The book told the story of the 1988 Permian High School football season, and many local residents took offense, claiming it painted an unfair picture of the town. Bissinger canceled a book-signing trip to Odessa because of threats. The segment aired Nov. 25, and most Odessans were satisfied that it balanced the book's claims and the city and school district's rebuttals. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict him. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to review the case.
Information is drawn from news accounts, archives and other historical records.
20th Century Countdown. The Odessa American's daily countdown of the last 100 years, from 1900 through 1999, with a short summary of some news and newsmakers affecting residents of Odessa. Copyright 1999 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster .