Last night’s episode of HBO’s “Ballers” continued with the efforts by Spencer Strasmore, played by DWAYNE JOHNSON, to bring an NFL team to Las Vegas. The previous episode featured an NFL exec, on the topic of Vegas, asking Strasmore if he wanted to be seen as an "enemy of the league." Strasmore in last night's episode says to his financial advisory firm partner, played by ROB CORDDRY, "It’s a threat, Joe. I mean, it’s really f**king subtle, but it’s still a threat." Strasmore said the league could go after the firm's "credibility" or certification as advisors to players. Strasmore: "It's an old boys' club, Joe. I ain't old enough, I ain't white enough and I sure as f**k ain't clean enough, and neither are you." Strasmore noted Pro Football HOFer TIM BROWN, who appeared in last week's episode, "said that he was gonna back channel for us, but we both know that words without actions, that doesn't amount to shit.”
COWBOY UP: Actor CHRISTOPHER MCDONALD reprised his performance as the unnamed Cowboys owner this week, and expanded the character's role in as part of the Vegas NFL pursuit. His involvement begins with threatening to cut one of Strasmore's clients who play on the Cowboys, as the character converts what was a cannabis endorsement into part ownership of the marijuana grow house. When Strasmore looks to talk face-to-face with the Cowboys owner, the talk turns to Strasmore's Vegas efforts. After the Cowboys owner hints he knows what has been going on, Strasmore reveals his efforts and says, “I could use your support, definitely your wisdom, to get this whole this done.” Strasmore's partner, Joe, adds, “Approval comes through Texas, everybody knows that.” The episode ends with Strasmore telling his Vegas NFL financial backs, played by STEVE GUTTENBERG, that he has a meeting with the Cowboys owner.
LINES OF THE NIGHT:
- The Cowboys owner says to Strasmore and his partner, “Do you gentlemen have any idea how difficult it is to operate the greatest brand in sport?" Joe replies, “You own the New England patriots too?"
- The father of a fictional Patriots wide receiver says as to why he follows QB TOM BRADY on social media, "So I don’t look like a creep following his wife. Of course, he only posts pictures of him practicing and wearing them ugly ass Uggs” (“Ballers,” HBO, 8/13).
