Archive for January, 2009

Closing out Radio Row

Published on January 31, 2009 in Show recap. 1 Comment

Gambo & Ash closed out Radio Row on Friday afternoon with a load of A-List guests.

16-year NFL vet and former Steeler great Rod Woodson sat down with us here at Radio Row in Tampa. The 11-time Pro-Bowler is also a member of the NFL 75th Anniversary All-time team, as well as the 1990’s All-Decade Team. He won a Super Bowl here in Tampa as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2000. … Rod Woodson

Cards’ starting linebacker Chike Okeafor discussed how he is preparing for Sunday and how Clancy Pendergast’s defense plans to attack the Steelers’ balanced attack. Okeafor says the key is keeping Big Ben in the pocket because he improvises better than most quarterbacks in the league. He also talked about his jujitzu training habits and how it helps prevent injuries during the season. … Chike Okeafor

Our ESPN NFL anaylst Mark Schlereth joined the guys for his weekly segment. He broke down the individual match-ups for Sunday and discussed how fewer people are here in Tampa for the big game due to the poor economy. Schlereth predicts a Cards’ victory this weekend. … Mark Schlereth

Atlanta Falcon receiver Bert Emanuel stopped by for a visit here in Tampa. He combined with Eric Metcalf and Terrence Mathis to each have over 1,000 receiving yards on the same team in one season. A feat Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston duplicated this season with the Cardinals. Emanuel has a new clothing line out called KAOS Technical Clothing Systems. … Bert Emanuel

Actor Brian White sat down Friday, as well. White was a cast member of one of Ash’s favorite shows, “The Shield” and is the son of former Boston Celtic great Jo Jo White. … Bryan White

Former Cardinal, now Jets linebacker Calvin Pace also checked in from Radio Row. He talked about his first season in The Big Apple and how much money free-agent-to-be Karlos Dansby might get in a new deal somewhere this off-season. Pace says he’s excited for his former team/teammates and hopes they beat the Steelers. … Calvin Pace

Another Redskin signal-caller, the great Joe Theismann, joined the guys this afternoon. The former Notre Dame star is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He won a Super Bowl with the ‘Skins and was a 2-time Pro-Bowler. Theismann likes Pittburgh to beat the Birds Sunday here in Tampa. … Joe Theisman

New York Giant Super Bowl Champion defensive end Justin Tuck joined us as part of the Sprint Phone-A-Friend that’s happening here in Tampa. The former Notre Dame star made the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro First Team member in 2008. … Justin Tuck

World renowned sports handicapper and good friend of the program Brandon Lang shared his thoughts on Super Bowl XLIII. B-Lang has been nothing short of perfect picking the big game in recent years. In the end, Gambo finally got Lang to make his pick for the Super Bowl and I think he chose the Cardinals. … Brandon Lang- Who did he select?

Free agency issues

Published on January 30, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down on G&A Thursday

Day 4 from Radio Row…

Another crazy day from Radio Row. This day was a little more crazy than usual because a lot of guests were not planned, but were wondering around the media and E snagged them to come on the air.

FREE AGENCY ISSUES: The guys discussed the trade situation, free agency rumors with Karlos Dansby and the article that was written by Kent Somers.  G&A wondered if this too is another distraction for the Cards as they are getting ready to play the biggest game of their lives.  They also discussed how pro athletes determine their worth based on what other guys sign for.

NEWCOMER: The guys talked to new D-back Jon Garland and then took calls on the signing.  They asked callers if they would have rather kept Randy Johnson for the same amount that the D-backs paid Garland. They also discussed whether or not Garland was worth what the D-backs are going to pay him.

SUNS SITUATION: The guys talked with Tim Legler of ESPN.  He broke down the Suns/Spurs game as well as the Suns situation with Amare, Nash and Shaq.

GUESTS:

Lyle Sendlein-Cardinals starting center- joined the guys LIVE via phone from Tampa…former Chaparral High and Texas Longhorn star won a high school and National Championship-looking for the tri-fecta Sunday…Sendlein talked about the week that has been for Super Bowl XLIII…he also talked about his journey to and through the NFL

D’Quell Jackson joined the guys LIVE from Radio Row…Browns starting linebacker…led the NFL in tackles…Jackson discussed the Browns season and their coaching changes…gave his thoughts on Larry Fitzgerald as a “man-child” and the Cardinals chances of winning the Super Bowl

Titans Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth joined us as part of the Sprint Phone-A-Friend Program here in Tampa.  Widely considered the best interior player in the league, Haynesworth is a free-agent this off-season.  He is a two-time Pro-Bowl and All-Pro selection.

New D-backs pitcher Jon Garland joined the guys, the right-hander and the D-backs agreed on a one-year deal with an option for 2010. Garland will get $6.25 million in 2009 and the option for 2010 is for $10 million… He was 14-8 with 4.90 ERA in 32 starts for the Angels last season. In his nine-year career, he is 106-89.

ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler discussed the Suns recent 3-3 east coast road trip, tonight’s showdown against the Spurs, and everything else making headlines around the NBA.

Former Steeler great halfback Rocky Bleier joined the guys LIVE here at Radio Row.  The former Notre Dame standout won four Super Bowl rings with Pittsburgh and was the lead blocker for the great Franco Harris.  He is part of The Gridiron Greats program which helps raise money for retired players in need.

BJ Upton from the Tampa Bay Rays joined G&A LIVE at Radio Row - brother of Arizona D-backs Justin Upton - recapped his season, their team’s success and his relationship with his brother…talked about how he is a Steelers fan

Steve Slaton running back with the Houston Texans joined G&A LIVE at Radio Row.

Matt Forte, Bears’ running back, joined the guys LIVE at Radio Row. Forte was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulane.

 
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One-hit wonder?

Published on January 29, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here is what went down Wednesday on Gambo and Ash

Day 3 from Radio Row and Super Bowl 43 in Tampa…

Gambo and Ash opened the show by recapping Tuesday night’s event

The main topic of the day continued to be the trade situation with Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby and Kurt Warner. The guys also re-visited Larry Fitzgerald’s comments about restructuring his deal to keep Boldin on the team.

Are the Cardinals a “one-hit” wonder? Or will their success continue next year?

Should the Cardinals have a parade when they get back to AZ win OR lose in Super Bowl 43?

Guests:

* Hall of Fame coach/player Mike Ditka-broke down the match up on Sunday

* Former RB Marshall Faulk-talked about his days with Kurt Warner in St. Louis

* Cardinals’ WR Sean Morey-talked about the week so far in Tampa and how the players don’t pay attention to all the trade rumors flying around with Boldin, Warner, Dansby

* Floyd Mayweather Jr.- talked about how boxing didn’t make him, God and his mom did

 
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Young vs. Old

Published on January 29, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A…

LIVE from Super Bowl 43 in Tampa…

**Day 2 from Radio Row…Cardinals’-Steelers’ Media Day**

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? - Gambo and Ash discussed the comments Kurt Warner’s agent made about shopping him around to ALL teams after the season is over. Gambo and Ash took phone calls and listened to arguments about keeping Warner or letting him go…Gambo & Ash also discussed Larry Fitzgerald’s comments about restructuring his contract to keep Anquan Boldin. Again, callers argued for both sides. Gambo & Ash and listeners also chimed in about the Cardinals salary cap situation as well as the rest of the free agents on the team.

Barrett Ruud-Bucs linebacker joined the show via a taped interview from earlier in the day.

Young vs. Old -  Gambo and Ash brought up the trend of the hiring of young NFL coaches. They compared the new, young, hires with older, more experienced coaches.  Do the young guys have more of a connection/rapport with the young players?

John David Crow -1957 Heisman Trophy winner and former Chicago Cardinal joined the show live via phone

Doug Williams- SB XXII MVP-joined the show live on-site at Radio Row…so far only African American quarterback to win the Super Bowl, and the Super Bowl MVP Award-Williams gave Cards a chance in Super Bowl 43
-Gambo and Ash discussed the Doug Williams interview and his days as a player for the Wranglers and Outlaws

Lee Roy Selmon- former Buc-joined the show via a taped interview from earlier in the afternoon…6x Pro Bowl selection-NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, Bucs retired #63

-Gambo and Ash also previewed ASU this week as well as their remaining PAC-10 schedule
-Gambo and Ash discussed Desert Vista senior defensive end Devon Kennard’s verbal committment to USC

John Mitchell - Pittburgh Steeler Defensive line coach joined the show via a taped interview from earlier…-played at Eastern Arizona junior college-first African American player at Alabama after transferring from Eastern AZ…became Crimson Tide captain-also coached at Alabama -15th year with Steelers (longest with team)

DAY 3 From Radio Row and Super Bowl 43 tomorrow!

 
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Gambo: Eddie and Sam’s for three straight days

Published on January 28, 2009 in John Gambadoro. 0 Comments

Sitting here at radio row waiting for another show from the Convention Center in downtown Tampa. Today seems much busier than the past two with former players like Phil Simms, Joe Montana and current stars like Brandon Jacobs and Jason Whitten walking around. Had a fun night last night going to see the Tampa Bay Lightning/Montreal Canadians game. Our good friend Rick Tocchet left us some tickets and myself, Ash, E, Johnny V and our technical guy Aaron headed over to the game right after the show was over. We had some passes for the Channelside/XO VIP Club so we ate for a little bit and then sat in our seats to watch the Lightning beat Montreal 5-3. Eric Sorenson our producer who we call E is not a hockey fan but he loved it and has adopted Tampa Bay as his favorite team and Vinny Lecavlier as his favorite player. And since the Lightning won and scored four goals our tickets are worth a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich, which is E’s favorite place to eat. We ate lunch today at Eddie and Sam’s New York Pizza for the third straight day - the boys can’t get enough of it. They bring in the water from New York.

We had a good guest list yesterday of guys on radio row like Doug Williams, Lee Roy Selmon, Barret Ruud of the Bucs , John Mitchell the Steelers D-line coach. Tonight we are eating at Lee Roy Selmon’s restaurant in downtown Tampa. Ash and I did a segment with ESPN radio in Pittsburgh today and we were asked a lot about the level of excitement in Arizona over the Cardinals. Most of the talk about the game is focused on the Steelers defense and the Cardinals offense. There are some great Michigan connections as seven players between the teams played for the Wolverines. LaMar Woodley and Steve Breaston went out to dinner last night. To date we have not run into a Cardinal fan. Now, hopefully they are all coming to town on Friday. But we did see a guy wearing a Patriots jersey and Yankee hat which should be illegal. We found a Bally’s gym down the block from our hotel and Ash and I got an hour to work out this morning. Gotta run for now, need to tape an interview with Mike Ditka…..

Ash: A free dinner, Gambo is the worst driver

Published on January 28, 2009 in Mark Asher. 0 Comments

Well here we are on day 3 of Radio Row.  Things are definitely  starting to pick up a bit.  It has been a little dead the first two days, but we were still able to get some great guests.  We had a chance to talk with Lee Roy Selmon who is basically the king of Tampa.  In fact, he invited us to his restaurant tonight for a free meal!  That should make the accountants at KTAR happy!!!

We went to the Tampa Bay Lightning game last night.  It was cool to see another arena and how their fans react to hockey.

The highlight of the trip so far, besides watching Gambo frantically look for the car keys to the rental car only to find them in the car with it still running, was media day yesterday.

I have seen media day on TV many times, but to actually be there in person was really cool.  I will post some of my photos for you to see.  The Cardinals did a really good job at media day.  They were loose and having fun and answered all the serious questions and some of the ridiculous ones too!

I am looking forward to start taking in a little of the Tampa nightlife and getting to some of the parties that will start happening here.  More of the fans are starting to arrive and the town is starting to buzz a little more now about the game.  Oh yeah last thing today from Tampa.  Gambo is the worst driver ever!!!

Gambo: Day one from Tampa

Published on January 27, 2009 in John Gambadoro. 3 Comments

First full day in Tampa is in the books. Pretty quiet most of the day on media row, many of the top sports radio stations in the country are not coming because of the economy, including those from Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago and Houston. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will be at media day for the Cardinals early in the morning and have some scheduled guests on the show including Rocky Bleier.  Found a great pizza place for lunch called Eddie and Sams New York Pizza. Ash and E loved it and want to go back. Tonight we went to dinner with my good friend Rick Tocchet, who is the coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning and one of the Lightning owners at Berns Restaurant in Tampa. It is a nice steakhouse and Program Director Ryan Hatch may have a heart attack when he gets our bill, but I did warn him that we were going high end one night. We ran into Lightning star Vincent Lecavlier at the restaurant fresh off his NHL All-Star appearance in Montreal. Tocch invited us to the Lightning game vs the Canadians Tuesday night so we will be heading there right after the show is over to watch some hockey. ESPN radio in Pittsburgh wants Ash and I to go on their show Tuesday for a half-hour to discuss the game. ESPN News aired a clip tonight of me asking the Cardinals to be judged by how they have played in the last three games, not how they played in the regular season. Which is how they should be judged. I am tired of hearing about the losses to New England, the Jets and others. Those games don’t matter anymore - just ask the Eagles. Philly worked the Cardinals in the regular season and lost to them in the playoffs. Main topic today was how do the fans view Bill Bidwill now. Is their still animosity towards him for all the losing? Or can people put all those miserable years of Cardinals football behind them now that they are at the Super Bowl and feel good for Mr. B?…….That’s it from Tampa for now…Will have more in a day or so…..Gambo

Live from Tampa!

Published on January 27, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Monday on G & A….short show with Suns’ in Washington to play Wizards…

LIVE FROM TAMPA! - Gambo and Ash gave us a nice recap of their trip to Tampa yesterday, including a detailed description of the beautiful woman Gambo sat next to on the plane while the rest of the guys sat next to 200lb basketball players from Weber State.

…The guys recapped the stories leading into Super Bowl week with the Cardinals and Steelers both arriving today for their first afternoon of press conferences before the BIG media day tomorrow.

…They also discussed the High School basketball game that is causing so much controversy with the 100-0 score and the firing of the head coach of the winning team.  Both G&A didn’t feel the firing was necessary and don’t know how they could have changed the outcome/score of the game.

…The lagging economy is evident at Radio Row as well.  Both G&A noticed significantly less media at Radio Row with the hard times most corporations are going through.

Disrespected?? - G&A think the Cardinals have been disrespected the whole season, but especially now that they have been in the post-season. They wonder how and why the media continues to write negatively about this team despite them winning three post-season games and making it to the Super Bowl.

…Callers argued their points for or against the lack of respect for this team.

…Gambo’s argument was the people should base their judgment on the post-season/present rather than the regular season because all that matters is that they won those games when it counted.

Former Cardinal GREAT Joins The Show! - Charley Johnson, former Cards QB- Johnson was a 15-year NFL vet who made one Pro Bowl (1973) and is in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame….He held the Cards’ team record for passing touchdowns in a single season with 28 until Kurt Warner passed him this year….He is a Chemical Engineering Professor at his alma mater, New Mexico State.

Last But Not Least - G&A took calls from listeners to get their reactions/feelings on the Bidwill family and how they run this team.

…Most listeners disliked the sons more than Bidwill Sr.
…G&A continued their dislike for the Bidwill clan

Tuesday we will be joined by 1957 Heisman Trophy winner and former Chicago Cardinal John David Crow.

Still live at Radio Row in Tampa all week.

 
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Gambo & Ash arrive in Tampa

Published on January 26, 2009 in Mark Asher. 0 Comments

Well, the Gambo and Ash show has arrived in Tampa.  Our flight landed in Tampa Sunday around 4pm and we immediately went to the Tampa convention center to pick up our credentials.  Of course, on the whole ride over we had to listen to Gambo talk about the hot Russian chick who he sat next to on the plane.  Can you imagine that conversation?  Two people who don’t speak English!  For more on that listen today.

Monday’s are usually slow here on radio row.  So far we have seen some old timers - like Jack Youngblood (who looks like he could still lay you out in a heartbeat!).  We also have some current NFL stars rolling around - Drew Brees and Warrick Dunn.  The mass of stars will start rolling into town soon.  Our booth is set up right behind Mad Dog Russo’s from Sirius radio.  He used to be the other half of Mike and the Mad Dog in NY at WFAN.  Gambo is in heaven.  Actually, Mad Dog is a really good guy, but he is loud!  I can’t even concentrate trying to get ready for the show.  I am going to try and keep updating you guys as we go.  Don’t forget to check out the web cam to watch us interview our guests this week LIVE from Tampa.  I attached a photo of a giant Larry Fitzgerald mural that is on radio row.  Pretty cool!!!!

And they’re off

Published on January 23, 2009 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday

Short show before Suns basketball in Charlotte.

Giving ‘em Fitz! - Larry Fitzgerald is having a record-setting post-season, breaking Jerry Rice’s record for most playoff receiving yards.  The Steelers have the #1-rated defense in the NFL and excel at shutting down superstar wide receivers (Randy Moss, Plaxico Burress, Terrell Owens).  Gambo knows how physical the Steelers are under Dick LaBeau.  Ash is confident Kurt Warner can move the ball, but it all starts up front.  How will the Cards’ high-powered offense fare against The Steel Curtain?  We took calls.

Sports 620 KTAR sports reporter Johnny V. checked in from Cards’ Camp with the latest as the team continues to prepare for next Sunday’s Super Bowl showdown against the Steelers in Tampa.  V discussed how the players are dealing with the off-field distractions like getting game to tickets and travel accommodations for family and friends.

Taking in Tampa - The Gambo & Ash program is re-locating to Tampa next week and the guys were wondering where to eat and hang out after a long day on radio row.  Gambo said he’s going to lean on former Dbacks’ star Luis Gonzalez, who is familiar with the area, for advice.  We took calls from listeners who chimed in with dining and entertainment suggestions for the week stay.

Former ASU standout, now Cardinals’ fullback and good friend of the show Terrelle Smith joined us to discuss the Cards’ magical run to the Super Bowl and his big block which keyed Tim Hightower’s 4th down 1st-down run on what turned out to be the game-winning drive Sunday against the Eagles.  T-Smith says the Steelers’ front seven is the toughest they’ll face all season.

We’re live from Radio Row in Tampa starting Monday!

 
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