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Isaiah Washington Trades the Hospital for Hoops

Embattled former Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington, who was booted from his role as a doctor on ABC's hottest hospital drama last summer after making questionable, controversial remarks about a gay co-star, is slowly mounting his return. The actor is no longer playing a doctor on TV and has traded in his stethoscope and scalpel for a basketball and the silver screen, having just signed on to star in the Weinstein Company's sports flick Patriots. Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is also set to star.

The film is based on the true story of high school hoops coach Al Collins of Marrero, Louisiana, who put together a high-caliber squad of players from five different schools in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The feel-good story follows their path to the state championships. Washington, who recently guest-starred on NBC's The Bionic Woman, will play the team's assistant coach.

Notable hip-hoppers Bow Wow and Lil' Wayne also have roles in the film.

Shooting, of the film and of hoops, begins this week in New Orleans.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
04.23.08