It is based on the true story of Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter, who made headlines in 1999 for suspending his undefeated high school basketball team due to poor academic results.

The cast features Rob Brown, Channing Tatum (in his film debut), Debbi Morgan, Robert Ri'chard, and the singer Ashanti.

It was commercially distributed by Paramount Pictures for theatrical release and home video rental.

Carter implements strict contracts requiring the players to sit in the front rows of their classes, maintain a 2.3 GPA, and submit to progress reports on grades and attendance.

Principal Garrison questions Carter's strict approach, doubting the players' ability to meet his demands.

He later discovers some players are failing academically and locks the gym, directing the team to study until they meet the contract's terms.

Cruz quits the team again, but begs Carter to return after witnessing his cousin Renny being shot to death.

Carter prepares to leave, but the team, inspired by his message, chooses to continue studying instead of playing.

[citation needed] Filming locations for the motion picture included, Long Beach, California and Los Angeles.

Special features include two commentaries - The Man Behind the Movie; Fast Break at Richmond High; 6 Deleted scenes; "Hope" music video by Twista featuring Faith Evans; Writing Coach Carter: The Two Man Game; Coach Carter: Making the Cut; and the theatrical trailer in HD.

The site's critical consensus reads, "Even though it's based on a true story, Coach Carter is pretty formulaic stuff, but it's effective and energetic, thanks to a strong central performance from Samuel L.

The recording includes five songs which were not featured in the film: "About da Game" by Trey Songz; "Balla" by Mack 10 featuring Da Hood; "Beauty Queen" by CzarNok; "What Love Can Do" by Letoya; and "Wouldn't You Like to Ride", by Kanye West, Malik Yusef, and Common.