Ep 2. Enter the Temple

Spencer Strasmore and Joe Krutel are back in action in Episode 2 of Ballers Season 2, titled "Enter the Temple." The episode opens with Spencer and Joe desperately trying to secure a deal with Terrell Suggs, a linebacker from Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, Charles Greane is trying to balance his new role as a GM with his obligation to his family.

Spencer and Joe's pitch to Suggs meets initial resistance but they manage to win him over with a smart business plan. Suggs is reluctant to leave his hometown Baltimore and buy into an LA lifestyle but Spencer and Joe convince him by showing how he can benefit from the deal both financially and in terms of game strategy. They also introduce Suggs to their new business partner, boutique fund manager Andre Allen who provides the necessary funding for the deal.

Back in Miami, Charles is adjusting to his new role as a General Manager. After a difficult negotiation with his head coach Larry Seifert, Charles lands a promising rookie, Travis Mack. Mack is elated to join the Dolphins but he brings along his boisterous entourage which rubs Seifert the wrong way. Charles tries to smooth things over but it becomes clear that it would take more than a pep talk to reign in the outspoken rookie and his crowd.

Meanwhile, Vernon Littlefield is dealing with his own set of troubles as he recovers from a recent injury. He becomes increasingly dependent on painkillers and decides to turn to alternative medicine to alleviate his suffering. He discovers a spiritual guru, Julius Grant, who promises to help with his recovery. Vernon becomes deepened in Julius' temple and rites and Sidney, his agent, becomes increasingly worried about his client's swerving focus from football.

Spencer, on the other hand, notices a demand for an alternative sports league, specifically for football players who have been cut from the NFL. Joe dismisses the idea but Spencer takes the challenge and recruits retired football player and friend, Jason Antolotti, to help him with the logistics. The two brainstorm ways to make the league attractive to investors and media, by offering insurance coverage and finding sponsors for the teams.

As the episode proceeds, we see Spencer and Joe's business dynamics being tested as they disagree on how to handle the alternative league venture. Joe is skeptical but Spencer is convinced it has the potential to be big. He reassures Joe he has a plan in place and even convinces Suggs to be a part of the venture.

In the final moments of the episode, Vernon and Julius unveil a new diet plan to help him recover from his back pain. As Vernon seems to be on the road to recovery, Julius entices him to give something more to the temple than just money, and Vernon agrees. Elsewhere, Spencer and Joe celebrate securing the funds to secure their traditional football league deal, setting the stage for plenty more action and negotiations in future episodes.