With what is arguably one of the most popular events in sports, NCAA March Madness, coming to a close last night (Go Bears!), it reminded me of some of my favorite moments in sports. The problem is, that is a long list that needs to be carefully curated and condensed before I can share it in a blog. So, for now, I will share some of the greatest and funniest moments from sports award shows.
First, Drake hosted the Espy's in 2014 and created the Lance Cam. For those not familiar with Lance Stephenson, in 2014 he played for the Indiana Pacers and went up against LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. In what was maybe an attempt to annoy, rattle or anger LeBron, Lance Stephenson blew in his ear during the game. While hosting the Espy's, Drake took this opportunity to do the same to a famous crowd member, Paul George. Watch below.
Next, John Cena, the famous WWE star and Hollywood actor, hosted the 2016 Espy's. His opening monologue was 10 minutes and he basically roasted everyone in the room that night. For starters, he found some very curious similarities between the WWE, the NFL and the NBA. He also took a jab at two 2016 retirees, Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant. Click the image below for John Cena's best jokes.
In 2017, Drake, being one of the most well-known celebrity basketball fans, hosted the NBA Awards. He only upped his game from the 2014 Espy's. My favorite moment though comes from a bit he and Will Ferrell put together: a lesson on handshakes. Famed Toronto Raptors player, DeMar DeRozan, of Drake's hometown, appeared in the bit as well. Watch here.
If you do not think any of these are funny, I am sorry, but here is another one. Peyton Manning hosted the Espy's in 2017 and just like John Cena, he did not hold back. Although quite a few uncomfortable moments followed, the legendary quarterback got his digs in across the NFL, NBA, WWE, Olympic Swimming...you name it! Click the image below to watch the highlights from Manning's monologue.
Hopefully you all can appreciate my sense of humor, but it is time to change gears. These award shows are also times to remember the legends of college and professional sports. Probably the most memorable Espy's speech of all time came from Jim Valvano, former head basketball coach at NC State University, in the last months of his life. As he battled cancer in 1993, he gave one of the best and most powerful speeches. Words cannot even describe it. Watch it below.
Of course, when remembering Jimmy V and his legacy, I cannot forget Stuart Scott's acceptance speech for the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2014 Espy's. Scott was also battling cancer at the time of the award ceremony. This UNC alum reminded us all of Jimmy V's main point, "Don't give up...don't ever give up!" Watch Scott's speech here.
I hope you took the time to watch the clips in this blog, especially the last two. Maybe you learned a little about my sense of humor or maybe you needed to hear from Jimmy V again about the importance of cherishing your time and above all else, never giving up. Hopefully the Espy's will air again this summer to bring us more memorable moments.
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