In last night's episode, Peete portrays himself as a fictional member of the USC Board of RegentsRODNEY PEETE
Episode 6 in Season 4 of HBO’s “BALLERS” last night kept the focus on college athletics and TV rights. Building off a storyline last week where Spencer Strasmore, played by DWAYNE JOHNSON, wants to get better placement for his linear sports channel, Strasmore talks with the fictional USC football coach and mentions he wants to get rights to the program. Strasmore in the talks makes a veiled mention to the real-life Pac-12 Networks and its well-publicized carriage issues. Strasmore: “I want the Trojans TV rights. That conference deal was a bust. And I want to build you guys your own TV network.” As part of the TV rights plot, former NFLer RODNEY PEETE -- a real USC alum -- portrays himself as a fictional member of the USC Board of Regents. But the discussion sees Strasmore go off on the powers-that-be within college sports. Strasmore: “The FBS, the NCAA, the CFP. Just a bunch of goddamn letters hiding the kids who are putting in the real work, who are sacrificing their bodies, sacrificing their minds. They’re not getting paid a goddamn thing -- just for the right to call themselves a scholar athlete. The whole goddamn system is a scam.” Peete, referencing the NCAA, says: “I feel your pain, brother. But your anger needs to be pointed at Indianapolis.” Peete then tells Strasmore that the going rate for USC football rights is $200M over 10 years.
NOTES:
• One scene has the prized high school QB from this season of the show appearing before what appears to be a packed L.A. Coliseum full of USC fans.
• Rams QB JARED GOFF makes a cameo -- with a few speaking lines -- at a party at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood hosted by the fictional Rams GM.
• As part of the agency SportsX looking to retain talent, Strasmore’s partner Joe Krutel, played by ROB CORDDRY, makes a visit to see three members of the real-life urban skate crew and streetwear brand, Illegal Civilization. The members -- MIKEY ALFRED, ARAMIS HUDSON and RYDER LEE MCLAUGHLIN -- play themselves.
