HBO has transformed the Univ. of Miami "into Dolphins-land the past two days, placing Dolphins logos outside the athletic offices, on the practice field and inside the football locker-room as it films 'Ballers,' a 10-episode fictional series debuting in June," according to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson "stars as a former player who becomes a financial advisor to pro athletes and helps them sort through life issues." Several athletes appear, "including three current Dolphins:" DT Jared Odrick, S Will Davis and LB Dannell Ellerbe. Former NFLer Jeremy Shockey, Raiders DE LaMarr Woodley, Giants WR Victor Cruz and Royals 1B Eric Hosmer also "appear," as does former NFLer Rashard Mendenhall, who is "also a consultant on the project." HBO wanted Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill "to appear, but he had a schedule conflict." The series "filmed a fictitious Dolphins practice this week, but HBO said only one NFL player" took part: Jaguars WR Arrelious Benn. The show "is being produced by actor Mark Wahlberg and producer Stephen Levinson, who previously worked together on hit shows 'Entourage' and 'Boardwalk Empire.'" HBO said that "some taping was done at UM, not at Dolphins headquarters, for logistical reasons" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 1/9).
