The Trophy Son

Shortly before he was cut from the college team, Kyle asked his mother and father if they would please drop his federal lawsuit. Mrs. Rutherford said, "Kyle! We can't just drop it! We opened this can of worms!"

It was their lawyer who told the Rutherfords they had to sue for a dollar amount. Mrs. Rutherford says she doesn't want the school system's "stinking money," but only for Hooks to be removed. If the case gets to trial, Mr. Rutherford believes, "we've got them! There's not a jury in the world that won't see their lies." If, on the other hand, Judge Rainey dismisses the case, then Mr. Rutherford will lose his faith in the justice system.

But they have never considered quitting. The lawsuit is their obligation as parents.

"You know, we love our kids," says Mr. Rutherford. "This whole thing, it isn't fun, but Kyle's done, you know. They ruined his whole life.