The NFL-to-Vegas storyline continued on HBO's "Ballers" last night. DWAYNE JOHNSON's character flew to L.A. to pick the brain of analyst MARK SCHLERETH -- who has been on the show previously -- on what he was hearing about response to the idea at ESPN (Schlereth is now with Fox). The conversation between the two took place at L.A. Live with a digital billboard in the background promoting ESPN L.A. studios. There also was a flyover of L.A. Live that showed prominent rooftop branding for Staples Center. Johnson's Character, Spencer Strasmore, says to Schlereth about NFL market movement, “I’m really surprised that (Chargers Owner DEAN) SPANOS wants to even split the fan base (in L.A.)." Schlereth in the scene said he was told by ESPN brass not to say anything about NFL/Vegas, "on or of the air." Strasmore also visits Pro Football HOFer TIM BROWN in Oakland, with an aerial of Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum and Oracle Arena shown. Brown at the Raiders' training center said "the boss doesn't appreciate you stirring things up." Strasmore also meets with a league exec on the Vegas issue, where she expresses the NFL's reluctance to the market, as the "sex, drugs and gambling factor is a bit to overcome." She also asks Strasmore if he is an "enemy of the league" with this Vegas play. Strasmore then calls Brown at Raiders HQ and says, "I will deliver you an extra $300 million in private financing plus whatever (Raiders Owner) MARK DAVIS needs to bring the team to Vegas."
PAIN MANAGEMENT: The storyline involving a cannibis sponsorship for a player also continued. The player's marketing agent and business manager visit the marijuana dispensary and grow house where a grower said the company plans to use the NFLer to show how the product "works for pain and injuries" versus pills such as vicodin.
