I bet Princeton isn't doing all this for their homecoming.
-Princeton who? -Exactly.
If they too want to accept you, forget them.
I thought the whole point of this trip was to cheer me up
and take my mind off that school.
And to scope out the HBCU experience.
You're the only one with HBCUs on your list.
At least she has a list. I got nada.
Stop the college talk. This weekend is about visiting your aunt
and having some GAF, grown ass fun. Come on, guys!
Hold up! is that really Cordae on the stage?
Y'all, welcome to Bringston University!
It's time to turn up.
It's just like in any other space.
As black journalists you will be held to a higher standard.
But there's a larger, unrealistic, burden on black journalists.
And if you take someone like me who lies in the intersection of journalism
and activism, that burden is even greater.
Is that your aunt?
So how can you maintain journalistic objectivity?
-The same way white reporters do. -Except do they?
Just because the views of whiteness are normalized as the objective neutral
doesn't mean they actually are.
Forget journalistic objectivity, Keisha.
I instead believe in being ethical, fair and telling the truth.
There's a difference. And as for ethics,
my philosophy is if it doesn't cross your line in the sand
there's no shame in walking away.
But if it does, you pursue it until you have it right,
then you bring it all to the light.
Okay. Yes, poetry.
Alright, see you all Tuesday. Keisha, you're a minx.
-Hi, auntie! -My baby girl!
I can't believe you're really here.
Olivia. Which makes you Spencer.
-And you must be nephew-in-law. -Something like that.
Thank you for letting us stay this weekend, Ms. Patterson.
Dear God, call me Amara. I'm not that old.
-So what are you working on? -What do you mean? Teaching.
You're never just teaching.
I know there's some amazing article brewing.
I'm still putting the pieces together. In the meantime, it's homecoming.
Y'all seem to take that real serious here.
Honey, you have no idea.
Keisha offered to be your unofficial ambassador for the weekend.
Leave your bags with me and have some fun. I'll catch you later.
-Are you sure? -Girl, don't ask twice.
Y'all made it just in time for the best part of homecoming.
-What's that? -Tonight's fashion show,
choreographed by moi.
So you're a journalism major slash choreographer?
Pre-med actually
and proud captain of the undefeated Bringston dance squad.
What are you applying here for?
I'm not applying here. I'm just visiting family.
-More like hiding from family. -Simone's mom is... a lot.
So where are you applying?
Honestly, I don't know.
Girl, tick tock, you're kinda running out of time.
-What's your thing? -Tennis.
Tennis? Okay. You any good?
Yeah, I am.
Is everybody in Atlanta here this weekend? This is bananas.
Girl, HBCUs are hot right now.
Especially with three of our grads saving the country from itself.
Thank you Madam VP.
And Ms. Stacey Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Abrams.
I like the way you say that.
Wait, who's the third?
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
So what's the real on the two sexys behind us?
Well, one of them is my husband.
Husband? Okay, that's a story that I need to hear.
But please tell me it's not the dark chocolate one.
No, Spencer is all Liv's.
No, Spencer and I aren't together. We are just friends.
Well, then, yay me.
So, who's hungry?
Who's wobbling with me?
I'm good. Not really in a group dance kinda mood.
Whatever drama you got back home, forget about it. Just for the weekend.
Give in to the fun of a beautifully melanated HBCU experience.
I'm gonna be real mad if we don't get out there on my song.
-I'll come. -Next song. I promise.
Giving in to the fun.
Can you not?
-Are you crazy? -I'm not doing the photo thing
this weekend. I just want some privacy.
I don't know who you are or do I care.
I was taking a video of my friends dancing behind you.
-My bad. -Your bad? Seriously?
If you ever touch me or my property again, I'll...
Why are you amused right now?
-I'm sorry. Please continue. -So you think you're cute?
Let's see how funny you think this is when you go viral
for getting your ass handed to you by a woman.
-Everything good, babe? -Yeah.
You sure?
Yeah, man. Just a little misunderstanding.
Forget him.
If you really don't want folks to know you here this weekend,
-this the last place you should be. -I just wanted to see the field
where Hank Dawson broke the record for stolen bases.
Greatest to ever do it in the Negro League.
-Yeah. -You all right?
Yeah, I'm cool. Wish I could've met him.
So, what's it like to play for the great Leonard Shaw?
Crazy intimidating. He keeps me on the bench most of the time though.
Your time will come. All right?
Do you see yourself coming to school in the south?
C'mon, the dream's to play in Cali.
What if Simone doesn't want to stay in Cali?
She does now that Princeton's off the table. Everything's A-okay.
I knew that cat looked familiar.
Who is he?
Damon Sims. One of the top recruits in the country.
He's a sure thing to go first round to the MLB
straight outta high school this year.
Then why's he here checking out Bringston's baseball program,
trying to be all incognito?
Yo, is that Damon Sims?
-Guys, Damon Sims is here! -I told you.
Who knew there was a whole mini Wimbledon back here.
Thea's parents insist on only the best for their baby girl.
They're major donors.
Damn! She's ridiculous.
Do you see how aggressive she is on the baseline?
-Calm down. She's not Beyonce. -Came up on the junior circuit,
and the 2020 HBCU National Women's Champion.
She's kinda our Queen Bey. Just not as nice.
Are you guys done?
Like is there anywhere else you can hang and be disruptive?
Or it has to be here?
Sorry. We didn't mean to distract you.
And yet here you are even closer.
I was trying to give you a compliment, but I guess I'll mind my business.
-You play? -Excuse me?
Yeah, came up on the junior circuit like you.
Like me? Let's see what you got. You can help me warm up.
-Becca! -Wait, like right now?
Yeah. Okay, cool.
-Good luck this season! -How about it?
Thanks, but I'm good. I don't want to interrupt.
Interrupt? Dude, we're all dying to see that velocity.
What'd you clock at that All-Star futures game? 101?
102.1 actually.
We got time before coach gets here. Just toss a few.
-Really, I'm good. -Y'all really gonna make him say it?
Million dollar baby over here can't waste his arm on lil old us.
-Don't put words in my boy's mouth. -My bad.
Am I wrong, though? Correct me, please.
All right. Who's got a pitcher's glove?
Get ready!
-I thought this was a friendly match. -Those don't exist for Thea.
That's what I'm talking about!
Let's go, boys!
-Don't take it easy on me, man. -Wouldn't know how.
You always "warm up" that intensely?
Sorry. Thought you could hang.
What the hell are y'all doing?
-So y'all just got time to waste? -I'm sorry. This was my fault.
Laps around the field, now. You stop when I tell you to stop.
Let's go! Move it! Play how you practice! Go!
Damon Sims, sir.
You must be proud of this team.
They're tight. A well-oiled machine.
I know. I oiled them.
And next time you want to show off, do it elsewhere, son.
-I apologized. -And I heard you.
Nothing personal, kid, I just don't like my practices interrupted.
Funny 'cause it feels personal, coach.
I don't take to players that are all about themselves and not the team.
-You don't even know me. -You're not the star pitcher
who's currently sitting out his high school games
when his team needs him the most 'cause he's saving his arm for the pros?
See I've watched a lot of tape on you, son, and here's what I don't get.
Why do you play the game in the first place?
'Cause it's clear you don't enjoy it.
You lecturing our surprise guest, Marcus?
Just having an honest conversation, coach.
Coach Turner is known for his honest conversations.
Leonard Shaw, Head Coach.
-Marcus Turner, Assistant Head. -Nice to meet you, sir.
I had my eye on you since first year varsity.
Your mom came down on me pretty hard.
Coach Turner, them boys look plenty warm.
Go ahead and get things started.
She's probably calling to make sure I haven't corrupted you yet.
She does know you're here, right?
-Dad knows. -Simone!
I need to figure out what my college future looks like,
figure out what's best for me.
What's best for us.
I can't do that at home. It's either Tina Hicks' way or no way.
I won't blow up your spot, under one condition.
You give Bringston some careful thought this weekend.
I know you didn't come to scout the school, but just consider it.
It could be a good fit.
For both of you. For all of you actually.
Alright, I'll bite. What makes HBCUs so special?
It's a connection to our history, our culture.
-Black excellence. -Exactly.
And the tennis program is really good.
Yeah, just maybe don't put all your eggs in the athletic basket.
Keisha? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the...
Damn. Okay, I'm on my way.
Big fashion show emergency. Come on!
It's a fashion show. How big an emergency can it be?
Listen, I am a miracle worker with cover-up and a contour brush,
but even I can't fix this craziness.
We are not putting her on the stage like that. Not my fashion show.
Dr. Patterson, you're our advisor, you know the routine...
No, no, no. But Simone used to dance.
Olivia still dances.
-No one asked me. -You know what?
You're both doing it. Symmetry.
You'll be fine. You have an hour until curtain.
-That's like a year in dancer time. -I didn't say yes.
You did. You said next song. Promise.
Well, the next song is here, sweetie. Let's go.
-Come on! -You'll be fine.
What's the deal with Coach Turner anyway?
I thought Coach Shaw would be the one with the stick up his ass.
Coach Turner is the real deal. Good dude. Just mad stressed lately.
Why? Y'all are a championship team.
I don't know.
Are you bitches ready for a fashion show?
-She's stunning. -Yeah. She is.
So they just breed y'all different out in Beverly Hills, huh?
I can't believe I did that. We just did that.
-That was so... -Sexy.
The word you're looking for is sexy.
Now, c'mon, with your fine self,
let's get ya'll outta these hella expensive dresses so I can return them.
That was fire.
I'm good. Thanks.
Listen, about earlier...
There's just been a lot more attention lately
and I'm still getting used to the whole loss of privacy thing.
That's it? That's your apology?
No. Of course not. What I meant was I'm sorry that I was...
Obnoxious? Over the top? Opinionated?
Want me to pick one?
Yes, all of the above.
Can I get a do over? For real this time. I'm Damon Sims.
Simone Hicks.
Okay, Simone Hicks.
So, what are the chances I can talk you into showing me around campus?
She said she's not interested.
-Jordan, I got it. -I don't care how famous you are.
You keep bothering my girl, we're gonna have a problem.
I just came back here to compliment her on the show.
-I know you, right? -I don't think so.
Justice for Tamika, right?
You're the football cat that set off that chain of forfeits.
Made national news. I'm Damon Sims.
Spencer James.
No disrespect, man.
Bruh, I've been calling you. Check your damn phone.
You're the top story on every sports news feed.
Mom, I swear, I didn't know it was gonna go viral.
-I can explain. -I bet you can.
Funny, this doesn't look like camping with Chase.
-I just wanted a weekend to... -To what?
To just be normal.
We've worked so hard to get here, to have the MLB at our fingertips,
and you want to risk injury this weekend for what?
A chance to chug fruit punch out of a trash can
and swag surf with mediocrity?
-Ms. Sims, it's kinda my fault. -Mom, you remember JR, right?
We were on the 15U National Team together.
There's a way for all this to actually work in our favor.
We don't have to spin this one.
It worked for Kumar.
He chose a top D1 school in place of a lower draft
and he's expected to be the number one pick out of college this year.
You want the MLB to think I'm considering enrolling here?
It'll create more hype around you.
Go shower. Put something nice on. You're doing interviews.
-No. -Excuse me?
I said no, mom.
You keep saying we, but I'm the one on that field out there, mom. Me.
I'm the one that plays hurt or healthy.
I'm the one that has to deal with disappointed teammates
because you insist I save my arm for the pros.
I'm the one missing class
to show up and show out at yet another unnecessary showcase. Me!
Really? Who gave up everything
so you could be on those fields showing up and showing out?
Your career doesn't happen without me.
And yours doesn't happen without me.
Boy, everything I do is for you.
And one day you'll thank me.
Now get dressed.
-Damon... -Yes, ma'am.
Excuse me. Sorry. I'm looking for Liv and Simone.
-They said they were meeting you here. -Change of plans.
They said they'd meet you and Jordan at the tailgate.
That the story you're working on? College athletic scandals?
Is something going on here at Bringston?
Last night you were mad cagey about the whole athletics thing here.
Nothing gets past you, huh?
-Is that for me? -Yeah.
It was taped to the door outside. See you later.
This is Dr. Patterson. I need to pull some transcripts.
Did you know that Marian Wright Edelman was the first woman
in Mississippi to pass the bar exam?
She was a lawyer for the NAACP. Spelman Grad.
She got the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.
-She was a badass. -Clearly.
So why isn't she in our history books?
Why isn't Toni Morrison on our English lit required reading?
This place is growing on you, isn't it?
I guess I just wasn't expecting to come here and feel so full.
It's Keisha. She's with Spencer and Jordan already.
She says "you better haul ass".
Stop. Keisha is cool.
I'm not surprised she's already with Spencer.
If you're not gonna go for what you want,
you can't get mad when someone else does.
Looks like someone needs to take their own advice.
Kids like Damon Sims don't walk away from a chance at playing pro ball.
I'm sorry. I just need a minute, Dr. Allen. It's urgent.
-I'm in the middle of a meeting. -It's alright. We're all done here.
That's your head baseball coach and your anthropology department chair.
And these are the academic transcripts I pulled
for every baseball player enrolled in
and acing Anthropology 404 and 406 over the last two years.
Get to the point, Amara.
Anthropology 406 isn't a real class. It's a paper class.
No real professorial oversight, no actual class time,
it's a sham to keep these baseball players eligible.
You're telling me Leonard Shaw cheated to win baseball games?
He's cheating these boys out of a real education.
Are these paper classes open to all students?
I mean, yes, but that doesn't change anything.
For the NCAA it will. Means it's not solely an athletic privilege.
So because they won't care, what?
You're going to sweep the cheating under the rug?
Look, I get that this story is a big break....
You think this is about a damn story? Screw the story.
This is about doing right by an institution I love.
A school that shaped who I was as a student,
and who I am today. A place of excellence.
You need to get ahead of this, Zeke.
Show everybody that selfish bastard does not define Bringston.
That we are still above reproach
because when this kind of flagrant crap happens,
we clean out our own damn closets.
Remember when she asks you about rumors that playing at college
is back on the table for you, keep it vague, but humble.
I know, mom. I'm prepared.
And if she brings up...
Wait. What the hell?
In the statement just released by President Allen,
an internal investigation has been launched,
looking into alleged academic fraud by some prominent members
of the baseball team.
Coach Leonard Shaw is resigning effective immediately. More to come.
Damn. We just lost our leverage.
Leverage? That's what you're focused on right now?
What else should I be focused on?
A team just got decimated. People's livelihoods destroyed.
What is with you and this school?
Why are you so obsessed with a team you've spent all of two seconds with?
Forget it. It's nothing.
I'll walk back to campus. All right, mom?
How could you do it?
It was two seasons of a couple ghost classes. Spare me the lecture.
In fact I dare you to find me a college coach that isn't gaming the system.
And if you do, it's only because they haven't been caught.
Me. I don't coach like that.
And that's why you couldn't even last in the minors.
You're not prepared to do what it takes to gain the competitive edge.
What about your responsibility to these boys?
My job is to get them ready for the pros.
And that's what I've been doing.
I won't apologize for that.
I guess that's where you and I fundamentally differ.
You'll learn.
-Now we're talking! -I know, babe.
You've been waiting a party all weekend.
I've been wanting to grind on my wife all weekend.
Hey! Y'all here. Let's go!
Nate, KEK punch for everybody.
Actually, no punch for me. I'm sober.
Good for you, girl.
Dear God, tell me that's not a trash can.
It's the cleanest thing here. Trust.
Cheers, bitches!
Simone Hicks.
Why do you keep saying my name like that?
-'Cause it's dope. -Okay.
So athlete... That's the vibe.
Or are you just a big Naomi Osaka fan?
Both. I'm trying to get back to athlete.
-Find my mojo again. -How's that going?
Let's just say the competition is a little stiff.
So use it. Don't let it shake you. Competition is just motivation.
Is that how you kick ass in baseball?
I heard about the scandal. That doesn't affect you, right?
No. Not at all.
You seen JR? He's been MIA since that baseball nonsense hit.
I thought he was in there.
You gotta dance with me before Keisha comes back.
You can just say no.
Is now a good time to tell him that Keisha ain't really into him?
-Yeah, she is. -Nope.
She just needed someone to help make her ex, Terrell, jealous.
Works every time.
-What'd I miss? -Just... gross.
She's going after what she wants.
-My bad. I'm looking for JR. -Haven't seen him.
I was saying goodbye to the field.
They're brooming out the whole coaching staff.
I'm sorry. I'll give you some privacy.
Sims. When you're out there playing in the pros,
I want you to always remember one thing.
Integrity.
That's the most important thing an athlete, a teammate, a man has.
Without it, nothing else matters.
-Guess Coach Shaw saw it differently. -This team is finally rid of him.
Now, next season those boys get to show the world
what they can really do, under an honest program.
It was you, wasn't it? You tipped someone off.
It cost you your job.
These boys needed a chance to rebuild something pure and great.
I did what I had to do.
Sometimes you gotta take one for the team.
I'll leave you to your goodbyes, coach.
I underestimated you.
But none of that skill matters if you can't perform like that
when eyes are watching and the pressure's on.
-I was hoping for some privacy. -On my courts? You're the visitor.
Fine, girl. You got it.
Tennis is a game of both mental and physical fitness.
You'll never make it if you keep being so easily psyched out.
What is your problem? You don't know me.
-You have no idea. I'm not a quitter. -Whatever.
Watch your back right foot on your forehand volley.
Try stepping forward with your left instead.
It'll give you better forward momentum and power.
-Why are you helping me? -I'm not.
I'm helping the sport I love.
Don't let Serena and Naomi's success fool you.
Every time we step on that court as black women,
we're judged on everything.
You have one job when you play.
Bring excellence or don't play at all.
You were right.
This trip, this place, it was everything I wasn't expecting.
It's amazing to be somewhere that's for us by us,
where excellence is expected.
Even by your frenemies.
It's not too late to apply.
Baby Shay is in LA.
I have a great relationship with his adopted family.
I can't just move clear across the country.
And what were you going to do if you got into Princeton?
Exactly.
You'd have figured it out because it's just the East Coast, not Mars.
C'mon, Auntie. You know my mom will never let me come here.
Don't get me started on your mother.
It's way past time you stand up to her for what you want.
You don't have to make a decision today.
But as you're thinking about it,
just remember that in order to be your best self for Jordan and Shay,
and everyone else you love, you may need to choose yourself first.
And I thought I'd be the only teen at college up at the crack of dawn.
Look, I know we don't really know each other like that.
But I know what it looks like when someone's carrying too much weight.
Were you scared when you forfeited that game in protest
that football and everything could go away?
Of course.
Didn't change the fact that it was the right thing to do.
This weekend didn't go at all like I planned it.
You weren't planning on a championship winning baseball program
getting demolished while you were visiting for the weekend?
I know, right? Go figure.
In a few months I'll be drafted... and my life will never be the same.
I guess I just wanted a weekend to connect to who I was before it changed.
For someone who's about to get his dream, you don't seem too happy.
I'm starting to realize the MLB is more my mom's dream.
She's done so much for me. I don't want to let her down.
She's not gonna be the one out on that field though.
You don't get it.
She saved my life.
Yeah. Adopted me out of the system.
Raised me. Loves me. She's trying to do her best by me.
My birth parents are actually from here in Atlanta.
All I know is that eighteen years ago they went to school here, at Bringston.
Is that why you're here? You trying to find them?
I really don't know.
This school is the only connection I have to them.
I guess I just wanted to feel it.
I don't know why I just told you all that.
Clearly you needed to tell somebody.
Look, man, I know you feel like you owe your moms,
but it sounds like she loves you.
That don't come with a fee.
Whatever you decide to do, it's gotta be the right thing for you.
Thanks for agreeing to see me, sir.
Where is my son?
Thank you all for coming.
It is never easy to discover something has gone wrong in your house,
under your leadership.
But my hope is that we will not be judged by the poor choices of a few,
but by how we responded to rectify it.
My hope is that integrity will be our legacy.
I'd like to give Damon Sims the opportunity to say a few words.
Thank you, Dr. Allen.
There's been a lot of discussion about what my future will hold
in the next few months.
Dr. Allen talked about legacy,
and I want my legacy in this sport to be that I made a difference.
And that's why I won't be participating in the 2021 MLB draft.
Instead I'm committing to playing baseball here, at Bringston,
with Coach Marcus Turner as our head coach.
We will rebuild baseball together out on that field.
We'll bring championship baseball back to BU,
back to us, the right way, the honorable way... with integrity.
Thank you for your time.
When I invited you down, I didn't know it would end with you committing here.
I know, right?
-Feels like home. -Home. Yeah.
I guess Bringston Baseball found his star.
No stars, man. Just ballplayers.
All of us. We'll do this together. All right?
Rebuild Hank's legacy here. Make him proud.
I gotta get going. My frat brothers are waiting for me.
For sure.
Guess I'll see you in the fall, brother.
Congratulations!
Guess that baseball thing did affect you.
Yeah, something like that.
Well, you seem at peace. Good for you.
I should get going. My husband's waiting for me outside.
Husband?
Okay.
What about you?
You find your mojo?
Yeah, something like that.
Good.
Take care of yourself, Simone Hicks.
-What? -Nothing.
You seem happy.