Hard Hittin Radio

Our guest this week is Dee Grayer. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Moved to Northern California at age 2, living in several cities including Marin City, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Santa Rosa.  Currently residing in Chandler, Arizona. Attended San Jose State University Spartans – B.A. Radio Television and Film/Communications, Minor in Advertising. Graduated in 1995.  Earned a Football Scholarship.  Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Played for Arena Football: Florida Bobcats, West Palm Beach, Florida, 1996.  Portland Forest Dragons, Portland, Oregon, 1997-1999.

Dee is currently a coach for Youth Sports with Oak Grove Youth Football, San Jose YMCA, San Jose Little League, City of San Jose – Southside Community Center, Blossom Valley Pony League, Chandler Youth Football and Cheer, Chandler Youth Baseball, Chandler, CAYFL PHX All-Stars, AYF Under Armour West All-Stars since 2000.

Dee is also actively involved in Youth Sports Administration including President, Chandler Youth Football and Cheer (CYF/CYC), 2007 and 2008; Executive Chair, Central Arizona Youth Football and Cheer League (CAYFL), 2007; American Youth Football Arizona State Diplomat, 2009, Chandler Youth Football and Cheer Past President and Spotlight Dinner Director, 2009; Golf Tournament Chairman, Arizona American Youth Football – The Inaugural Pepsi Turkey Tee Off presented by Walmart. He has recieved Administrative Honors from the American Youth Football Volunteer of the Year, 2008.  American Youth Football Giving Back to the Community Award, 2008.

Here’s a flyer about this wonderful event. For more information click on the image or visit http://www.fullspeed2acure.com/speed1/

This week’s guest is Emerson Newton-John. ENJ comes from a long line of talented family members, including actors, singers, musicians, writers and a Nobel Prize winning physicist. From the age of 17, Emerson has been taking his own style of creativity to the race track, where he has performed at the same high-standards as his family before him. With his unique marketability, talent behind the wheel and that unforgettable last name that always generates positive media attention, ENJ will have far-reaching effects in American motorsport and to the people and brands that support him. Standout Accomplishments include Team driver for French “La Filiere” racing team, First American to have won a race in an all-French championship, First driver to have won a race in their first season of French sedan racing, Winner of the German Renault Young Driver Talent Search, Second place in first ever Formula Holden event.

Our guest this week is Gary W. Cruz. 38 years as a radio and TV Sports caster and Play by Play Announcer. His career started in Denver CO (KUSA and KMGH TV) he then moved on to LA (KCAL and KNBC TV) he came to AZ in 1999 (KPHO CBS 5). He was the voice of the Colorado State University Football for 11 Years, he also did 2 yrs as the voice of the Cal State Northridge Football/Basketball programs. He left TV for Acting and opened up his own PR Marketing Firm( Cruzzwood Communications LLC) He’s a two time Emmy Award winner and a one time Iris Winner. He’s heavily involved in POP (Prostate on site Project) as well as the Cystic Fibrosis and Special Olympics.

Unquestionably the most powerful runner ever to wear the Red and Gold … Nicknamed “The Nigerian Nightmare” … Doled out plenty of punishment during his six seasons with Kansas City and powered his way to the most rushing yards (4,897) in Chiefs history … Also holds team records for career rushing attempts (1,246), attempts in a season (370 in ‘89), attempts in a game (38) and career 100-yard games (14) … Became just the second Chief ever to lead the league in rushing, gaining an NFL-best and all-time franchise high 1,480 yards in ‘89 … His 40 career rushing TDs are just four shy of Marcus Allen’s team record, as well … Just the second Chiefs player ever to earn the club’s Mack Lee Hill Award (’87), team MVP honors (’89) and be enshrined in the Chiefs Hall of Fame … Was a Pro Bowl pick following the ‘89 and ‘91 seasons … Originally came to the United States in ‘82 to compete in track and field at Azusa Pacific … Joined the Azusa football squad in ‘84 and after just three seasons of organized football was a second-round draft choice of Kansas City in ‘87 … Wore number 35 … The name Okoye in Nigerian means “blessed on Sundays” … Born August 16, 1961 in Enugu, Nigeria.

Week 2 of NFL and College Football this weekend: ROLL TIDE ROLL! Michael Crabtree’s holdout remains a hot topic in NFL circles. There are different angles to this discussion, and we’ll talk about some of them on today’s show. According ESPN, Crabtree’s value in the 2010 class is already being considered by NFL scouts. On one hand, there are many teams that were turned off by Crabtree’s arrogance to begin with, and now there’s even more reason for concern. Other factors working against Crabtree include the full year away from the game, his history of durability issues, his inability to run a legitimate 40-yard dash and the receiver-friendly system in which he played at Texas Tech. What is your opinion? We want to hear from you – vote below.

In the News: There’s been a lot of “media-driven” controversy and hype about Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame acceptance speech. Mostly about his comments which mention his former high school teammate and coach, and also comments made about Brian Russell. Some people in the media have publicly stated that Jordan should have taken the high road and moved on. You be the judge; listen to these audio outtakes courtesy of ESPN network:

What Joran Said:Jordan Clip One I Jordan Clip Two

EAGLES EVENT: OneCrazyFan.com will be flying some of the Hard Hittin Radio crew from Arizona to meet the BEST FANS in the NFL with a Huge Tailgate Party planned before the Eagles take on the KC Chiefs, September 27th. Meet Mark “Mighty Mac” McMillian #29, Byron “BNE” Evans #56, and beautiful Celeste with her 2010 HHR Eagles Calendar. If you would like to come to the Tailgate Party, please contact us at info@onecrazyfan.com for details and locations.

Results from survey: What do you think Michael Crabtree should do? 41 Votes:

Ben Obomanu is an NFL Wide Receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. While Ben has had an outstanding career as a football player, his accomplishments in the classroom in both high school and college have been stellar. In addition to his contributions on the field and in the classroom, Ben has been a pillar in the Selma, Alabama community. Obomanu is the only NFL player to come out of Selma High School. He is actively giving back to his community in a positive way. Ben along with two other professional athletes from Selma successfully held the first “Camp of Champions” football camp this past July. Obomanu was able to coach and instruct over 300 kids at his camp and impact the youth with his strong values and character.

In 2002 Ben committed to play football at Auburn University. Ben was a Finance major and graduated in 3 years. He began working on his MBA in his 4th year at Auburn and is scheduled to finish in December of this year. Obomanu lettered all 4 years as a wide receiver for the Tigers. In 2004 he helped lead his team to a 13-0 record and SEC Championship. Ben also left Auburn ranked 2nd in the schools history in receiving touchdowns.

Ben was drafted in the 2006 NFL draft as a wide receiver to the Seattle Seahawks. Although he was one of the final NFL draft picks in the 7th round, Bens hard work and dedication clearly payed off. Obomanu made the Seahawks’ active roster out of training camp in 2007. His first NFL touchdown came in on October 14 in a Sunday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints. Obomanu caught a 17-yard Matt Hasselbeck pass late in the second quarter. Ben has been a member of the Seattle Seahawks team for 4 seasons and is looking forward to a successful year.

Roy Green is a former All-Pro receiver in the NFL who played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1979-1987), Phoenix Cardinals (1988-1990) and Philadelphia Eagles (1991-1992).

Green played defensive back and returned kicks for Henderson State University, and achieved All-American status. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1979 NFL Draft. He starred as a rookie returning kicks, including a 106-yard return for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys, tying an NFL record. Green also played well at cornerback. In 1981, he stepped in at wide receiver part-time and managed to gain 708 yards on merely 33 catches – nearly 21.5 yards per catch. The following season, Green fully transitioned to wide receiver and performed well in the strike-shortened season. Green truly shone during the next several seasons, particularly in 1984 when his 1,555 receiving yards were then the third highest in a season (through the 2005 season, this has since dropped to eighteenth). Green led the Cardinals in receiving in 1983, 1984 and 1988 (during those intervening years, veterans Pat Tilley and J._T._Smith split time leading the team in receiving).

Following a pair of decent seasons in 1989-90, Green was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 1991. The Browns elected to release Green before the regular season began, and he was subsequently signed to the Eagles, who sought veteran leadership at wide receiver to replace the retired Mike Quick and the waived Cris Carter. Green played much of that season, in which a lackluster offense was balanced by a sensational defense. Green played sparingly the following season and retired in 1993. John Madden honored Green in his annual All-Madden Team, stating that at one point, he regarded Green as not the best wide receiver in the game, but the best player. Green finished with 559 receptions for 8,965 yards and 66 touchdowns. He also rushed for 140 yards, returned 27 punts for 230 yards, and added another 2,002 yards on kickoff returns. He also intercepted 4 passes for 54 yards, and recovered 20 fumbles. Overall, he gained 11,391 yards and scored 69 touchdowns. Green is currently co-host of “The Positive Side of Sports” on KXAM in Phoenix, alongside Charles Barkley and Roy Garibaldi.

Trung Canidate is a former American football running back in the National Football League. Drafted out of Arizona, Canidate was selected with the 31st overall pick of the 2000 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. With the addition of running back Marshall Faulk the previous year, there was much confusion with such a selection and most fans thought it was wasted. He started only three games in his three seasons with St. Louis; he was drafted for his quickness and speed, but he was perceived as being undersized.


After the 2002 season, St. Louis traded Canidate to the Washington Redskins for David Loverne and a fourth round draft choice. There, he won the starting spot and started ten games, gaining 600 rushing yards and one touchdown. The next season, the Redskins traded Champ Bailey for all-star running back Clinton Portis, and Canidate spent the rest of his career on the Redskins’ inactive list.

Also on today’s show we speak with special guest Lester Neal about the Alumni Classic Basketball which challenges former ASU celebrity athletes against former U of A celebrity athletes, at US Airways Center at noon on Sat, August 30th. We’ll also talk about Brett Favre, Usain Bolt, CincoOcho and more.