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The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond
As a young boy, Matt Sayman dreamed of playing pro basketball. His family believed in his vision, even agreeing to move to Texas when one of Matt’s favorite coaches left Pennsylvania for the Lone Star State.
Matt eventually received a full athletic scholarship from Baylor University. He was only six-feet-four but what he lacked in height, he made up for in skill and positive attitude.
Then the summer before his senior year, the bottom fell out of Matt’s world. A player went missing…and was found dead. A teammate was the murder suspect. A coach was accused of paying players under the table. Some players had received drug-free urine samples to pass off as their own. And through it all, Matt was supposed to be the glue who held the Baylor basketball team together.
In The Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond , Matt shares his personal story of dealing with the fallout after tragedy and trouble nearly sank Baylor’s program. Matt was senior co-captain, but with a short-manned team of leftover players, there was no way to have a winning season, no way some talent scout would take a chance on him.
Matt’s hope and faith were shaken because of the scandals that summer. His post-Baylor years included a DWI, a difficult divorce, and broken relationships. Matt struggled to find peace. On his thirtieth birthday, just a few days after a deep conversation with his pastor, Matt said goodbye to alcohol and surrendered his life to God.
This book tells the story of Matt’s personal redemption—but it is also a story of the redemption of Baylor University’s men’s basketball program. Matt’s team with a young new head coach forged the Baylor team that won the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball championship.
Matt eventually received a full athletic scholarship from Baylor University. He was only six-feet-four but what he lacked in height, he made up for in skill and positive attitude.
Then the summer before his senior year, the bottom fell out of Matt’s world. A player went missing…and was found dead. A teammate was the murder suspect. A coach was accused of paying players under the table. Some players had received drug-free urine samples to pass off as their own. And through it all, Matt was supposed to be the glue who held the Baylor basketball team together.
In The Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond , Matt shares his personal story of dealing with the fallout after tragedy and trouble nearly sank Baylor’s program. Matt was senior co-captain, but with a short-manned team of leftover players, there was no way to have a winning season, no way some talent scout would take a chance on him.
Matt’s hope and faith were shaken because of the scandals that summer. His post-Baylor years included a DWI, a difficult divorce, and broken relationships. Matt struggled to find peace. On his thirtieth birthday, just a few days after a deep conversation with his pastor, Matt said goodbye to alcohol and surrendered his life to God.
This book tells the story of Matt’s personal redemption—but it is also a story of the redemption of Baylor University’s men’s basketball program. Matt’s team with a young new head coach forged the Baylor team that won the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball championship.
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 6, 2022
This book reflects on one man’s life as he travels through the college basketball circuit. It may be helpful if you know something about the sport, but it certainly won’t hinder you from grasping the emotional journey the author took. The first half of the book focuses on the beginning of the author’s career as his love for basketball started at a young age. I enjoyed getting to know him better and how he followed his dream. However this isn’t all a happy carefree story but one where a young man went through a difficult scandal and found his way through the ashes to become stronger and more grounded in his faith.
Looking forward to becoming a big name in the college basketball world has many ups and downs. There will always be someone better than you, but Matt never gave up. His coach encouraged him to be the best he could be and have confidence in himself. In the course of his college years, something in the team started to unravel a little at a time. Friendships started to fracture and jealousy began to enter into the locker room. What was happening to this team that Matt loved being a part of?
Matt was excited to see where the team could go until one day everything changed. Being called in for a team meeting is nothing unusual but this time police officers were there. I could feel the tension in the air as the officers started asking the whereabouts of one of their teammates. Matt’s life was now reeling out of control. Rumors were everywhere in the news. How could he have missed the things being reported about his team? Hopelessness creeps in and Matt does something he has never done before. Wanting to escape everything he turns to alcohol to stop the pain of being lied to by a coach he trusted and respected.
The story takes us through the scandal that rocked the college basketball league. I admire Matt for sticking it out during his senior year although the media seemed to always be close by asking sensitive questions. I think they were waiting for the team to turn on each other but in the midst of chaos God showed up for Matt. The story shares struggles, scandals and endurance. Matt could have given up but he didn’t. Along with a few other players they started over and overcame obstacles that others may not have been able to handle. Through it all, Matt rededicated his life to God and became an example of never giving up.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, The review is my own opinion.
Looking forward to becoming a big name in the college basketball world has many ups and downs. There will always be someone better than you, but Matt never gave up. His coach encouraged him to be the best he could be and have confidence in himself. In the course of his college years, something in the team started to unravel a little at a time. Friendships started to fracture and jealousy began to enter into the locker room. What was happening to this team that Matt loved being a part of?
Matt was excited to see where the team could go until one day everything changed. Being called in for a team meeting is nothing unusual but this time police officers were there. I could feel the tension in the air as the officers started asking the whereabouts of one of their teammates. Matt’s life was now reeling out of control. Rumors were everywhere in the news. How could he have missed the things being reported about his team? Hopelessness creeps in and Matt does something he has never done before. Wanting to escape everything he turns to alcohol to stop the pain of being lied to by a coach he trusted and respected.
The story takes us through the scandal that rocked the college basketball league. I admire Matt for sticking it out during his senior year although the media seemed to always be close by asking sensitive questions. I think they were waiting for the team to turn on each other but in the midst of chaos God showed up for Matt. The story shares struggles, scandals and endurance. Matt could have given up but he didn’t. Along with a few other players they started over and overcame obstacles that others may not have been able to handle. Through it all, Matt rededicated his life to God and became an example of never giving up.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, The review is my own opinion.
March 12, 2022
The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond is written by Matt Sayman with David L. Thomas. It is a Memoir of the life of Basketball for Matt Sayman, primarily focusing on his Senior Year at Baylor College.
Matt Sayman was a young boy when his desire to eventually play Pro Basketball really became strong. Matt's family really supported his dream and desire, so much so that they moved the entire family to Texas to continued to be coached by his favorite coach. His hard work paid off when he was awarded a Full Athletic Scholarship to Baylor University. His College Years came crashing down in the Summer just before his Senior Year when Scandal hit Baylor University. Matt tells how a Murder amongst teammates, NCAA Violations by the Coach, and reported Drug Use nearly destroyed the Basketball Program at Baylor University. Matt and Team were also very much affected by the Scandal.
I have to say I wasn't aware of the Scandal at Baylor, but my Husband was able to explain it to me. I really enjoyed reading this book. Matt Sayman does a GREAT job at telling his story. Matt's honesty about the Scandal and how it made him realize a few things about his life is profound. Matt saw how much his Faith had faltered during his College Years. I really appreciate how Matt tells the story of the Scandal without disrespecting those who were a part of the Scandal. Matt had many struggles in life after College, including turning to Alcohol, a Divorce and relationships gone sour. I think may favorite part of this book was seeing Matt recommitt his life to Christ just before his 30th Birthday. His recommittment to God has really strengthed Matt's life and many blessings were ahead for him! Matt Sayman has written his memoir of Redemption for his personal life but also the Basketball Program at Baylor. I truly enjoyed this book! FANTASTIC BOOK!
Matt Sayman was a young boy when his desire to eventually play Pro Basketball really became strong. Matt's family really supported his dream and desire, so much so that they moved the entire family to Texas to continued to be coached by his favorite coach. His hard work paid off when he was awarded a Full Athletic Scholarship to Baylor University. His College Years came crashing down in the Summer just before his Senior Year when Scandal hit Baylor University. Matt tells how a Murder amongst teammates, NCAA Violations by the Coach, and reported Drug Use nearly destroyed the Basketball Program at Baylor University. Matt and Team were also very much affected by the Scandal.
I have to say I wasn't aware of the Scandal at Baylor, but my Husband was able to explain it to me. I really enjoyed reading this book. Matt Sayman does a GREAT job at telling his story. Matt's honesty about the Scandal and how it made him realize a few things about his life is profound. Matt saw how much his Faith had faltered during his College Years. I really appreciate how Matt tells the story of the Scandal without disrespecting those who were a part of the Scandal. Matt had many struggles in life after College, including turning to Alcohol, a Divorce and relationships gone sour. I think may favorite part of this book was seeing Matt recommitt his life to Christ just before his 30th Birthday. His recommittment to God has really strengthed Matt's life and many blessings were ahead for him! Matt Sayman has written his memoir of Redemption for his personal life but also the Basketball Program at Baylor. I truly enjoyed this book! FANTASTIC BOOK!
March 5, 2022
Okay, I have to be honest here. I’m not a sports fan. There. I said it. I really know absolutely nothing about sports of any shape or size. It’s just not my thing. It’s also not the thing of anyone in my house so it’s hard for me to respond or be in tune to things about sports.
That said. This book is a lot more than sports but I do think a rudimentary knowledge of sports is going to help you some when you read this book. It will help you know just who Matt is and what his life was like.
This book is so much more than just the story of one team who had unspeakable things happen to them. It’s about one man and how he dealt with that. How he let life rule and lead him in his directions and desires until one day he gave God a chance.
I really did enjoy this book and reading about how life can seem so dire and horrible until one day it doesn’t because of how we view it. When we view it through a God lens things change.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
That said. This book is a lot more than sports but I do think a rudimentary knowledge of sports is going to help you some when you read this book. It will help you know just who Matt is and what his life was like.
This book is so much more than just the story of one team who had unspeakable things happen to them. It’s about one man and how he dealt with that. How he let life rule and lead him in his directions and desires until one day he gave God a chance.
I really did enjoy this book and reading about how life can seem so dire and horrible until one day it doesn’t because of how we view it. When we view it through a God lens things change.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
March 1, 2022
This is a good memoir of dreams shattered, life derailed, yet persevering to an uncertain future. Sayman does a good job of informing readers what happened at the beginning of his senior year at Baylor, how the murder and scandal affected the basketball program at the university and how it derailed his own life. The most heart breaking part of his story is how his spiritual life took a dive. I was surprised at all the partying he did his senior year, especially the alcohol. I was glad to see that his relationship with the Lord was restored and his life turned around.
March madness is upon us and this is a good memoir for lovers of basketball. Sayman takes us through many of his senior year games, relating play by play team action. It is also a good message about athletes remaining faithful to their school, even at the cost of losing future success in the sport.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March madness is upon us and this is a good memoir for lovers of basketball. Sayman takes us through many of his senior year games, relating play by play team action. It is also a good message about athletes remaining faithful to their school, even at the cost of losing future success in the sport.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 4, 2022
Having your basketball program pulled out from under you can shake even the strongest person. The Leftovers is Matt Sayman’s story. After a bit of background, readers are taken through his years at Baylor both before and after the controversy surrounding the basketball program in 2003. Matt started with what appeared to be a strong Christian faith but poor examples and circumstances shook that foundation. Matt was involved in his church as well as Fellowship of Christian Athletes but it wasn’t enough. The murder of his teammate and the NCAA violations by his coaches rattled his belief system. Readers will follow Matt’s downward spiral but be encouraged by the story of redemption at the close of the book.
Librarians and parents need to be aware that using alcohol to forget what was going on became part of Matt’s life for a period of time. If placed in a k-12 Christian school library, it should be limited to high school students due to the alcohol use that plays a part in the story.
I received a complimentary copy of The Leftovers. This is my honest review.
Librarians and parents need to be aware that using alcohol to forget what was going on became part of Matt’s life for a period of time. If placed in a k-12 Christian school library, it should be limited to high school students due to the alcohol use that plays a part in the story.
I received a complimentary copy of The Leftovers. This is my honest review.
March 10, 2022
The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond is written by Matt Sayman with David L. Thomas. I love books that capture someone’s journey. I like to know peoples stories. My 8 year old son started playing basketball this year so this was interesting to read.
The author had some big dreams. He wanted to make it in the big leagues. Matt received a full athletic scholarship from Baylor University. He brought a positive attitude to the team. Everything is going well until the summer before his senior year.
I had not heard of the Baylor fallout. I went and did some research to understand the whole story. Matt had his world turned upside down and he lost all faith. He turned to drinking and partying. This is the story of personal triumph. It’s tragedy turned to HIS story.
I loved reading about Matt’s personal experience and his testimony. He writes from the heart and how God heals all. The story is well written and heart warming.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
The author had some big dreams. He wanted to make it in the big leagues. Matt received a full athletic scholarship from Baylor University. He brought a positive attitude to the team. Everything is going well until the summer before his senior year.
I had not heard of the Baylor fallout. I went and did some research to understand the whole story. Matt had his world turned upside down and he lost all faith. He turned to drinking and partying. This is the story of personal triumph. It’s tragedy turned to HIS story.
I loved reading about Matt’s personal experience and his testimony. He writes from the heart and how God heals all. The story is well written and heart warming.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
March 18, 2022
I live in Texas and know quite a lot of people who go to or have gone to Baylor, but I've never heard anything about what this book talks about. It was engrossing because of knowing what I do about the school and such, but it was also the way the book was written. The author does a wonderful job conveying exactly what was going on.
I expected it to be a completely sports centered book, but it wasn't. There was obviously quite a lot about sports, but even if you aren't a sports fan, you can enjoy the book. The redemption shown in the book and God is ultimately in control and knows what is going to happen. I really loved the testimony here and will be sharing this book with my son and others that I think would enjoy and benefit from reading it.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I expected it to be a completely sports centered book, but it wasn't. There was obviously quite a lot about sports, but even if you aren't a sports fan, you can enjoy the book. The redemption shown in the book and God is ultimately in control and knows what is going to happen. I really loved the testimony here and will be sharing this book with my son and others that I think would enjoy and benefit from reading it.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
February 6, 2022
The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond is a wonderful book to read. It tells about the tragedies and experiences that Matt Sayman went through. It was interesting to see his journey to being part of the Baylor Basketball program and the events that followed. It has a faith filled message of learning how to overcome what seems to be the impossible and how turning to God brings peace and love. It was a motivating book to read.
I am giving The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading book that offer inspiring true stories of hope and redemption. It would be a perfect gift for those who are struggling.
I received a paperback copy of The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading book that offer inspiring true stories of hope and redemption. It would be a perfect gift for those who are struggling.
I received a paperback copy of The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
March 14, 2022
Let me start off by saying I am not a sports fanaatic. However, “The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond” by Matt Sayman with David L. Thomas drew me in andkept me reading. I found myself wanting to know mre about the Baylor scandal that rockedMatt’s world. I found myself continuing to read because I wanted to know how Matt’s journey ended.
Truly, Matt suffered personally from the scandal. But God took that suffering andtransformed it into something beautiful to bring glory to Him. College basketball creates a powerful ba ckdrop for this story showing how God uses anything to bring His plan to fruition.
So if youenjoy reading stories of faith, courage, perserverance, and more, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Truly, Matt suffered personally from the scandal. But God took that suffering andtransformed it into something beautiful to bring glory to Him. College basketball creates a powerful ba ckdrop for this story showing how God uses anything to bring His plan to fruition.
So if youenjoy reading stories of faith, courage, perserverance, and more, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
August 9, 2022
Excellent. Very easy read but also very interesting.
January 12, 2026
Not what I was expecting, but it's a good read. Scott Drew was the absolute perfect hire for that program.
April 1, 2022
"I recalled the day eighteen years earlier when a young Coach Drew addressed his new team - the leftovers who had stayed- for the first time. He had bounced into the room with a spring in his step, actually excited to be at Baylor despite the media wondering who in the world would want to come coach us. Some of us players were asking the same question. 'You're the start of something special,' he told us. 'Future teams will have success because of what you are going to do.' "
Matt Sayman lived and breathed basketball from the time he was in 4th grade. His senior season at Baylor was setting up to be spectacular. But then tragedy and controversy struck the team. Sanctions eliminated post season play. Hope plummeted. And Matt had no place else where he could play ball. Would he have the courage to stick it out?
This is the story of that 2004 Baylor team. But more than that, this is Matt's story. He is fairly honest with the struggles that he had as a result of that time period in his life. For one thing, he discovered that his faith was not as solid as he thought. He manages to write about the different experiences without completely maligning the character of those who made questionable choices.
Do you need to be a basketball fan to enjoy this book? Maybe. I do think having a basic understanding of the game is helpful since he does some play-by-play explanation in this book. But if you are a fan of Baylor, you would still appreciate this book. Also, if you are a sports fan and appreciate a good comeback story, this one fits that category as well. Not everything turns out perfectly, but readers will be inspired to continue to try even if backed up against a wall. For basketball fans, this is an excellent biography to enjoy. I am definitely glad that I read it.
I did receive a copy of this book as a part of a book tour. I wanted to read and review the book. All opinions are my own.
Matt Sayman lived and breathed basketball from the time he was in 4th grade. His senior season at Baylor was setting up to be spectacular. But then tragedy and controversy struck the team. Sanctions eliminated post season play. Hope plummeted. And Matt had no place else where he could play ball. Would he have the courage to stick it out?
This is the story of that 2004 Baylor team. But more than that, this is Matt's story. He is fairly honest with the struggles that he had as a result of that time period in his life. For one thing, he discovered that his faith was not as solid as he thought. He manages to write about the different experiences without completely maligning the character of those who made questionable choices.
Do you need to be a basketball fan to enjoy this book? Maybe. I do think having a basic understanding of the game is helpful since he does some play-by-play explanation in this book. But if you are a fan of Baylor, you would still appreciate this book. Also, if you are a sports fan and appreciate a good comeback story, this one fits that category as well. Not everything turns out perfectly, but readers will be inspired to continue to try even if backed up against a wall. For basketball fans, this is an excellent biography to enjoy. I am definitely glad that I read it.
I did receive a copy of this book as a part of a book tour. I wanted to read and review the book. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews