First, some unnecessary business that's not worth anyone's time: John Cena. ESPN, what were you thinking? The man was painfully unfunny. It was like every time he opened his mouth we were set up for yet another forced, failed joke. He just seemed all around uncomfortable, which made me as a viewer feel uncomfortable (don't get me started with his inappropriate comments).
I think the only thing he got right was about the second line of his opening monologue and mind you, it wasn't even his words: "Jimmy V once said, 'you have a great day if you can think, if you can cry, if you can laugh.' That's what I love about this program because tonight we are going to do all three." ...and boy was he right.
There are so many things about the awards show so I could sit here and debrief: the serious call to action opening, Breanna Stewart's miserable plea for equality, and of course Craig Sager accepting the Jimmy V Award for perseverance. But I will surrender and choose one.
The Icon Award.
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I don't know if my emotions were running high because my own retirement was only months ago, but there was not an inch on my body that did not have goose bumps covering it. Yeah, I know, two totally different levels: DI athlete vs. professional. But I could relate, ok?
Peyton Manning: not too shabby to hang up his cleats after claiming a Super Bowl title, huh? Well now he is looking at the field a bit differently and can't wait to enjoy being a fan again. "Sports would be nothing without the fans," he said. Hey, thanks Peyton! Call me anytime this season, I wouldn't mind being field-side with you to watch some Broncos touchdowns.
Abby Wambach: it seemed to be the theme of the night for athletes to use their acceptance platform to send a message of change. But Abby did it in such a beautiful way. She summed up her career proud that she is leaving the game better than she found it. She always wanted her identity to be more than just the sport and she found that in the progress our country has made with gender equality in sport. Yes girl, yes.
Kobe Bryant: now this is a man after my own heart. Just because his athletic career might be over, doesn't mean he is done with the world of sport. First of all, can we applaud him for saying "We will never be retired." How cool was that? But he means it. He is ready to fill his time off the court inspiring the next generation to do what he was taught to do: "to never rest in the middle." But the best was his adorable sarcasm claiming he "likes to do things differently." That's right, it wasn't a Super Bowl season, it wasn't even a World Cup title season. It was 17 for 65 season. But to Kobe, it was bold. *Pause for laughter*
Do I agree with the Best Team recipient being the Cavs? No. Nor the Best Male Athlete award for that matter...But all in all, it was another great night by ESPN. So thank you, ESPN. Thank you for reminding us that there is something out there that keeps us fighting, cheering, and never giving up. Craig Sager captured it all: "If I missed the game, it means I'm losing the battle."
May sport continue to keep us connected and keep us stronger than we believe.
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