[Bell tolling]
[Footsteps]
- The football team deserves its own facility.
[Heavy music]
It's time to think big.
Come on, Richard.
The landscape of college sports is changing every day,
every minute.
Colton state needs to be in the conversation.
That can only happen if we attract
three-star and four-star recruits in all sports.
[Chuckles]
All right.
- Hillman?
[Gasps] - Sorry.
I didn't mean to scare you.
- Kate, no, it's okay.
Are you moving his things out?
- Uh, yeah, just wanted to start before anyone got in.
- Oh, of course.
Look, I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to--
- please. Thank you for the support
and for the kind words at the memorial.
- Your father loved Colton state.
Oh, okay. I'll let you get back to it.
- Can I ask you a question?
- Yeah, sure.
- Was my dad okay when you last saw him?
- Yeah, yeah.
Um...why?
- This guy, he came by.
He seemed so sure that dad's death wasn't an accident.
[Uneasy music]
So I just was wondering
if dad was in some sort of trouble or something,
if you knew of anything or saw anything odd.
- No, um,
but I didn't see hillman very much, um...
Day-to-day, I mean.
So this guy...Who was he?
- An investigator.
At least that's what he said. Something...Swayne.
- Arlin swayne.
- Jc?
♪ ♪
- When my mom passed away,
I remember all these strangers coming by,
offering me all sorts of things.
Second mortgages, cemetery plots.
Unfortunately, people take advantage sometimes, Kate.
Just...be careful.
- Yeah, thanks.
I should get started. - Yeah.
And if you need anything, just...
[Somber music]
♪ ♪
[Heavy music]
♪ ♪
[Soft piano music]
♪ ♪
[Door clicks]
- It happened at a frat party.
It was only the second week of school.
The next day, I saw the guy who raped me
on a poster outside of trophy hall,
number 15 on his Jersey,
star player of the basketball team.
- Shawn Taylor.
Jessica, you don't have to tell me anymore--
- I'm okay. I'm okay.
I reported what happened to the campus police,
and then this man walked in,
and at first, I thought he was a counselor or something.
But it was athletic director Ford.
- What was he doing there?
- He said he came to help me,
that I would be blamed
for ruining Colton state's basketball season
if I even suggested that Shawn Taylor was involved.
God, I was so furious.
But I knew he was right.
You know, I knew they'd accuse me
of sending mixed signals.
- Because you had been drinking that night?
- No, it was more than that. I flirted with him.
We kissed.
We went upstairs,
and people saw US.
They saw me.
[Door thuds closed]
[Muffled music in background, party noise]
And I was--i was a willing participant until...
Till I said...I said no.
Wait--no. No!
Stop. Stop. Stop!
And then it was too late.
- Jessica, that rape was not your fault.
- Do you know how many times I've heard that?
And it may be true,
but that's not how they treat you.
- Did director Ford tell you not to file a police report?
- No, he didn't say those words.
And in the moment, it was all just so confusing.
I just--i wanted to go home.
Make it all go away.
And it just sounded so easy.
[Soft dramatic music]
He offered me money.
- And then you transferred.
- I thought I could just move on.
But what happened to me that night...
It haunts me every single day.
His smell, his touch...
God, the shame.
There's no amount of time or money
that can make those nightmares go away.
- And that's why you smashed hillman's car.
- No. No, that wasn't me.
Ugh, but when I saw the press conference
about "zero tolerance,"
god, I wish I would've busted his shit.
Is that why you keep calling?
'Cause you thought I vandalized his car?
- No.
I think that you could be
one of many victims, and I need proof.
- No. I don't want anything to do
with whatever activist hashtag you're trying to get trending.
- Jessica, I am trying to make the people
responsible for this pay.
- Yeah.
A lot of people say that, but no.
You should go.
- No, Jessica, I need you.
Please, I cannot do this without your help.
- You'll have to, 'cause I'm not trying
to put myself out there like that.
Shawn Taylor was in college when he raped me.
He's a star of his pro team.
Do you want to live that public nightmare?
I don't.
♪ ♪
[Door slams]
[Engine turns over]
[Phones ringing]
[Intense music]
♪ ♪
[Murmuring, whispering]
♪ ♪
- It's like it happened just yesterday,
every detail so clear and vivid in Jessica's mind.
I hate that I had to make her relive it all over again.
- You're probably the first person to listen
who wasn't judging her.
You know, the only person really after the truth.
- The truth is...
I'm a part of all of it.
I fell in line.
I bought into the university protocol.
I kept my mouth shut, and I didn't ask questions,
and I let hillman
control the entire Shannon and Eddie problem,
trusting that he would do the right thing,
and all along, he was just protecting himself
and something so much bigger.
- At least you fired Eddie.
- Yeah, but I didn't say why,
and I let hillman play me with his bullshit
about protecting the image of Colton state.
My silence enabled him
to continue to cover up a rape.
- Okay, then own it. Do something about it.
- But it could go sideways, Garrett.
You said it.
Our lives would be turned upside down.
- Okay, okay. We will get through it.
All right?
Together.
[Crowd cheering]
- It's the Colton state cougars
versus the braswell state lions,
and this place is rocking.
- Losing isn't an option.
There's nothing we don't know.
There's no game plan we're not ready for.
Just do your job, and we got this.
After this, we're going to the ship, baby.
All: Yeah!
- Okay? On three. One, two--
all: [Whispering] Bitches on a mission.
Win! - All right.
[Whooping, cheering] Got this.
[Crowd cheers]
All: Let's go, cougars, let's go!
- That's two!
- Braswell is gonna have to step it up
on the defensive end.
[Marching band playing]
♪ ♪
[Cheers and applause]
Porter's on a fast break.
And lays it up for two.
All: Csu! Csu!
Csu! Csu!
Csu!
- And that's the game!
- That gives corrine Porter a new season high.
[Cheers and applause]
- That right there, that's the hustle
that will win the conference championship.
[All cheering]
You know, it's-- it's the little details
that are so vital, right? - Yeah.
- Little things make what? All: Big things happen!
- That's right! - Whoo!
- And, uh, miss corrine Marie Porter--
all: Yeah! - Who is she?
Yes, 8 points per game average,
and then all of a sudden, 21 points tonight?
[All cheering] Wow!
I don't know where that girl's been all season,
but hello, nice to meet you!
- Don't gas her up too much, coach.
Relax. [Laughter]
- Well, listen.
Our next win will guarantee US a spot
in the csc tournament.
[All cheering]
Let's bring that title home again.
- That's right! - Yeah!
- All right. Some news.
There will be a change to our coaching staff.
Effective immediately, coach Mayfield,
who has been here briefly
sharing a little knowledge and watching what we do,
she's moving on...
To the NBA!
[All cheering] - Oh, my god! Let's go!
- A female breaking the barrier.
[All cheering]
Congrats, yolanda. - Congrats.
- Thank you. - And coach fisk--
oh, wait, hold on. I'm sorry--
associate head coach fisk.
[All cheering]
- Thank you.
- You stepped up.
- Yeah, let's go! [All cheering]
- What a night!
[All whooping]
All: Emily, Emily, Emily--
- yo, you good? Game's over.
- Yeah, I'm straight.
Just about to go practice some free throws.
- Yeah, you better get your shots up.
'Cause after tonight, you not gonna outscore me, Porter.
- You oughta buy that mouth some sneakers
the way you be running it.
- You get one post-game interview,
and all of a sudden, you like that.
Okay. I see you.
- Whatever you hanging around for, j-mo, no.
- What you mean?
I ain't even say nothing yet! Damn.
- You got that up-to-something look on your face.
- Just thought we could go hang out.
- Before the conference championship?
- Yeah. Gotta step out.
Catch a little vibe. You feeling me?
- Okay, Jordan thee stallion.
But I'm good.
- Can't even celebrate our win. That's weak, coco.
- I can't tonight, j-mo.
- [Sighs] Say less. I feel you.
Hug your pops for me, a'ight?
He's gonna be okay, right?
- I don't know.
- He'll be a'ight.
I know it.
- Huh. That is quite an accusation.
- You knew jc was gonna promote me
at the charity event.
Why didn't you say something?
I came to you for help, and you--
you let me-- - stab her in the back?
- I was angry.
- [Laughs] Clearly.
I'm not quite sure why you thought telling me
about jc and Eddie would get you promoted.
It was a stupid move, Emily.
What you're feeling right now is...
Guilt,
or it could be fear
that I will tell jc that you betrayed her.
- I'm embarrassed and ashamed.
[Uneasy music]
And I was hoping that you'd understand
that it was something I just said out of frustration.
- Look, this program has been through enough.
Emily, we just need to focus on the conference championship
and hopefully a successful run in the tournament.
- Yeah, yeah, i-- I will do everything
in my power to make that happen.
Thank you, hillman.
- Yeah, I am struggling with one thing:
Your lack of loyalty.
Shouldn't jc know the character
of the people that she works with?
♪ ♪
- What is it you want, hillman?
- Nothing now. But if I should...
♪ ♪
- Yeah, yeah.
Okay, I understand.
♪ ♪
[Door slams]
- We have a problem.
There's an outside legal team who's requesting
all of the financial records from the athletic department:
Emails, correspondence,
documents dating back four years.
- So give it to them.
- They also want compliance reports
and registrar records for Jessica Owens,
Abby klein, Dana Gomez, Claire brockman, Ellen baker.
[Scoffs]
Hillman, this is serious.
I am not gonna take the hit on this.
- Do not talk to me like that, Rachel.
- You said this would never come back to haunt US.
- I distinctly remember telling you
that I hoped it would not come back to haunt US.
You knew the risk.
You are the senior women's administrator.
Now act like it.
- You said-- - I know what I said!
Calm down.
Go back to your office. I will handle it.
- What are you gonna do? - Whatever's necessary.
Gently close the door on your way out, please.
♪ ♪
[Knock on door]
- I thought you said half an hour.
- Jessica, hi.
I just want to talk to you. - Shit.
I don't want to talk to you. Leave me alone.
All of you just leave me alone.
- [Grunts]
Ah!
Jessica, look. [Groans]
Look, I know you vandalized my truck,
but I'm not gonna tell the police.
I just want to remind you of our agreement.
- I didn't do shit to your car. - It doesn't matter.
I just--
I just want to know if anyone from the university or a--
or a private attorney has been in contact with you.
Look, i--just answer the door.
I don't want to have this conversation on the doorstep.
I just want to remind you of your rights
in case someone tries to intimidate you.
You signed a nondisclosure agreement,
and if you violate that agreement,
there will be consequences.
Jessica, come on. Open the door.
Jessica.
Jessica, open the door!
Jessica, look, I'm sorry I got angry.
It's just--
[police radio chatter]
- Sir, can we have a chat with you for a second?
- Of--of course. Is there a problem?
- Were you just visiting a Jessica Owens?
- Well, i--i was. She didn't want to speak to me.
- She reported you were harassing her.
- Harassing her? Oh, boy.
No, i--i think she completely misunderstood.
I-I'm hillman Ford.
I'm the athletic director of Colton state university.
She's a former student, and we were trying to reach her
about a-- a private civil matter.
I've been trying to contact her by phone.
- She said she felt threatened. - Threatened?
Oh, i--
oh, god, i--i feel terrible. I--i get it.
She's a single girl living alone.
I have a daughter of my own.
If she thought I was being overly aggressive,
that was never my intention.
I'm happy to apologize.
- I don't think that's necessary.
We'll have a chat with her.
- Do you have a business card or some way to contact you?
- Oh, yes, of course.
Ah, there you are. There you are.
Look, if you ever need tickets to a game,
just give me a call.
- We'll let you know if there's a problem.
You have a good day. - Thank you.
I'm sorry for any trouble. I'm sorry.
[Dark, uneasy music]
♪ ♪
[Knock on door]
[Laughter, chatter]
- Ooh, tongue out like Jordan!
- Yeah, she looking like a Porter.
- Yo, how many steals you had that game?
- A solid Trey.
- Yeah! - Yeah!
- Ooh, 42 is sick! [Laughs]
- Pass behind the back. - Gimme that.
All: Scoop it!
- I hope y'all are hungry. - Y'all, that's food.
- Ooh, time to eat. - Oh, yeah.
- Let me get that pep-pep-pepperoni.
- So you haven't given Grant that sloppy toppy?
- No, oh, my god. Yo, shut up.
I like him, but it's not about that.
- Oh, okay.
- Oh, it's about to start, y'all.
- Yo, turn the music down.
- And rounding out our "ones to watch" feature,
Colton state's Jordan Malone. - Ooh!
- She's a force to be reckoned with,
both on defense and from outside.
She's the star of Colton's team
and has the attitude and skills
to take her team back to the championship.
You can catch Jordan Malone and Colton state
playing in the semc championship
on spectrum sports net.
[Theme music]
- That's it? [All snickering]
- You might want to make that insta story a boomerang
so it lasts a little longer. [Laughter]
- Shut up. - A boomerang.
[Laughter]
- You okay?
- Tomorrow will never be the same...
For US or for them.
[Heavy music]
♪ ♪
- [Breathing heavily]
- I should have been honest from the start.
- You knew this and stood by and allowed me to hire him?
Hagan said you sexually assaulted him.
Who do I believe?
- Shannon Crawford. That's who you believe.
♪ ♪
- Is that why she transferred?
So Eddie lied to me.
Hillman stared me right in the face
and lied to me.
Shannon Crawford didn't bother to mention this
when she appeared on national television,
and now I'm supposed to believe you?
- Ray, it's true.
I did have an affair with Eddie hagan,
but it wasn't the reason that I fired him.
- The, uh, big news
at my weekly press conference today
was gonna be about the two four-star recruits
who committed to my program.
But now, whoops, sorry, I hired a sexual predator.
- We were-- look, I was irresponsible.
- Is that what you want to call it now, jc?
What you did should be a crime.
- I'm having a press conference Monday morning.
I wanted to let you know before it all happened
so that you can prepare.
- How convenient.
After the conference championship.
- I would like to ask that you do not go public
with the details of any of this until then.
- Oh, you're asking me for a favor?
- I promise I will protect your program.
- Like you protected Shannon Crawford.
- I really am sorry, ray.
- If I'm not there to walk you down the aisle, coco,
hope the guy you choose is somebody who deserves you.
When I married your mom, I loved her.
I really did.
And, hey, you gotta make sure aj plays a sport,
football, maybe baseball.
My grandson is Colton state material.
That boy is our legacy.
You're not supposed to be watching those messages yet.
- You missed my game,
and I'm pissed at you.
- Sorry I wasn't there. Doctors.
But you better believe I was watching, and you--
you were on fire.
I knew you could do it.
- Maybe 'cause I didn't have you in the bleachers
riding my butt.
- Will you make up your mind?
Either you want me there, or you don't.
- I always want you there, dad.
You're gonna beat this.
There's a doctor in Seattle that does a lot
of cutting-edge research on neuromuscular diseases.
You should call him.
- Corrine, there's no cure for als.
- But you don't got to die from it.
You can beat it.
You just gotta believe in yourself
as much as I believe in you.
- That's my line.
- See?
And you say I never listen.
- What are you talking about? You don't.
- Yeah. Hmm. [Both laughing]
- I suspect it was Claire brockman,
one of the students that transferred,
who vandalized hillman's car.
She's attempted suicide twice over the last year and a half.
She was always on the Dean's list.
Suddenly she wasn't.
My guess: She's one of Shawn Taylor's victims.
- Well, I haven't been able to reach her,
but I did talk to Jessica Owens.
- She willing to come out and tell US what happened?
- No.
- It's time to reach out to the FBI,
just have them look into this officially.
- Okay, well, just give me a chance
to tell my team the truth about Shannon
after the game.
- One more thing: You're wrong about president barrington.
I couldn't quite figure out why someone would make
no attempt to cover up fraudulent activity.
- Sorry I'm late, gentlemen. Let's get started.
We have a lot to cover.
Hillman, I don't see you or the athletic department
listed on our agenda.
Was there something--
okay, clearly, it's not good news.
- Jonathan, why don't you take the lead here?
- Athletic director Ford has brought to our attention
several violations and, frankly, criminal acts
that will certainly damage the image of this university.
- Involving the athletic department.
- Unfortunately, yes.
- If that's the case, gentlemen,
I think it would be appropriate to have hillman step outside
so the rest of US can discuss a course of action
that is without his influence.
- That's not necessary. - You're very protective
of the program, hillman, and possibly the individuals
who committed those violations.
- There is only one person involved, Melinda:
You.
- I'm sorry?
- Denying it will only prolong the process.
[Tense music]
- What are you talking about?
- Your illegal and egregious use
of the university slush fund,
improper contact and aggressive influence
over boosters...
- Deleting university documents from servers,
every paper trail leads to her.
- I--i didn't do any of that. - We have the evidence.
It's all right there.
Coercion, intimidation,
abuse of authority and the title of president.
- Oh, hillman, you son of a bitch.
- I had no choice, Melinda. I was shocked to discover it.
- You will not get away with this.
- She's too smart to be that stupid.
- Hillman set her up.
She was telling me the truth.
♪ ♪
- Expect a fight, gentlemen.
This is still my office. You can see yourselves out.
Thank you.
[Dark, heavy music]
♪ ♪
- Jc, you were right. It was all hillman.
Call me.
- [Breathing heavily]
[Uneasy music]
♪ ♪
[Laughing shakily]
You look a little confused.
- [Whispers] Shit.
- What, you don't remember me from the bathroom stall,
you son of a bitch?
- Listen, whatever you thinking,
I know you don't want to do.
- You don't know shit about me.
- Please, if you want money,
I'll give it to you.
Whatever you want, just--
please, put the gun down.
- You ruined my life.
- I'm sorry. I'm sorry, okay?
- Daddy, I wanna get out.
- I'm coming, son.
Please, don't do this.
I have a family, okay?
I'll give you whatever you want, okay?
Just--
♪ ♪
- Daddy?
♪ ♪
Daddy, I need to go pee-pee.
[Crowd roaring]
[Crowd gasps]
[Iyves' "gold"]
[Moody pop music]
♪ ♪
- ♪ gold ♪
♪ see, I've been trying to find ♪
♪ swim across the rivers wide ♪
♪ climbing every mountainside ♪
♪ a love that can shine out the night ♪
♪ nothing ever satisfied ♪
♪ till you left me magnetized ♪
♪ and you got me feeling like ♪
♪ gold ♪
♪ gold, hey, hey ♪
♪ gold ♪
♪ hey, hey, gold ♪
♪ ♪
♪ so hard to behave ♪
♪ hey, hey, gold ♪
♪ shake me to my soul ♪
♪ hey, hey, gold ♪
♪ ♪
♪ shake me to my soul ♪
♪ was caught up in the silver ♪
♪ now you're giving me ♪
- It's all right.
- Um, all right, guys. Gather around for a minute.
Keep your heads up. Come on.
You know, success is never final, right?
Failure is never fatal.
It's the courage that counts, and the courage
that you all showed on that court tonight--
- respect, coach,
but we don't need no janky John wooden quote.
[All muttering] We got our butts whooped.
- For real.
- Yeah. - You're right.
I hear you, lorna. Well, let me just say this.
We've gone through so much together this year.
And you've been my rock.
And, um...
When the season first started
and Shannon transferred--
[tense music]
♪ ♪
- Coach?
- You know what? I'm--
I'm just gonna shut the hell up and leave y'all alone.
I'm out. [Laughs]
- Hey, y'all, I think we're still
gonna get selected for the tournament.
I know it.
- Pray on that, lorna. - Every day.
♪ ♪
Lord, we pray for your good favor in our lives.
Give US the means to care for our friends,
our family, and our teammates.
Share with US your merciful grace
so that we shall not forget
you are the hand that provides all good things.
Amen. All: Amen.
[Rap music playing]
♪ ♪
- Come here.
- [Giggles]
- What's wrong? - Sorry.
- Did I do something?
I want your first time to feel good.
- Grant, um...
Look, I have something that, um, I have to tell you.
- If you don't want to do this, we don't have to.
- No, it's not that.
I really, really like you.
- And I really like you. - Um, Grant, look.
I'm, like... I'm different than other girls.
- [Laughs]
So what you trying to do?
- Grant, I'm different, like--
like, biologically.
- Um...what does that mean?
- [Sighs]
Look, I've never told anyone this.
I'm intersex.
- Like, you were born a guy,
and now you're a girl?
- No. Grant, what? That's transgender.
I'm a girl, Grant. I just--
I was born with, like, both male and female parts,
like, not on the outside, but on the inside.
Like, it might just look different
or feel different for you.
I--i don't know.
Oh, shit.
You know, I shouldn't have told you.
You know what? I should not have told you.
It was stupid to think I could tell you.
- Nik-- - no, you know what?
I shouldn't have told you.
[Uneasy music]
♪ ♪
- Excuse me, officer. Someone's been murdered.
I'm here to report a murder.
I was involved in a murder cover-up.
They found the body in the chattahoochee river.
I know who dumped him there.
[Echoing] Hillman Ford was murdered.
[Siren wailing]
♪ ♪
- Get back! Back up!
[Screaming]
- Oh, god. He's on fire!
Get on the ground! Get on the ground and roll!
[Officer screaming]
Aah!
♪ ♪
- Didn't expect to ever hear from you.
- Didn't think I'd ever call.
I have questions about my dad's death,
but I need to know something.
The Atlanta pd fired you.
- [Sighs] No.
No, they gave up on me.
I only wanted what I was promised when I joined.
Turned into a big disability dispute, and...
I'm sorry I ever rescued that woman from that car.
- You saved her life. - She died two days later.
Look, is this about me or your dad?
- I think he changed his mind
about going to the cabin last weekend.
He crossed it off his calendar.
- Pinehurst. - And I found this.
So why don't you tell me everything you know,
'cause I'm starting to think that...
My father may have been murdered.
[School bell rings]
- You guys did good today. Very good today.
See you guys.
Did something happen to will? Is he okay?
- Will's fine. - [Exhales]
- I should have called. I'm sorry.
I was hoping we could talk.
- Okay.
- You look good.
- Thank you.
Wait, if you're here to try and talk me out
of taking will to Europe, i'ma stop you before you start.
He lives with you, Gary.
Ever since this custody thing,
I barely get to see him on the weekends.
He's got soccer Tuesdays and Thursdays,
he's got lacrosse every other Saturday.
He's got assignments-- - Michelle, Michelle, Michelle.
It's not that.
I, uh, have a favor to ask.
- Oh.
Oh, all right.
- If something should happen to, uh, me or jc,
both of US,
I was hoping you would allow the boys
to be together and live with my sister.
- What?
- Something I've been thinking about a lot lately.
- Wait, what's-- what's going on, gar?
Are you sick? - No, no. I'm not sick, no.
It's just that we never talked about this.
We should talk about it.
The boys, they're close. They're brothers.
They should be together.
- But will is my son.
Now, I adore Logan, but I am will's mother,
and why shouldn't he be with me if that were to happen, hmm?
I can't promise you that.
- I need you to. - Did jc put you up to this?
- No! She doesn't even know I'm here.
Michelle, I'm asking you not to separate my sons.
- But what is it that you're not saying to me,
because you're scaring me.
- Look, I just want them together.
Is that so hard to understand?
They shouldn't be apart, and I need you to promise me
that you're going to allow my sons
to live in one house together.
Will needs to look after Logan.
- That is not something that I can answer for you right now.
- Please, Michelle! - I don't know.
- It will be the same as it now.
Please, think of will. Think of what's best for him.
- That is so unfair.
Can you just tell me what is going on?
- Please, Michelle.
[Tense music]
♪ ♪
I'm sorry.
It just means a lot to me.
- There's something you're not telling me.
- We should just have a plan. That's all.
- I'll think about it.
Yeah? - Thank you.
- Okay. Okay.
♪ ♪
- Sorry.
[Heavy music]
♪ ♪