He pushes people away before they have a chance to leave him. And for 20 years he's been alone because of that. And if you try to push him into this, it's going to be the same thing all over again. And I'm not going to let that happen to him!
LAMBEAU:
Now don't do that. Don't you do that!
Don't infect him with the idea that it's okay to quit. That it's okay to be a failure, because it's not okay!
If you're angry at me for being successful, for being what you could have been--
SEAN:
--I'm not angry at you--
LAMBEAU:
Yes you are, Sean. You resent me.
And I'm not going to apologize for any success that I've had.
SEAN:
--I don't have any anger at you--
LAMBEAU:
Yes you do. You're angry at me for doing what you could have done. Ask yourself if you want Will to feel that way for the rest of his life, to feel like a failure.
SEAN:
That's it. That's why I don't come to the goddamn reunions! Because I can't stand the look in your eye when you see me! You think I'm a failure! I know who I am. I'm proud of who I am. And all of you, you think I'm some kind of pity case!
You with your sycophant students following you around. And your Goddamn Medal!
LAMBEAU:
Is that what this is about, Sean?
The Field's Medal? Do you want me to go home and get it for you? Then will you let the boy--
SEAN:
I don't want your trophy and I don't give a sh*t about it! 'Cause I knew you when!! You and Jack and Tom Sanders. I knew you when you were homesick and pimply-faced and didn't know what side of the bed to piss on!
LAMBEAU:
That's right! You were smarter than us then and you're smarter than us now! So don't blame me for how your life turned out. It's not my fault.
SEAN:
I don't blame you! It's not about that! It's about the boy! 'Cause he's a good kid! And I won't see this happen to him- won't see you make him feel like a failure too!
LAMBEAU:
He won't be a failure!
SEAN:
If you push him into something, if you ride him--
LAMBEAU:
You're wrong, Sean. I'm where I am today because I was pushed. And because I learned to push myself!
SEAN:
He's not you!
A beat. Lambeau turns, something catches his eye. Sean turns to look, IT'S WILL. He is standing in the doorway.
WILL:
I can come back.
LAMBEAU:
No, that's fine, Will. I was just leaving.
There is an awkward moment as Lambeau gets his coat and leaves.
