Coach Carter Essay examples

Submitted By Mikaylacolombo
Words: 388
Pages: 2

Tension mounted as the Richmond High Oilers faced the upcoming basketball championship. The town was wild with excitement over their undefeated team and the bleachers were filled with cheering fans for every game. No one could imagine that on January 4, 1999 the community would erupt in dissention and so many lives would change forever when Coach Ken Carter padlocked the gym, refusing the players access for failing to keep up their grades.

Inspired by a true story, “Coach Carter” is an inspirational account of controversial high school basketball coach Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson), who received both high praise and staunch criticism when he made national news for benching his entire undefeated team for poor academic performance. Set in Richmond, California, this rousing, heartfelt portrayal of human courage and conviction is about overcoming the obstacles of your environment and showing young men a future that stretches beyond gangs, drugs, prison, and yes...even basketball.

Playing high school basketball takes more than skill, perseverance, discipline and teamwork – especially when you play for Coach Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson). Just to step on Carter’s court takes a signed contract that assures him you’ll be performing at your best on the court and in the classroom. On Coach Carter’s watch, it’s not just about winning a basketball game...it’s about his team’s future.

That’s why, when some of Carter’s players let their grades slip, he chooses to padlock the