"Respect," says Herman Boone. ""I always demanded it of myself. I was taught to respect another man's beliefs, his culture, his space. Whatever I might think of him, I must treat him with respect." This mantra became Herman's golden rule and he expected no less of his players. "That was the genius of Herman," says screenwriter Howard. "For 200 years in America we have tried to do this 'let's love each other' thing to solve our racial problems. Herman told his kids that they didn't have to love one another or even like each other, but they did have to respect each other."
All around the locker room are reminders of what it means to be a team, to succeed. Phrases like "Play like a champion," "Reflection is the better part of a champion," "Leave your fear behind" and "Ability involves responsibility" adorn the walls.
Boone's style was rough and tumble. "I'm a screamer, I'm a hugger, I'm a kick-you-in-the-butt type of guy," the real coach says. "Whatever Vince Lombardi was like- you can triple that. I can't stand 'mediocre,' on the field or in the classroom. You've got to give it all you have."
"Herman would be the first to tell you, he's a dictator," laughs Denzel Washington. "Fundamentally, he and Coach Yoast were teachers looking to bring out the best in their kids. But their styles were a bit different. Coach Boone was a taskmaster."
"Our character of Boone is certainly based on the real man," affirms Yakin. "He was strongly involved in the civil rights movement and has always been incredibly strong willed. He came in like a bull in a china shop. He broke down everyone's defenses and was able to accomplish what someone more political wouldn't have been able to. He presents a character who refuses to act the way other people expect amid that's his power."
Washington easily slipped into his role. "Most of my life I have coached kids," he says. "I grew up in the Boys Club amid was a counselor there for many years. I started coaching from the time my son was five and continue to this day.
"This role was fun," Washington continues. "I liked spending time with Herman and watching how he operates. I knew from the time I hit the field, I had to take charge. I made a point not to get too close to the players, to keep it a coach/student relationship even though some of the guys were a little older than high school age. Even if I didn't know exactly what I was doing, I wanted to appeal as if I was in charge and they seemed to respond to that. I enjoyed getting the troops together and getting them energized."
While Boone would rant and rave, Bill Yoast was and is a subtle man. Early in his life, Yoast had designs on becoming a preacher, but instead decided to focus on kids and teaching.
"Yoast is one of the more charming, southern patrician sports figures you're likely to meet," says Yakin. "He's this gentle, loving human being who creates an atmosphere of warmth. Working with Herman made for a strong good cop, bad cop situation."
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