Ballers (2015) s05e08 Episode Script
Players Only
1 SPENCER STRASMORE: I'm on my way back to L.
A.
right now.
When I land, we're gonna hammer out this deal.
Bitch, I'm waiting for you.
(MUSIC PLAYS) CHARLES GREANE: Doctor told me to find a place that resonates with me.
And I'm offering you an extension.
You were my partner and you bailed.
I was doing it for you.
Like you'd do anything for someone other than yourself.
Can you still play? True players play with pain.
We are warriors.
Surrendering is what white people do.
Joe, I'm sorry.
I really appreciate you saying that.
STRASMORE: We need to take care of our guys.
I am honored to announce that we've signed the largest, fully-guaranteed deal in history.
(MUSIC CONCLUDES) [TV STATIC DRONES.]
[BRIGHT TONE.]
[LIL WAYNE'S "RIGHT ABOVE IT".]
Kane is in the building.
[MID-TEMPO HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Now tell me how you love it You know you're at the top When only heaven's right above it We on 'Cause we on Who else is really trying to fuck with Hollywood Cole I'm with Marley G, bro Flying Hollygrove chicks to my Hollywood shows And I wanna tell you something That you probably should know This that "Slumdog Millionaire" Bollywood flow And, uh, my real friends never hearing from me Fake friends write the wrong answers on the mirror for me That's why I pick and choose I don't get shit confused Don't like my women single I like my chicks in twos And these days, all the girls is down to roll I hit the strip club, and all them bitches find a pole Plus I been sipping, so this shit is moving kinda slow Just tell my girl to tell her friend That it's time to go [INDISTINCT SHOUTING.]
[HEAVY HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Houston, we have a problem.
It took 100 years to build this system, and Strasmore's dismantling it with one contract.
And now he's pushing for health care? The guy's gonna die on his cross.
Ah, don't start with the "Jesus is black" thing.
This is what happens when you bring in people from the outside.
- Damn it, Strasmore.
- Fuckin' hell.
Jockey's only as good as the horse he sits on.
He's your donkey.
What are you gonna do about it? I'm looking at all options.
Oh, there's only one that's gonna make the fellas happy.
Killing Spencer Strasmore? In a metaphorical sense.
This is on us, Candace.
You and me.
I appreciate you remembering that.
But only one person's gonna take a fall.
What are you suggesting? Tell the big guy he's got two options; either he sells his interest in the team immediately, or we destroy his life.
I suggest option number one.
Can you do that? I can do anything I want.
Why they making me mad? I like smoking in bed, uh-huh It's already 50% more than I thought it was gonna cost.
Haven't framed a single structure.
So you want me to run you over with a bulldozer? Actually, I got a better idea.
Why don't we pull a "Thelma & Louise" and drive a bulldozer off a cliff together? [LAUGHS.]
You know, I, um, just got a call from the league and they made me an offer that I can't refuse.
Oh, yeah? What's that? 100 mil over what I paid - just to get lost.
- Oh, my God.
It's a good thing you're not barefoot because, as usual, - you stepped in shit.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Yes, I did.
Again.
But that money could pay for all of this.
I can't take that.
It's blood money.
The players need you.
And you know what? In some ass-backwards way, the league needs you too.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, they got a funny way of showing it.
You're gonna save their asses.
But more importantly, you're gonna do right by the players.
And the players that came before them.
Why hasn't anyone done that before? Greed, selfishness, good old-fashioned complacency.
Everyone wants to be liked, right? But you you, my friend - Love to be hated.
- Yeah.
["PERFECT" BY COUSIN STIZZ.]
Yeah, it's wild.
I've been to a lot of cities and I've worn a lot of colors.
And they try to convince you that it's about the name on the front, but they pay you for the one on the back.
People need to get real.
The players are the league.
Die for me, bitch, I'm perfect Lie for me, bitch, I'm perfect Ride with me, bitch, you perfect Slide with me, bitch, you perfect Die for me, bitch, I'm perfect Lie for me, bitch, I'm perfect In the Brinks truck, I need more bucks Cash [KNOCKING ON WINDOW.]
Mr.
Strasmore? Mr.
Smith and the negotiating team are ready for you.
- [BELL RINGING.]
- We wanna dive in, man.
- Got you.
- Show the people what the business of football really is.
The beauty and the ugliness of it.
- Beauty.
- A docu-drama series, warts and all.
Yeah, fuck scratching the surface.
- We wanna excavate.
- Sounds deep.
- I love it, Rick.
- [LAUGHS.]
See, I dig this Hollywood meeting vibe, man.
Told you, we got the right guy at the right place.
Uh, maybe not.
[SCOFFS.]
- Well, what you mean? - [SUCKS TEETH.]
All right, do me a favor.
Look over there.
Look past the sound stages over there.
Past the building behind that, and the cell tower behind that.
Okay, so so the company that owns the company that owns us has ties to the NFL, right? So w-we're not just, like, some little independent studio.
We're part of a giant conglomerate.
They're not gonna want to get involved with smearing the league.
It's not smearing if it's telling the truth.
How do you know? You didn't even ask.
Well, I've been at this long enough to know I'll just be banging my head against the wall.
Come on, man, the people that started this studio, they were mavericks, pioneers.
You think they took "no" for an answer? Hell no.
They were some crazy-ass wandering Jews, walked the desert for 40 fucking days and 40 fucking nights and landed in San Fernando Valley lookin' to get paid.
And I mean that in a laudatory way.
We want exciting content, don't get me wrong.
That's what we want! I don't know what you think I'm pitching you, "Green Book 2"? I mean, you know what it is, man, you heard the show.
Hey, look, look, if you want to tone it down, maybe we can talk about another version.
- Oh, here we go.
- What? This is the problem with white dudes running shit, man.
Hollywood needs more diversity.
- Ah, that's just racist.
- Oh, is it? How do you like it? Fuck you and fuck corporate America.
- Rick! T! - We don't gotta talk this Hollywood bullshit anyway.
Why do we even need a studio? - All they are is a bank.
- I know it.
We got money! - Or you got money.
- Exactly.
They can't censor us if we run our own shit, T.
Ain't nobody gonna put a muzzle on Ricky fucking Jerret! - I'm coming for y'all! Y'all hear me? - [LAUGHS.]
Hope y'all ain't talking about me.
Oh, shit.
What up, Q? Not unless you own a studio.
Not a bad fuckin' idea, man.
Let's link up.
Talk some real numbers.
You know, ain't enough of us at the top.
Yes, sir.
Hit my line.
- Brrrr! - [LAUGHS.]
Goddamn Quavo.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to day two of the International Summer Invitational.
[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
- I'm ready.
- [LAUGHS.]
On the blue side, it's the Levitating Rhinos, perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.
Their opponents on the red side are the Bill Graters.
The stage is ready.
Let's get into the game.
Gank is at the top lane and Copernicursed grabs first blood.
- Yes! - Come on! Cross-map, Atarch's in the base.
- [INDISTINCT ANNOUNCING.]
- Yes.
Takes Levitating Rhinos to the quarterfinals! Team Liquid, the pride of North America, stands between the Rhinos and the semifinals.
And TL just liquefies them.
Look at that Nexus fall.
What an easy game one for Team Liquid.
We got two more rounds, right? [INDISTINCT ANNOUNCING.]
They workin' on it.
They workin' on it.
There we go.
- And Nexus falls! - We're going to game three! Yeah! Killer3ve picks off Jensen! Rhino's picking a massive fight in the middle lane, and they're gonna do it! They've taken down Team Liquid! And the arena is stunned! The Rhinos with the upset of the tournament! Hey, who's trash now? I ain't come up overnight - All right, let's go! - Let's go! Come on! [INDISTINCT CHEERING.]
Hey, Kovac, out of curiosity, why are we running the 3-5-2 formation and not the 4-4-2? I ask him the same thing all the time.
Look, I'mma tell you like I tell Scott, all right.
Oh, not with this bullshit again.
Look, they are 5 years old.
We've struck gold if we can get all of them to run in the same direction.
But fundamentals are fundamentals.
You know, it's never too early to teach them the right way.
You right about that.
And me, I'm just an ex-player trying to have some good memories with my kid, Charles.
Winning memories are good memories.
You right, and any memories with my Sophie are winning ones, but when are you going back to LA, Charles? Confidentially, I might be here for a while.
Well, then, confidentially, keep your mouth shut and your Super Bowl loss off of the pitch.
- [WHISTLE BLOWS.]
- [SCOFFS.]
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
All right, let's get it.
Let's get it, y'all.
Come on.
Our next matchup features the surprise of the tournament, the Levitating Rhinos, going up against the powerhouse in Splyce, ranked number three coming into the tournament.
A fight's breaking out in the top river, and look the Tarsus! A pentakill for M0better.
- There we go.
- Destruction.
They're gonna steamroll to the 2-0.
I can't believe it.
Levitating Rhinos are into the finals! This is absurd! We've got a hectic battle between Levitating Rhinos and Faceless Five.
And look at the team fight break out.
We've got a triple kill.
[CHEERING.]
[INDISTINCT ANNOUNCING.]
Go.
Hey, go Beard.
Go Beard.
All right, I got it.
I got it.
This is their shot, but the Bear sting's not gonna work.
[INDISTINCT ANNOUNCING.]
The Nexus falls! And Faceless Five win the tournament.
Well, it was a magical run while it lasted, mate.
My pops said if you're not first, then you're last.
What are you talking about? It's our first tournament and we've come second, for Christ's sake.
Plus, we've got 750 grand in prize money.
That's not even enough to cover the entry fee.
Man, fuck these moral victories.
- Hey, man, have you got a sec? - Not for you.
Hey, no, legit, you lit our guys up.
Yeah, it was an epic performance.
Man, if you guys had better players, you'd have better results.
Man, we wanna turn the page, talk about the future; yours and ours.
This is my brother, MK, he's also the owner of Team Splyce.
I wanna talk about an acquisition.
Hey, man, nobody's finna own me.
All right, let's call it an investment, huh? At a significant valuation.
Do I have to listen to Nickelback? I don't give a fuck if you listen to Sarah McLachlan.
Dude, Reg, do whatever you want.
Can you just hear the man out? Don't stress.
It's gonna be your show.
All right? How many zeroes we talkin'? [ENGINE RUMBLING.]
You guys gettin' a little sunshine, huh? You're finally putting a little color on those pasty faces.
The only rays he gets are artificial.
You had to do it again? - You poked the bear! - Yeah.
Yeah, somebody had to.
I-is this him being existential? It's him being moronic.
Did you secretly meet with the NFLPA? Like there aren't eyes everywhere? Spencer? - Don't fuckin' lie to me! - Don't lie to us! It was fucking coming out anyway.
That's great.
That's just fuckin' great.
- You know, you're suspended.
- For what? For what? For colluding with the NFLPA! That's what! 'Cause everybody hates your guts.
You're suspended from ownership indefinitely.
This is your Guantanamo Bay moment.
You're a fucking masochist.
Not at all.
I'm a player and a veteran and I know exactly where the fuck I stand.
And that's all that matters.
The question is, what side of the line are you guys on? I love summit meetings with you, mate.
It makes my fascia tissue tingle.
You sure that's not your nerve endings dying from your previous extracurricular activities? [CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, it could be that - Yeah.
- Let's do this.
- Do what? - You sure? He didn't believe in us from the start.
Yeah, of course I believed in you guys.
I just thought you should spend your time more wisely.
Is this wise enough? It's your money back, and then some.
Because we don't want you coming back, complaining.
You know, none of that.
No, you keep your money.
I believe in you.
At least, I believe in Reginald.
[LAUGHS.]
I can never figure this guy out.
Have you been through some 12-step program or something? You're coming across very enlightened.
I want to apologize to you.
My past behavior had less to do with you and more to do with my own misery.
You're a valuable member of this team.
You got no idea how valuable.
All right.
Tell me.
Someone made us an offer.
Well, it must be nice to be validated.
And vindicated.
Nothing sounds better than being right feels.
Now wish me luck because we accepted the offer.
Wha without consulting me? Well, why, man? The check already settled you out.
It was good doing business with you, Mr.
Krutel.
Wait, so that's it? [SCOFFS.]
I mean, I can offer you a a hug, but I wanted to do it proper.
I'm leaving to go run the esports business.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Whoa.
You're out too? You'll be fine.
You don't need me.
Reginald does.
I'm just like a good luck charm that you hang around your neck till you find your feet.
You're your own man now, mate.
I might actually miss you.
["FLOOR SEATS" BY A$AP FERG.]
Coo, coo Damn, floor seats for the Knicks Couple models blowin' kiss Excuse me? You can't go in there! Someone call security.
You better tell 'em to bring everyone.
[LAUGHING.]
No way! Let me call you back.
Rollie ain't got a tick Hi, Spencer.
You know, I'd love to feign surprise to see you here.
Well, I'm sorry I interrupted your little call.
I'm sure you're having a good old laugh with the boy's club, huh, at my expense? Actually, that was my sister in Virginia, - sharing a cute story - How could you let this happen? I didn't let anything happen.
The owners want you and any memory of you gone.
I think they made you a more than respectable offer.
I'm not going away.
I figured.
[CHUCKLES.]
And so did they.
That's why they just launched a media offensive.
Okay, well, you know what? Who gives a shit? What could they say about me that hasn't already been said? That you're a pill-popping drug addict, a deceitful liar, a dishonorable partner to the other owners.
All because I wanna do right by the players? You're not a player anymore.
Time has moved on.
You have a responsibility to the shield.
Fuck the shield! I have a moral one to the players.
The owners are meeting tomorrow, and they're voting to force a sale.
Your sphere of influence just narrowed.
Considerably.
It's over.
Actually, it's just beginning.
And for the record, I told the players to strike.
[DOOR HANDLE RATTLES, DOOR CLOSES.]
When you've spent your entire life trucking guys, curbing that instinct doesn't come easy.
[SMOOTH JAZZY MUSIC.]
Each game is different.
Every opponent has their weakness.
You've gotta know your enemy, the landscape, and adjust your game accordingly.
- Spencer? - Hi.
Hi.
Maileen, from "The New York Times".
- Maileen, it's good to meet you.
- You too.
Uh, where do you want to do this? I think right here at the bar's fine.
- Okay.
- Drink? Uh, just coffee, black.
You mind if I turn this recorder on? No, that's the whole point.
I want everything on the record.
Joe, stop rubbing your temples.
The world's not ending.
Yeah, maybe yours isn't.
Nike just called.
Who cares? They wanna buy into Municipal.
50% with an option to buy the other 50.
Wow! How did that happen? Happened late last night.
OBJ and I were out with Curt Seaton, he runs acquisitions.
Wow.
Burning the midnight oil is really working for you, huh? - And you.
- Yeah, no shit.
Congrats to both of us.
But this this this thing's all you.
Good job.
Really good job.
Uh, no third-degree? What are you talking about? OBJ, what Curt looks like, where we went.
No, if it's not about the deal, it's none of my business.
Then I guess it won't be a problem if they ask me to stay on and run the thing? Kate, if you're asking if I've contemplated our working future together, the answer's yes, and I made peace with it.
- You're evolving.
- [LAUGHS.]
Moderately.
I don't know.
I'm just finally comfortable in my own skin.
Wow, I'm speechless.
This whole Spencer thing, it's really fucked me up.
And now that that's resolved, I can finally move on.
What do you think we should do? Well, Nike's marketing dollars and distribution infrastructure could really take us to the next level.
I was talking about us.
$10 million? [LAUGHS.]
It's a lot of money.
That's enough to pay for Kiki's college and her sister's and their kids.
Charles, you know this is not about the money.
Yeah, but we can't keep living like this, baby.
You'd have to relocate.
And I'm not gonna pull you from your work.
All right, all that is beside the point.
We'll always have enough money.
We'll always have each other.
But you need to make your health a priority.
Put that rib down and scoop up some of those green beans.
Yeah, I guess none of it really matters if I'm dead, anyways.
Thankfully, I'll have purpose going forward.
I got our children, I got you And I can always just coach here, you know.
If Kovac can do it, anybody can.
[GRUNTS QUESTIONINGLY.]
What? What is it you aren't saying? What you're not saying to yourself.
Can you really walk away from the Rams? Oh, so you're gonna bring up the Rams Super Bowl, huh? The Rams Super Bowl loss? Unfinished business.
[GRUNTS.]
You're right.
You're right.
I'll be miserable.
Then that's not a healthy option, baby.
- So? - So you got me.
I will always be your ride-or-die.
["BUSY EARNIN'" BY JUNGLE.]
Hmm.
Have you ever thought about being quarterback? It crossed my mind.
Oh, shit.
Throwin' the easy part.
[CHEERING.]
Runnin' the hard part.
[PHONE RINGING.]
Yo, Spence, what's happening? Hey, remember that thing we discussed? I need you to drop it tomorrow morning, 11:30 west coast time on IG.
[LAUGHS.]
Well, it ain't gonna help me, but at least it'll help those youngins.
They don't know it yet, but they're gonna need it.
Hey, Spence.
I must tell you, Brené Brown's vulnerability stuff is the real fuckin' deal.
Well, look, if that doesn't work out, you can move to LA.
Damn, Spence, first call from you in a year, and you already asking for shit? Man, I'm headin' to Paris.
Gonna check out Fashion Week.
All right, brother, it's time to change some minds.
We gotta do more than change minds.
I'm about changing lives.
You know how many kids are deprived of real job opportunities? - Way too many.
- But just know, I'm counting on you to count that check.
You can make it out to Year Up.
I got you, but I need you tomorrow, 11:30, drop it on IG.
We're at the point of no return.
[RINGTONE CHIMING.]
- Spencer.
- Don't hang up.
That's not my M.
O.
I like to tell motherfuckers how I feel.
It's a good thing you do, 'cause you were right.
- About what? - [SIGHS.]
Everything.
Kinda funny how a guy who fucks up all the time gives the best advice to the rest of the world.
Yeah, and I'm sorry it took me so long to take it.
You're one flip-flopping son of a bitch, you know that, Spencer? Well, true confidence is being able to change your mind.
- I need a favor.
- Aight.
I'mma need something in return, though.
Training or recreation? When it's your passion, it's one and the same.
How'd it go with Joe? Paid in full.
And the Splyce deal? Got an advance.
The investment's massive.
Congrats, Vernon.
See, Reg? I told you it was all gonna work out.
Most importantly, you never have to play another down for the rest of your life.
Yeah, J called.
What'd he say? Cowboys came up with 90 for me.
Ooh, damn! A day late and a dollar short.
Every dollar counts.
[SCOFFS.]
Wait.
Y - You gonna take it? - Of course I am.
I always was going back.
What, you think I'm an idiot? You been playing me this whole time? I had to light a fire under your ass.
You weren't fulfilling your potential.
You shrewd motherfucker.
When did you become the smartest guy in the room? When I started pretending to be the dumbest.
What about the team? [SIGHS.]
Gaming can wait, Reg.
Gaming can wait.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are now beginning our final descent into Los Angeles.
Please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full and upright position Sir, please put your seat back upright.
securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
Thank you.
[GRUNTS.]
[SIGHS.]
So you come a long way Whoo Whoo-hoo But you'll never have me Never have things for a normal life It's time Too busy earning You can't get enough This busy earning You can't get enough You think that all your time is used Too busy earning You can't get enough Just busy earning You can't get enough No Just busy earning You can't get enough [DOOR CLOSE ECHOES.]
Strasmore, what are you doing here? I've come to save your asses.
[LAUGHTER.]
[LAUGHS.]
[MANY PHONES CHIMING, BUZZING.]
Pain.
Most of you have probably experienced some.
You stub your toe on a coffee table.
Maybe you've hurt your back playing golf.
Maybe you've been in a car wreck.
But have you ever been run over by a car? Had 13 surgeries? 8 months of rehab? Debilitating headaches? For most of our guys, that's just part of their daily life.
In case there was any doubt, you're days away from a strike.
And the season is upon us.
And let me tell you something, you've got way more to lose from a strike than you'll lose providing health care.
So do yourselves a favor.
For once in your life, do the smart fuckin' thing, if not the right thing.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
They're not gonna be ambushed.
And I'm not taking "no" for an answer.
You're outta line.
How about we put it to a vote? For the sake of democracy.
Okay.
Sure.
Fuck it.
Let's vote.
But can you live with the results? Well, I guess I'm gonna have to.
All right.
Everyone, we will now vote on the proposition to implement lifetime health care for all players with three or more credited seasons.
That includes all veterans.
2/3 majority needed to pass.
All those in favor, say "aye".
Aye.
One.
Two.
Four.
Six.
Ten.
Twelve.
Eighteen.
Twenty.
Twenty-one.
All right, it looks like we are one vote short of the majority needed to pass.
Hm.
It's not too late for you.
Too late for me? To what? To clear your conscience.
Save your soul.
[LAUGHS.]
Course it is.
But still, my answer is yes.
Wait, "yes" as in "no", or "yes" as in "yes"? Yes as in Strasmore has the right idea.
Now let's go get the CBA done and take this league into an even higher level.
["HELL N BACK" BY BAKAR.]
Could you tell where my head was at When you found me? Me and you went to hell and back Just to find peace Thank you so much.
You're amazing.
Don't let me order any more.
Hey, my man, can I get a couple more of these, please? These kinda small.
That's why you got high blood pressure now.
- [SCOFFS.]
- Reggie.
I am honored you came, now that you're an oligarch.
Hey, don't be bitter.
Business is business.
Wow! I've taught you well.
It's like you've been painting fences all month and now you know karate.
Good afternoon, everyone! Thanks for coming.
Big day.
Today we pour the foundation of our future.
I feel so lucky to be surrounded by my closes friends, my family you are my family.
You have all, every single one of you, killed it in your own individual, special ways.
Like Kate with Municipal Brand.
You're a killer.
And Lance, I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but you've been a steadying hand.
Yeah, it takes a special kind of individual to understand the mind of a maniac.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Thank you.
Jason, for a guy that's often been mistaken for waiters at hotel pools, you destroyed it.
Vernon's deal, Patrick's deal you're the best agent in the fucking business, and I am so proud to be your fuckin' boss.
- Partner.
- Hmm? [COUGHS.]
Partner! [INHALES DEEPLY.]
Reg.
You're a trailblazer.
To think of where you started and where you're going, it's mind-blowing.
Kudos, brother.
Just don't get started in on cocaine.
That's my only advice.
Vern.
The heart you show on the field and in life will be infused in the walls of this complex.
And also, your commissions, too, will be infused as well.
Thank you.
[LAUGHTER.]
There he is.
Right on time.
You big bald motherfucker.
I want you to know something.
Wherever we may roam for the rest of our lives, when I see you, I'm home.
Brothers for life.
And in the end, what did you learn? Sometimes it's about the journey and Sometimes it's about the result.
And sometimes it's about none of the above.
And it never ends Until you're dead.
This shit is dope.
You did your thing, T.
This shit is fire.
We might be pretty good at this Hollywood thing.
We might be.
[CHUCKLES.]
You know, I thought I'd always be known as a player, but Identity is a funny thing.
And just when you think you've defined yourself, or that life has defined you, there's always another chapter, another challenge.
It's all about getting outside of your comfort zone.
Until you do, you'll never know what you're capable of.
That's all we need.
Think you got it.
Thanks for doing this, Spence.
Anytime, Rick.
[GRUNTS.]
Thank you for always being an original.
That's a wrap, y'all! [BELL RINGS.]
Babe, I got what you need Oh, yeah That's a wrap.
I'm your pusherman Oh, there is nothing we can't dig Free I'm your pusherman [DOOR SLAMS.]
No, I won't sell you no dreams No, no, no, no I'm your pusherman But the inspiration Ooh, is real I'm your pusherman Yeah, hey, yeah Yee Ah, whoo-hoo-hoo Tell you about love Oh, oh Tell you about love In here, yeah Hey, hey, hey [BRIGHT TONE.]
A.
right now.
When I land, we're gonna hammer out this deal.
Bitch, I'm waiting for you.
(MUSIC PLAYS) CHARLES GREANE: Doctor told me to find a place that resonates with me.
And I'm offering you an extension.
You were my partner and you bailed.
I was doing it for you.
Like you'd do anything for someone other than yourself.
Can you still play? True players play with pain.
We are warriors.
Surrendering is what white people do.
Joe, I'm sorry.
I really appreciate you saying that.
STRASMORE: We need to take care of our guys.
I am honored to announce that we've signed the largest, fully-guaranteed deal in history.
(MUSIC CONCLUDES) [TV STATIC DRONES.]
[BRIGHT TONE.]
[LIL WAYNE'S "RIGHT ABOVE IT".]
Kane is in the building.
[MID-TEMPO HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Now tell me how you love it You know you're at the top When only heaven's right above it We on 'Cause we on Who else is really trying to fuck with Hollywood Cole I'm with Marley G, bro Flying Hollygrove chicks to my Hollywood shows And I wanna tell you something That you probably should know This that "Slumdog Millionaire" Bollywood flow And, uh, my real friends never hearing from me Fake friends write the wrong answers on the mirror for me That's why I pick and choose I don't get shit confused Don't like my women single I like my chicks in twos And these days, all the girls is down to roll I hit the strip club, and all them bitches find a pole Plus I been sipping, so this shit is moving kinda slow Just tell my girl to tell her friend That it's time to go [INDISTINCT SHOUTING.]
[HEAVY HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Houston, we have a problem.
It took 100 years to build this system, and Strasmore's dismantling it with one contract.
And now he's pushing for health care? The guy's gonna die on his cross.
Ah, don't start with the "Jesus is black" thing.
This is what happens when you bring in people from the outside.
- Damn it, Strasmore.
- Fuckin' hell.
Jockey's only as good as the horse he sits on.
He's your donkey.
What are you gonna do about it? I'm looking at all options.
Oh, there's only one that's gonna make the fellas happy.
Killing Spencer Strasmore? In a metaphorical sense.
This is on us, Candace.
You and me.
I appreciate you remembering that.
But only one person's gonna take a fall.
What are you suggesting? Tell the big guy he's got two options; either he sells his interest in the team immediately, or we destroy his life.
I suggest option number one.
Can you do that? I can do anything I want.
Why they making me mad? I like smoking in bed, uh-huh It's already 50% more than I thought it was gonna cost.
Haven't framed a single structure.
So you want me to run you over with a bulldozer? Actually, I got a better idea.
Why don't we pull a "Thelma & Louise" and drive a bulldozer off a cliff together? [LAUGHS.]
You know, I, um, just got a call from the league and they made me an offer that I can't refuse.
Oh, yeah? What's that? 100 mil over what I paid - just to get lost.
- Oh, my God.
It's a good thing you're not barefoot because, as usual, - you stepped in shit.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Yes, I did.
Again.
But that money could pay for all of this.
I can't take that.
It's blood money.
The players need you.
And you know what? In some ass-backwards way, the league needs you too.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, they got a funny way of showing it.
You're gonna save their asses.
But more importantly, you're gonna do right by the players.
And the players that came before them.
Why hasn't anyone done that before? Greed, selfishness, good old-fashioned complacency.
Everyone wants to be liked, right? But you you, my friend - Love to be hated.
- Yeah.
["PERFECT" BY COUSIN STIZZ.]
Yeah, it's wild.
I've been to a lot of cities and I've worn a lot of colors.
And they try to convince you that it's about the name on the front, but they pay you for the one on the back.
People need to get real.
The players are the league.
Die for me, bitch, I'm perfect Lie for me, bitch, I'm perfect Ride with me, bitch, you perfect Slide with me, bitch, you perfect Die for me, bitch, I'm perfect Lie for me, bitch, I'm perfect In the Brinks truck, I need more bucks Cash [KNOCKING ON WINDOW.]
Mr.
Strasmore? Mr.
Smith and the negotiating team are ready for you.
- [BELL RINGING.]
- We wanna dive in, man.
- Got you.
- Show the people what the business of football really is.
The beauty and the ugliness of it.
- Beauty.
- A docu-drama series, warts and all.
Yeah, fuck scratching the surface.
- We wanna excavate.
- Sounds deep.
- I love it, Rick.
- [LAUGHS.]
See, I dig this Hollywood meeting vibe, man.
Told you, we got the right guy at the right place.
Uh, maybe not.
[SCOFFS.]
- Well, what you mean? - [SUCKS TEETH.]
All right, do me a favor.
Look over there.
Look past the sound stages over there.
Past the building behind that, and the cell tower behind that.
Okay, so so the company that owns the company that owns us has ties to the NFL, right? So w-we're not just, like, some little independent studio.
We're part of a giant conglomerate.
They're not gonna want to get involved with smearing the league.
It's not smearing if it's telling the truth.
How do you know? You didn't even ask.
Well, I've been at this long enough to know I'll just be banging my head against the wall.
Come on, man, the people that started this studio, they were mavericks, pioneers.
You think they took "no" for an answer? Hell no.
They were some crazy-ass wandering Jews, walked the desert for 40 fucking days and 40 fucking nights and landed in San Fernando Valley lookin' to get paid.
And I mean that in a laudatory way.
We want exciting content, don't get me wrong.
That's what we want! I don't know what you think I'm pitching you, "Green Book 2"? I mean, you know what it is, man, you heard the show.
Hey, look, look, if you want to tone it down, maybe we can talk about another version.
- Oh, here we go.
- What? This is the problem with white dudes running shit, man.
Hollywood needs more diversity.
- Ah, that's just racist.
- Oh, is it? How do you like it? Fuck you and fuck corporate America.
- Rick! T! - We don't gotta talk this Hollywood bullshit anyway.
Why do we even need a studio? - All they are is a bank.
- I know it.
We got money! - Or you got money.
- Exactly.
They can't censor us if we run our own shit, T.
Ain't nobody gonna put a muzzle on Ricky fucking Jerret! - I'm coming for y'all! Y'all hear me? - [LAUGHS.]
Hope y'all ain't talking about me.
Oh, shit.
What up, Q? Not unless you own a studio.
Not a bad fuckin' idea, man.
Let's link up.
Talk some real numbers.
You know, ain't enough of us at the top.
Yes, sir.
Hit my line.
- Brrrr! - [LAUGHS.]
Goddamn Quavo.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to day two of the International Summer Invitational.
[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
- I'm ready.
- [LAUGHS.]
On the blue side, it's the Levitating Rhinos, perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.
Their opponents on the red side are the Bill Graters.
The stage is ready.
Let's get into the game.
Gank is at the top lane and Copernicursed grabs first blood.
- Yes! - Come on! Cross-map, Atarch's in the base.
- [INDISTINCT ANNOUNCING.]
- Yes.
Takes Levitating Rhinos to the quarterfinals! Team Liquid, the pride of North America, stands between the Rhinos and the semifinals.
And TL just liquefies them.
Look at that Nexus fall.
What an easy game one for Team Liquid.
We got two more rounds, right? [INDISTINCT ANNOUNCING.]
They workin' on it.
They workin' on it.
There we go.
- And Nexus falls! - We're going to game three! Yeah! Killer3ve picks off Jensen! Rhino's picking a massive fight in the middle lane, and they're gonna do it! They've taken down Team Liquid! And the arena is stunned! The Rhinos with the upset of the tournament! Hey, who's trash now? I ain't come up overnight - All right, let's go! - Let's go! Come on! [INDISTINCT CHEERING.]
Hey, Kovac, out of curiosity, why are we running the 3-5-2 formation and not the 4-4-2? I ask him the same thing all the time.
Look, I'mma tell you like I tell Scott, all right.
Oh, not with this bullshit again.
Look, they are 5 years old.
We've struck gold if we can get all of them to run in the same direction.
But fundamentals are fundamentals.
You know, it's never too early to teach them the right way.
You right about that.
And me, I'm just an ex-player trying to have some good memories with my kid, Charles.
Winning memories are good memories.
You right, and any memories with my Sophie are winning ones, but when are you going back to LA, Charles? Confidentially, I might be here for a while.
Well, then, confidentially, keep your mouth shut and your Super Bowl loss off of the pitch.
- [WHISTLE BLOWS.]
- [SCOFFS.]
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
All right, let's get it.
Let's get it, y'all.
Come on.
Our next matchup features the surprise of the tournament, the Levitating Rhinos, going up against the powerhouse in Splyce, ranked number three coming into the tournament.
A fight's breaking out in the top river, and look the Tarsus! A pentakill for M0better.
- There we go.
- Destruction.
They're gonna steamroll to the 2-0.
I can't believe it.
Levitating Rhinos are into the finals! This is absurd! We've got a hectic battle between Levitating Rhinos and Faceless Five.
And look at the team fight break out.
We've got a triple kill.
[CHEERING.]
[INDISTINCT ANNOUNCING.]
Go.
Hey, go Beard.
Go Beard.
All right, I got it.
I got it.
This is their shot, but the Bear sting's not gonna work.
[INDISTINCT ANNOUNCING.]
The Nexus falls! And Faceless Five win the tournament.
Well, it was a magical run while it lasted, mate.
My pops said if you're not first, then you're last.
What are you talking about? It's our first tournament and we've come second, for Christ's sake.
Plus, we've got 750 grand in prize money.
That's not even enough to cover the entry fee.
Man, fuck these moral victories.
- Hey, man, have you got a sec? - Not for you.
Hey, no, legit, you lit our guys up.
Yeah, it was an epic performance.
Man, if you guys had better players, you'd have better results.
Man, we wanna turn the page, talk about the future; yours and ours.
This is my brother, MK, he's also the owner of Team Splyce.
I wanna talk about an acquisition.
Hey, man, nobody's finna own me.
All right, let's call it an investment, huh? At a significant valuation.
Do I have to listen to Nickelback? I don't give a fuck if you listen to Sarah McLachlan.
Dude, Reg, do whatever you want.
Can you just hear the man out? Don't stress.
It's gonna be your show.
All right? How many zeroes we talkin'? [ENGINE RUMBLING.]
You guys gettin' a little sunshine, huh? You're finally putting a little color on those pasty faces.
The only rays he gets are artificial.
You had to do it again? - You poked the bear! - Yeah.
Yeah, somebody had to.
I-is this him being existential? It's him being moronic.
Did you secretly meet with the NFLPA? Like there aren't eyes everywhere? Spencer? - Don't fuckin' lie to me! - Don't lie to us! It was fucking coming out anyway.
That's great.
That's just fuckin' great.
- You know, you're suspended.
- For what? For what? For colluding with the NFLPA! That's what! 'Cause everybody hates your guts.
You're suspended from ownership indefinitely.
This is your Guantanamo Bay moment.
You're a fucking masochist.
Not at all.
I'm a player and a veteran and I know exactly where the fuck I stand.
And that's all that matters.
The question is, what side of the line are you guys on? I love summit meetings with you, mate.
It makes my fascia tissue tingle.
You sure that's not your nerve endings dying from your previous extracurricular activities? [CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, it could be that - Yeah.
- Let's do this.
- Do what? - You sure? He didn't believe in us from the start.
Yeah, of course I believed in you guys.
I just thought you should spend your time more wisely.
Is this wise enough? It's your money back, and then some.
Because we don't want you coming back, complaining.
You know, none of that.
No, you keep your money.
I believe in you.
At least, I believe in Reginald.
[LAUGHS.]
I can never figure this guy out.
Have you been through some 12-step program or something? You're coming across very enlightened.
I want to apologize to you.
My past behavior had less to do with you and more to do with my own misery.
You're a valuable member of this team.
You got no idea how valuable.
All right.
Tell me.
Someone made us an offer.
Well, it must be nice to be validated.
And vindicated.
Nothing sounds better than being right feels.
Now wish me luck because we accepted the offer.
Wha without consulting me? Well, why, man? The check already settled you out.
It was good doing business with you, Mr.
Krutel.
Wait, so that's it? [SCOFFS.]
I mean, I can offer you a a hug, but I wanted to do it proper.
I'm leaving to go run the esports business.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Whoa.
You're out too? You'll be fine.
You don't need me.
Reginald does.
I'm just like a good luck charm that you hang around your neck till you find your feet.
You're your own man now, mate.
I might actually miss you.
["FLOOR SEATS" BY A$AP FERG.]
Coo, coo Damn, floor seats for the Knicks Couple models blowin' kiss Excuse me? You can't go in there! Someone call security.
You better tell 'em to bring everyone.
[LAUGHING.]
No way! Let me call you back.
Rollie ain't got a tick Hi, Spencer.
You know, I'd love to feign surprise to see you here.
Well, I'm sorry I interrupted your little call.
I'm sure you're having a good old laugh with the boy's club, huh, at my expense? Actually, that was my sister in Virginia, - sharing a cute story - How could you let this happen? I didn't let anything happen.
The owners want you and any memory of you gone.
I think they made you a more than respectable offer.
I'm not going away.
I figured.
[CHUCKLES.]
And so did they.
That's why they just launched a media offensive.
Okay, well, you know what? Who gives a shit? What could they say about me that hasn't already been said? That you're a pill-popping drug addict, a deceitful liar, a dishonorable partner to the other owners.
All because I wanna do right by the players? You're not a player anymore.
Time has moved on.
You have a responsibility to the shield.
Fuck the shield! I have a moral one to the players.
The owners are meeting tomorrow, and they're voting to force a sale.
Your sphere of influence just narrowed.
Considerably.
It's over.
Actually, it's just beginning.
And for the record, I told the players to strike.
[DOOR HANDLE RATTLES, DOOR CLOSES.]
When you've spent your entire life trucking guys, curbing that instinct doesn't come easy.
[SMOOTH JAZZY MUSIC.]
Each game is different.
Every opponent has their weakness.
You've gotta know your enemy, the landscape, and adjust your game accordingly.
- Spencer? - Hi.
Hi.
Maileen, from "The New York Times".
- Maileen, it's good to meet you.
- You too.
Uh, where do you want to do this? I think right here at the bar's fine.
- Okay.
- Drink? Uh, just coffee, black.
You mind if I turn this recorder on? No, that's the whole point.
I want everything on the record.
Joe, stop rubbing your temples.
The world's not ending.
Yeah, maybe yours isn't.
Nike just called.
Who cares? They wanna buy into Municipal.
50% with an option to buy the other 50.
Wow! How did that happen? Happened late last night.
OBJ and I were out with Curt Seaton, he runs acquisitions.
Wow.
Burning the midnight oil is really working for you, huh? - And you.
- Yeah, no shit.
Congrats to both of us.
But this this this thing's all you.
Good job.
Really good job.
Uh, no third-degree? What are you talking about? OBJ, what Curt looks like, where we went.
No, if it's not about the deal, it's none of my business.
Then I guess it won't be a problem if they ask me to stay on and run the thing? Kate, if you're asking if I've contemplated our working future together, the answer's yes, and I made peace with it.
- You're evolving.
- [LAUGHS.]
Moderately.
I don't know.
I'm just finally comfortable in my own skin.
Wow, I'm speechless.
This whole Spencer thing, it's really fucked me up.
And now that that's resolved, I can finally move on.
What do you think we should do? Well, Nike's marketing dollars and distribution infrastructure could really take us to the next level.
I was talking about us.
$10 million? [LAUGHS.]
It's a lot of money.
That's enough to pay for Kiki's college and her sister's and their kids.
Charles, you know this is not about the money.
Yeah, but we can't keep living like this, baby.
You'd have to relocate.
And I'm not gonna pull you from your work.
All right, all that is beside the point.
We'll always have enough money.
We'll always have each other.
But you need to make your health a priority.
Put that rib down and scoop up some of those green beans.
Yeah, I guess none of it really matters if I'm dead, anyways.
Thankfully, I'll have purpose going forward.
I got our children, I got you And I can always just coach here, you know.
If Kovac can do it, anybody can.
[GRUNTS QUESTIONINGLY.]
What? What is it you aren't saying? What you're not saying to yourself.
Can you really walk away from the Rams? Oh, so you're gonna bring up the Rams Super Bowl, huh? The Rams Super Bowl loss? Unfinished business.
[GRUNTS.]
You're right.
You're right.
I'll be miserable.
Then that's not a healthy option, baby.
- So? - So you got me.
I will always be your ride-or-die.
["BUSY EARNIN'" BY JUNGLE.]
Hmm.
Have you ever thought about being quarterback? It crossed my mind.
Oh, shit.
Throwin' the easy part.
[CHEERING.]
Runnin' the hard part.
[PHONE RINGING.]
Yo, Spence, what's happening? Hey, remember that thing we discussed? I need you to drop it tomorrow morning, 11:30 west coast time on IG.
[LAUGHS.]
Well, it ain't gonna help me, but at least it'll help those youngins.
They don't know it yet, but they're gonna need it.
Hey, Spence.
I must tell you, Brené Brown's vulnerability stuff is the real fuckin' deal.
Well, look, if that doesn't work out, you can move to LA.
Damn, Spence, first call from you in a year, and you already asking for shit? Man, I'm headin' to Paris.
Gonna check out Fashion Week.
All right, brother, it's time to change some minds.
We gotta do more than change minds.
I'm about changing lives.
You know how many kids are deprived of real job opportunities? - Way too many.
- But just know, I'm counting on you to count that check.
You can make it out to Year Up.
I got you, but I need you tomorrow, 11:30, drop it on IG.
We're at the point of no return.
[RINGTONE CHIMING.]
- Spencer.
- Don't hang up.
That's not my M.
O.
I like to tell motherfuckers how I feel.
It's a good thing you do, 'cause you were right.
- About what? - [SIGHS.]
Everything.
Kinda funny how a guy who fucks up all the time gives the best advice to the rest of the world.
Yeah, and I'm sorry it took me so long to take it.
You're one flip-flopping son of a bitch, you know that, Spencer? Well, true confidence is being able to change your mind.
- I need a favor.
- Aight.
I'mma need something in return, though.
Training or recreation? When it's your passion, it's one and the same.
How'd it go with Joe? Paid in full.
And the Splyce deal? Got an advance.
The investment's massive.
Congrats, Vernon.
See, Reg? I told you it was all gonna work out.
Most importantly, you never have to play another down for the rest of your life.
Yeah, J called.
What'd he say? Cowboys came up with 90 for me.
Ooh, damn! A day late and a dollar short.
Every dollar counts.
[SCOFFS.]
Wait.
Y - You gonna take it? - Of course I am.
I always was going back.
What, you think I'm an idiot? You been playing me this whole time? I had to light a fire under your ass.
You weren't fulfilling your potential.
You shrewd motherfucker.
When did you become the smartest guy in the room? When I started pretending to be the dumbest.
What about the team? [SIGHS.]
Gaming can wait, Reg.
Gaming can wait.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are now beginning our final descent into Los Angeles.
Please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full and upright position Sir, please put your seat back upright.
securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
Thank you.
[GRUNTS.]
[SIGHS.]
So you come a long way Whoo Whoo-hoo But you'll never have me Never have things for a normal life It's time Too busy earning You can't get enough This busy earning You can't get enough You think that all your time is used Too busy earning You can't get enough Just busy earning You can't get enough No Just busy earning You can't get enough [DOOR CLOSE ECHOES.]
Strasmore, what are you doing here? I've come to save your asses.
[LAUGHTER.]
[LAUGHS.]
[MANY PHONES CHIMING, BUZZING.]
Pain.
Most of you have probably experienced some.
You stub your toe on a coffee table.
Maybe you've hurt your back playing golf.
Maybe you've been in a car wreck.
But have you ever been run over by a car? Had 13 surgeries? 8 months of rehab? Debilitating headaches? For most of our guys, that's just part of their daily life.
In case there was any doubt, you're days away from a strike.
And the season is upon us.
And let me tell you something, you've got way more to lose from a strike than you'll lose providing health care.
So do yourselves a favor.
For once in your life, do the smart fuckin' thing, if not the right thing.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
They're not gonna be ambushed.
And I'm not taking "no" for an answer.
You're outta line.
How about we put it to a vote? For the sake of democracy.
Okay.
Sure.
Fuck it.
Let's vote.
But can you live with the results? Well, I guess I'm gonna have to.
All right.
Everyone, we will now vote on the proposition to implement lifetime health care for all players with three or more credited seasons.
That includes all veterans.
2/3 majority needed to pass.
All those in favor, say "aye".
Aye.
One.
Two.
Four.
Six.
Ten.
Twelve.
Eighteen.
Twenty.
Twenty-one.
All right, it looks like we are one vote short of the majority needed to pass.
Hm.
It's not too late for you.
Too late for me? To what? To clear your conscience.
Save your soul.
[LAUGHS.]
Course it is.
But still, my answer is yes.
Wait, "yes" as in "no", or "yes" as in "yes"? Yes as in Strasmore has the right idea.
Now let's go get the CBA done and take this league into an even higher level.
["HELL N BACK" BY BAKAR.]
Could you tell where my head was at When you found me? Me and you went to hell and back Just to find peace Thank you so much.
You're amazing.
Don't let me order any more.
Hey, my man, can I get a couple more of these, please? These kinda small.
That's why you got high blood pressure now.
- [SCOFFS.]
- Reggie.
I am honored you came, now that you're an oligarch.
Hey, don't be bitter.
Business is business.
Wow! I've taught you well.
It's like you've been painting fences all month and now you know karate.
Good afternoon, everyone! Thanks for coming.
Big day.
Today we pour the foundation of our future.
I feel so lucky to be surrounded by my closes friends, my family you are my family.
You have all, every single one of you, killed it in your own individual, special ways.
Like Kate with Municipal Brand.
You're a killer.
And Lance, I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but you've been a steadying hand.
Yeah, it takes a special kind of individual to understand the mind of a maniac.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Thank you.
Jason, for a guy that's often been mistaken for waiters at hotel pools, you destroyed it.
Vernon's deal, Patrick's deal you're the best agent in the fucking business, and I am so proud to be your fuckin' boss.
- Partner.
- Hmm? [COUGHS.]
Partner! [INHALES DEEPLY.]
Reg.
You're a trailblazer.
To think of where you started and where you're going, it's mind-blowing.
Kudos, brother.
Just don't get started in on cocaine.
That's my only advice.
Vern.
The heart you show on the field and in life will be infused in the walls of this complex.
And also, your commissions, too, will be infused as well.
Thank you.
[LAUGHTER.]
There he is.
Right on time.
You big bald motherfucker.
I want you to know something.
Wherever we may roam for the rest of our lives, when I see you, I'm home.
Brothers for life.
And in the end, what did you learn? Sometimes it's about the journey and Sometimes it's about the result.
And sometimes it's about none of the above.
And it never ends Until you're dead.
This shit is dope.
You did your thing, T.
This shit is fire.
We might be pretty good at this Hollywood thing.
We might be.
[CHUCKLES.]
You know, I thought I'd always be known as a player, but Identity is a funny thing.
And just when you think you've defined yourself, or that life has defined you, there's always another chapter, another challenge.
It's all about getting outside of your comfort zone.
Until you do, you'll never know what you're capable of.
That's all we need.
Think you got it.
Thanks for doing this, Spence.
Anytime, Rick.
[GRUNTS.]
Thank you for always being an original.
That's a wrap, y'all! [BELL RINGS.]
Babe, I got what you need Oh, yeah That's a wrap.
I'm your pusherman Oh, there is nothing we can't dig Free I'm your pusherman [DOOR SLAMS.]
No, I won't sell you no dreams No, no, no, no I'm your pusherman But the inspiration Ooh, is real I'm your pusherman Yeah, hey, yeah Yee Ah, whoo-hoo-hoo Tell you about love Oh, oh Tell you about love In here, yeah Hey, hey, hey [BRIGHT TONE.]