Current and former Detroit Lions players to compete against local players in basketball game to raise money for teacher’s cancer treatment and expenses

Scotty Hazel

On Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m., current and former Detroit Lions football players will take on local members of “Team Hazel,” a group of community members who have come together to show their support of Cedar Springs High School teacher and soccer coach, Scotty Hazel. Hazel is undergoing treatment for liposarcoma. This is his second fight against cancer.

The game will be in the Cedar Springs High School gym. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at the door. Half time will feature player autographs and a silent auction.

More than 700 tickets have already been sold to the “Team Hazel versus Detroit Lions” game. A large portion of ticket sales have come from the students he’s inspired over the years. The public outpouring of support is evident on the “Purple Haze Page” on facebook. It has more than 1,700 members.

The following Detroit Lions players will be in attendance:

Herman Moore, 11-year NFL WR and 4-time Pro Bowler. He is currently the Lions career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

Bill Bentley, a second-year CB out of Louisiana-Lafayette. He was a third-round draft pick in 2012 and has over 40 tackles in his short career.

Cory Schlesinger, 12-year NFL FB and 3-time Pro Bowl alternate. He was a bruising back, scoring over 14 career touchdowns and is most famous for helping open holes for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders

Rob Rubick, a 7-year NFL TE and Grand Valley State University football standout. He now does color commentary and broadcast work for the team.

Devin Taylor, at 6’ 7” and 270 lbs. this DE is a player to watch.

Theo Riddick, former Notre Dame star for coach Brian Kelly, figures to see a lot of action this year at both WR and KR.

Tahir Whitehead, a second-year LB and special teams standout. Last year, he won the Yale Larry Special Teams Most Valuable Player Award, recording nine tackles and a forced fumble.

Local players include many Cedar Springs teachers, residents, and alumni, including Austin Thornton, a former member of the MSU basketball team. The event will be announced Trey Reed, another Cedar Springs graduate.

If you would like to make a donation, make checks payable to Cliffton Young and mail to 6487 Blythefield Ave NE, Rockford MI 49341. All funds will be deposited into a special fund set-up for Scott Hazel at Lake Michigan Credit Union.