shot and killed the man?

Your very own father?

- Thank you Lord that you will redeem my soul in peace

from the battle that is against me.

- I'm sorry I can't,

I'm standing right here, I can't hear it,

could you speak up?

- Thank you Lord that you will redeem my soul in peace,

from the battle that is against me.

- Your Honor, please instruct the witness

to answer the questions before?

- Please, sir, answer the counsel's questions.

- His questions, yeah I did.

It did help me then.

- That's the same help, that you were giving Kurt

regarding his father.

No further questions.

- Counsel?

- The plaintiff calls Nona Paul.

- What are you doing?

- She called, said it's her last chance.

- You should've told me about this.

I don't like this at all.

- [Mr. Brown] Just trust me.

(light, soft piano plays)

- It's time.

It's my turn.

- Did Aiden shoot his father?

- No. No he didn't.

- Did he say he did?

- [ Mr. Herrington] Objection.

- [Judge] Overruled.

- Yes, yes he did.

- Ms. Paul, in your own words,

tell us what happened that night.

- I was a drug addict.

I had two strikes.

His father,

was a horrible,

violent man.

He and his friends would do terrible things to me.

Things a child should never have to see.

Aiden was always my protector.

Until that night.

That night, his father went after,

Aiden,

and I decided in a split second, I would do,

what I knew I had to do.

- What did you mean by coming after Aiden?

No need to answer that.

- Your mother has cancer.

Small cell carcinoma, it's a very invasive type of cancer.

I'm sorry.

- Come together they asked of him,

saying Lord we'll doubt this time restore again

in the kingdom to Israel.

And he said unto them,

it's not for you to know the times or the seasons

which the Father hath put in his own power,

but you shall receive power.

- [Mrs. Paul] Can you forgive me?

- I was just a little kid.

And you left me in the system.

I grew up in foster homes.

You never even came to visit me.

- I was a coward.

Simple as that.

Facing you everyday, I,

it was facing my failure.

My fear.

You are everything I wish I could have been.

(crying)

I don't deserve your forgiveness,

I don't deserve your love.

- Yeah you do, I want you to have it.

You do deserve it, you already have it.

You're forgiven okay?

I forgive you.

I don't even care, I just want

I just want you to be here.

I just want you to be here.

- [Voiceover] Well Mr. Brown, we find ourselves in

a precarious position.

Here's the promise, don't have my money by the end of the

day, that email becomes a reality.

(phone rings)

(sighs)

- [Judge] Counsel?

Are you ready for closing arguments?

- He's pointing to you.

- Mr. Brown is the plaintiff ready?

- Your Honor,

I need a recess for a day.

- Objection.

- This jury has been patient and I will not make them

wait another day.

- Your Honor, I have to attend to a personal matter,

of extreme urgency and I have to do it,

right now.

- Your Honor if he had a matter of such grave importance

he should've addressed it before today.

- Mr. Brown, I find this last minute request to be both

unprofessional and discourteous,

Mr. Herrington, are you ready for closing arguments?

- Prepared your Honor.

- It is time for your closing Mr. Brown, now.

- With all due respect your Honor, to you and to the jury.

I will not be doing my closing argument today.

There are some things even more important than

our convenience,

or even the rule of law.

Today I'm faced with one of those things.

Please forgive me.

I'll be ready tomorrow.

- Mr. Brown.

Mr. Brown! If you step into that gallery,

I'll order you arrest and held in contempt

of court, this is my courtroom.

And you will be held accountable.

In my court, in my book,

do you understand?

(gavel bangs)

(gavel bangs)

- Let me go.

She needs me.

Let me go.

No.

- There he is.

Man too smart to end up in cuffs.

- How do you keep it all together?

Hm?

Everything falling apart in your life and

still you believe.

- Don't think I don't get tired.

Don't think I don't ask for answers.

I do, but I keep the faith.

- I'm a gambler.

I gamble.

You don't know what it feels like to grow up a gambler.

You feel empty,

unwanted.

The only place I've...

The only place I actually felt like someone,

was sitting at a table.

- Well Michael, you know there's one family that I know

that I'm always a part of no matter what.

- No matter what.

- No matter what.

- I stand here, my hands and feet shackled like a slave.

My freedom is restricted.

Freedom.

Freedom is why we're here today.

The defendant has shackled my client's freedom to share

his faith with someone who

simply asked for help.

And when my client responded yes I'll help you,

and decided to break his shackles,

they fired him.

They say that

prayer in schools is constitutional prohibited.

I say it's constitutionally protected.

Freedom of speech protects our right to speak freely,

and a plain text reading of the amendment says no law,

no law shall be made to impede free exercise of religion.

So they say separation of church and state,

I say there would be no state without the church.

But ladies and gentlemen,

I'm helpless,

I've taken him as far as my abilities have allowed.

And now it's up to you.

I'm helpless bound in these shackles.

I can't break them, I can't unlock them.

I can't do anything on my own.

(orchestral music)

- Has the jury reached a verdict?

- We have your Honor.

We find

for the plaintiff, Aiden Paul.

- [Judge] And for damages?

- We award the plaintiff $700,000 reinstatement

with full pay and for the defendant to pay attorney

fees in the amount of $250,000.

(cheers and clapping)

And the jury collectively

wants to say that as a community,

we wish more teachers

would take the time to pray with the students

in our schools.

- Defense moves for a directive verdict your Honor.

- Denied.

- Request to the state of the order pending appealed.

- Denied.

Coach Paul,

you are ordered reinstated as of immediately.

Congratulations, counselor.

But my order of contempt still stands,

you still have to show more respect for the institution

of the law,

now you may conclude your celebration in custody.

Bailiff.

(uplifting, positive music)

- Five minutes older than me.

- Stop it.

I am the baby and I always will be.

(cell door opens)

- Never understood, I always wondered how a man could

survive in quarters fit for a rat, huh?

Well, the reason for my visit.

- You read my mind.

- Thomas Hill.

- Who?

- He sat unseen for nearly 30 years but a name who

who still haunts me to this very day.

Third year, law school I was an intern in the district

attorney's office and I tried my first case.

I was arrogant and

he beat me down.

The walk of shame when I got back to the office, whoa.

I promise I'd never allow myself to get beat again.

When things got difficult,

those two words, they motivated me,

Thomas Hill.

Now replaced by Michael Brown,

the only man to have ever beaten me,

replaced by the only other man to have ever beat me

who's name will drive me to my twilight

to never feel this way again.

- Was that a long winded congratulations?

- That's what it sounded like to me, yeah.

- Seeing that a jury's ordered my client to pay

nearly one million dollars combined with the fact that

we do not wish to upset the Supreme Court's precedent's

in the unlikely event that you should win an appeal.

I have been authorized to make you a one time offer.

- $300,000.

- $200,000 Mr Paul, $100,000 to counsel.

- This check is dated four days ago.

- I had the authority to issue it anytime I felt that

you actually had a chance to make your case.

Which didn't arise until your

moving

closing.

I don't want to stand around here all day so,

what's it gonna be?

- My job?

- Court's order stands.

I did ask the judge for one little favor.

- You can go ahead and roll your things up,

I'll be back to get you in 10 minutes.

(sighs)

- Still don't think there's anything greater going

on in here Michael?

- [Michael] What are you doing?

- What does it look like I'm doing, man.

- Here and now?

- Don't you understand,

don't you see?

(loud orchestral music)

("Greater" by Jon Blaq)