Alcoholism

In 2011 the subplot of Shooters alcoholism might be considered politically incorrect - but it does show what end-stage alcoholism is like and what it can do to a person and their children...

The very ragged nerves of an alcoholic (any loud sound was a shock to poor Shooter's mind, especially when he was "dry"), and when he fell off the wagon, how embarrassing his drunken behavior was to his son...

Having had this experience myself (as the son), I know the fear and embarrassment of having a parent who suffers from this addiction, and if it weren't for Shooter's gift of basketball and his deep-down goodness as a person (similar to my Dad), that made it bearable to see him in good times and bad, especially when Coach had to suffer with Shooter when he was drunk or hospitalized...

It also took a great deal of love for his Son to return to his Father and support him when he was very ill, and I'm sure many remember this film for this subplot as they remembered this film for it's Indiana basketball...

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