Linebacker bouncer to launch own Web site
V. Van Buren Giles
News Copy Editor
Jaime Grayson is a fixture at the Linebacker Lounge, the famous Notre Dame bar that sports the best Long Island iced teas and plays the fight song at the end of every night. Grayson is 37 years old and stands at a towering six feet, seven and 3/4 inches tall. He has lived in South Bend his whole life and is known throughout the Notre Dame community as having worked as a bouncer a at the Linebacker for the past 11 years.
Grayson graduated from LaSalle high school, and much to the disbelief of his many friends and co-workers, Jaime has never played sports.
"People always ask me if I played football, and I tell them, No. They can't get over this," he said. "My friends and family are used to it by now, but people who frequent the bar always feel a need to hit me on the shoulder and tell me about their glory days on the athletic field."
Grayson has three children and has had the same girlfriend for the past 18 years.
"I like being characterized as a family man," he said. "People see me as a big brute, but I am very much the same way at work as I am with my kids, Rachel, Jaime, and Taylor."
Grayson has many other interests besides his nighttime security work. He not only works at the Linebacker, but also as a short order cook at the Olive Garden restaurant on Grape road. He has worked there for 16 years.
The main joy in his life is writing and trying to get his publishing company off the ground. "I wrote a few things as a young child; plays, scripts and so on," Grayson said. "I would never show it to anyone, but now I feel a need to get my work out there as well as advance the work of anyone who might need help."
The name of his company is Writing Unlimited Publications. His Web site will be launched in the near future.
"I am really excited about this project. It has been a long time in the making and I expect it to be a great success," said Grayson.
Grayson only employs serious writers who want to produce quality work and make money. "Much like the name of the company, the writing is unlimited, I only want to publish quality and interesting work," he said.
Grayson has enjoyed his time at the Linebacker. He views it as a learning experience. He admits that he has met many interesting and intelligent people along with a great many loudmouths and drunks.
"It has been a hassle dealing with inebriated students as well as older bar patrons. I enjoy the students who come in, they are curious about me, and though I am a private person, I am more than willing to share myself with those who are willing to listen with an open mind," Grayson said.
The Linebacker Lounge is one of – if not the most – popular public house in South Bend. "I love the 'Backer, no weekend is complete without a late night visit. My friends and I always see Jaime there. Walking over and saying hello is part of the experience just like buying a beer and sweating on the dance floor," said senior Patrick Coan. "Living at Turtle Creek, the Linebacker is so close, so my friends and I always walk over and immediately say hi to Jaime upon entering. There is definitely a great deal more to him than just the immense figure standing in the back with the flashlight. He has many intelligent views on philosophy, politics and social issues," said senior Ryan Keegan.
Though Grayson works at a loud and crowded bar that often hosts many supportive and discouraged Notre Dame fans, he detests violence.
"I have never thrown a punch at anyone while working here. I don't want people to be afraid of me. I want them to know I'm cool, but I don't like being referred to as a friendly giant. A lot of people know me as, `The chief,' or `The Big Samoan Dude.' I would like to be known simply as Jaime."
Grayson plans to continue working at the Linebacker until he can support himself completely on his writing enterprise.
All News Stories for Friday, May 17, 2002
