ESPN

Moderator

  (3:30 PM)

Hello everyone! We'll be getting started with Omar Gooding momentarily. Don't forget .. you can catch the next episode of PLAYMAKERS at 9 p.m. ET tonight on ESPN!

Omar Gooding

  (3:36 PM)

I am here and ready to go!!

Cy(Boston)

What made you want to take the part of Demetrius Harris?

Omar Gooding

  (3:37 PM)

Couple reasons. Since I have been acting for a long time, age 10, I never had time to play much sports. To have a chance to play a young, cocky rookie in the NFL, it was a no-brainer. I've always done a lot of comedy so it was nice to do some drama. ESPN has always been my favorite channel, so the fact they were doing a one-hour drama, I wanted to do it.

DJ SAN DIEGO, CA

After getting a taste of the pro football lifestlye, which lifestyle is more appealing to you, actor or athlete?

Omar Gooding

  (3:38 PM)

I would say actor. If I get in any way tired of it, I can move over to a different role. You can go from drama to comedy to just about anything. With football you have the chance for injury. I've had some injuries just playing an athlete! Once you get past that, it's great.

Kenney Detroit, Michigan

What was the most physically demanding about this role? (Football related)

Omar Gooding

  (3:40 PM)

Basically the fact that these directors direct without really knowing your physical capabilities. Shooting a scene over and over where you are racing a guy in a sprint, that is tough. Running constantly, take after take. You just have to go out and do it again. Keeping focused on the little things that make you look authentic is tough. Pitching the ball too early, the way you stand, etc.

Roicayo, Brooklyn, New York

Love your character in playmakers. With so much negativity in your characters make-up, will we ever see a soft side?

Omar Gooding

  (3:40 PM)

Good question. That's something for the writers and I have brought it up. Everyone loves a bad guy though!

Brian (Yorktown, NY)

What's your 40-Time?

Omar Gooding

  (3:41 PM)

(Laughing) Some guys tell me I look pretty good but I have no idea. I don't think it's too bad. After about the fifth take, I felt like I couldn't run at all. The first time though it wasn't too bad.

Brian (Manhattan Beach, CA)

Are you still tight with the co-stars from all your old television shows, like that kid that played the smart guy, and Mark Curry?

Omar Gooding

  (3:42 PM)

Sure.. Mark Curry definiately. He is one of my mentors. Jason Weaver was my boy. I played his best friend. He lives in Atlanta now and we try to stay in touch. The kid who played the smart guy was pretty young so I didn't hang with him as much.

Chris(alexandria)

So was that really coke u were smokin....or sugar? How could u really smoke it what was it!!!

Omar Gooding

  (3:43 PM)

It was sugar. It burns just like the real thing, so I'm told. It's pretty harsh on the throat.

Chris Malcolm (Chicago, IL)

RE: The extras on the show.How many of them are really ex-players and where did any of them play ball. Can you give us a few examples?

Omar Gooding

  (3:44 PM)

Yes. All of them have played college or pro ball. Some of the actors may not have but all the coaches have coached before.

Peter (Marlboro, NJ)

How close are you and your brother?Do you guys get a long good?

Omar Gooding

  (3:44 PM)

Very close. Because of our schedules we don't see each other too much. But we both live in L.A. and can trade war stories and play with the kids.

Sid (Pompton Lakes, NJ)

What kind of research did you have to do before acting in this role?

Omar Gooding

  (3:45 PM)

As far as research, not much. I was playing a linebacker in another project when I read for this. So I was already in game mode. Mostly weight training and running.

Carter (Woodbury NJ)

You and Donnie Jeffcoat walk into a bar; who gets noticed first?

Omar Gooding

  (3:46 PM)

(Laughing) Me! At the time we were working, it would have been pretty even!

Omar, Los Angeles

So, would you say you prefer comedy or dramatic work after this series? And why?

Omar Gooding

  (3:47 PM)

Depending on how much drama I have to go through on this show, comedy might be a nice break. But who knows.

Eric, Houston, TX

Who did you model yourself after for this part?

Omar Gooding

  (3:48 PM)

Not really. It was more like a collection of a few different charachters. I have the cockiness of a Keyshawn with the flair of Terrell Owens and maybe the attitude of The Bus. But not one in particular.

Dan (Euclid, OH)

Do you have a favorite episode that you've filmed up to this point and, if not yet aired, would you mind giving us a few nuggets of info concerning the episode's story?

Omar Gooding

  (3:49 PM)

Well, no! It would give away a little too much. I can tell you this .. every episode gets better. Seriously.

Rick

Will we ever see Omar producing or directing pretty soon?

Omar Gooding

  (3:50 PM)

Most definately. We'll see how busy I stay in front of the camera. I'd love to get behind the camera.

Alex, MI

How was it working when u were 11 years old?

Omar Gooding

  (3:51 PM)

It was fun to me. At the age of 10, I was like, "What? I don't have to go to school today? Yeah!" At first I was basically and extra but I got to work with people like Bill Cosby. It was amazing.

Chris (Las Vegas)

Your brother plays the role of an athlete really well also. Can you see the two of you working together on a project involving sports or anything else?

Omar Gooding

  (3:52 PM)

Wow. That would be awesome. We are both very competitive. We would have to pick a sport first and make it happen. But that would be great.

MARK (EDISON, NJ)

what new things have you learned about professional athletes in doing this series?

Omar Gooding

  (3:53 PM)

It is a very challenging live these guys lead. They make it look very easy. I just to watch the game and think why they didn't do this or that. I would yell at the TV but people have no idea how hard it is. The level of focus these guys have is amazing.

Dave(Boston)

4th Quarter, 2:00 left, down by 5, who would you rather have, your character or your brother's from Jerry Maguire?

Omar Gooding

  (3:56 PM)

(Laughing) Great question! My brother. He would be in the endzone! If we were on the five yard line, it's all me! Just hand me the ball and let me do my thang!!Thanks for all the questions .. this was fun. Keep watching the show! Tuesday nights on ESPN. It's just going to keep getting better with all the new characters coming out .. especially pay attention to that "coming out" part.Take care everyone!