National Champions
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
Actors: Stephan James, J.K. Simmons, Alexander Ludwig
PlotIn the days leading up to a major collegiate football championship, tensions escalate when the star quarterback, LeMarcus James, stages a boycott to protest the lack of compensation and rights for student-athletes. LeMarcus believes that college players should receive a share of the immense profits their games generate for universities and television networks. With only seventy-two hours until kickoff, he uses his platform to draw attention to the exploitation of student-athletes, risking both his future and the title game. His bold move sends shockwaves through the sports world, drawing support from fellow players and sparking national debate. As the pressure mounts, LeMarcus’ decision tests his relationships with teammates, coaches, and the institution itself.
Meanwhile, the ramifications of his actions ripple beyond the team, igniting discussions among NCAA officials, university heads, and media personnel who are scrambling to contain the crisis. The team's head coach finds himself caught in a maelstrom, navigating the conflict between supporting his players and adhering to the demands of university sponsors and boosters. As alliances shift and tensions rise within the industry, stakeholders face moral dilemmas that challenge their long-held beliefs about amateurism in college sports. With the championship game hanging in the balance, each character must confront what they stand for in a transformative moment with the potential to change college sports forever.
Writers: Adam Mervis
Release Date: 10 Dec 2021
Runtime: 116 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Despite solid performances, 'National Champions' struggles with plot focus and lacks replay value, while the Blu-ray offers average A/V quality and brief extras.
Read our review of National Champions Blu-ray to find out more