"ANY GIVEN SUNDAY" (1999)

(ANY SUNDAY)

MUSIC sets a mood of mystery, verdure, sky... Grass sways gently in the wind, silence to the world... Then a

football is placed in the grass. The large, taped knuckles of a center grasp the football for the snap. The world is still, coiled like a spring...

CREDITS RUN...

GAME 1 MINNESOTA AMERICANS AT MIAMI SHARKS - FIELD #1 - 1 CONTINUOUS ACTION

An EXPLOSION on the field -- as bodies crash against each other like armies. The game as played and felt in "the pit".

A swift, short pass over the middle... A tight end (Miami) takes the hit... Then the quarterback (Miami) goes down hard. A blur of motion. A WHISTLE BLOWS and referee #1 signals first down; chains are moved.

HELICOPTER #1 2

A steep view of the proceedings -- godlike, evoking ghosts, wind; as if the football gods look down on their human combatants and vote for first downs, touchdowns, careers, lives... These overheads punctuate the film... The silence lingers briefly -- before the Announcers' voices bring us back to the media reality of the late 20th Century...

...- And what a beautiful day for football it is here in South Florida!! It's Sunday, and the sun is shining and playoff berths are on the line. It doesn't get much better than this! Don't you think so, Kevin?!

The MUSIC THEME -- a blend of martial, choral, and rock and roll -- is now swallowed in the ROAR of the CROWD...

FIELD #2

-.. the technicolor eyes of quarterback JACK "CAP" ROONEY, hostage to anger and pain, as his aging frame crashes on the dirty grass.

SIDELINE #1 Head coach TONY D'AMATO, a striking, intense man in his

50s, moves in a five-yard swath of the sideline, his eyes flicking worriedly to his fallen alter-ago.

He's giving it to Leslie McKenna, the right guard, and the other linemen, as he senses the game is now shifting momentum -- against him.

SIDELINE #2

DR. ALLIE POWERS, 30s, the new internist with the team, grabs his doctor box and starts onto the field.

Powers sheepishly u-turns back to the sideline where DR. HARVEY MANDRAKE, the grey-haired team orthopedist, gives him a second scolding.

FIELD #3

As LESLIE McKENNA (#63), the big right guard, helps Cap

up, knowing he's blown the block.

Pantheon Cups. Almost 50,000 passing yards. More touchdowns than I care to remember...

WIVES' SECTION #1 (VIDEO)

CINDY ROONEY, a sweet-looking blonde, waves back as she

notices the electronic eye gazing down on her; other

wives join in.

mother of three beautiful children...

SIDELINE #3

Coach D'Amato fumbles with his newly-mangled headset,

consults his plastic-coated single-page game plan, into

his mouthpiece:

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 8

INTERCUT WITH:

COACH'S BOOTH #1 9 NICK CROZIER -- 40s, star offensive coordinator, in his first year here, handsome, a comer -- studies the game

below through instant computer printouts. In the booth are several offensive and defensive assistants.

I'd say 75-25. But let's try -- slot right switch and if they bring the bandit, we check to 99 max...

(relays call) Okay! Slot Right Switch 90 or 99 Cadillac.

SIDELINE #4 10

TYLER CHERUBINI, the stoic, 32-year-old perpetual back-up quarterback relays the telex signal from upstairs, on his headset to the field via walkie-talkie -- in addition to

various body signals, both legitimate and deceptive.

HUDDLE #1 11

QB Cap Rooney bangs on his helmet; something in the electronics is off. He glares at his teammates, and though at times he chews them out like a Marine sergeant, there is an unmistakable affection for his line. He tries his hardest, like an aging Boy Scout, not to curse, not always successfully.

time! Damnit, Madman! That sonofabitch is headhunting! (MORE )

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 11

PATRICK KELLY, his massive right tackle, known around the league as "MADMAN," bleeds from his nose, but adores his QB.

receiver ) ‘Zonker'! You're number two, get open, run your dig route at 15...

(to the huddle) Okay, listen up, Slot Right Switch 90 or 99 Cadillac, check with me, and kill any sonofabitch tries to cross that line before his time! On three. Ready!

They clap and break. With 15 seconds to play time, the constant barrage of "voices" inside Cap's helmet ceases.

MEDIA BOOTH #1 12

TUG KOLOWSKI -- in the flesh -- is a boisterous, boozy, veteran sportscaster, alongside KEVIN BRANSON, a young and upcoming TV-type who seems Tug's opposite, bland and safe.

INTERCUT WITH:

Al3

STANDS #1 (VIDEO) 13

Reveals the stadium at two-thirds capacity.

SIDELINE #5 (VIDEO AND FILM) Al3

Tony, on TV display, talking intensely into his headset, takes us past defensive coordinator MONTEZUMA MONROE -- 60s, a monument of a man, former star linebacker, now limping noticeably. He glares strongly, rarely moves. With him is 34-year-old vet LUTHER LAVAY, linebacker and the captain of the defense, black, built, and a total predator. His nickname: "SHARK."

An ASSISTANT offers Monroe a set of digitally-produced enhancements of the Minnesota offensive formations.

He stomps toward the defensive unit.

OWNER'S BOX #1 (VIDEO) 14

As seen on TV, several family friends and VPs mill around, but we only see the back of elegantly-attired blonde President and co-owner, CHRISTINA PAGNIACCI.

FIELD #4 (VIDEO AND FILM) 15

JULIAN WASHINGTON, 27, an extremely strong, sexy, solidly-built, 230-pound running back, sets, his teeth blazing with jewelry and facial paint on the far edges of the Association's rule book (The Associated Football Franchise of America). He presently goes into play- motion.

Rooney barks out the numbers, "hot reading" the coming blitz. The clock slows, as his eyes flick from the key safety to his own team. Can they handle the confusion of the audible?

The Shark linemen read the shift... but Madman is clearly confused... blocking assignments are missed.

Cap takes the snap and fades back to pass, but he's an inch too slow and a year too old -- his arm in the air, about to release, he is brutally blind-sided by a fast reptilian defensive end. Simultaneously, a blitzing safety hits him in the lower back with his helmet. Cap goes down hard again, landing on his own blocker's helmet at an awkward angle -- he screams loudly -- and this time, nothing moves.

SIDELINE #6 16

Tony is looking at his worst fear come true. An eerie quiet momentarily pervades the stadium. D'Amato breaks it, yelling at Dr. Powers.

WIVES' SECTION #2 17

Cindy Rooney shares the uncertainty.

OWNER'S BOX #2 18

Still standing with her back to the window, Christina talks to a friend.

As she becomes aware of the hush in the stadium, she turns to look -- then up at the TV for the slo-mo replay.

She reaches for a red phone. TUG (V.O.) Man oh man! Did you see that

collision?! His body went in five different directions!

INTERCUT WITH:

TV MONITOR 19

shows the injury in slo-mo. Xs are drawn over Cap's knees by Tug's finger on the telestrator. A big O goes over Cap's back.

(CONTINUED )

MEDIA BOOTH #2

Branson covers his microphone and hisses at both a technician and Tug:

FIELD #5

Drs. Mandrake and Powers, and Trainer #1 attend to Cap as

he rolls back and forth, in intense pain.

breathe...

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 21

pulls up) Dammit! I'm walkin' outta here!...

(rising) Oww -- my butt! It's like a knife in it!

The stadium applauds as Cap hobbles up to his feet.

SIDELINE #7 22

Back-up QB Tyler Cherubini nervously jams index cards with play calls under the clear plastic holders inside his special wristband, intersecting Coach D'Amato.

Cherubini AD LIBS and jogs onto the field. Fans stomp their feet in sync with the driving beat of the inspirational "Shark Theme."

Cap crosses towards the bench on the shoulders of Powers and Trainer #1. Tony intersects briefly, but he doesn't seem to want to confront this, makes light of it.

His sometime nickname for Cap.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 22

FIELD #6 23

From the BOOTH POV -- the team claps and breaks from the huddle.

OMITTED 24

FIELD #7 25

Tyler Cherubini scans the defense, sees all the signs for another impending blitz.

Minnesota attacks with everything they've got... Cherubini never even sees the light of day as he is buried, coughing up the ball -- which bounces into the hands of a surprised Minnesota safety -- who sprints 20-some yards into the Miami end zone for a touchdown!

The fans go wild with rage, booing the fallen Cherubini.

(CONTINUED )

TUG (V.O.)

Two quarterbacks down, one after the other. This is crazy! I think they just lost Cherubini, too! My God! I haven't seen this

since... the Aztecs and Pharaohs in '88 -- or was it '78? 26 OWNER'S BOX #3 26

Christina watches the fiasco with her husband, ANDY MATTER, a young handsome lawyer, and two VPs of the team -- JOHNNY POLITO, in his 50s, and ED PHILLIPS, in his 60s -- a distinguished man with a comforting aura, the family advisor from her father's era.

Oh, Jesus! Vincent, get me the names of who's available out there in the quarterback market right away, would you?... and how ‘bout every available line coach -- maybe somebody who can actually teach this line how to block!!

A young woman raised to appreciate football, her outburst quiets the dozen people partying in the box. Her mother, MARGARET PAGNIACCI, an elegant older woman, who looks out of it, mostly quasi-drunk or drugged, though she does a superb job of concealing this with her fixed and dignified expression, inquires:

27 SIDELINE #9 27

WILLIE BEAMEN, third-string QB, 26, black, sits on the bench, as accustomed, not expecting to be called on.

A27 TUNNEL #1 A27

Drs. Mandrake and Powers enter the locker room tunnel with Cap Rooney when TRAINER #2 yells after them:

TRAINER #2 Doc! They need you back! Cherubini's down!

MANDRAKE

Cherubini! What -- he fall off a bench? What the hell's next?! Stigmata!

(to Powers,

re: Rooney) -.-. Just sit him out and don't touch him till I...

29 FIELD #8 29

The Americans kick off.

30 SIDELINE #10 30

As the kick returner downs it in the end zone, D'Amato huddles with Willie Beamen, who is adjusting the speaker sound in his helmet.

Willie looks for Crozier upstairs in one of those anonymous boxes, lost in the roar of sound and the sea of faces.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 30 WILLIE (difficulty hearing) --- do what? TONY You're gonna do fine. Look at me, son. You're gonna do fine... (tapping over Willie's heart) You hold it all inside. Stay there. Stay focused. WILLIE Right... Tony slaps Willie on the shoulder and sends him out. MEDIA BOOTH #3 31 TECHNICIANS and assistants frantically adjust as Tug and Kevin rifle through papers during the commercial break. BRANSON Get me more stats on Willie Beamen now! TUG Cap's out... Man, I can't believe this... BRANSON You know anything about Willie Beamen? TUG Who the hell's Willie Beamen? TECHNICIAN We're back in five, guys! HUDDLE #2 32

Willie is

ignored in the huddle, hesitant -- he tries to

shut out the stadium noise.

(MORE )

(CONTINUED )

Willie tries to hear the QB Coach's voice in his helmet.

VOICE (V.O.) (helmet ) Left Deuce Zig 22 Tomcat. Watch the mike backer, he'll probably be coming. Relax and show me you got it!

Willie turns and waves to the sideline.

VOICE (V.O.) (helmet ) No... tell them!

McKENNA (to the rest) HEY! SHUT THE FUCK UP! On?

Willie is trying to suppress dry heaves.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 32 Willie suddenly rips off his helmet and vomits.

SIDELINE #11 33

Shark Lavay, the middle linebacker, is standing next to Monroe.

MEDIA BOOTH #4 34 Tug is laughing heartily.

Kevin shoots him a look, and rifles through some papers.

OWNER'S BOX #4 35 Christina is now on a black field phone:

HUDDLE #3 36

(CONTINUED )

A36

CONTINUED: 36

REFEREE #1 (intersecting) Come on, son, let's play ball!

VOICE (V.O.) (helmet ) Would you run the play already!

FIELD #9 A36

As they move towards the ball, Willie glances in several directions -- it's terrifying -- the Minnesota defense is shifting position, confusing him; the crowd is deafening, the cameras zooming in, the sun blazing.

Willie intensely scans the defensive alignment. All talk ceases when he yells:

Willie steps back a little too fast and too far. He spins towards Washington, awkwardly handing the ball off on a delayed slant... Washington shoots into a different hole than assigned -- a dangerous runner, gaining ten yards from nothing.

In the backfield, the taunting defensive end slaps Willie's helmet hard as the whistle blows. Willie barely has time to breathe before he hears "the voice of God" in his helmet speaker:

VOICE (V.O.) (in helmet) Thunder Left Smoke 90 Sally.

TIME CUT:

FIELD #10 - WILLIE'S SUBJECTIVE VIEW 37

in motion, of the speed and confusion of the game as giant defensive linemen close on him. He sees a brief opening onto Sanderson 15 yards downfield -- throws far too high -- almost intercepted by the safety.

SIDELINE #12 38 Tony, concerned, beckons to his tight end, talks to him

and sends him out onto the field. Tony continues to yell something into his headset at Crozier.

HUDDLE #4 39

The tight end yells something lost in the crowd. Willie has to look up the play on his arm band.

At the line, Miami players immediately sense the defense is stacked up to the right for Washington's run.

Willie realizes it too -- audibles too quickly and too softly to communicate accurately.

The snap -- Miami is hopelessly confused. There is no such play as "Red 70 Blackstar" and players run this way and that. After several athletic moves, Willie is bounced out of bounds, eight yards behind the line of scrimmage.

A43

SIDELINE #13 41

Tony is having a really bad day, about to throw his mangled headset away again.

FIELD #12 42 Washington yells at Willie on the way back to the huddle: WASHINGTON

What the fuck is Red 70 Blackstar, homes!? There is no such fucking

play!!

TIME CUT:

SCOREBOARD #1 43

MINNESOTA 24, MIAMI 21. SECOND QUARTER. 0:25...

SIDELINE #15 A43

Tony has one more chance at a field goal at the Minnesota 45-yard line.

up over right guard Leslie McKenna instead of his center...

(CONTINUED )

A44

CONTINUED: 44 McKENNA

‘Less you tell me you love me,

sugah, get your hands outta my

ass! The defense picks up on it instantly and goes after Willie loudly. Embarrassed, he makes his adjustment -- but too late. A flag flies. Delay of game penalty. SIDELINE #16 A44 Tony throws up his hands and rolls his eyes. There goes the field goal! PRESS BOX #1 - JACK "RIPPER" ROSE 45 a sportswriter with his own local TV show, makes an acid comment on this bone-headed move to a colleague as he works his laptop. Coming off Beamen's throwing up, the press knows it has a story! OWNER'S BOX #5 46 Christina leans forward to watch. Willie fades back to pass.

FIELD #15 47

The rush is on again. Willie, scrambling out of the pocket, avoids several tacklers, but his eyes give away

the 25-yard pass... The defensive back steals it from Sanderson and runs it back 10 yards. The crowd roars

with disappointment. Referee #1 whistles -- ending the

half.

SIDELINE #17 48

Coach D'Amato shakes his head, picked up by the TV cameras.

too fast. He's gotta be nervous

out there! He's ahead of his receivers... Thank God that ends the first half with the sun going down on this delayed and chock-full-of- Surprises game...

NIGHT

With 10 minutes to go, the offense is concentrated in one part of the room on chairs, the defense in the other -- listening to analyses and looking at video pictures from their respective coaches.

TRAINER'S AREA #1 50

Madman's got the flu, and is dehydrated enough to require two I.V.s in either arm. Dr. Powers reads his thermometer.

Powers sees Dr. Mandrake hurry past, follows him.

Mandrake barely breaks, waits.

What'd you do? Examine him?

Look, Allie, you're actually one of the few relatives I can stomach, but you're the internist. I'm the orthopedist, remember? You leave my people alone...

(CONTINUED )

nose, diarrhea, pink eye, gonorrhea -- you. Sports injuries me; anything that drips, sticks, or stinks, or stinks, you. Okay?

51 MANDRAKE 51 heads toward a small exam room where Cap waits alone --

bypassing Cherubini, the forgotten QB, waiting to have his knee examined, attended to by TRAINER #2, a

stutterer. TRAINER #2 Doc, what about Rhodes? He's really in p-p-pain... MANDRAKE He's a hypochondriac. Give him some ibuprofen. TRAINER #2 He doesn't wanna put that sh-shit in his body. He wants Demerol. MANDRAKE You think I want to be banished to Siberia as an ice hockey doctor? Tell him to clench his teeth. CHERUBINI Doc, what about my knee? MANDRAKE What about it? TRAINER #2 Well, I think m-m-maybe I can get him to t-t-take some Alka-Seltzer. 52 EXAM AREA #1 52

Mandrake closes the door on Trainer #2. Cap is with Trainer #1. He puts Cap's x-ray up on the screen.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 52 CAP -.-. something's definitely wrong, Doc! My butt's killing me... I

think it's a...

TRAINER'S AREA #2 53

Powers attends to Madman, who suddenly has an urgent look on his face.

VOICE (0.S.) (yelling out) Three minutes!

MADMAN

Doc! Pull the pipes! I gotta go! POWERS

Can you... MADMAN

I mean... I gotta go! Call of

the wild, man!

He goes, IVs trailing, Powers calls out to Trainer #1 for help.

LOCKER ROOM #2

With shouts of "Get out of the way!", "Coming through!", Powers and Trainer #2, protecting the I.V.'s, follow a surging Madman into the bathroom.

Other players chorus in, hooting and hollering, till the coaches shut them up. BATHROOM #1

The stalls are filled.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 53

Madman kicks open a broken stall and finds an unlucky rookie staring back at him.

Terrified, the rookie runs out; then Madman forces his way in, managing to squeeze Powers, Trainer #2 and himself into the stall.

Crozier, studying a stack of computer printouts, enters.

He whacks on the door, which opens on Madman sitting with his pants around his ankles, I.V.s entering each outstretched arm, ministered to by Trainer #1 and Dr. Powers. Crozier is amused but hardly surprised; to Madman :

LOCKER ROOM #3 54

The players are gathered around Coach D'Amato, who now addresses both offense and defense.

(CONTINUED )

You the defense, you've got to create something out there, you've got to start flying around the fucking ball and hitting somebody. Don't let these assholes chew up the clock on us! On first down, they're killing us with the weakside slant. Corners, when we put eight in the box, you've got to jam the receivers, take ‘em on, you're hesitating! If you're gonna make a mistake, go on! Make it a big one! I'm not gonna eat your lunch for that, but don't fuck around like pussies at a pee party, you hear me?!... P.J., Mac, Beast Man, Horny, Shark! One, two yards less each time and they'll be two and eight instead of two and six! Stuff the goddamn run. They're killing us!

No more stupid penalties, okay?! Concentrate. Focus. We're only down by three points. We can win this mother! I'm sick and tired of losing! Are you?! Three losses in a row.

(MORE )

(CONTINUED )

The team is poised, clenching up, except for Washington who rises laconically.

A tense moment -- then all bust up laughing, including D'Amato.

As the team roars out of the locker room, Madman is eager to rejoin his crew.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 55

Powers understands that if he can't bend his elbows that he... he sighs and wraps a stretch of tissue paper around his hand -- as Mandrake pokes his head in the stall, enjoying the view of Powers wiping Madman's ass.

Winter's night has now fallen as the team hollers, exiting a narrow tunnel onto the field. The stadium is charming but decayed (1930s WPA architecture) and in need of significant renovation...

Jimmy Sanderson, the young star wide receiver for the Sharks, repeatedly adjusts his shoulder pads, talking to himself as he walks; he is all hands and nerves, a thoroughbred with a sweet personality.

Willie gets the message. Several fans, intoxicated, hurl profanities, peanuts, beer, seat cushions at the Sharks. One OBESE FAN in particular:

Willie ignores him, but when the Fan throws his beer at him, it empties on Madman, who is rushing out last, his IVs gone. Enraged, Madman roars and tries to go up into the stands after the unlucky Fan, but is restrained by teammates. AD LIBS...

(CONTINUED )

A57

CONTINUED: 56 MADMAN You think that's funny, asshole! I'm gonna eat your fucking lunch, buddy!! (etc.)

TIME CUT:

SCOREBOARD #2 57

THIRD QUARTER. MINNESOTA 31, MIAMI 21. 7:14 remaining. Minnesota has increased its lead by one touchdown.

SIDELINE #18 A57

Tony paces anxiously.

FIELD #14 58

The Miami defense tries to stop a long gainer by the Minnesota running back, propelling his 230 lbs. right at Shark Lavay, who upends the running back, one on one... Shark is the best open-field tackler on the Sharks,

but as he takes those few extra beats rising, adjusting his shaken frame, congratulated by teammates, his expres-

sion reveals the wearying price he pays -- at 34, going on 50 -- for this leadership role. SIDELINE #19 59

Powers now kneels next to the defensive end, Beast Man, coming off the field onto the bench with an agonizing, dislocated finger.

Powers hesitates as Mandrake passes by, sees the problem, and makes the adjustment without thinking.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 59

POP! Beast Man's FINGER CRACKS back into place. Beastie hardly winces.

You're still gonna need an X-ray after the game, Beast Man, okay?

Beast Man mutters something venomous under his breath, and moves off.

FIELD #15 60

Using his bare white foot, the smallish Eastern European Miami kicker drills a graceful 38-yard field goal through the uprights.

TIME CUT:

FIELD #16 61

Everything moves fast in the big leagues. Too fast. Willie again too quickly breaks from the pocket, scrambling the offensive and defensive lines up and down the field, tiring them... Unable to find his receiver, he takes off running; makes it over the middle of the field for a first down plus another five or ten yards before he is pulped in two different directions.

SIDELINE #20 62

Tony, hiding his eyes as if from a car accident, shakes his head, to Crozier on the headset.

(CONTINUED )

63 FIELD #17 63

Willie drops back, and without any pressure, throws a perfect 10-yard interception over the middle into the arms of a Minnesota linebacker. The stadium turns really sour, booing Willie as he walks off.

64 SIDELINE #21 64 Tony is waiting for Willie, like Ahab himself.

now!... You're a new player on this team. You got me? (MORE )

(CONTINUED )

A64

A65

CONTINUED: 64

He stalks off. Willie, closed off by Tony's intensity, moves to the bench.

ON TV A64

Tony is saying some pretty rough things.

The box has been thinned out of associates and friends, who've obviously sensed Christina's mood on the phone.

INTERCUT WITH:

TV MONITOR A65

Willie now fumbles a simple hand-off to Julian Washington... The fumble is recovered and Willie calls a time-out.

INTERCUT WITH:

COACH'S BOOTH #2 66 Crozier is polite, though bothered by her interference.

plays?... Nick? He's got to take a chance... Nick! Tell him! CROZIER

I'm doing my best, Miss P. I can't just...

SIDELINE #22 67

Willie, coming off the field, moves towards D'Amato, expecting the worst. Instead D'Amato throws an arm around his shoulders and walks him along the sideline -- in a paternal tone:

He grins.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 67

right? WILLIE Right. TONY You grew up in Dallas, right? WILLIE Yeah. TONY

Okay, maybe you're back in Dallas right now. You're enjoying yourself. You're back in the ""hood," right before your mama calls you for dinner. Go to the Buick, turn around and I'1l throw it to you, you throw it back. A game of catch, remember that?

TONY

My point is -- Willie -- just forget about the crowd and the formations and the audibles and the whole goddamn playbook. Just focus on this one next pass.

(carefully) Willie -- go to the Buick and turn around.

There's a special, soothing tone to the way D'Amato expresses himself, when he wants. A voice that makes you believe.

FIELD #18 68

Willie walks up to the line. A fierce new concentration occupying him. ALL SOUND DRAINS AWAY. He is distracted by nothing! The crowd has become a semi-real phantasmagoric beast with a thousand eyes. On his own face there is an extraordinary, savage look -- primordial.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 68

He barks out the signals, SILENT... Soundless, he backpedals, cocking his arm, fingers tight on the laces, fingernails digging in... his eyes like radar... the read... one receiver... two receiver... a quick, strong release... a fast, clean spiral -- yet it seems to sail for hours through the air.

... Caught by Sanderson at the 20! The beginner's luck holds when the two Minnesota defensive backs collide into each other, falling down, and Sanderson runs freely into the end zone for a TD!... Now -- an EXPLOSION OF SOUND. The first TD of a career.

SIDELINE #23 69 D'Amato allows himself a small smile of pleasure -- a long time coming. The offense is cheering -- alongside

Montezuma Monroe and his defense, who now pay the offense a little attention.

FIELD #19 70 Players slam a stunned Willie on the back. WASHINGTON -.-. ‘less you wanna kick the extra

point, you better get off the field, dawg!

SIDELINE #24 71 The Shark mascot -- a guy dressed in a huge foam shark costume -- dances the "Shark dance"... As Madman trudges

up to Dr. Powers with blood dripping from his mouth.

SIDELINE #25 72

Willie's eyes looking for D'Amato -- who acknowledges him from a distance.

(CONTINUED )

A73

CONTINUED: 72

Sanderson disrupts the moment, in Willie's face, twitching as he repeats himself over and over.

SCOREBOARD #3 73

MINNESOTA 31, MIAMI 31. FOURTH QUARTER. 12:00...

FIELD #20 A73

Willie, playing with some real confidence, runs an option pass right, and completes a 17-yarder to the second receiver.

FIELD #21 74

This time Willie heads left, faking well off his right shoulder to keep the DBs deep, then takes off on an adventuresome run through the Americans. He's a natural- born athlete, but the Minnesota defense exhorts a price for making them look bad -- pounding him hard after a 13-yard gainer.

INSERTS

At the bottom of the pile, the linemen wrestle one another, going for the eyes and nuts, anything for the edge (AD LIBS)... Close to Willie, at the bottom, Madman growls:

We hear the crunch of his elbow and a painful grunt from the abused party, who presumably "fishhooked" him earlier. REFEREE #2 Get out of there, guys! Come on! Knock it off! Climb out!

FIELD #22 75

The shoeless wonder boots a 45-yard field goal dead center through the uprights -- a thing of beauty as the fans revive their hopes, starting to pick up on Willie Beamen.

A75

SCOREBOARD #4

MINNESOTA 31, MIAMI 34.

SIDELINE #26 Tony is just a little bit happy, finally, but can't show it. OWNER'S BOX #7 So is Christina, turning to Johnny Polito. CHRISTINA Can you believe this? A third-

string quarterback...? Who found him, Johnny?

PRESS BOX #2

Even in the cynical media, there is an appreciable shift of interest in the young quarterback.

Back to his laptop...

OWNER'S BOX #8

Christina seems more relaxed on the phone, discreetly to the side. The game is meandering toward conservatism, close to won, and friends have slipped back in. AD LIB chatter, food, drinks.

(CONTINUED )

A75

CONTINUED: 79

(pause)

No, it looks like some surgery on his lower back, an L-5 I think, but there's a chance he can get back by the playoffs...

8. The score reads: MINNESOTA 31, MIAMI 34, FOURTH

QUARTER, 1:54 left. It looks good.

SIDELINE #27 81 Yet Tony prowls nervously... Trainer #2 adjusts the air

in ICE HAWKINS' (tight end) helmet, who complains to Powers about the large black and blue bite on his neck.

-.-- You're lucky, he doesn't have AIDS, Ice.

(grins) Get me a Band-Aid and some hydrogen peroxide, it'll be gone in a week or so.

A84

COACH'S BOOTH #3 82

Crozier is a little nervous.

FIELD #25 83 A bulldozing straight-ahead three-yard run by Washington. Third down and five. COACH'S BOOTH #4 84 CROZIER (insistent ) I know Willie, Tony! They're screaming for him to dump it out there!... It's wide open! INTERCUT WITH: SIDELINE #28 A84 TONY That's just it. I know this coach, Nick! And he's a prick. It's a set-up. Run it again. Deuce Left 22 Red Beast Read. CROZIER Tony, they're stacked up for the run -- TONY You heard me. Crozier relays the call. HUDDLE #5 85

Willie hears "the voice," doesn't like the call either.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 85

with the ladies, 'Two Race,' you got no showmanship.

The team breaks, Washington with a particular strut about him, tasting victory already.

SIDELINE #29 86

Tony sees the Minnesota defense stacked against the run right.

COACH'S BOOTH #5 87

Crozier sees the same thing. Especially from this height, the defensive adjustments are clear.

CROZIER

-.. Tony, take a time-out... come on!

(as Tony's VOICE

BREAKS UP

momentarily; under

his breath, to Willie) Audible left, kid! Just do it.

A91

FIELD #24 88

Willie hands off to Washington, who powers into the line, seeing nothing -- his eyes wild like a horse around fire -- He rolls along the line searching for the hole -- thinks he sees one -- goes for it.

Swack! He is blindsided by the tall, reptilian defensive end, who hatchets him from high, then drives his helmet into the ball, which pops out high and loose and crazy. It is a spectacular fumble -- the kind of fumble all running backs have nightmares about -- Washington desperately dives back for it -- but everyone else is diving too, including Willie.

A swift Minnesota safety makes the snag -- racing past confused Miami players -- some 24 yards, into the end zone. Touchdown.

Washington was looking for that

first down. Big mistake! Willie is on his knees, unbelieving... Washington drops his head, the loneliest man in the world. A gash of blood crawls down inside his helmet from his forehead. SIDELINE #30 89 Tony is not so much stunned as resigned, believing now that nothing can change his luck. OWNER'S BOX #9 90 Christina and everyone else in the box mutter quietly, in retreat...

STANDS #2 91

The fans turn ugly, throwing things onto the field.

SCOREBOARD #5 A91

flashes the new score: MINNESOTA 37, MIAMI 34, 1:32...

A92

B92

C92

MINNESOTA SIDELINE #1 92

The Americans are ecstatic.

MIAMI SIDELINE #31 A92 Whereas Miami is devastated! Their very life-force threatened by this fourth straight defeat... the gods

have voted. Despair and self-pity commingle.

OWNER'S BOX #10 B92

Christina watches the replay of Washington going through the line.

The fumble as highlight... Utilizing her cane, Margaret Pagniacci leaves the room with her small, doting entourage and two white Schnauzer dogs, absorbing her daughter's passion with a detached amusement.

MARGARET

Oh, it's not so bad, honey. You'll wake up in the morning. We once lost a game -- two seconds to go on one of those stupid 'Hail Mary' passes. My lord, it just stayed up there forever and this tall Negro gentleman jumped up so high like a basketball player and picked it right out of the air... I thought your daddy was gonna have a heart attack. He was so upset, you have no idea!

(laughing) You know, he just lost years of his life here...

(kissing Christina

on the cheek) He died because of this. Don't take it all too seriously, darling, it's just a game...

(CONTINUED )

C92 CONTINUED: C92

She turns to her husband, Andy, who is accompanying her mother home, and kisses him.

-.- makes a drinking motion.

Boston tomorrow for two days.

Kick their asses!

D'Amato walks through like an undertaker.

As the men slowly assemble in various stages of dress, pre and post-shower, some totally nude, D'Amato crosses to Willie's locker, who seems off in his own world, undressing slowly.

(CONTINUED )

TONY

Listen to me, kid...

(waits till Willie

gives him his eyes) On any given Sunday you're gonna win or you're gonna lose. The point is -- can you win or lose like a man?... Out there today you played like a man. That's what counts.

It's hard for Willie to accept a compliment of any kind.

Tony doesn't quite understand the motivation there; the rest of the team is waiting.

(to all)

Awright, everybody, lissen up! You played your hearts out! No blame... nobody! Let's get on our knees... Father...

The team assumes a collective prayer position; Tony

Signals the team CHAPLAIN.

On a cell phone, Dr. Mandrake stitches an uneven, buckled suture onto Julian Washington's forehead -- who yelps out in pain.

(CONTINUED )

concerned,

44,

Powers, in the b.g., observes Washington's budding scar,

says nothing.

TRAINER #2 (to Mandrake) Doc, 'Horny' won't shut up. Can we get him some...

You tell 'Horny' his perk days are over! He knows Association policy -- it's a ‘schedule 5' drug. Give him two Motrin and tell him to go toa ‘witch doctor’...

(as "Horny" suddenly

makes an appearance

on his behalf) You know you're gonna sue me anyway for the Motrin, you skinny fuck!

HORNY, a white, runty defensive back and punter, is rather upset at the large flap of skin hanging from his foot, which he proudly displays.

(CONTINUED )

(2) 93

Try suicide.

(rushing to leave;

to Powers) I gotta get down to Cap at the hospital. They did the M.R.I., looks like the disc ruptured. They're going in tonight. Could you finish Julian for me?...

Knowing what he's left behind, Mandrake rushes out with

the phone;

Powers sidles up to Julian's suture.

COACHES' OFFICE #1 - CONTINUOUS ACTION - NIGHT 94

In progress, a dozen or more press -- among them Jack Rose -- are gathered around Tony, in a lousy mood, giving out his postgame interviews from his cramped office.

(CONTINUED )

TONY

No, reading you.

(as they all

laugh at Jack) The pass is great, but it's 2-3 guys involved. But a sweep -- y'ever really study a sweep, Jack --

He leaves abruptly. P.R. GUY All right, folks, that's it for today...

Grumbles all around...

The quiet of the empty stadium fills the humid air. Distant ECHOES of the roaring fans fall off into BIRDSONG and FROG CROAKS out of the swamps.

Coach D'Amato enters to find Cap Rooney in bed, his lower back and legs supported, a morphine drip in one arm and an IV in the other, unnaturally white and swollen from the hits -- doing his stoic best to abide the searing pain in his back. Flowers fill the crevices of the room.

He's on a speaker phone with the boss, Christina -- while Cindy, his concerned and devoted wife, acknowledges Tony with a head nod.

CHRISTINA (V.O.)

Cindy, look, stop worrying about this! The important thing is this thing, this... microdisectomy, went well, it's under control. We'll make a strong statement in the morning, okay?... Cap?

(as Cap acknowledges ) I've been researching vertebrae. And guess what? -- There's a great doctor in Minnesota. Rosen. A specialist in rehab. I'm gonna fly him out tomorrow. I found out two important things... Cap?

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 97

Tony quietly tucks in Cap's sweaty, strewn bed sheets, preferring not to signal his presence to Christina. He notices a large black and blue discoloration around the point of surgical entry in Cap's lower back.

Tony gives Cap some water.

She hangs up. Cindy disconnects the call.

went in -- took out my L-5 disc. No big deal ... Did we win?

(as Tony shakes

his head)

The kid didn't cut it?

(CONTINUED )

(2) 97

enough.

He pours himself some water distastefully, as Cap plays

with his pump.

Cindy, did you call the nurse!? Is this working! Jesus, tell ‘em I'm a football player! Pump up the goddamn volume!

(laughs) -.-. and Christy thinks I'll be ready to play in three weeks...

flowers.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (3) 97

Tony touches Cap gently on the head.

Tony... (as Tony turns back) Don't give up on me.

He exits as the PHONE RINGS and Cindy follows Tony out.

Cap closes his eyes. He can't find a spot of stillness -- the pain boiling up again.

A98

In a high-rise apartment above the bay, sporting a glorious view of the curve of the city against the ocean, shadows play off the balcony from the TELEVISION within -- a MUTED "End Zone Weekly" plays (NOTE: This is not Jack Rose's "Sports Corner," rather an ESPN-type national show).

He laughs and hands the phone to his attractive girlfriend VANESSA STRUTHERS on the couch next to him -- a longtime sweetheart, she is studying marketing.

(UN-MUTING the TV) Tell her I'm on again!

INTERCUT WITH:

ON TV A98

Shots of Tyler Cherubini going down... Shots of Willie stepping in.

(CONTINUED )

A98

CONTINUED: A98

The infamous vomit in the huddle on national television. Willie covers his eyes. We also hear upset SCREAMING from MOM on the phone.

Willie MUTES the TV, taking the phone back from Vanessa.

WILLIE

-.. It was moving so fast... you're a cruel woman, Mama!

(more serious) Uh-huh... No probably not... No, I don't know yet.

(growing tenser) Mama, I... look, I'm number three, there's nothing I... They don't wanna look!... Yeah, yeah... you keep prayin', okay. Say hi to everybody... Uh-huh, you too, right...

(hangs up, looks at

Vanessa, deflated) She wants me to start.

She hugs him like his Mom might.

Dark walls in this high-class hangout are filled with celebrity photos, especially the Sharks and Dolphins. Caricatures of the football crowd hang over the bar where D'Amato, Nick Crozier, and Montezuma Monroe drink.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 99 ON TV

Jack "Ripper" Rose, the local expert on the Sharks, who seems to prove that the more you know about a team, the less you really understand, interviews a guest on his local "Sports Corner."

-.. Frank, Frank, Frank, you gotta wonder why D'Amato called that play when everyone knows J-Man likes to pick his spot when he runs... and you're running the same play twice in a row? Come on! There's a reason this team has lost four in a row. Forget about the offensive line and Cap Rooney. Forget about money- grubbing greed-head Christina Pagniacci who sold three of last year's stars. And forget about the defense -- there is none! This team is just not in sync. They remind me of my ‘ex.' She had 21 different personalities. Seven of them hated me...

(as his guest laughs) No kiddin', I think D'Amato's play books have consisted of the same 11 plays since 1971. It's gotta be a shorter list than 'The History of Jews in Sports,' but lucky for him, the Sharks have a couple of teeth left in their head, otherwise these guys would be bottom-feeding at 2-14 instead of thrashin' at 7-6...

BACK TO SCENE

Glancing away from the omnipresent television (several others dot the bar space, all tuned to sports), Tony drinks Scotch -- one of several -- his thoughts depressed and fatalistic tonight. Four losses in a row is a phenomenon that has never happened to him before.

MANDY, a young glamorous woman, sitting down the bar with a girlfriend, catches his eye.

(CONTINUED )

(2) 99

-.-. you play safe, you lose. It's just not a theory, they can prove it. You feed a computer all the games where a coach protected a modest lead -- 10 points or less -- 300 games, 10 years, there's this guy he did this study at Harvard... it came out the coaches lost... 71 percent of the time!

Shit, what're you guys gonna do next -- stick computer chips up my players' butts so you can monitor what their shit's thinking?

forward here -- faster, bigger, smarter. We're all thinking too damned much... we're not even

looking around at what we're passing by, leaving behind... You know what I mean?

The BARTENDER pours another Scotch, beers for the others.

(CONTINUED )

(3) 99

Crozier clears his throat, needs to talk business.

team, you do it your way. But don't let me catch you telling anyone Cap Rooney's not comin' back, okay? I don't care what Mrs. Pagniacci Junior says. Stay out of it!... I've seen Cap do this for years. (MORE )

(CONTINUED )

He leaves.

(4) 99

to Crozier) They say a coach needs three things in this life -- a wife who shuts up, a dog who licks him whenever he wants, and a quarterback who don't get hurt... So, this turkey's wife took a hike on him, his dog got run over, and his quarterback ruptured his goddamn back, talk about luck. Gotta piss...

(CONTINUED )

MONROE Only if you hold your own dick, kid. CROZIER

So tell me, Monty, did you really play with leather helmets in the good old days?

As they move off:

Tony's eyes wander, against his will, back to the TV.

INTERCUT WITH:

ON TV

A99

Jack Rose continues to talk a mile a minute -- on camera and then in background V.O. as we return to Tony.

(CONTINUED )

A99

A99

and the '80s -- hey we're talking the late '60s when this guy started coaching -- and you all

know by now how much of a fan I am of D'Amato getting himself a lobotomy or maybe cloned with some goat because anything... even Jack Kevorkian, would be better than what we got! Give me some smack! (high-fives his guest) Give me a pound. Give me some love...

Tony's eyes have shifted back to the caricature of himself on the wall, a man fatter, older, and more degenerate than he actually looks. Mandy, the young woman he noticed earlier, slides up next to him, sits,

sipping a

He shakes

non-alcoholic blue-ice number with a straw.

hands.

(CONTINUED )

TONY (pointing to the caricature) Yeah well at least I look better than that old fart... I think? MANDY You do... TONY (starting on another Scotch)

Thanks. How old are you, Mandy?

MANDY

Yeah. Older guys are the nicest guys. At least in my experience...

(she gently touches

his hand) You know, I always wanted to meet you... ever since I was about 17, I was going with this football jock -- and I saw you on the Sidelines. You were winning this big game...

I'd never repeat this -- only to you, you promise to keep this a secret -- ?

TONY

I promise.

(CONTINUED )

A99

CONTINUED: (3)

Tony's taken aback. She touches his knee, goes MANDY -.. you wanna go out with me... "Coach '? TONY

You mean like on a date?

MANDY

Yeah, like on a date...

(leaning close) I got a place -- close by, quiet... It's a thousand... five thousand for the night. You won't regret it...

(pause) What do you say, handsome?

Fair enough. Hey, good luck with the team. I'11 be rooting for you... ‘Tony’

A plucky kiss on his cheek.

A99

further.

She slinks away, as Monroe sits, enrapt by her legs.

(CONTINUED )

Say, what'd you do to Crozier? Stuff him in the toilet?

The letter "L" is written with a black marker next to the Americans on the season schedule (Miami is now 7-6). There are only three games left in the regular season: Chicago, California and New York. Tony cradles a cordless phone while drinking Scotch, as a COMPUTERIZED VOICE introduces Jeanette's voice on the answer machine.

hoping you'd still be awake. What time is it out there anyway? I tried to call earlier but things got... never mind. Listen...

He walks into his bedroom, emptying his pockets on the dresser. Pictures of the past confront him -- Jeanette, a boy and a girl; another of Tony with Cap Rooney and Art Pagniacci winning the "Pantheon Cup."

together?... I don't have his new number but... the thing is I'd like to see him and... and you...?

(he weaves, stumbles as he looks for something he dropped on the rug) I really miss the shit outta Timmy

and Melinda... Y'know, love to see them, Jesus! Grandkids, Jeanette, we got grandkids... Anyway, what's

there to say? Cap got hurt Sunday. Just another heart-breaking Sunday right? (pause) Okay, well, bye...

He has crossed to the toilet, where he unsuccessfully tries to urinate -- all over the place. A COMPUTERIZED VOICE suddenly cuts in to tell him:

VOICE #1 (V.O.) --.- Your call has been cancelled. Please leave your full name after the tone and record again.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 100

(NOTE: Potential one of three football practices -- a brief montage set to music, that leads us to:)

DAY

Tony drives up to a beautiful mansion on one of Miami's bays in an older, elegant car. As he talks into an audio-video monitor, the gates roll open.

ACTION - DAY

In a large cross-shadowed private office, Christina and Johnny Polito listen to Ed Phillips on the phone -- noticing Tony's drive-up on the indoor monitor... The walls reveal pictures of Christina with various high- powered individuals in the city; an MBA from Stanford; others that are competitive at tennis and golf, on safari and skiing with her husband; shots of her as a young girl with her dad. In these images of fishing, riding, hunting, perhaps one senses that Christina was raised as an only son by Art Pagniacci and forever embodies the hardness of that fate.

fee?... Great!

(CONTINUED )

Hangs up.

She glances at a picture on her desk of her late father. Beneath it in the silver frame she has had engraved: "Whatever It Takes."

(CONTINUED )

(2) 102

CHRISTINA

The Association will listen to reason. L.A. is an entertainment empire! It can easily handle two teams. Here, what? The wrong fan base. No Hispanic players, no Hispanic fans...

(off silence) Ed, if ever you owed Dad a favor, make it this one! This team will be born again in L.A.!

(CONTINUED )

Christina, Tony in.

(3) 102

You're like your father that way, darling -- a dreamer... My advice

to you is, sell the goddamn team. You don't really want to own a football team, Christina. You're still young -- start a family.

conflicted, watches as her housekeeper shows

Tony looks hungover and bumps into something, as Christina crosses into the giant-sized living room.

keep looking for the A.T.M. machines in these houses...

four this morning.

(CONTINUED )

A102

CONTINUED: (4) 102

Remote in hand, she flicks on a state-of-the-art video screen.

CHRISTINA

..-- I know it was, Tony -- but I'll tell you this -- Julian wasn't thinking about you, he was thinking about the extra million dollars he gets when he hits 1500 yards...

(glancing at Ed) Which, by the way, definitely helps blow out our fucking salary cap for next year...

(CONTINUED )

A102

CONTINUED: A102

A testy edge to the dialogue, as Christina freezes the image of Julian fumbling. She shows him the sports section of USA Today -- folded to a condemnation of

the team, specifically Tony. Although raised to treat Tony like an "uncle" in a large Italian-American family, the team comes first and foremost.

(CONTINUED )

Now Tony's headache is getting worse.

this out. I always have. Worse things than this have...

intensity, Tony!? We were always in the playoffs. Four years ago the only thing we worried about was winning a third Pantheon Cop! Now what? We're a second-tier team, Tony, that's what!

(as he objects) ... No, admit it! You're not being honest, we're the fifth, sixth team in this league. We just don't get the respect anymore. For chrissake, Tony, just four years ago we won the Pantheon Cup! Do you remember! We beat the pants off Massachusetts! Dad would be shocked to see this mess we created...

Tony is fuming, but a part of him knows she's right.

(CONTINUED )

Running game!? Okay -- you always talk about a running game. But who cares as long as you win! People want to watch passes, touchdowns, high scores! That's the game now, Tony!... We paid a lot of money to get Nick Crozier here from Minnesota specifically to modernize this offense. But when I look down at the field I don't see any new play calling, I don't see him doing what he does best. And frankly, what is most disturbing, is I don't see you even listening to his calls from the booth...

Another silence. Ed coughs. Christina regrets the atmosphere, throws up her hands and paces.

Ed, stay...

(to Tony) You gripe about Julian Washington but you completely ignore the problems with Cap and Shark? I don't get it.

(CONTINUED )

CHRISTINA

Think about the future. Do you know what we could get for Cap right now? Probably a first and a third draft choice. He's still got an arm, and people respect him. We know he's finished but if we're smart, we can...

TONY

No, I don't know that, Christy, I don't! Cap's got two, maybe three great years left in him. This is football. Today guys in their 40s are playing...

(a silence) Do I gotta remind you he helped build this franchise, which you benefitted from? That he's a hero to the working people of Florida. And one of the greatest pressure players of all time. You just don't cut a man like Cap Rooney!

(CONTINUED )

Tony, Art spent money like water. He never really cared about the bottom line. He wanted to win at any cost. In the modern game, with marketing costs high as they are...

CHRISTINA

Tony, I am not re-signing a seven- million-dollar-a-year, 39-year- old quarterback no matter how big he was.

(pointing to a stack

of budget sheets on

her desk) I crunch those numbers every month till my fingers bleed. We make less money than 90 percent of the other teams. The economics simply don't make any sense!

-.. Because you were a fighter then! You had intensity, Tony! But today he'd cut your ass! Because that's just the way the game is now. I love this team as much -- if not more -- than you. I was born into this goddamn business, so don't try to make me out to be some heartless bitch in a skybox bleeding my players dry...

(CONTINUED )

The point is... as much as I respect... my famous ‘Uncle Tony' -- the team's just not responding to you, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let everything my father fought for slide down the drain with you at the helm. I will do anything -- you hear me, anything -- to bring this team back to greatness!

He throws a hard look at Ed, who looks away. to the door.

Christina shares a look with Ed.

"Beer?"

A102

Tony stalks

She shakes her head:

MIAMI SHARKS - FIELD #1 - DAY

Miami QB Tyler Cherubini releases his throw far over the head of Sanderson. The crowd boos.

STANDS #1 104 Shark fans are sullen. Signs read: "D'Amato is a Dinosaur"... images of D'Amato in Thanksgiving turkey

feathers, etc. The capacity, again, is at best two-thirds.

SIDELINE #1 105

Coach D'Amato talks quietly with Tyler Cherubini and Cap Rooney, uSing a cane in civilian clothing.

Willie, ignored, watches from the bench, not warming up. As Cherubini wanders off, the QB Coach fetches Willie. D'Amato's eyes now flash on him...

FIELD #2 106

Shark rages up and down the defensive line, faking a blitz, baiting the young Chicago QB.

SHARK

Hey you, white-bread! Got your cup on? ‘Cause I'm gonna runneth it over!!

(to Chicago

lineman ) I'm gonna stomp you, B.J., and then I'm gonna stomp your million- dollar bonus baby white-ass quarterback and then I'm gonna go up in the stands and stomp both your mommas!

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 106 The Chicago QB, made a little nervous by Shark, bobbles the ball slightly... Shark, reading the trap, finds a lane through the Chicago line for a crushing hit on the baby-bonus QB, who pops the ball loose... Miami's "Beast Man" instantly pounces on it. Shark, congratulated by his teammates, rises hurting, and hiding it... In a brief, micro-moment:

HIS POV

reveals: BLURRING (SPX) ON teammates and stadium.

SIDELINE #2 107

Willie, in his oddball way, walks up to the edge of the sideline, with Tony.

TONY

Hey, last time you puked you had a hell of a game.

Make me a believer.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 107 Willie heads out onto the field.

FIELD #3 108

Willie, on a play action pass, takes off running, gesturing to his blockers, directing his flow like an experienced back... He is slammed hard after a big 32- yard gain to the Chicago 43 yard line; the crowd roars with lusty approval.

Julian Washington eyes Willie wearily as he bounces up. Is this kid going to be another runner in his backfield?

COACH'S BOOTH #1 109 Crozier on the headset upstairs:

FIELD #4 110

At the Chicago six-yard line, Willie surveys the defensive alignment. WILLIE Set, Green 68, Green 68, go!

Julian rushes forward left of Willie for the hand-off --

but Willie doesn't give him the ball -- Julian breaks for a confused micro-moment, then throws himself forward into the pile -- as Willie races right, as if to run, then

loops a high, curving pass to the second wide-out in the end zone. Touchdown!

A110

SCOREBOARD #1 A110

reads CHICAGO 14, MIAMI 10. THIRD QUARTER. 02:41...

SIDELINE #3 111

The stadium PA SYSTEM explodes a triumphant "SHARK THEME" as Willie jogs past Tony on his way to the bench, crossing the kicking unit on their way in...

Julian passes Tony, shaking his head... Willie gulps down Gatorade as Tony comes after him.

Tony gets right in his face, indicates the game plan in his hand. There is no backing down.

WILLIE

I'm with you, boss.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 111

As Tony stalks away, Willie's expression is one of quiet anger.

MONTAGE #1 (WILLIE BEAMEN AS QB)

MUSIC is UPBEAT, as Willie slices and dices the L.A. defense:

FIELD #5 112

Willie steps back and throws a precise 25-yard spiral, aimed for the pocket on Chicago's 5-yard line -- it sails perfectly to a place where Jimmy Sanderson accelerates to reach that sweet spot in time where ball and man meet -- sailing right PAST US into the end zone, the Chicago safety trailing. Touchdown!... Willie races down to the end zone for a celebration.

SCOREBOARD #2 113

CHICAGO 17, MIAMI 17. FOURTH QUARTER. 7:03...

MONTAGE #1 - FIELD #6 114

Willie fires a crisp bullet of a pass to the tight end in the chancy seam of the zone.

HUDDLE #1 115

VOICE (V.O.) (helmet )

Hustle Right Switch 60 Bravo.

Hustle Right Switch 60 Bravo.

(CONTINUED )

A116

CONTINUED: 115 WILLIE ‘Sandman,' your guy's laying back -- SANDERSON All day. WILLIE

How about 88 Turbo?

They clap and move to the ball, Washington upset.

SIDELINE #4 116

Tony watches the new formation, amazed.

(actually delighted) Hell if I know, Tony...

MONTAGE #1 - FIELD #7 117

Sanderson races for the left corner -- Willie not taking his eyes off him, he pump fakes the ball to him -- but once the Chicago defense commits to his sleight of hand, Willie bootlegs it towards the right end zone. Two defensive backs reverse and run right at him. It's going to be a race to the wire.

(CONTINUED )

A118

CONTINUED: 117 STUNT

The DBs have him beat by a yard or so. But Willie leaps into the air at the 2-yard line to avoid the diving tacklers. Then, finding himself having to go yet higher, he flips in mid-air, taking himself over their heads, pads and all, into a somersault, landing scot-free in the end zone. TD! Amazing!

OWNER'S BOX #1 118

Christina can't believe what she just saw, looking at the:

TV REPLAY A118

Willie's somersault is something that is going to make the highlight reel for a long time to come -- his second week in a row!

Where's this kid been all this time? In D'Amato's doghouse?

PRESS BOX #1 119

Jack "Ripper" Rose also senses a turn in the destiny of his team.

HIS POV

downstairs AT Willie --

BACK TO SCENE

-- inspires him to rap excitedly at his laptop, a poet in disguise describing a new major athlete... Insert (TBD).

MONTAGE #1 - SIDELINE #5 120

Willie trots off the field, looking for D'Amato, about 15 or 20 yards away, with daring in eyes that say, "You want to win or not? Go fuck yourself!"... Cap, next to Tony, reads the situation, but the rest of the team, standing and milling, is simply awed by this new discovery.

TUG (V.O.)

If I'm Tony D'Amato right now I'm looking to the football gods saying, ‘What did I ever do to deserve this?'

ON TV 121

Tony watching, deeply perturbed at having his plays changed by this young, arrogant enigma. He keeps it inside.

END OF MONTAGE #1.

OMITTED 122

The stars are out tonight. Establishment Miami meets football jocks meets business supporters meets politicos, meets sex and alcohol. It's also a charity event, designed by the Sharks' P.R. Department to deliver a Children's Needy Fund some million dollars a year, most of which is being raised tonight -- with, naturally, the colorful Mayor Tyrone Smalls in attendance.

Julian Washington ROARS up to the dock in a dramatic CIGARETTE BOAT -- product logos for his sponsors all over it. Four gorgeous girls cling to him. Flashbulbs explode, the paparazzi eating this up as much as Julian.

Cap Rooney and his gorgeously-attired wife Cindy now enter, the glamour couple of the party, though Cap still struggles with a cane. The photographers descend on them, clicking.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 123

Watching all from a discreet corner is Tony, interrupted by three FANS/BUSINESSMEN coming up to him for autographs; unsuccessfully, he tries to duck away.

A banner reading: CHILDREN'S FUND OF MIAMI. Flashbulbs and camera idolize Christina presenting a check to MAYOR TYRONE SMALLS, a boisterous Afro-American in his 60s.

Much applause.

The city of Miami would like to thank Christina Pagniacci, you are a great Miamian! You have done as much as anyone to eliminate drugs and crime from our city streets... -.-. and your Sharks have provided wonderful role models for our inner-city youth to look up to. I'm all for it, honey, now let's

get down and party!!

Raucous laughter. People have long come to accept the Mayor's idiosyncracies. Smalls greets Christina's mother, a blitzed Margaret, on the podium, escorted by Ed Phillips. Also there is Andy, Christina's yawning, tired husband.

Observing this in the crowd are Willie and Vanessa, who feels herself out of place and underdressed for this affair. She excuses herself to the ladies' room... as Willie walks over to Sanderson and Julian.

(CONTINUED )

A124

CONTINUED: 124

(re: Margaret) The ghost, baby. The High Priestess of the Paycheck! Oooh, tell me there aren't some fine- looking 'dimes' here! I gotta get me some phone numbers ‘fore Heather closes me down. What about you?

(looking) Vanessa policing your ass?

Fans now envelop them, singling out Julian... Vanessa, returning from the bathroom, her makeup even worse now, can't help but notice Willie openly gazing at women of beauty, with finer clothes and jewels.

Shark sits next to Dr. Mandrake's girlfriend TRISH, a buxom 20-year-old, talking with a very rich ELDERLY COUPLE and several OTHER COUPLES, who don't notice Shark's hand finding its way beneath the table between Trish's thighs...

(CONTINUED )

A124

CONTINUED: A124 OLDER WOMAN (V.O.) Does it really hurt when you hit

someone?

Trish squirms in her chair.

OMITTED 125

Christina is trying to get the Mayor's attention, surrounded by his entourage.

Christina, put off, turns impatiently to Cap and Cindy, approaching.

They shake hands, AD LIB. As photographers snap pictures.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 126

Cap and Cindy share a look of disappointment as they go.

Tony and Margaret Pagniacci, leaning against an upstairs railing, take in a view of the party below; Margaret commenting on the AFFA Pantheon Cup ring that Tony wears tonight, part of his formal wear.

himself...

(ambiguous ) --. he cut my cheek with it once. I bled.

Tony is unsure how to respond.

MARGARET

Tony, stop. Christina's in charge now. It's the way Art wanted it.

This catches Tony off guard.

SHARK -.- it's like, have you ever seen a woman giving birth? -- lotta

blood, sweat, and tears, right? -- Well, football's a man's way of having that baby!

Trish's hot, flushed face says it all. She adjusts her panties under the table, allowing better access for Shark's hand. The others listen intently to Shark.

(his hand moves)

-.. deep in the zone... They're on top, driving. Their fullback is stuffing the ball down our throat every play...

Murmuring slightly, Trish stretches, wrapping her lips around a strawberry from her dessert plate.

Dr. Mandrake approaches the table.

and...

He sees Trish's look. He sees Mandrake's distance. Racing the geometry!

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 128

ELDERLY MAN #2 -.- Well, did you score?

Trish orgasms just in time -- sinks into the chair, muffling her sounds with a napkin.

Mandrake sits next to Trish, sensing something. Trish conceals her expression when he fondles her.

TRISH

-.-- Oh come on, Harvey, don't be a fuddy duddy! You're always in pajamas by...

Mandrake protests. Shark has removed his hand, but notices Madman nearby, coming on strongly to one of the local society dames who impresses him with her face jobs and jewelry. His pregnant, pathetic mouse wife sits alone in a corner, wanting to cry.

He moves towards the dance floor...

-.-. What's wrong, let's you and me cut the rug, honbun!

(pause) C'mon, I'm not good-looking enough for you? What do you think, I'ma damage case...?

Shark grabs him by the lapels and smacks him fairly hard across the face -- not discreetly. Madman registers

it, then wants to kill, but when he sees Shark, he grunts docilely...

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 128

SHARK

Yo, Madman! I can't take your ass nowhere!...

(emphatic, as if to

a schizophrenic) Patrick's wife is in the corner, Patrick! It's not the time to be ‘Madman,' is it?

Shark looks sheepish.

Mayor Smalls embraces Willie in an extravagant bear hug, as Christina and others look on.

Willie laughs, hugs the Mayor back.

feels very hurt, not understanding why Willie would ignore her or is he that embarrassed by her? She wanders for the wrong solace over to Cindy and the other wives, chatting in a small group.

The once pristine bathroom has deteriorated. Guest

soaps are crushed on the floor, towels in the tub. Julian and Sanderson cavort with some girls.

Drs. Powers and Mandrake walk together. POWERS Sanderson's been after me for

stuff?

(CONTINUED )

I don't know. Rits, vikes. End of the season I'm gonna put him in ‘the laundry bin'

(off Powers, puzzled) -.. Clinic...

(for Powers' benefit) -.- quietly, Allie...

Mandrake senses Powers doesn't understand his approach.

MANDRAKE

Ugh! I hate baseball. Nothing happens. Bunch of farmers standing around scratching their nuts looking for fly balls. [In football, we all go one way till we get there.

(CONTINUED )

(2) 131 MANDRAKE (teasing) U.C.L.A. baseball, ooh, brutal sport! (seriously)

Allie, we gotta work together more -- make sure the guys get there, know what I mean?

(CONTINUED )

(3) 131

Crozier tries to snag Christina's attention span.

-.- Can I be honest with you, Christina? It's a waste of my time. I come up with the edge we need -- the stats, the probabilities -- and he just looks at them and shrugs -- it's like he doesn't believe it.

I just want you to know I'm getting offers, Christina, you gotta know that. I want to stay, but I won't waste another season under Tony.

She now sees the Mayor free! and goes quickly.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 132 CHRISTINA (cryptic, to Crozier) You won't...! I promise.

The WIVES hold court.

WIFE #1 Dexamethasone?

Cindy, at the top of the food chain, takes notice when Vanessa appears.

(CONTINUED )

Vanessa now understands the reference to her fiance.

They all laugh.

CINDY

Do you have a job?

times to...

VANESSA

And what do you do?

Christina is at last alone with the slightly-inebriated

Mayor.

CHRISTINA

-.- I want the 250 million you promised me...

(he looks like a sphinx) You know I can get the rest with the bond. You said you'd give me 100 percent support and now you're getting cold feet just because...

"Personal seat licenses' -- that's the biggest bunch of bullshit! -- how the hell can you sell the same seat twice? I seen some pretty smooth scams in my time, but only a white man could come up with that one. The fans gonna burn you, honey.

(CONTINUED )

-.. All the fans really care about, Tyrone, is winning. And if I don't have the money I need to stay competitive, then this team is finished! That's the bottom line!

(genuinely) Your team's not doin' what the Dolphins are doin'. The schools're

howling for money, roads need redoing, a new stadium's the last thing on the city council's mind...

CHRISTINA

I'm not asking you to vote, T.J. I'm asking you to deliver! We've been backing you since Dad's time, getting your people passes and money they never dreamed of. We were there for you, and...

(delicate) --. and if you're not there for us, T.J., I'm telling you this... we'd seriously consider leaving this town.

Oh, there's ‘loopholes,’ Tyrone. Like the goddamn stadium is falling apart, you know -- you haven't contributed one fucking penny to maintenance on that relic! I remodeled the practice facility out of my own pocket. I...

(CONTINUED )

(2) 134

MAYOR SMALLS

Yadda, yadda, yadda! Daddy's girl, you are a relative baby in this town. Go slow. First you get along... then you go along...

(puts an arm around

her ) Come on, honey, you and I known each other too long. Your roots are here in Miami. Why would you want to leave? Your dad created such love, such a foundation...

She leaves, pissed. It looks like L.A. for sure.

The party is getting rowdy as Julian, Sanderson, Madman,

Shark, and others heat up the dance floor.

Cindy turns to a NASTY WOMAN whose breast implants are as big as her hair.

(CONTINUED )

Montezuma Monroe intersects Mayor Smalls; they know each

other.

They share a knowing laugh.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 136

He laughs. MONROE (cautiously) -.-. Now I did hear somethin' about that?

The Mayor returns to the party as Monroe looks down into the gardens for Tony. MUSIC WAFTS OUT from the party.

Margaret Pagniacci's holding onto Tony's AFFA ring, alone with him; he's had a little too much to drink.

man, Maggie. He was there at the beginning. His kind, forget it! -- dust! Now they're all... (sees Christina approaching) know-it-all-E.S.P.N. analysts.

Margaret rises, handing the ring to D'Amato.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 137

Christina wants to connect with Tony as he toys with his ring.

No. Win one first.

He walks away.

Willie and Vanessa are fighting, tension in the air.

The TV is ON to the Jack Rose's "Sports Center" as Willie tries to analyze his playbook, an icebag wrapped tight around his right shoulder.

INSERT - PLAYBOOK

Shows the complexity of the system, the number of plays, the mumbo-jumbo, which would be tough enough for any student of the game to learn -- but for Willie, who is unschooled, it comes hard; his frustration mounting, as is Vanessa's.

BACK TO SCENE

-.-. were you embarrassed by me, were you ashamed to introduce me to the Mayor? Is that it... Willie?

(as he doesn't respond) Was it my dress...? ... what the... Willie?!

Willie changes the subject, indicating the playbook.

(CONTINUED )

A138

ON TV

Meanwhile, his guest.

WILLIE

Goddamn book! Thinking is dying on that field. Doing is feeling. Feeling is what it's all about...

(flipping pages) I think like this, I'll get killed out there! I gotta play my way -- like 'I'm the shit'! You don't believe that, you are...

A138

the deranged Jack Rose is going on and on to

(CONTINUED )

(2) 138 VANESSA (stung) Oh? What was I so jealous of her about? WILLIE I tell you what -- you're jealous

of anything! You're jealous any woman who walk in a room with a better rap or a bag or a fuckin' hairdo! ‘Cause it's always ‘bout class with you.

VANESSA

Oh, Mr. Bad Ass Willie! I seen you in action tonight, chasing the tail on that Heather Sanderson.

(as he protests) Why didn't you introduce her to the goddamn Mayor, Willie, you too ashamed to introduce me...

(near tears) -.. after all these years! Goddamn your ass, Willie Beamen...

(CONTINUED )

(3) 138 WILLIE No, you ain't listening, you... I'm sayin' this is my time -- now!

I gotta rope the ring and that means I can't be fucking dealing with you running these bullshit numbers in my head.

Willie stands, slams the playbook shut, stalks to his bedroom.

She tries to grab him and they struggle.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (4) 138 VANESSA I see you turning into one of them ‘shits'! I tell you this, I'm

gonna call your mama! Willie looks at her, disgusted.

WILLIE

Tell my mother what! Don't let my success get to your head, bitch.

(as she protests,

"bitch!") Go right ahead! And while you're at it, go find yourself some ‘'wigger' who'll put up with your petty, '‘educated' hype, ‘cause you gettin' on my nerves!

VANESSA

Yes I am educated and you can't even read a goddamn playbook, Willie Beamen, 'cause you're nothing but a big-ass Mama's boy and you can take your football -- it's the only ball you got anyhow! -- and shove it up your stuck-up ass! ‘Cause my big, beautiful ass you can kiss good-bye, baby!

(at the door) And you know what! -- I will find me a smart, m'fucking gentleman! I'm gonna be sleeping at Darlene's from now on. She might fuck better'n you anyhow!

She slams the door violently on her way out... Willie is really upset.

D'Amato wanders back from the first-class section through the aircraft. Some nap, others mingle in a subdued atmosphere. He spots Willie sitting near the back of the players' section by himself, wearing his headphones. He approaches, waits.

(CONTINUED )

Willie finally sees him, or pretends to, takes his headset off, clears his CDs from the empty seat.

Y'ever listen to jazz?

(as Willie shrugs "who?") -.. Coltrane, Monk, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday?

‘bout your mama, she ever gonna come to a game?

He waits on Tony, who goes the extra yard.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 139

Willie nods, mumbling something incoherent.

IN FRONT SECTION 140

D'Amato rejoins Dr. Mandrake, reading his Wall Street Journal.

(beat)

Man never even heard of Miles Davis.

MANDRAKE

Tony, he probably never heard of Joe Namath. You look like shit. You sleeping?

Tony, in his game suit, has breakfast with his son, TOM, a bland mid-level executive in his late 20s, with a Christian fish on his lapel.

(CONTINUED )

TONY

Oh, okay... and Melinda? How's she? TOM

She's fine... TONY

You look good. TOM

I'm trying. TONY

You talk to your mom lately? TOM

Dad -- what do you want? TONY

What do I want? I wanted to see you. You're my son, for chrissake. What do you mean?

(CONTINUED )

Tony looks at him, wondering what he's wrought. They hush as the WAITRESS brings coffee and danish.

She leaves.

it... and then tried to forget it, block it out. (beat) You know what? It never goes away. TOM

(now he's upset) No it doesn't and it's too late, goddamn it, okay! It's too -- excuse me for my foul thoughts, Lord! They come not out of me -- but it's too goddamn late for that! My son and daughter are doing fine and you had nothing to do with that, and that's all there

is.

(CONTINUED )

A142

CONTINUED: (3) 141

Can I just... see them? They're my grandkids, Tom!... Please? TOM

(a grim pause) -.-. With a child psychiatrist...

Game 3. Miami Sharks at California Crusaders.

FIELD #1

The Crusaders' wide receiver runs deep against the Miami DB, nearly catching a 50-yard pass at the Miami 5-yard line... A yellow penalty flag flies through the air.

SCOREBOARD #1 A142 MIAMI 7, CALIFORNIA 14. SECOND QUARTER. 4:49... BRANSON (V.O.)

Interference on Miami. That will

hurt! A tight game here! Looks

like a man's down now... At the

line of scrimmage, it looks like

the 'Shark' -- Luther Lavay! SIDELINE #1 143

Tony is livid at REFEREE #1, not noticing Shark.

giving away 45 yards! Get the replay! I'll trade you a time-out for it, you... ugh, ugh!

REFEREE #2 trots by Tony, who jogs alongside, to get his attention.

(CONTINUED )

TONY

Charlie, give me a goddamn break. I know this is L.A., I don't know nobody here, but give us a chance anyway!

(indicating Referee #1) Where's that guy from? El Cajon, Hawthorne, Beverly Hills, what?

REFEREE #2 Get back in the coaching box...

Tony shares his frustration with Cap Rooney, in street clothes for the game, and Crozier upstairs; Cherubini is relaying the signals to Willie on the field.

144 FIELD #2 144

Shark lies on the field, moaning. Mandrake, Powers and Trainer #1 test his joints.

(CONTINUED )

Powers and the Trainers help drag Shark to his feet.

SIDELINE #2 The crowd cheers for Shark, coming off, as...

He leaves Monroe a study in total, betrayed frustration...

HUDDLE #1 Willie feels loose.

Sanderson) Okay, 'Sandman,' they should show cloud coverage here and lock Ice on the cross. The middle will be open. Right deuce gun, F-shoot, 60 Snake Eyes. On three. Ready!

They break. Sanderson hangs back a beat.

(CONTINUED )

As they move to the line of scrimmage, Madman is lost.

McKENNA

You got the nose guard.

Montezuma Monroe is rampaging up and down before his unit, pissed beyond words.

A cry of grief from the crowd stops him. Monroe spins to the field to see a mad brawl of players for a Shark fumble -- a Crusaders player comes up with the ball!

And worse! At the line of scrimmage, Leslie McKenna, the right guard, is down.

SIDELINE #4 148

As REFEREE #3 signals the California first down to a joyous echo from the home crowd, Tony is screaming at Referee #3 who jogs over to him.

REFEREE #3 (wearily) What is it with you, Coach?!

REFEREE #3 To be honest, Tony -- I didn't really see it.

To be honest, Sammy, neither did I.

Referee #3 shakes his head and runs back to the field as Mandrake hurries over to Tony.

-- he's out!

Tony hurries towards Leslie McKenna in great pain -- being helped off the field by Dr. Powers and trainer #2.

SIDELINE #5 149

Julian and Willie are going at it hotly.

WILLIE

I knew the goddamn play! -- Couldn't you see them adjusting?!

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 149 WASHINGTON You didn't audible shit! WILLIE I called the color, man! You just missed it 'cause of that wax in your ears. Hey, 'Sandman,' didn't I audible? SANDERSON I dunno, man. Don't get me involved. Tony approaches, dominates. TONY Knock it off -- all of you! This goddamn screw-up cost us McKenna for the season! Why don't you both think about that for one goddamn minute! Sit down -- the bunch of you! (walking away, to Crozier, on the headset ) Goddamn it, Nick, you do your job and get him under control before he gets anyone else hurt! He notices a film crew in his face, recording all of this; this brings him to the very edge. TONY Whatta you doing!! Get outta here before I kick your butts!!... Get ‘em out! Security quickly closes down the lens.

SIDELINE #6

The Crusaders sweep towards the Miami sideline, its big offensive line leading. This time the Miami defense penetrates them and gang-tackles the running back.

alive!

(CONTINUED )

A150

CONTINUED: 150

He turns away, eyeing the scoreboard, as his offense runs out.

SCOREBOARD #2 A150

CALIFORNIA 21, MIAMI 10. THIRD QUARTER 8:57...

HUDDLE #2 151

Willie suddenly breaks from it and pukes quietly, into the turf, clears his throat.

Willie walks back to the huddle, to his teammates.

righteous motherfucker! On three! Ready?

FIELD #3

They break and move to the ball. Willie scans the defense, loose, enjoying himself.

(CONTINUED )

A152

CONTINUED: 151 WILLIE Set Green 21! Green 21! Hut! Hut! Hut!

Willie checks off his receivers as they speed downfield, pumps once; the offensive line protecting him strongly.

Two L.A. corners blanket Sanderson -- but Julian is open, waiting in the flat.

perfect pass, threading the microscopic gap between two

Crusaders' defenders. Sanderson spins in midair so that the nose of the ball crosses the goal line just as he is slammed backwards by the backs -- too late -- the Ref's

arms shoot up -- touchdown!

Willie races down the field and grabs Sanderson, both of them breaking into a funky dance. FIELD #4 A152

Upfield, Julian, not very happy, heads for the sideline.

SIDELINE #7 153

As Willie comes off, Tony hugs him in a familiar, paternal way, which surprises Willie. Cap Rooney witnesses.

WILLIE

It's all good, boss.

OMITTED 154

FIELD #5 155

Willie runs an option pass for 26 yards, and when he is pounded into the turf, jumps right up and taunts the defense.

Which makes them want to kill him -- but Madman and several others step in to separate Willie.

FIELD #6

Willie, pursued by linemen and almost off balance, throws an incredible long bomb, hitting his third receiver; the ball travels almost 60 yards in the air. The receiver runs it in for a touchdown!

GUEST OWNER'S BOX #1 152 Christina, with local friends, studies her new

phenomenon.

SCOREBOARD #3

MIAMI 24, CALIFORNIA 21.

- 6 PM

The Shark locker room seems too small to contain the combustible energy of these larger-than-life men.

Sanderson and other "Dawgs" rally to the BOOM BOX.

Perhaps Willie joins in briefly...

Coach D'Amato circulates, congratulations all around...

Cap doesn't have much to do, hanging. In the b.g., the

doctors and trainers are busy.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 156

Madman opens a locker which is a shrine to the band Metallica. Madman puts one of their CDs on a portable player.

As the MUSIC of "SO WHAT" CRANKS, others protest loudly (AD LIB). Madman ignores them all, banging out the rhythm on his locker.

Elsewhere, Smitty, the Christian, walks up to Willie.

Say, Willie, some of us guys, we have a little Bible study group that meets every Monday. It's no big deal, we just read some and talk. They say ‘There's no atheists in foxholes.'

(chuckles )

We'd sure like it if you could join us?

WILLIE

How long I been on this team -- six months? In all that time you ever spoke to me? Now I win two games and you want me to join your Bible study group? Fuck you.

Smitty moves off...

157 JULIAN WASHINGTON 157

is throwing on his $3,000 suit, busy on his cell, while Willie watches nearby.

Willie catches Julian before he exits.

WILLIE

Hey, J-man, can I talk to you a sec?

(off no response) Say, good game today. You know if I'm faking the hand-off to you, it looks stupid you don't act like you're getting the ball, money...

158 TRAINING AREA #1 158

Dr. Mandrake stitches Sanderson's cut chin, pulling out a tray of bandages:

(CONTINUED )

New York now? Corporate culture, baby! I'm actually one of the few good guys left -- I stretch ita bit for you boneheads.

(musing aloud) You have no idea what it was like in the old days, 'Sandman' -- nobody'd give a shit. I mean we were kings. No goddamn random urine tests, no ‘spook police’...

(laughs) Shit we'd force you to take the pills -- like candy. You could

walk onto the field with a syringe in your ass and nobody'd notice... but it's over -- like the weather.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 158 SANDERSON Weather? MANDRAKE El Nino!... Current change? Global warming?... Hello? SANDERSON You out of your mind. MANDRAKE -.-. All ‘cause the association's worth too much money -- now it's

bigger than Coca-Cola or Disney... (as Sanderson is

puzzled) Forget it. (re: the bandages) So what do you want -- Bugs Bunny,

Daffy Duck, Tweety?

LOCKER ROOM #2 159

The mood in the locker room shifts quickly as Christina Pagniacci enters, escorted by two security guards in

suits with earphones -- along with her VPs. In a good mood, she passes most of the no-name players, signalling or calling out to some of her stars (AD LIB)... Cap

notices her not "Seeing" him; Joe Polito makes up for it, coming over to him, as she approaches Willie.

(CONTINUED )

Others look on at the two of them.

Willie, in his jockstrap, is coming on to Christina ina cheeky, street way, showing off his muscles. Christina, accustomed to locker rooms and not seeing her players in any way as competitive with her husband, ignores the fact he doesn't add one stitch of clothing to his jock.

Willie senses this gulf and will come to resent it as another synecdoche for the owner/player class structure.

She exits.

a cubicle

--. I hope you don't mind, but you handle yourself real good in business and all. I don't B.S., Miss Pagniacci, but you do it to me. How'd you like to hook up for a drink, or something quiet...?

CHRISTINA

I think we all are, in business, Willie... So, come by tomorrow and we'll talk. I think you'll like what you're gonna hear... okay?

(smiles, corrects

his punctuation) Pagniacci.

Her eyes catching Tony, on the fly, through window -- huddled with Rooney, Crozier,

and Julian in the cramped visiting coach's office.

160 COACH'S OFFICE #1 160

ball -- I don't get my stats -- I don't get my money -- and I like gettin' my money.

TONY

For that matter, you're lucky we're not keeping track of your blocking 'stats,' J...

-.-. Look, J-man's got a point -- Beamen's not doing his homework. He isn't studying the playbook, he doesn't come in to look at any films, he doesn't even know the damn names of the defensive players he's facing. He doesn't give a geewhiz about anything or anybody! He just wants to make the plays by himself --

(CONTINUED )

Tony's thinking about it.

SHOWERS #1

Players dance to a BOOMBOX PLAYING in the shower... Madman tries to join in but looks ridiculous and they trash him cruelly. Willie showers next to Shark, who, unseen, seems to lose his balance, grabs onto a shower

head...

(CONTINUED )

Hey, that means you made it, kid! When Coach D. thinks you're the real deal he brings you over to his house and shows you his trophies and shit and makes the most godawful jambalaya you ever tasted. One thing though, you better bring flowers -- Coach gets really pissed off if you don't bring flowers.

Madman now retaliates, throwing a baby ALLIGATOR into

the shower, the tiny reptile terrifying most of these behemoths with its HISSING jaws.

LOCKER ROOM #4 162

Cap Rooney catches Willie's eye as the latter throws on some frayed jeans, a beeper and cell phone hooked to his belt. Adjusting his shades and headphones, he's about to leave when:

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 162

Willie rolls on out -- barely avoiding the press -- who gather around Shark. Shark, in his underwear, puts his sunglasses on, bothered by the camera lights.

Which cracks up the reporters.

TRAINER'S OFFICE #1 163

Cameras mounted, the room lit, Jack Rose has the first go at Tony, a tiny tape recorder in his palm.

("friendly" smile) Follow-up question. You think your boys could've won the game without him, Coach?

(CONTINUED )

ROSE

You still didn't answer the question, Tony...?

It's like a routine between them -- on the edge of

danger.

(loud, walking away) Hey, didn't we win! Didn't we beat L.A.! Two in a row! We're back!

The reporters are somewhat stunned by Tony's erratic

behavior.

Dr. Mandrake is exiting quickly, but Dr. Powers manages to catch up to him.

(CONTINUED )

Mandrake stops.

MANDRAKE

Or he just could be a crazy fucker, okay! Listen, every Sunday these guys walk out onto that field, they only got one thing and one thing alone going for ‘em -- their confidence!

(beat) You start chipping away at that with a bunch of unnecessary testing and we can kiss the playoffs good-bye.

team, what's wrong with that?!

Mandrake, agitated, resumes walking. Powers follows.

it, I'll get you the results! (as Powers starts to object) I've earned their trust, Allie. You haven't. Good night.

E166

Madman now walks out, wearing an upside-down jockstrap around his forehead. The waiting fans and miscellaneous REPORTERS love it, snapping pictures... Willie, following, is surrounded and held back by a mob of fans and shouted questions, requests, photographs (AD LIBS). He tries to accommodate, but is overwhelmed.

TUNNEL REPORTER #1 Willie!... You got 100 yards rushing today, how ‘bout that?

They're laughing.

TUNNEL REPORTER #2 Hey, Willie! What's it feel like one day to be nobody, next day the whole world knows you?

The question gives Willie pause. He fields it gracefully. WILLIE I was always a star, you just didn't know it. But who says it's ‘the whole world'? -- How important's football when two billion Chinese never even heard of it?

He has a natural charm and the press seems to like him for now... Other players walk by, ignored -- Shark among them, with Monroe, spotting Willie. SHARK Baby, the sharks are in the water.

MONTAGE #2 - WILLIE BEAMEN'S RISE 166

Set to a RAP SONG, "I'm Willie Beamen."

The Met-Rx image tied to Willie appears on the side of a

Miami bus as Willie exits a beautiful hotel, two babes in tow, and enters his shiny new yellow Suburban, accompanied by a new agent, Wayne Mercer. Pointing to the moving bus:

(CONTINUED )

E166

A166

B166

D166

CONTINUED: E166

They can't help laughing at the hugeness of it all.

MONTAGE #2 - EXT. SOUTH BEACH - CONTINUOUS ACTION - DAY A166

As the SONG CONTINUES, our players fool around at a touch football game against a group of sexy beach girls. Goofing off, Willie -- the cynosure of many eyes -- suddenly pulls up, grimacing, his throwing shoulder cramping on him. He conceals the pain and continues on.

MONTAGE #2 - INT. MEDICAL FACILITY - CONTINUOUS ACTION- B166 DAY

The flash and THROB of MEDICAL MACHINERY as Dr. Mandrake supervises Shark undergoing his MRI...

MANDRAKE

American women don't fuck 'cause they're too fucked up to begin with...

(removing the comic

book Shark's

reading) We don't want to confuse your brains with Spawn's, now do we?

MONTAGE - INT. CAP ROONEY'S HOUSE - GYM - CONTINUOUS D166 ACTION - NIGHT

In his state-of-the-art home gym, a sweating Cap Rooney is going through an intense workout -- fly- motions and windmills on a Swiss ball. A supervising, sleepy trainer in a sexy nightgown.

Cap ignores her.

(CONTINUED )

D166

C166

CONTINUED: D166

Cap comes off the ball, checks his body fat and heart rate on an intricate sports computer showing him at 7.5 percent body fat.

Cap looks at her hard, his look saying: He's closer than

you think.

MONTAGE #2 - INT. MIAMI PRACTICE CENTER - GYM - C166 CONTINUOUS ACTION —- NIGHT

Willie works out with a crew of powerful teammates...

Later, he is still there, alone. His eyes burn into the wall-size mirrors with compulsive determination.

MONTAGE #2 - EXT. HOTEL SWIMMING POOL - CONTINUOUS 166 ACTION - DAY

Willie now shoots a "Met-Rx" commercial. He's ina bathing suit, body beautifully chiseled as girls by the

dozen surround him... singing his own rap song. WILLIE (song TBD) 'My name is Willie... Willie Beamen... an' I keep the ladies screamin', oh yeah!... creamin'

for my semen. Say hey, I'm Willie Beamen! etc...

As the SONG and MONTAGE #2 END AT...

Coach D'Amato and the QB Coach watch Willie and Rooney throwing side-by-side. Cap is still feeling pain in his lower back and legs; his passes are off, and he realizes it; whereas Willie's passes are on the money, sometimes too much so. One bullet pass bounces out of Sanderson's gut, burning his fingers, cursing.

(CONTINUED )

don't pat the ball, you...

(to QB Coach) What'd he say?

Tony shakes his head as Willie this time completes a hard, precise spiral to his tight end.

Rooney, pissed, moves to the sidelines, Tony, sensing his unrest, follows... as Christina, keeping an eye on her new

star, arrives with Willie's agent in tow...

CAP

Hey, I've been on for twelve years and two rings, gimme a break.

I've played hurt before. No big deal.

(CONTINUED )

(2) 167

TONY

Listen to me. I want you to rest up until the playoffs. It doesn't mean enough against the Emperors for you to risk...

Cap walks away, crossing Willie on his way off the field.

He slaps the back of his helmet hard.

(CONTINUED )

(3) 167

Mandrake walks alongside Christina, through an empty locker room.

Mandrake,

thinking she would be pleased, shakes his head,

realizes what she's really thinking.

(CONTINUED )

-.. you mean which shell is the real peanut under?

(hesitates ) Three concussions the last five months? There's no way to predict what another head-hit would do, Christina...

A168 EXAM ROOM #1 A168

If she thinks so, Christina stays cool-eyed about it. They enter a small exam room.

(CONTINUED )

A168

CONTINUED: A168

I'm thinking we'll probably cut him in the off-season. The word's already out there, everyone's seen him take the hits. No one's gonna take him at his price... I think he'll be happy just to have his old job back at 30 percent of what he makes. That's if we want him back.

(off Mandrake's

waiting look) Dad always used to say, 'To make money, you got to spend money. ' You do the math, Doctor. What you help save us we won't forget at contract time.

Tell him what he needs to know. Shark can play. Cap can't.

OMITTED 169

Tony's in his kitchen when the DOORBELL RINGS, laboring

over a pot of jambalaya, wearing an apron reading: "Kiss My Chef." A BILLIE HOLIDAY RECORDING PLAYS. He goes.

He thrusts the flowers forward. Tony looks at them, a little taken aback; then takes them and shows Willie into the living room.

(CONTINUED )

Tony goes to the kitchen, looking at the flowers. Willie

now gets it.

Shark, you motherfucker!!

TONY

You wanna beer?

SAME SCENE - LATER

Tony brings beers to Willie, glancing at Ben Hur on

television; the irony slave ships and gladiators is not

lost on Willie.

(removing it) My ex-wife got it for me. It was a joke. I don't cook so great -- so don't expect anything too...

(CONTINUED )

TONY

Almost twenty years now...

(off silence) Same old story, she got fed up with me working so hard. You know where they served the divorce papers? On the sidelines of the divisional playoff game in New York.

Tony leads Willie into a dining room, Willie glancing around, noting many football photos that grace the walls.

DINING ROOM 172

Tony and Willie eat from two steaming plates of jambalaya.

Orleans? WILLIE (disguising his distaste) No. TONY

Maybe get 'em next season. Like no place on earth, New Orleans. How you like it?

(CONTINUED )

(a beat)

Willie, look, if I've been an asshole I'm sorry. Cap going down was really tough for me and maybe I've been taking some of that out on you. I know you're still learning the system and the pressure's incredible --

(CONTINUED )

(2) 172

experience.

Willie sees where this is going.

Tony looks at Willie with a singular, quiet intensity.

(CONTINUED )

172 CONTINUED:

(3) 172

Willie says nothing.

Tony takes

--.- I guess that's what I wanted to say. You're part of something here! A tradition. Lombardi, Unitas, Tittle, Sammy Baugh, hundreds of great players! Those men on the wall, you're part of that now. And along the way I

want you to cherish that... ‘cause when it's gone, it's gone forever, and...

WILLIE

You know, I look at all these pictures and trophies and stuff and it just makes me... sad. Like the room is full of ghosts. When I'm done with the game, or the game is done with me, I don't wanna be no ghost up on a wall. I want more'n that.

a long moment.

WILLIE

Bullshit! He's not half the athlete I am! Look me in the eye, Coach, and tell me Cap's the better player...

(CONTINUED )

(4) 172

some risks! Start playing the game the way it is now. It ain't all those pictures on the wall anymore --

(CONTINUED )

(5) 172

games -- It's just like the pros, ‘cept in the pros, the field hands get paid...

TONY

Don't play the race card with me, kid. Twenty-five years I've worked with men of your color. You're good because you're different, not because...

Broke

(MORE )

(CONTINUED )

(6) 172

Fear?! Who you talking to?! I hung in there when nobody gave a shit about me. I rode the bench for five fucking years! And now I get my one lousy shot, I'm 26 years old -- half my football life is over -- and now you tell me "You go on back to the bench, son. ‘Cause you gotta sacrifice for the greater glory of Cap Rooney. ' Well, fuck you, Coach! I'm not buying that brand, 'cause you're some scared old man who won't let me play my way ‘cause I might just win! And then what the fuck was your life all about?!

Tony fights to control himself. Outside, the evening crawls through the twilight.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (7)

receiver or corner back or even Julian

Washington, kid, you're a goddamn guarterback! You know what that means? It's the top spot, kid, the guy that takes the fall, the guy who everybody's looking at first, the leader of a team, who will break their ribs and noses and necks for you ‘cause they believe! 'Cause you make ‘em believe! That's a quarterback.

on the bench. Shit, you ain't said

two words to me all season 'til Cherubini went down -- then it was...

(imitating D'Amato) ‘Son, just pretend you're throwing a pass on the street in the ‘hood and your mama's ringing the dinner bell' -- all you done is talked at me, man, never listened to a goddamned thing I said! So don't have no coronary ‘cause I'm gonna stay who I am -- 'Steamin' Willie Beamen'! ‘Cause with the time I got left I'm gonna play my way and I'm gonna get my dollars up there so's when you motherfuckers trade me, waive me, injure reserve me, or whatever the fuck you do to me, I'm gonna be worth ten times what I was worth before!

A long pause. Tony's eyes, moving past ego, to understand.

scrambling

(CONTINUED )

A174

CONTINUED: (8) 172 TONY

You're wrong. I know better than you think, Willie...

Valet parkers attend to the numerous expensive cars and limos that pull into a circular driveway, unloading beautiful laughing women and exuberant football players...

Willie drives his Suburban right up onto the front lawn, enraging the valets.

Willie is met with a ferocious explosion of MUSIC and mayhem; players dance and drink and pursue the opposite sex through the house... Shark bounces up to him:

In a lively mood, Shark stumbles off. Willie makes his way through a packed living room... women immediately perk when they see him, whispering, some predatory...

ACTION

Willie gravitates to Washington, Sanderson, a few others: The dialogue is fast, overlapping.

(CONTINUED )

A174

A174

Willie walks off -- his thoughts contradicting what he

said at Tony's place; a troubled man, his confusion

brewing to the surface. Julian, on the other hand, is a

furious man, restrained by Sanderson and the others.

(CONTINUED )

In the hot tub, players are cavorting with the women, and Shark is telling stories, as Powers listens in.

SHARK

-.-. So then Madman loses it -- starts reaming this guy out and then decides this hotel has GOT TO DIE! Stomps into the hall, grabs a fire ax and starts chopping through the wall. By now Styne, he grabs him, he's about to eliminate Madman right then and there, so I gotta jump in, I got to protect my baby, be the hero and save the fuckin' guy, when whap! thwack! Styne throws two quick punches that weigh about 150 pounds each and nails me right in the fucking head! Cracks my fucking skull! Check it out...

(indicates his temple

area) ... Bitch! From then on, guess what? Styne and Madman are like this dynamic evil duo who...

(CONTINUED )

A175

B175

CONTINUED: 175 SHARK Yeah, Doc. I hate when that shit happens... So now we got these two

locos on the offensive line and Coach D'Amato is about ready to call an exorcist when...

Dr. Powers, disturbed, leaves without being noticed.

A dozen beauties are lined up at the giant mirror, making themselves up, "doing blow," chatting, gossiping...

Julian, still angry, slides up to Shark.

Shark thinks a beat, then:

RAY FIELDS, former star linebacker, now using a set of canes, approaches, Crozier, talking to Willie. Fields' wizened face and eyes are a little too desperate for attention.

(CONTINUED )

Does my heart proud to see a young brother in the pocket.

I got -- CROZIER Not now, Ray. It's party time, okay? Willie notices the dominant Pantheon Cup ring on Fields' hand. FIELDS Yeah, yeah -- party time, uh huh -- not the right time... (catching Willie's eye) Yeah, Pantheon Cup twice -- '79, "81. Fields emits a strange, oxen-like laughter -- they split

looks, Willie horrified; Fields knows it, refers to his emaciated fingers.

(CONTINUED )

(2) 178 CROZIER

Hey, Ray, give it a rest, willya -- enjoy the party. It's his

time... You had your time, it's his time. FIELDS Sure, Nick, but you a coach -- (pointed)

If you ain't helping him, you're hurtin' him... (to Willie) Don't bull with the shit, righteous, there's plenty of it. (again that humongous laughter ) Ha ha ha ha! (high fives) Stay cool, little brother...

His eyes burning like candles, Ray shifts his intense, almost blind gaze off Willie, and staggers back into the chaos of MUSIC and flesh on his canes.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (3) 178

Willie... I'm pushing real hard for another OT or pulling guard in the draft.

Moved, Willie's eyes remain on Fields, talking to someone else; he's also rethinking Crozier's attitude towards the players.

Washington strolls up to him.

WILLIE

You mean my Sub? What's up?

Smiling, he strolls back out the front door. A beat. Willie follows fast.

A LOUD, GRINDING, BUZZING sound. Partygoers are assembled.

Shark bestrides Willie's Suburban with an enormous CHAIN SAW in his hands, literally SAWING the VEHICLE in two halves. Sparks shoot out, upholstery, plastic, and metal fly... Willie can't believe, then rushes Shark, wanting to kill him! (AD LIBS)... but others jump him; it takes several strong players to restrain him.

The car now tears open at a jagged angle. Shark TURNS OFF the CHAIN SAW, removes his safety goggles... to Willie:

(CONTINUED )

SHARK

Kid, in football you got an offense...

(jumping down, points

to the severed front

of the car) And you got a defense...

(indicates the back

half) You don't got one without the other, do you...? Respect will be paid. Now call this m'fucker a cab and get him the fuck outta my house!

Tony sits with Monroe at his favored sports bar. Monroe

is drunk.

didn't matter -- I could make them... see what I see. MONROE (more revealing than usual)

It's a new world, Tony! In my day we were just happy to have the goddamned job. I shoveled liquor in the off-season, used cars, insurance. Some guys used to wrassle... Now, shit -- Prima dawgs! Bodies are year-round great but break like china!

Mandy, the young beautiful woman who approached Tony previously, enters with a friend. Tony notices, as does

Monty.

(CONTINUED )

A180

ON TV #1

Damnit, Monty, I don't know what more I can do. I've sweated blood for these men. I've given up my wife and my children for these men. I've given up everything I have to be on that sideline every Sunday. Everything! The game is all that matters to me. ‘Cause it's pure! Four quarters. You cross a line, you score. It's sane. Life isn't, it isn't... It doesn't make sense for me not to have a home, a life... you tolerate the madness for the game... but if that's not enough, then this game is asking for too goddamn much!

A180

Willie's commercial explodes over the bar, with LOUD MUSIC -- stylish, slick, sexy.

BACK TO SCENE 180

They watch for a moment, then Monroe drains his beer.

(CONTINUED )

He goes. Mandy.

(2) 180

Hey, who the hell wants to think about blitzes and crossblocks when you're holding your grandkids in your arms...?

(pointed) You gonna miss your boss embarrassing you in front of your players?

(as Tony doesn't

acknowledge this

memory ) That's why I want to coach high school, it's back to basics, the kids don't want nothing but to play. Like you say, it's pure... See you tomorrow, my friend...

Tony sits for a moment, and then glances at

D'AMATO'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT 181

Tony gazes at one of three wall TV's; Mandy on an exercise bike in the corner, semi-naked in his pajamas.

(CONTINUED )

backwards? You shoulda seen Jeanette's face. She gets up -- bless her Albanian soul! And she does it! She backpedals for me. In high beautiful heels too! All the way! Jeanette! Can you do

it? Don't try -- I'll marry ya! MANDY (crossing to bed) Your genes, her genes... did

you get a quarterback out of it?

TONY

Nah. Not even close. I had an insurance executive.

(as they both laugh) How can you have one of them? Came out with a briefcase.

(beat) ... Nah, he's a beautiful kid.

She attacks him, tickling him all over. Like a boy, Tony giggles; it's been a long time since he'd been

tickled.

INTERCUT WITH:

A181

ON TV A181

Willie, wearing gold chains and a new diamond stud earring, is being interviewed by Jack Rose on "Sports Corner."

Then at San Diego -- that coach was a real genius -- he makes me into a corner ‘cause he says I got fast feet...

(a bitter edge to his laughter ) Then I got injured and that screwed up that year. By the time I got to Oakland my third year, they didn't know what the fuck (bleeped) I was!

Sounds like 'a conspiracy, ' Willie! Are you saying black people are being dissed here?

‘Conspiracy '?

(laughs) Man, you is media-believing. Just let the facts speak for themselves, Jack -- 70 percent of the League is Afro-American and how many black head coaches? A few. How many black owners? Zero. You do the math, my man... But I ain't bitchin'. Fair's not what I'm looking for. ‘Cause nothing's 'fair' in this here life.

(CONTINUED )

A181

CONTINUED: A181 WILLIE (V.O.) Football teams are corporations, Jack, but black kids are raised to be individuals, stars -- they don't learn to work together... BACK TO SCENE 181

Tony, made happy by Mandy, gets out of bed, puts a robe on with his name emblazoned, like a fighter's, on the back, about to turn off the TV.

‘Cool'? My quarterback? He thinks he's Joe Montana already.

Tony looks at Willie, wondering. Being with someone as young as Mandy permits him to understand. He pulls a blank check from his robe.

(filing it out) You want a nightcap or something?

(CONTINUED )

(2) 181 MANDY

(senses his need) Okay. Coffee'd be great.

He goes as she continues to dress, watching.

He tries to high five Willie, who doesn't respond... Meanwhile, Tony crosses back with the coffee.

OMITTED

184 TONY'S BATHROOM #1 184

Mandy is on a cell phone to her service (AD LIB), brushing her hair, closing the phone as Tony enters.

Writing...

A beat. She gives him her business number in lipstick.

Tony lingers for a moment, then sets his coffee down and leaves. Mandy watches after him in the mirror.

TONY'S BEDROOM #2

Tony crosses OUT past:

(CONTINUED )

A182

CONTINUED: 184 ON TV

INTERCUT WITH:

Sanderson talks on a cell phone, feeding the numerous sharks in J-Man's specially-designed pools, as he heads inside, accompanied by a frightened beauty... At the party, there are no men -- only some 20 beautiful women, most in lingerie, dancing and making out among themselves.

Upstairs, at the controls is Julian, propped on his bed, with several more girls, watching Willie on TV coolly.

INTERCUT WITH:

ON TV

Madman, on his cell phone, is heated as he watches the TV, amid an atmosphere of CRYING BABIES, BARKING PIT BULLS, and a pregnant, miserable wife.

(Game 4. New York Emperors at Miami Sharks.)

FIELD #1

Willie goes smashing into the mud, taking the hit on his throwing shoulder. A painful sack, he drags himself up... Dazed, Willie goes after the linebacker who nailed him... The 49er players sprint over to protect their teammate, but the Shark team does nothing to help their QB.

On the way to the huddle, over the DRIVING sound of RAIN.

Madman goes for him, Sanderson and the others holding him back.

(CONTINUED )

A187

CONTINUED: 187

SCOREBOARD #1 A187

EMPERORS 25, SHARKS 7. FOURTH QUARTER. 5:13...

OMITTED 188

SIDELINE #1 190

Coach D'Amato glares at the field, the rain pouring over his face.

FIELD #2 189

As the Emperor offense sets up, Shark urgently calls for a defensive realignment -- Miami players hustle for new positions -- the veteran Emperor QB sees this and quickly barks out an audible --

A quick handoff -- the Emperor running back shoots through a hole in the confused Miami defense -- Shark tries to make the diving tackle but his knee gives and he goes facedown in the mud, as the running back splashes right past him for 25 yards. Touchdown!

TUG (V.O.)

What is with the Miami D of late? They are going belly up, fins flapping. Glug-glug-glug!

The running back turns back to the downed Shark and his D, and points his fingers like a gun -- Bang! Bang! Bang! The trainer and doctors run out to Shark, grabbing his knee in fierce pain.

A190

SCOREBOARD #2

EMPERORS 32, SHARKS 7. FOURTH QUARTER. 1:33...

HUDDLE #1

Willie, reading a signal from Cherubini on the sideline, takes the team on with a dead stare.

know come contract time there gonna be some big changes round here -- and, baby, it's either gonna be you or me! The call is Twins Right 90 Ringo Slide. On one! Ready!

FIELD #3 WILLIE

(yelling over the RAIN) Set! Black 671, Black 671! Hut!

Willie splashes back through the mud to pass -- an Emperor defensive end slips through full speed -- Willie is blindsided, his helmet goes flying off, he crashes to the turf, his face slammed once more into the mud.

SIDELINE #2

D'Amato is wholly demoralized, can't look... Neither can Cap Rooney, now in uniform, recognizing something he'd rather not. Or something he'd perhaps forgotten -- the sheer, frightening violence and impossibility of the QB

position.

Tony looks at him, frustrated. TONY

(walks away) Then let him fucking learn!

OWNER'S BOX #2

The visiting Mayor Smalls shares his feelings with

Christina.

(CONTINUED )

A190

CONTINUED: 194

FIELD #4 195

Blood seeps down Willie's face from a scalp contusion as he pulls himself slowly to his feet.

The locker room is silent and depressed as players undress and shower.

BATHROOM/SHOWER #1 Willie, dazed and steaming with anger, crosses Shark.

Willie ignores him, but not Julian on his other side, when:

Willie explodes, takes a wild swing at the big man. They struggle. They slip... players pull them apart, Willie bleeding.

Tony storms into the shower with Monroe, sizes up the situation.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 196

Players freeze. Showers continue to run.

TONY

This kind of bush league crap doesn't cut it with me! Anybody who thinks otherwise can pack their bags right now! ‘Cause this shit is never gonna happen again! Ever! Is that clear...? You don't do that out there! Men get killed out there!

(pause) -.. Thirty years in football, I never seen something that stinks like this! This is a violation! --. Today -- out there, you embarrassed yourselves and you embarrassed me. Today I am ashamed to be your coach!

He stalks out.

Unnaturally bright lights are on Willie and Cap Rooney in pads, side-by-side. They wear TV smiles, surrounded by a gang of children in Shark jerseys. Willie's cheek is stitched.

They smile. And smile. Finally:

VOICE (0.S.) That's a wrap, thanks, guys.

Rooney and Willie split in different directions... we PULL BACK to reveal a small TV crew shooting a public service commercial. Christina talks with the Sharks' PR director and a TV producer.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 197

Julian Washington watches the shoot from the bleachers, brooding, upstaged by Beamen.

The children from the commercial follow Willie for autographs. Willie's agent notes this to Christina as they leave.

Rooney crosses to Cindy.

Walks away.

In the bleachers with the rest of the media, Jack Rose observes with his two-man TV crew.

Julian studies the kids, who seem to adore Willie. An OLDER KID, 11 years old, intersects.

KID #1

Hey, J-man! Is it true you making 10 million a year?

(as J-man smiles,

nods ) -.. That true then ‘bout you not blocking no more? It's part of your contract? That's what my Dad says. He says you don't have to catch no passes over the middle either 'cause you don't want to get hurt? It's also in your contract... Right, J?

ACTION - DAY

Tony sits with Dr. Powers, Monroe and Shark Lavay -- his MRI's spread on Tony's desk, the mood glum.

POWERS

There's no telling. It's an ‘odontoid fracture’...

(off their looks) Basically, he broke his neck and it never healed right. Coming after the 20 to 30 concussions he's had over 14 years, you can't predict this type of thing, but I can say this: the wrong hit could result in paralysis, Parkinson's... even sudden death.

POWERS

In my opinion, he shouldn't be out there...

(pointed at Shark) You could be braindead, your speech slurred or you could have weird personality changes for the rest of your life... you understand what I'm telling you, Luther?

sanctimony ) Luther do, but 'Shark' don't, Doc! I been playing with fire since you was shitting in your diapers, and right now I need one sack and three more tackles and I get my bonus. Then we'll talk, okay, motherfucker!

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 198

Shark looks from Monty to Tony, who is conflicted, holding his feelings close.

against Texas, Coach?

Look, you goddamn know well as me she gonna cut my ass anyhow in the off-season! And no one's gonna pick me up for any kinda money. I'll be back here begging to play for field wages, Coach...

Tony doesn't deny it, silent.

Monroe shakes his head, disappointed. As he goes out with Shark:

He pulls out an envelope with X-rays.

DAY

Mandrake's on a cell phone on the sidelines with his new girl friend COURTNEY, when Tony walks up on him, furious, followed by Powers. Christina has long left the practice field.

your mother says... don't ever say your Pappa didn't believe in you -- Me too. I...

TONY

You evil motherfucker -- !

Tony pulls him out of ear-shot.

high road! Who's bullshitting who here, Tony?

killed? Maybe, maybe not! It's one chance in a thousand, ‘but nobody blitzes like the Shark,' right, Tony?

(CONTINUED )

This explosion draws looks from the team. Jack Rose tries to move closer to hear, but is blocked by Monroe.

and Logan... and Krause?! All these years you been turning a blind eye!

MANDRAKE

Sure, Tony, don't ask the question if you don't want the answer, right?

Mandrake glares at Powers.

(CONTINUED )

(2) 199

ethics.

MANDRAKE

You mean the one that starts: Do no harm...? With all due respect, I didn't have to ask him. I knew his choice. Was there any doubt whatever what this man must do? These players are freaks of nature -- they will not live with shame like you. These men are gladiators, warriors! And long ago they made that choice, not me. Or you! And I'm not taking that responsibility of standing between them and...

(switching the

approach) Did you ever have a fucking dream, Allie?

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (3) 199 TONY (quietly) This I mean -- get out.

Mandrake is genuinely sad to leave; he looks at Tony, not without affection.

Dr. Harvey Mandrake smoothes out his expensive jacket and walks away with some dignity, leaving Courtney behind.

Tony heads back to his office, unfortunately intersecting Jack Rose with his crew, and several other reporters.

He shoves Rose out of his way and storms past. Rose slips into the dugout, smacking his head on the bench. Tony doesn't turn around, but everyone else tenses, expecting trouble.

HUDDLE #2 201 Cap Rooney claps his hands, breaking the spell. Madman

and Sanderson have been watching this, worried and

confused, their doctor suddenly exiled from their lives.

(CONTINUED )

A201

CONTINUED: 201

PRACTICE FIELD #4 (3 OF 3) A201

They move to the ball. The team is running light contact scrimmages, Crozier supervising on the sideline... Rooney scans the defense.

The snap -- the red-shirted D comes with a blitz. Rooney paralyzes, showing a moment of pure terror in his eyes as "Beast Man," the DB, pulls up short; the WHISTLE SHRIEKS.

But Rooney's grinning eyes speak of a sea change churning in him.

Willie makes his way through layers of steam. There is only one other player in the bath -- Shark Lavay. Willie considers leaving but sits... Shark gazes dispassionately at Willie, who won't look at him.

Sanders -- there are a hundred nigras you never heard of. (MORE )

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 202

Shark knows it's ending for him.

This is what I'm saying to you, Willie: when a man looks back on his life, he should be proud of all of it. Not just a few years in pads and cleats. Not just memories of when he was... great. That he gotta learn in here...

(indicating his

heart) -..- or he ain't a man. He just another punk.

Willie listens, lets it sink in.

Cap Rooney cooks hot dogs on the outdoor barbecue of his massive suburban home. The lawn is far removed, as most of the outdoor activity takes place on concrete. The three Rooney kids (two boys, one girl) are tricycling, screaming, running through doll houses -- as a busy Cindy Rooney surveys it from an upstairs balcony on

the cell phone.

(CONTINUED )

willya! I'm gonna teach 'em some golf...

The kids mumble chaotically, as Rooney serves early dinners

on some strange space-age plastic table.

his head) If it was me, I would've left him so he couldn't remember zip -- ina

coma. Think they're gonna suspend you, Tony?

CAP

Yeah? Great! (calling out for help with the kids) Cindy? A little help!

Cindy acknowledges.

Tony and Cap walk around the edges of a man-made lake facing the house. During the dialogue, they approach

a veranda area.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 203

Tony picks up on a vulnerability in the air.

The Doc got it wrong about your back?!

CAP

My back hurts a whole lot more than I thought, Tony, I pushed it too hard.

TONY

I seen you in practice, Cap. You're ready now. What is it?

Cap doesn't respond or look at him. He sits on a swing. Tony is stunned as the realization hits him.

(CONTINUED )

(3) 203

his head) -.. You seeing a psychiatrist or something? CAP No... TONY

Then where the hell is this coming from, Rock?

(raising his voice) You wanted to play. I fought for you! Why didn't you tell me something, do you realize what I...

Rooney swinging back and forth, proceeds with great difficulty:

day I shake... Sometimes I can't even hold a spoon right. (MORE )

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (4) 203

CAP (CONT'D)

And I'm on pain killers all the time ‘cause of my elbow and my ribs and my neck and my torn thigh and now my ruptured disc. But even now, with all that, I'd go back in a second... if I could only be what I was. But if I go out there, I'm gonna fold... in front of everybody. The team. My family... You.

(struggling) I just can't do that. It's my body. It's my body.

Tony's disgusted and moved at the same time; relents and puts a comforting hand on Cap's shoulder; his quarterback's breaking down right in front of his

eyes -- he's never seen him like this. But Tony, ever the coach of men, won't allow Cap -- or himself -- to quit.

TONY

The things you're saying are in your head, Rock -- they're not real... You know you've got it in you, because I know you do!

you...

Cap dries his eyes, looks at Tony hard.

for you.

Ridden with doubt, Tony hugs his boy, tightly.

In their screening room, alone:

I don't get it... Jack?

CAP

I talked to the guy from one of the networks --

CINDY

You're a football player. CAP

Cindy -- will you hear me out? CINDY

You are a football player and you have two, three years left in you!

the goddamn quarterback of the Miami Sharks! You are a legend and you're talking about quitting?!... You know what that means to the kids! To me!

She suddenly slaps him across the face. CINDY

I will not hear this bullshit from you! I will not!

Four sexy women in short killer skirts sway like vampires into the next club... Miami. A world outside American culture.

Willie entertains his agent, Mercer, at an outdoor club overlooking the beach. Two beautiful models accompany them. Attractive people stroll by. Various ETHNIC MUSIC PLAYS, a warm, highly-artificial setting that Willie senses, as he listens absently to the dialogue at the table, a vocabulary reduced to words of expansion, contracts, and greed. On the table are covers of

Sports Illustrated and ESPN sports featuring Willie.

‘em swallow the beer distributorship too... the thing is no one really knows how good you are, man, Willie. You get in the playoffs and you score, you get

your moment? -- You can forget about this team -- they gonna lose

anyhow -- but you get that one shining moment when they notice you, ‘money, when they really see you -- then you are a 'star' in this culture, baby, and you are looking at five million serious dollars next year someplace, anyplace! Maybe L.A. I'm talking intensely to L.A. Shit, Christina'll extend you right now at two million for the year... but we're gonna wait! That's why you got me, Willie B. To think about these things...

MODEL #1 (to Wayne) Honey, let's go dancing... I'm bored.

Willie muses at the passing parade.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 205

MODEL #2 Baby, that arm's gonna last you forever.

Willie suddenly spots his old girl friend, Vanessa, moving towards the ladies' room. He jumps up, follows.

all happened so goddamn fast. I just wasn't ready for it...

Vanessa looks over Willie's shoulder. He realizes, follows her glance to a well-dressed, middle-aged African-American businessman waiting at a table.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 205

WILLIE

... Vanessa, I'd really like to

talk to you -- when you have a... VANESSA

I don't think so, Willie. No. WILLIE

Okay. I understand... or do I?... VANESSA

I really don't think we belong together, you're just too volatile for me, Willie. I'ma simple girl, I like simple things. Truth be told, I don't like football. I just liked you... I'm sorry.

She goes, sadly. After a brief moment of indecision, Willie follows.

Vanessa sort of expects Willie to follow.

At the mirror, an older woman, with a bushel of white hair, looks disapprovingly at Willie.

Despite herself, Vanessa laughs. "Barbara Bush" exits in a huff. WILLIE That's it, baby -- let me see that smile! VANESSA (smiling)

You are such a jerkoff...!

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 206

I'll be callin' you, sweetpea, you hear me? ‘Cause that date of yours...

(makes a face) -.-.- look like a pallbearer and that worries me...

She laughs to herself when he's gone, delighted.

Tony's desk is covered with play diagrams. He's drawing new routes, as an old JAZZ RECORDING plays softly on the CD PLAYER... Crozier enters with a pile of computer printouts.

CROZIER

I took the probabilities on Texas. Some really promising stuff on the weak zone coverage. They run left 85 percent in the red zone when...

(noticing the

diagrams ) What's this?

(CONTINUED )

sits) Nick, I don't know what the hell to do? I've tried talking to him every way I know -- yelling at him, reasoning with him, inspiring him -- the whole bit.

he's --

to coach. Sooner or later they've got to start acting like men.

Tony doesn't answer, fingers Crozier's printouts.

Unexpectedly, HEELS CLICK down the corridor, and Christina suddenly walks in, furious -- throws USA Today Sports across the desk.

(CONTINUED )

(2) 207

I'll do you one better: in the off-season I'm gonna trade Willie!

Yeah, it is. The kid can sell a lot of T-shirts, Christy, but he is tearing this team apart!!

(rising instead,

to the door) Sit down, Nick! You want the big chair, get used to it first...! Hey if you feel that way about it, Christy, I don't know what the hell I can do for you -- except take a leak.

(CONTINUED )

(3) 207

CHRISTINA

You will apologize, Tony. The days when ‘Uncle Tony' could just do what he wants -- calling all the shots, firing Mandrake when he wants, smacking sportswriters -- those days are over! You start Willie on Sunday and you make the adjustment to modern times -- or you're out, Tony! And that's...

Will you stop using my father as a scapegoat! Do you think you don't have to deal with me by raising my father all the time? When are you going to listen to me! ‘Cause I'1l tell you this right now -- I'd

cut my father's ass if we were losing like this!

(CONTINUED )

(4) 207

That's why, Tony -- because he didn't trust you anymore. Because you got old!

These words cut Tony hard. He puts on his game face.

(CONTINUED )

A207

B207

CONTINUED: (5) 207

Crozier stands, a glance to Christina. They go. Tony is alone.

Christina walks along the tennis court and enters the house through the back door, bypassing the housekeeper.

Christina sits at her father's desk, living in the past. We FLOAT PAST a large portrait of her father TO the living room, where we overhear the VOICES of Tony and Margaret.

Tony consults with Margaret. The thick velvet drapes are always drawn tight here -- banishing the blazing Florida sun and permanently shrouding Margaret's elegant parlor in shadows... Today she burns with an oracular power. MARGARET What is it you fear...? (pause)

You have so much fear, Tony.

TONY

I'm losing the team, Maggie. I'm losing control. Everything in my life is about control. I lead men. I control men.

(a pause) Did Art think I was past it?... Is that why he made Christina President? Did he think I couldn't win anymore?

(CONTINUED )

team. MARGARET (cryptic) Yes. In order to save it. TONY (bewildered)

We can't let that happen. We owe that to Art.

MARGARET

You never understood Art, Tony... He wanted a son more than anything in the world...

(a considered pause) When you truly contemplate what Christina is, it really isa tragedy. Believe me, she will fire you and sell the soul of the team -- and everything her father stood for will die... and that is as it should be... and neither you nor I, or maybe even Christina herself, will ever understand her real motives...

Her intensity is unnerving.

(MORE )

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 208

aback) Yes, that game took my husband, my daughter, and my youth and left me... with what?

(looks around, the

drapes drawn) The memory of a blazing sun all those Sunday afternoons out there at the stadium...

(disconnected) Where time just slipped away.

Tony looks away, betrayed, hurt.

SIMULTANEOUS ACTION

Christine cries quietly, also devastated by her mother's revelation of her character.

A SONG plays through the house, ghost-like. Tony drinks whiskey, pausing, as he goes through his personal mementoes in his chest of drawers, the TV turned to:

INTERCUT WITH:

TV

On "Sportscorner," Jack Rose, sporting a dramatic bandage across his head, similar to a Revolutionary War icon, talks to Sanderson.

(grins)

But hey, I play hurt! If you look at your monitor...

The station runs the famous "Shot" again, the ending blurry with Tony "pushing" Rose into the dugout.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 209

Tony roars at the TV.

He picks out Mandy's lipsticked telephone number on a piece of paper and, after a pause, tears it up.

Rose continues to rattle on in the b.g., but Tony ignores the babble of our time, removing from the drawer a small wooden box and a framed picture of a younger Tony with Jeanette, Timmy, and Melinda.

He sets the box aside and picks up the picture. It is clear now that he is crying. He looks at it for a long and difficult moment, then sets the picture down and opens the box -- in it are two glimmering Pantheon Cup rings.

The MUSIC THEME moves over a deserted field -- the night TURNING to dawn.

IMAGES slowly move. Ghosts. Men who once played the game, heroic and shimmering, a thing of glory... We don't know who these ghosts are, but we sense what they represent. Some in old leather helmets, the '30s, '40s, '50s, each era unfolds its changes... le plus ca change, le plus ca reste le meme... the diving catches, the magnificent tackles and blocks, the astounding runs and passes become really the same through time -- accompanied now by the GROWING ROAR of the FANS...

The MUSIC reaches a CRESCENDO with the dawn breaking, and the ghosts fade, and the stadium enters time present...

Game 5. Playoff. Miami at Dallas.

STADIUM #1

The Dallas Knights stadium, with its artificial, exaggerated green Astroturf, is spectacular. The fans are stomping in anticipation.

INGO McNAUGHTON (V.O.)

(Dallas anchor) -.. Controversy swirls around the six point Shark underdogs. Willie ‘Steamin' Beamen, the sensational third-string miracle-mile quarterback who's held the sinking Sharks together these last four weeks, is not starting and is said to be feuding with his beleaguered Coach, Tony D'Amato -- who is being investigated by the League for having 'hit' local reporter Jack Rose at practice earlier this week... Meanwhile, immortal but vulnerable Cap Rooney -- only six weeks off a microdiskectomy on his lower back -- is definitely starting for the Sharks against the toughest pass-rush in the league. Watch for the sparks that are gonna fly! We'll be right back!

OMITTED 212

SAME TIME

Coach D'Amato stands at a podium in front of the large press corps. Jack "Ripper" Rose accepts his apology with a smug smile and a nicely-dressed bandage on his forehead. TONY

-.. Well, clearly the tension of

the season got to me and I

overreacted to an innocent

question from a journalist we all

know to be of the highest

caliber... I only hope that one

day I'll truly be able to show

Jack Rose just how much I treasure

his invaluable contribution to the

sport of football. Thank you.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 213 He leaves the podium, eyes down... Christina and the tall, dignified AFFA COMMISSIONER, PHIL JOHNSON, are not exactly pleased with the apology.

Everything we see suggests uncertainty, doubt, and

tension... Willie reads X-men... Cap Rooney is stretched out, towel over his head, asleep...

MONTAGE #3 (MADMAN'S PREPARATION) 215

A brief MONTAGE of JUMP CUTS shows Madman's tape preparation: Ankles, knees, shoulders, jock and shorts, wrists and fingers, shoes and socks -- are heavily taped by trainer #3. In his final stage, Madman is the complete zombie warrior...

Another player (OTIS), finishes praying, crosses himself, turns to Madman.

BATHROOM #1 214

In the mirror, Sanderson is a wreck, eyes closed, whispering to himself.

LOCKER ROOM #2

Trainer #1 wakes up Cap Rooney from his slumber. He rises, stoic.

TRAINERS' ROOM #1 216

The door is closed. As the huge CROWD upstairs makes its presence known, STOMPING and ROARING, the ECHOES surging through the tunnels and pipes of the inner stadium, Dr. Powers, in temporary charge, inserts a large 18-gauge needle of cortisone directly into the swollen, scarred knee of Shark, who winces in great pain. Powers drains a straw-colored liquid into a Dixie cup.

you, man!

fuck outta here... please...

Powers now shines a beam of light into Shark's eyes, moving his finger back and forth in front of his eyes.

Powers retracts the needle.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 216

A moment passes between them, then Powers relents, goes

to get a fresh syringe. Ironically, he begins perhaps to understand Mandrake's dilemma as both a doctor and a human being.

OMITTED 217

LOCKER ROOM #3 218

Trainer #1 harnesses Cap Rooney into a flak jacket, as creaky as El Cid in his armor, stuffed and mounted for the last battle.

SAME SCENE - LATER

Coach D'Amato stands before the team, humbled, hiding nothing.

uncertainty -- we can climb out of hell -- one inch at a time, or... (MORE )

(CONTINUED )

-.-- I wish I could do it for you, but I can't. I'm too old. I look around at your faces and I see young men and I think I made every wrong choice a middle-aged old man can make -- my life is a long list of rookie mistakes. I pissed away all my money, chased off everyone

that loved me... lately I can't even stand the face I see in the mirror.

This team has never heard their Coach take it to such a personal level.

and losing -- between living and dying... In any fight I can tell

you this, it's the guy who's willing to die who's going to win that inch.

(MORE )

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 218

TONY (CONT'D)

And I know if I'm gonna have any kind of life anymore, it's because I'm still willing to fight and die for that inch...

(beat) That's what living is.

(sweeps the team

with a look) The six inches in front of your face. I can't make you do it. You have to look around -- look at the guy next to you -- look into his eyes -- and I think you'll see a guy you know will go that inch with you. You'll see a guy who'll sacrifice himself for this team because when it comes down to it, he knows you would do the same for him! That's a team, gentlemen!... And either we will heal now as a team -- or we will die as individuals...

Willie listening to these words, with new meaning.

Silence... The team, as if one mind, emits a roar of approval. The players hug and slap each other on the back. It is a joyous moment of sudden unification and affection, a savage release of tension.

Julian jumps up onto a table, grabbing their attention. WASHINGTON

Listen up, listen up! I got somethin' to say!

The team falls quiet again. WASHINGTON Thank you, ‘Coach Stone Age'! (MORE )

(CONTINUED )

(3) 218

But you're right! Hey, you all know what I've been through. You all know about the money I get. I been hearin' all about people sayin' this and that about me. But lemme tell ya something: I'm

sick and tired of it!... I love this game. I want to play this game with you people -- as part of a team!!

(as the team cheers) And I know this sounds corny but I want to thank Willie Beamen, in his own fucked-up way, for makin' me care about this game again. (turns to Willie) Come here, you little bastard!

He grabs a smiling Willie into his bear-like hug and swings him around. This is another moment of significance. The team goes wild to see these two finally connecting... And now Monroe feels he must leap on the bench to speak his piece:

dog, drooling, rabid, teeth-bared, balls-out, limb-tearing, face- shredding INTENSITY! What -- do

-- we -- live -- for, defense?! TEAM Turn-over! Turn-over! Turn-over! MONROE What -- do -- we -- live -- for offense?! TEAM Touch-down! Touch-down! Touch- down! MONROE Team! What do we live and die for?!

(CONTINUED )

The team runs roaring from the locker room. When most of the team has exited, Monty climbs down from the bench.

Tug Kolowski and Ingo McNaughton are on the air.

The opening kickoff as McNaughton calls it. INGO (V.O.) It's a huge boot from Croft...

Scanlon takes it in the end zone... He's running it out...

TUG (V.O.)

Dangerous move...

Uh-oh! Watch out...!

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 220 INGO (V.O.) He's at the thirty... the thirty- five!... He's got some daylight!... He's broken loose!

He could go all the way!!

The Dallas runner (Scanlon) races through Shark defenders and into the end zone. Dallas fans leap to their feet

-- an enormous, pounding celebration, the sound heightened by the ECHOEY nature of the stadium.

LUXURY BOX #1 221

Christina, Ed Phillips, Joe Polito and others watch, their hopes suddenly dashed.

SIDELINE #1 222

Coach D'Amato claps his hands and walks down the Sideline, talking to his troops, coming to a stop at Cap Rooney -- Willie close by.

Rooney strides onto the field.

STANDS #1 223 The Miami section unleashes a great stomp of recognition

and adoration. Huge booing from the Dallas side...

SIDELINE #2 224 The Shark mascot dances. Cap Rooney is back! Two

Pantheon Cup rings, anything can happen in the memory. Anything!! Willie applauds as well, looking over to see:

A226

OMITTED

STANDS #2

His mom -- with an older lady friend and a younger sister

at the 50-yard line. She waves to him, in her Sunday best, proud of him.

STANDS #3 Cindy Rooney -- with a retinue of loyal wives -- clamor for Cap. HUDDLE #1 CAP Guys, I missed your ugly mugs. SANDERSON Whoa!... Old times, baby! Howszat

disc of yours? Still spinning?

CAP

Like Jerry Lee Lewis! Okay, Blue Twins Right Ace 90 Seam. On two. And don't let that corner take away the inside, Sandman.

(grins) Trip him, tickle his nuts, I don't give a darn.

CAP

On two. Ready?

MONTAGE #4 - CAP ROONEY'S COMEBACK

FIELD #2 The ball is snapped... and we go into a SERIES OF CUTS of Cap Rooney's return -- four plays, all quick, on-the-

money passes, inside and out, Cap in control, moving the

team like a whipmaster.

OMITTED

A226

A236

FIELD #3 231 On the fourth play, Cap finds the second wide out (Owens) for a TD! STANDS #4 232 A Dallas fan decks an overenthusiastic Miamian...

FIELD #4 233 Shark sacks the Dallas QB -- jumpoing up and doing his "sack dance." TUG (V.O.)

There he goes! Sack number 12 of

the year -- a personal high for

Luther Lavay. FIELD #5 234

But Dallas stays right in the game. A short, broken- field run, 22 yards for a touchdown. (Ingo AD LIBS.) Each man obviously rooting against the other.

FIELD #6 235 Answered by a Miami 32-yard field goal...

INTERCUT WITH:

SIDELINE #3 236 Willie listens and watches closely as D'Amato confers

with Rooney, studying Cap's style on the field. He --

not Cherubini -- is calling in the plays, which puts him

in the heart of the conflict.

SCOREBOARD #1 A236

MIAMI 10, DALLAS 14. FIRST QUARTER 2:48...

FIELD #7 237 Sharks are poised to score on the Dallas 11...

(CONTINUED )

A237

A239

CONTINUED: 237

Cap fades back -- a Dallas defender breaks through the line -- Cap scrambles out of the pocket -- no one can get open -- he tucks the ball and decisively charges the goal line.

The "old man" will not be denied in a race to the goal line. A Dallas defender zeroes in on him. Rather than slide, Rooney hurls himself into the air, inspired possibly by the younger Willie and collides head-first with a Dallas defender -- a thunderclap of sound.

The ball, tight in Rooney's grasp, is planted firmly beyond the goal line -- touchdown!

SIDELINE #4 A237

The Sharks taste the old glory!

FIELD #8 238

Rooney pulls himself slowly to his feet, accepting the congratulations of his teammates, inwardly numb, outwardly ecstatic.

INTERCUT WITH:

SIDELINE #5 239 D'Amato watches Rooney intently, sensing the worst, but basking in the glory of it -- the aging charioteer pauses

in the end zone, opens his breast to the roar of the

crowd. His moment in time.

SCOREBOARD #2 A239

MIAMI 17, DALLAS 14. SECOND QUARTER. 11:12...

A241

HUDDLE #2 240

Rooney's significant pain carries over. His teammates keep a respectful silence, but he sweats and breathes with difficulty.

As they break:

The live color? I can't remember the color --

FIELD #9 241

Cap fades back, a fake screen to Julian which deceives Dallas, then he flings it far downfield -- headed for Sandman...

Rooney thinks it's a lock... But the pass, 45 yards in the air, is overthrown by inches! -- Sanderson, perhaps a half step late on his own, stretches but cannot grasp it -- missing by an inch -- the ball implodes, incomplete, as the Miami fans moan and the Dallas fans roar.

As Cap walks to the sideline, crossing his punting unit, an eerie feeling invades a mind already fragile in confidence.

SCOREBOARD #3 A241

MIAMI 17, DALLAS 14. SECOND QUARTER. 03:57...

A246

FIELD #10 242

Rooney scans the defense, sees the signs for a full blitz. Under the center, his hands shake.

snatching it up on the bounce and sprinting to the Miami

STANDS #5 243

The crowd, which a few short minutes ago loved this man, has turned surly and unsure. Time is swift.

STANDS #6 244

Cindy Rooney knows it's over.

LUXURY BOX #2 245 So does Christina. CHRISTINA (to Phillips and Polito) I'm going down...

ON TV: The score reads Miami 17, Dallas 21.

STORAGE ROOM #1 A246

In a dark and solitary storeroom, Sanderson is shaking and sweating, pathetically pleading to Dr. Powers:

at me.

(CONTINUED )

A246

A246

SANDERSON

It's like that, okay? It ain't right, Doc, I never asked you for nothing! M'fucker! Look at me, look at my goddamn hands...

(shaking) Man, i live to catch passes, you understand that?! Ritalin, diet shit, anything!

TRAINING AREA #2 247

Trainers #1 and #2 work on Cap Rooney, re-taping his bruised ribs and back, as Tony crosses in.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 247 TONY Can you play? CAP Yeah... you bet. TONY Rock -- look at me -- can you

play?

Rooney looks at him. His face tells the story.

CAP

--.- Go do your job, Coach.

LOCKER ROOM #4 248

Tony moves around the locker room, studying his team. He locks eyes with Willie, who comes over. They speak quietly.

Christina -- surprising everyone -- enters the locker room, moving quickly past the players. With Ed Phillips and Joe Polito backing her, she seeks out Tony.

you not to come here!

Tony sweeps Christina by the elbow, into the small visiting coach's locker room.

A248 COACH'S LOCKER ROOM #1 A248

hear me?!...

Rooney is over! You're the only one that's failed to see...

Outside, the players listen silently.

He throws

A pause.

girl!!

Don't talk to me like that! It's MY team too! And I don't give a fuck if Willie's changing the plays! You let your ego get in the way of this team, and it is going to cost us the game!

a chair. Willie enters tentatively...

They all share looks.

Christina exits, her dignity intact.

(CONTINUED )

A248

CONTINUED: A248

She crosses to the main locker room, her entourage following.

Tony is talking fast to Willie as they move down the tunnel. The sound of the CROWD GROWING...

(CONTINUED )

Forget it. Remember, keep them off balance with the hard count. That will slow the pass rush and buy you more time. If you see their arms shaking and their asses up in the air, they're coming... Control the line of scrimmage, you're gonna control this game, Willie

em.

He grins at a surprised Willie.

As they now break from the tunnel, the ROAR of the Dallas

crowd, and the excitement of the sportscaster's voices overwhelms all.

SIDELINE #5 250

Willie steps to the side, alone -- and vomits quietly... then he jogs out onto the field for the second half.

Ingo, in Tampa Bay one time you looked just like that after...

Ingo finally laughs.

HUDDLE #3 251

Willie, totally focused, assesses his teammates. He spots Cap Rooney, in uniform, signaling in the play!

(beat) I apologize for having a big head back there -- but that wasn't me. It was the Devil Red 6-6-6.

(as they laugh) Now let's get this bitch before they know what hit 'em! On three. Ready!

They clap and break, believing it. Over Willie:

thing to watch you throw, kid!

FIELD #11 252 WILLIE Set! Black 41, Black 41! Hut! Hut! Hut! Willie steps back, flings it far... 50 aerial yards...

Interception!... An upset roar from the Dallas fans.

253 SIDELINE #6 253 Willie jogs back, past Tony, loose about it. TONY

(into headset) -.-. hey at least he ran the play I

called! WILLIE (to Tony) One inch to the left, it would've worked. 261 LUXURY BOX #3 261

The AFFA Commissioner, with a small entourage, is watching part of the game in Christina's box.

CHRISTINA

Thank you. She's always loved Dallas. Loves Neiman Marcus.

whites. Think you can take me?

COMMISSIONER

Whoa! Not bad! I'm afraid I'm

not in your class, Christina. (rising to leave)

Good game. Good team. (crossing to Margaret with her two pet dogs in hand)

Margaret...

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 261 MARGARET I do, too... (displaying her new dog) Have you met Gabrielle? COMMISSIONER (a beat)

-.-. SO I have. He moves, with great dignity, to the door.

They're out of earshot at the door. The Commissioner, obviously under some pressure of his own, decides to tell her now.

first of the year... if possible? CHRISTINA (surprised)

Oh? About what, sir?

(CONTINUED )

A261

A254

CONTINUED: (2) 261 COMMISSIONER Good. Then the best of luck to you today... He exits. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BOX A261

The Commissioner, on the way out, shakes his head, to an associate.

LUXURY BOX #4 261 Christina, staggered, turns to Ed Phillips and Johnny.

Christina is worried.

SCOREBOARD #4 A254

Reads: MIAMI 17, DALLAS 28. THIRD QUARTER. 4:27...

SIDELINE #7 255 Dallas has added another TD! It looks dicey.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 255

FIELD #12 256

Willie scans the defense. As predicted, the Dallas player (Branco) is tensed for the blitz, his knuckles white to the astroturf.

Branco breaks through! Willie, expecting it, throws a classic screen pass to Julian, who rumbles for 15 plus yards.

Branco lies on the field, bleeding. His eyeball lies several feet away. It is shocking, and quickly covered up by the TV cameras.

TUG (V.O.)

Time out. And we'll be right back, folks, after a word...

FIELD #13 257

A classic sweep follows, run by Washington, thundering towards Tony on the sideline; he turns the corner with a great block from Madman, and picks up another 20 yards to the Dallas 12-yard line.

SIDELINE #8 258 Tony, rediscovering the purity of the sweep, smiles to himself. Monroe catches Tony's expression and gives him

the "up."

(CONTINUED )

A259

CONTINUED: 258 FIELD #14 Willie hands off to Sanderson, who hands it to the second wide receiver, Owens, who runs a reverse 20 yards

in for a touchdown!

SCOREBOARD #5 259

MIAMI 24, DALLAS 28. FOURTH QUARTER. 12:57...

FIELD #15 A259

The Dallas QB answers right back. Running in for a TD!

SIDELINE #9 260 It's now Dallas 35, Miami 24 -- 11 points. We PULL DOWN FROM the scoreboard to: WILLIE (re: Dallas QB, to D'Amato)

Whatsamatter with this guy? Doesn't he know I'm gonna whip his

ass?

You can beat him, Willie. I know his mind... If you hit for another score now, quickly, he'll fold, I

know it.

Cap's eyes are solid, supportive. Willie believes.

CHRISTINA'S LUXURY BOX #5 254

In a quiet moment, Christina notices most of her associates talk business on cell phones or to each other, only watching the game in quick eyebursts -- she hears a buzzing chorale of "increasing market shares" and "merchandizing revenue streams" and "league relocation protocols..." Margaret sits in a quiet corner with a friend, sipping on a Bloody Mary. She smiles over at her daughter.

A263

FIELD #16 262

The Shark offense is on the Dallas 25, third and seven. Willie is over the ball. His eyes focus... A Dallas safety has his "go to" foot a slight inch ahead of the other. Willie smiles.

Willie spins back and hands the ball off to Washington on a counter. Washington shoots through the line with room to run.

Downfield, a Dallas defender tries to force Washington out of bounds, but spinning on a dime, Washington cuts back towards the center of the field -- Dallas defenders tackle him -- one, two, three at a time -- but he drags them for another five yards -- into the end zone. Touchdown!... Willie is the first downfield to jump all over him.

SCOREBOARD #6 263

MIAMI 31, DALLAS 35. FOURTH QUARTER. 02:00... Miami time-outs remaining: 2. A WHISTLE BLOWS. The clock runs.

FIELD #17 A263 The Dallas offense at the Miami 24 -- Third and seven. SIDELINE #10 264

Tony talks closely and intently with Willie...

FIELD #18 265

The Dallas QB pitches to the flat -- his running back snares the ball and cracks back for a few extra yards -- tired tackling from the exhausted Sharks.

SIDELINE #11 266

Fourth down and one. Miami 18-yard line. Tony looks... The Dallas field goal unit is not coming out. They're going for it!

Tony calls a time-out... Shark runs off the field to Sidelines. Tony and Monroe converse with Shark.

SIDELINE #12 267 Tony and Willie stand close as we hear:

PRESS BOX #1 268 Jack Rose is outside himself, rooting.

MIAMI DEFENSIVE HUDDLE #1 269 Shark, bloody and exhausted, yells at his defensive unit:

Be proud!

DALLAS HUDDLE #1 270

They clap and move to the ball.

FIELD #19 271

As the Dallas QB scans the defense, Shark calls fora shift in the Miami defense.

The defensive players scurry to new positions.

The Dallas QB shoots back, handing off to the running back. Shark waits, poised to fill the hole. The back powers forward, no running lanes -- he bounces to the outside, sees daylight, speeds for it...

Shark runs desperately to the same hole on his bum and swollen knee. The runner is almost to the first down

marker -- inches! -- He dives for it! Shark dives at the exact same time -- an all-out lunge of sheer faith to stop the first down -- at any cost!

Shark and the runner collide, a loud crash! The runner is stopped! An inch or two short of the first down marker! The Miami 18.

A272

SIDELINE #13 272

Tony and Monroe go nuts in each other's grasp. Just like the old days!

SCOREBOARD #7 A272

Clock stops for the change of possession. 01:34...

FIELD #20 273

But Shark lies there like a dead man -- no motion! Dr. Powers and two trainers race onto the field.

STANDS #7 274

Shark's wife and kids look on, terrified.

SIDELINE #14 275

Tony hurries out, as does Monroe. In b.g., Willie and Cap wait in the grip of fear. The entire team waits. Tony and Monroe now run out.

MEDIA BOX #1 276

ON TV: The tackle replayed... Then the medical cart is shown on the field. Nothing is said. The stadium is hushed.

FIELD #21 277 Shark is definitely not moving. The ambulance waits near the goalpost. Tony, Powers, Monroe, and the trainers wait helplessly. MONROE Shark, talk to me please! (to others) Jesus Christ, is this the way it starts...? Is he ever gonna...? They ease him onto a stretcher when suddenly Shark's eyes open, falling on Tony with a glazy smile -- and a huge headache! SHARK (weakly) --. I... stop ‘em? TONY (deeply relieved) Oh, Shark! You stopped ‘em cold, baby! Godammit! MONROE You got the bonus, baby! A million bucks! SHARK (dreamy ) A million dollars...! (sees Powers) Say, Powers...? Powers AD LIBS. SHARK Are you still white? STANDS #8 278 Both sets of fans roar their appreciation for his valor, as he tries to acknowledge them with a weak wave of his arm, as they cart him off. STANDS #9 279

Shark's family, next to Willie's mom, reacts with great

relief and joy.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 279

SIDELINE #15 280 Tony clasps Willie by the shoulders.

Willie runs out, the crowd going nuts!

FIELD #22 281

First and ten on the Miami 18. 82 yards to go. 1:34...

WILLIE

drops back in the shotgun formation -- no pass lanes open, all covered, Willie drops a short screen to Julian, who dazzles on a 16-yarder out of bounds.

SCOREBOARD #8 282 MIAMI 31, DALLAS 35. FOURTH QUARTER. 00:55...

INGO (V.O.)

Coach D'Amato is gonna need every blessed one of those seconds.

HUDDLE #4 283

Willie notices Sanderson is rattled, his eyes closed, sweating a storm.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 283

Eye to eye. SANDERSON Tighter than pussy on pre-wedding day... WILLIE

(grins) That's why you're the best! You like pussy as much as I do! Okay then, let's show these big-ass Texas boys what road-kill looks like! Keep it lethal, ‘money. We're through on two.

FIELD #23 284 Willie in shotgun formation -- Three wide outs. WILLIE (scans the defense, audibles ) Set! Red 44... Razor, Razor... 88

Sally, 88 Sally... Hut! MHut!

Willie again sees nothing, the receivers all expertly

covered. But then he sees -- a chance -- a desperate chance -- Sanderson is slanting free downfield -- SIDELINE #16 285

Tony sees it as well:

FIELD #24 286

Willie takes that cubic centimeter of chance; he flings it deep... In breathless suspense, the ball sails. Sanderson, sweating like a pig in his helmet, sees it, adjusts his route mid-stride... It's as if it is his soul flying towards him, which he now catches! And then runs it in another 15 yards into the end zone! A miracle! Jimmy Sanderson feels himself freed of the demons!

SIDELINE #17 287 A frenzied celebration on the Miami sideline -- in the

stands -- they've won! But suddenly... Tony is

crestfallen.

FIELD #25 288

A yellow penalty flag lies on the field... Holding! REFEREE #3 No touchdown. Holding on offense #69. Repeat second down. Ten yards.

Madman furiously shoves Referee #3 in argument, and the Referee ejects him from the game (AD LIB).

tire. It's gonna take an enormous amount of will now to...

LUXURY BOX #5 289

Christina and her guests groan.

THEIR POV

The entire field stretches before Willie and the offense in the huddle. Never has 76 yards looked so long.

BACK TO SCENE

Christina sits down next to her mother; they talk AD LIB -- a new attitude shaping between them.

HUDDLE #4 290 39 seconds.

we got ‘em just where we want ‘em.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 290 WILLIE

Watch your mouth or I'll take it in myself.

WILLIE

Nice and easy, boys. One play at a time. Keep the routes sharp and kiss the sideline like it's the hottest momma you ever seen and we are there! Lemme hear it, brothers!

(as the team roars) Lemme hear it again!

(louder, even more

inspired) Now let's see the swagger, motherfuckers!

The team claps, breaks, and starts to the line. The Dallas defense is worn by the swagger and trash-talking coming right at them.

MONTAGE #5 - TWO-MINUTE DRILL (5TH GAME) 291 FIELD #26

A flurry of plays -- Tony firmly in control -- each play well-called and quickly executed -- relayed from Tony to Crozier, to Cap to Willie. A chain of minds. Every

person doing their job.

QUICK CUTS AND FLASHES

Subjective -- A caught pass -- a runner leaps out of bounds -- a screen pass slanting out of bounds... COACHES' BOOTH #1 292

Crozier reeling off the plays in conjunction with Tony.

(CONTINUED )

A292

CONTINUED: 292 HIS POV The Sharks moving downfield like a ravaged but hungry 4th

quarter machine. Sanderson is back to his natural glory, playing without the help of substances.

SCOREBOARD #9 A292

MIAMI 31, DALLAS 35. 35 yards to go. 13 seconds.

FIELD #27 293

Willie, gazing over the defense at the line, doesn't like what he sees, calls his last "time out."

SIDELINE #18 294 Willie jogs over to Tony.

Willie looks at him and laughs.

(CONTINUED )

A295

A296

CONTINUED: 294 WILLIE Well, frankly, Coach, it sucked -- needed more seasoning... That's why I been throwing up every week. TONY (smiles)

I thought that. Just go out and kick their ass and win the game!

FIELD #28 295 Willie scans the end zone -- would love to take a shot --

but there's nothing -- he throws the ball away, spikes the clock.

SCOREBOARD #10 A295

Now reads 35 yards, 9 seconds left...

SIDELINE #20 296

Tony stares at the field, at Willie, deep in thought -- it seems the biggest decision of his career is always now.

You're kidding! TONY Let the kid do his thing! CROZIER Jesus Christ, Tony, we got nine seconds -- ! You're banking on...

Tony casts his eyes skyward at Crozier in the box.

(CONTINUED )

A296

CONTINUED: A296

Crozier breathes and relays the play to Cap, on to Willie.

line... HUDDLE #5 297 Willie hears it from Cap and looks over at Tony in amazement. Tony nods... Willie shakes his head. Okay! WILLIE (loose)

Okay, guys, it can't get more fun than this! I swear to God I didn't call this one. Spread West Hustle 60 Comanche Right, check with me. On one. Ready.

pro strut, baby! Ready? Check with me on one. Ready?

FIELD #29 298

They break and line up over the ball. Willie scans’ the defense.

(CONTINUED )

A298

B298

C298

D298

E298

CONTINUED: 298 Willie pump fakes a pass to Sanderson -- the Dallas defenders flinch left to cover him -- Willie immediately takes off right with the ball, skimming the outside of the line -- Madman delivers a devastating block -- Julian runs slightly behind Willie, ready to throw his block -- -.. but Willie sees some daylight, and tears down the Sideline -- the Dallas safety is racing him -- Just as he zooms in on Willie, he laterals the ball to Julian just behind him...

Julian snags the ball -- leaps around the safety, who slams Willie out of bounds --

Julian races against time down the sideline, turning on

the afterburners -- the game clock.

SCOREBOARD #11: A298 Game clock ticking down... 00:07... 00:06... 00:05...

INTERCUT WITH:

SIDELINE #20 B298 Faces: Tony, Cap, Monroe, others...

INTERCUT WITH:

STANDS #10 C298

Faces: Cindy, others...

FIELD #30 D298 A Dallas corner is moving fast onto Julian -- but Julian, flashing the clock, plays smart -- without selfishness --

no dazzling spin moves -- no evasions -- he dives out of bounds.

SCOREBOARD #12 E298

The clock freezes. Three yards to go. No penalty. Four seconds. One play.

SIDELINE #21 299

Willie's running) He's still holding onto that thing like a loaf of bread. Someone's gonna take it from him.

(to Cap and QB coach;

looking at Willie) --.- Is he okay?!

(to Julian) Way to run!

(to Cap and staff) He did it for once! He thought with his head, not his balls -- unselfish! Great move... let's go... four seconds. One time. I love this game!

PRESS BOX #2 300 Jack Rose is as excited as any 1l-year-old kid, praying

to more worldly gods.

LUXURY BOX #6 301 Christina and her Mother share the moment of together,

rooting for once as a family.

SIDELINE #22 302

Willie now huddles with Tony, forehead to forehead, talking low, confidently, as Cap listens.

TONY

Then make ‘em believe, Willie. This time. Now.

(CONTINUED )

B301

CONTINUED: 302 CAP Remember: See it before you do it, kid. Willie nods and runs back onto the field, as there are no time outs left!

SCOREBOARD #13 B301

MIAMI 31, DALLAS 35. FOURTH QUARTER. 00:04...

STANDS #11 302 The fans are in an uproar, stomping, screaming! A man in a gorilla suit with a placard: "I've gone ape over

Willie!" is pushed and mauled by irate Dallas fans. Off flies his ape head!

HUDDLE #7 303

WILLIE

Well, it's our time in the sun, guys.

(looks into each

face) One on one, man on man, together! Left Tank Stack 421 Rhino. Lean and mean. On three. Ready!

They break and line up over the ball at the four yard line. Willie scans the defensive alignment. The play clock marches...

STANDS - DAY (LAST PLAY) 304

The breathless crowd...

FIELD #31 - POV - DALLAS DEFENDERS 305

pointing, shifting positions, trying to confuse Willie.

SIDE LINE #23 306

Players kneeling on the sidelines, some praying, barely daring to watch, some chewing nails, others screaming encouragement... Cap Rooney whispers a silent prayer for Willie. Coach D'Amato -- the picture of a man at a zenith in his life...

A307

A307

B307

FIELD #32 307 WILLIE Set Black 66, Black 66. Hut! Hut! Hut! A sudden torrent of movement -- Miami slams forward -- Dallas slams back -- in SLOW MOTION, Julian reaches for the handoff -- the ball slaps into his stomach -- a convincing fake -- as Willie keeps the ball -- Julian leaps left -- Dallas defenders surge to cover him -- at

that moment Willie chooses to go right back over the hole Julian has collapsed.

High over the goal line -- he seems to sail through the

air for suspended moments -- he is almost there -- almost across the plain of the goal line, almost to glory -- as

a wall of Dallas players rise up to meet him like a

breaker at sea... Willie crashes into it...

BRIEF SHOT OF GHOST A307 whoever he be -- from another time -- diving with him.

Willie seems to bauble the football as he disappears into "big Wednesday." All SOUND CEASES. Wind plays off the grass... In the silence of the major pileup, bodies draped and intertwined like smoking car wrecks, referee -.. the tension rising to extraordinary heights! Where the fuck is it?

SIDELINE #24 A307 Tony waits silently...

FIELD #33 B307

A player peels off, revealing Willie smiling, the ball held awkwardly up around his neck, but firmly in his possession... Referee #2's arms now shoot up in SLOW MOTION -- touchdown! The Miami players go absolutely nuts! The Dallas players are stunned, protesting!... Willie is hauled into the air by his ecstatic teammates. The Dallas crowd is stunned and silent; Miami fans are ecstatic!

C307 PRESS BOX #2 C307

Even Jack Rose is in love with the Sharks again.

have done it! A few short weeks ago, who would've believed Willie Beamen...?

D307 SCOREBOARD #13 D307

MIAMI 37, DALLAS 35. FOURTH QUARTER. 00:00...

E307 SIDELINE #25 E307 Pandemonium on the Shark sideline. Tony falls to his

knees in a prayer-like position... then finally rises, and runs across the field to hug the Dallas coach.

Jubilation in the locker room... Willie gives and receives congratulations from all...

Cap Rooney searches out Willie in the chaos. Their eyes meet, with respect.

They nod to each other. Simple as that. SERIES OF DISSOLVES: The players and reporters and team

personnel gradually disappear until Coach D'Amato and Rooney are left in a corner of the quiet locker room.

CAP

I'm sure. A beat.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 308 TONY I'm sorry I put you in, Cap. CAP Oh, hell! (actually swears, relieved) I'm not. They needed to see me fail. So I did! And I'm glad Cindy got a taste of it. Now maybe I can get on with my life... I'll see you around the pasture, old man. He exits. OMITTED 309 COACH'S LOCKER ROOM #2 - LATER 310

Christina reenters the same small room where she fought with Tony at halftime.

She nods, not surprised.

A beat.

(nods ) I'm sorry it ended up this way, Tony, I know you don't believe it but I really am... Seeing the team out there today -- it was like going back in time...

(remembering) God, it was beautiful football!

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: 310 CHRISTINA This used to be a hell of a sport, didn't it? TONY

It still is.

He walks on. Christina watches after him.

Tony walks out onto the field where Willie stands alone, a football in hand, watching as the groundskeepers unroll the large tarps and stadium personnel pick through the stands. The stars are abundant this night.

They walk together across the field.

TONY

Don't pat the ball before you throw, it's getting to be a habit, and they're seeing it too easy... (as Willie looks at the ball he is

holding) This is your moment, Willie. Savor it. (MORE )

(CONTINUED )

Tony gazes around the stadium, taking it all in.

again... I wanna wait on a grocery line. I wanna walk on a sidewalk. I wanna do nothing... As long as it's not fishing... WILLIE (laughs)

--. I don't think there's anything else you could do, Coach.

(MORE )

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (2) 311

(beat)

That's what he missed... I'll miss you, amigo.

Tony pats Willie affectionately on the arm and walks off. Willie's expression is gentle, appreciative. He drops back three quick, lithe steps, and sails a long, perfect spiral down the empty field.

He turns to look for Tony. But he's already gone.

Press conference. SUPERIMPOSE: ONE MONTH LATER

to Willie) -.. Hey, we're all scared. If you think any coach these days got himself a secure visa out of Casablanca, you need a Mandrake X-ray.

(off laughter) I'm a triple-decker stress sandwich right now...

(CONTINUED )

REPORTER #1 Why's that, Coach? The 32-13 loss to Minnesota?

He's responding off-handedly to a FEMALE REPORTER'S question on the stairs leading up to the veranda of an Italian-

style villa housing the Pagniacci Foundation. The group mills nervously; something's in the air.

CHRISTINA

stands before the assembled press corps -- Coach D'Amato moving to her side on cue. Nick Crozier sits close by. Margaret Pagniacci and the Mayor attend.

Thank you all for coming today... I guess you've heard all the rumors about the Sharks leaving for Los Angeles because Mayor Smalls was reportedly unable to get City Council approval for stadium improvements...

(as Smalls tightens) -.-. but let me make this as clear as I can to you: We -- the Sharks -- have no intention of leaving Miami. We love this town, and we love our Shark Stadium -- and we will continue to remodel it, at whatever cost, to make it a home away from home for our fans!

(looking pointedly at

the Mayor) And we have great confidence at the final hour that our Mayor will be there for us...

The Mayor accepts the applause, but some in the press mutter among themselves, believing they know the real story.

(CONTINUED )

(2) 312

As they applaud, Christina turns to Margaret. United behind the family name, they seem to have discovered

each other again.

Coach. Welcome!

(as Crozier nods in

response to the

polite applause) Tony D! Thank you!... Always! Wherever you go, know this: you will always be a 'Shark' in your heart. You will always be remembered with great respect and love. ‘Whatever it takes,' right?... And Tony...? Thanks for making me understand what I'd forgotten -- that football is more than a game. It's a way of life! Tony D'Amato, everybody, give him a hand!

She hugs Tony as he steps to the podium.

(CONTINUED )

CONTINUED: (3) 312

--.- So I guess it's time for me to get the hell outta the way. Bring in the new. I think Nick Crozier is gonna do a great job...

(nods to Crozier) --. Most of all, I wanna thank the people of Miami for their long support over these last 20- something years... Geez, it flew by like... like any other Sunday, but it's meant everything to me and I've had a great ride. Too good a ride for any one man. I'm gonna miss you all. Thank you...

There is significant, heartfelt applause from some, not all. Rose, in spite of himself, is regretful to see his nemesis depart, muttering to a colleague.

Tony acknowledges the applause, about to leave the podium -- but then seems to change his mind.

TONY

--- I almost forgot... In thinking about change, I guess I felt it was time for me to change, too. Y'know, like an old vampire, I need a new blood supply...

(some laughter) it was Willie Beamen who taught me how... to give it another shot.

(as the press is

murmuring, wondering) -.- SO, starting today, I am taking over as Head Coach of that new expansion team in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Aztecs.

(as a wave of

questions roll across

the balcony) Why? ‘Cause they're giving me full management control. How can I pass that up? I guess the bigger I get, the more ridiculous!

(MORE )

(CONTINUED )

-.-. But hoping not to make a fool out of myself out there, I have just signed Willie Beamen as starting Quarterback and ‘franchise player' for the Aztecs...

Now there is pandemonium on the veranda. Christina's expression drops, crossed. Crozier looks like he's going to throw up. Tony grins. That's the way it goes.

He waves and walks out -- leaving Christina and Crozier to deal with a bewildered and upset press corps.

The same image that opened the story: A football field. Any football field.

Grass sways in the wind.