EXT - The Tunnel, Croatia

INT - The Tunnel

CHARLES BARKLEY
BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK

I AM NOT A ROLE MODEL.

BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK

EXT - The Tunnel, Croatia

march, march, march, march, march

COACH
Drazen Petrovich!

PETROVICH
Yes, coach!

COACH
You...

PETROVICH
Coach, is it true? Was I really killed in action? I...I can't believe I'm really dead. I went home. I ate the special cakes my mother made for me. I remember it well.

COACH
You told me that before. Chris Mullin banked a three pointer off the glass right in front of you. You fainted. Then you woke up. I was tending you and you told me that story. It was a dream. You dreamt it while you were unconscious. It was so strong I still remember it. But after five minutes or so you died. You really died.  Michael Jordan stole the ball eight times. 

PETROVICH
I see. But my parents... don't believe I'm dead.

PETROVICH (cont.)
That's my home. My mother and father... are there... still waiting for me.

COACH
But it's a fact. You died. I'm so sorry, but you died. You're really dead. You died... in my arms.

PETROVICH
(silent)

COACH
Drazen!

PETROVICH
(turns, salutes)

COACH
(salutes)

(the sound of marching)

march, march, march, march, march

TONI KUKOC
Halt!  Salute the Coach!

Present...arms!

3-Man Weave...drill!

At ease!  1992 Croatian National Olympic Basketball Team returning to base, sir.  No casualties!

COACH
(softly)
Listen. I understand how you must feel. Nevertheless... the Croatian National Olympic Basketball Team was annihilated. You were all killed in action. I'm sorry.

I wasn't killed. I survived. I can hardly look you in the face. I sent you out to die.

I was to blame. I could place all the responsibility... on the lack of moving the rock.  Or how we had no offensive rebounding.  But I can't blame that. I can't deny my thoughtlessness. My misconduct.

COACH (cont.)

However... I was standing on the sidelines. I suffered so much in Barcelona that I felt dying was easier. And... now... as I look at you... I feel that same pain. I know that your suffering and torture were much greater. But... honestly... I... I would have wanted to die with you. I really would have. Believe me. I feel your bitterness.

(beginning to cry)
They call you "Olympic heroes" but you were beaten... like dogs. However... returning to the world like this proves nothing. Please! Go back! Go back and rest in peace.

COACH
(lowering his voice)
1992 Croatian National Olympic Basketball Team!

About face! About face!

Forward... march!

(salutes)

march, march, march, march, march

COACH
(silent)

CHARLES BARKLEY
BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK

CHARLES BARKLEY (cont.)
SHUT UP AND JAM