Sports Psychology Theme(s): Parental neglect
             The main character of the movie is the quarterback of the ESU Timberwolves, Joe Kane. He is the character who is most effected by the issues covered. His many issues include, the Heisman Hype, alcoholism, his wild side, which may be due to suicidal thoughts, and a family who has basically abandoned him. Other characters include the coach who is faced with the pressures of recruiting players to keep his job and a daughter who takes a test for one of his players and gets caught. Lattimer is a defensive lineman who got tired of riding the bench for three years and fixes the problem by taking steroids. This is discovered when he has numerous "roid rages" and when he is caught trying to force himself on a girl. Darnell Jefferson, a running back from the ghetto who is trying to gain the starting tailback position. Finally, Alvin Mack, an All-American who can't read, but can memorize every play needed in every situation.
             There are many problems that Joe Kane faces throughout the movie, but all are due to the lack of support that he receives from his father. The lack of parental guidance is seen at the start of the movie. ESU has failed to make it to a bowl game and Joe must go home for the holidays. You see him lying on the couch while telling his father that he will be playing in a bowl game next year. Instead of trying to say something supportive, his father says, "We won't save you a spot on the couch next year...merry f-kin Christmas." Right there, a problem can be seen with that type of parenting. As a result of this lack of support, there are other psychological problems that Joe must deal with. He has an obvious suicidal streak that runs through him. In three different parts of the movie, Joe puts his life at risk. First, he almost drives his motorcycle off a cliff for the rush. Also, in a scene that needed to b
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