Brief

When a professor uncovers a big money scheme in the athletic department of a big university, the scandal is eclipsed by the star football player being accused of sexual assault by a transfer student.

What We Liked

- This is very topical premise. It fosters important conversation and commentary on the state of athletics in university life, the inequality of wealth in America, privilege and the Me Too Movement.
- Creating a feature length adaptation about corruption and privilege in university sports and wealthy communities would be an appropriate use of this story.
- The story could be adapted into part of a documentary or docu-drama style television show about the corruption in university athletics and privilege enjoyed by the players.
- Key points: Based in fact; Raises awareness of corruption; Questions ethics; Strong conflict; Social relevance.

Synopsis

Tibor Lugosi, the son of Hungarian immigrants, is highly educated and employed at the University of Central Florida as an advisor and administrator. He and his wife Vienna, who is independently wealthy as well as being a world class ping pong player, move into the affluent Disney created town of Celebration, Florida.

Lugosi finds that athletes at the university are being funneled through a specific major of public administration. He leads the charge to expose the scam and have the major abolished at the school. As the investigation unfolds, another more serious scandal pushes it out of the way.

The star football player and honor student, Richard Saint-Germain, is accused of sexual assault. He is the adopted son of a wealthy Celebration family. He has been highly educated from the beginning and his accuser is a poor Haitian junior college transfer named Ann Delage. Richard is a sympathetic figure in town and he receives much community support.

Able to hire the best and most famous legal team available, Richard has a clear advantage over Ann. He makes a good impression during the trial in his suit and tie while Ann is covered in tattoos and disparaged for her appearance. Though Richard has the upper hand, Reverend Al Sharpton speaks on Ann’s behalf.

Meanwhile, Lugosi appeals to his boss, the chair of the political science department, about the athletic scam. His concerns are brushed off and he is quickly removed from his post. Lugosi files a first amendment lawsuit against the university with the United States District Court. He ultimately settles the lawsuit, quits university life and opens a Hungarian restaurant.

Richard is soon acquitted in the sexual assault case. Lugosi suggests that Disney paid to get Richard acquitted so as not to bring shame upon the community of Celebration. Despite getting good press, Richard takes his own life, confessing to the assault in his suicide note.

About The Author

Edward Saint-Ivan has an undergraduate degree in Criminology, and a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University.