| "Gridiron Soldier" | ||
|---|---|---|
| ← | SVU, Episode 15.16 | → |
| Production number: 15016 First aired (US): 5 March 2014 First aired (UK): 13 April 2014 First aired (CAN): 5 March 2014 First aired (AUS): 10 April 2014 | ||
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| Teleplay By John P. Roche Story By John P. Roche & Julie Martin Directed By Jean de Segonzac | ||
A college recruit from Georgia becomes a victim of team hazing and violence in New York City.
Plot[]
High school football star Cedric Jones goes missing in New York City, and his uncle seeks help from their hometown friend, Detective Rollins. Though already committed to attending Georgia Tech, Cedric nevertheless accepted a free weekend recruiting trip from Hudson University's football team. When the cops find him in jail for assaulting a gay man, they suspect the truth may have led to a cruel prank that spiraled out of control. Sgt. Benson's investigation into the football team and its popular coach uncovers several victims of abuse, prejudice and hazing when a remorseful cheerleader comes forward after Cedric is sent to the hospital following a failed suicide attempt. Meanwhile, Rollins turns to an old friend to help deal with her escalating troubles. Eventually, thanks to the accusations of football player Eddie Thorpe, Coach Bill Becker and several members of the team are arrested for rape and it's discovered that at least four members of the football team are also victims of it. Eddie, who had dreams of joining the NFL, quits football even though the coach taking a plea bargain means what happened to him will never get out. Eddie reveals he's gay to Amaro and doesn't want to hide anymore which he would have to do in the NFL.
Summary[]
Episode summary
Cast[]
Main Cast[]
- Mariska Hargitay as Sergeant Olivia Benson
- Danny Pino as Detective Nick Amaro
- Kelli Giddish as Detective Amanda Rollins
- Ice-T as Detective Odafin Tutuola
- Raúl Esparza as A.D.A. Rafael Barba (credit only)
Recurring Cast[]
- Michael Mastro as Judge D. Serani
- Tabitha Holbert as A.D.A. Rose Callier
- Jason Cerbone as Attorney Lorenzo Desappio
- Tony Campisi as Attorney Steve Roth
- Thomas Sadoski as Nate Davis
- Eric Kappenberg as Officer Anthony Parker
Guest Cast[]
- Greg Finley as Eddie Thorpe
- Winston Duke as Cedric Jones
- Glenn Fleary as Larry Jones
- Glenn Morshower as Coach Bill Becker
- Luke Guldan as Bucky Dinucci
- Ty King as Jerome Fields
- Leigh-Ann Rose as Tanya
- Nicole Coulon as Zoe
- Jake Choi as Ty Lee
- Junior Mendez as Freddy
- Brennan Taylor as Detective Tom Haley
- Preston Ellis as Jack
- Hasaan Gilmer as Line-Up Man #3 (uncredited)
- Scott Eliasoph as Basketball Arena Timekeeper (uncredited)
References[]
Quotes[]
- Benson: Since when did we become the voices of reason?
- Tutuola: Sooner or later you play all the parts.
- Tutuola: If you ask me, the only difference between a football team and a gang is gangs don't wear helmets and kneepads.
- Rollins: Every time I try and help somebody out, I just end up making it a lot worse.
- Benson: Barba told me just last week to pick my battles and this one is just not a good one.
Background information and Notes[]
- Another episode that centers on college athletics is the season 1 episode "Sophomore Jinx".
- Another episode in the Law & Order franchise that centers on a college football team is the Law & Order: Criminal Intent episode "Offense".
- A closeted gay football player is also a plot point in the episode "Closet".
Episode scene cards[]
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hudson University |
Gym Sportsbar |
Arraignment Court |
Bellevue Hospital |
Office of |
| Previous episode: "Comic Perversion" |
"Gridiron Soldier" Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 15 |
Next episode: "Gambler's Fallacy" |