Muhammad Ali, Zaevion Dobson + The Cavs Were Heroic For The 2016 ESPYs
Chance The Rappers tribute to the late great(est) Muhammad Ali was no doubt one of the most moving moments of last nights ESPYS Awards, but it was not the only moment worthy of your eyes.
Its fitting that we get this type of intro on a night that a man who was not only heralded for his work in the ring, but for being more than just an athlete and taking a stand against injustice his whole life. The ESPYS began with NBA players Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Lebron James standing united to promote social change. In the midst of the turmoil this country is currently facing, the four ballers call for an end to the violence and retaliation and call out their fellow athletes exclaiming we all have to do better. This is a great start and though just words, its a clear deviation from many (many, not all) of the star athletes of today who choose to bite their tongues in fear of losing sponsorships or angering their employers. But as we all know, it takes more than just words for any real change to happen, lets hope this message doesnt ring hollow.
The night had many more highlights including Vice President Joe Biden paying tribute to his late son and saluting N.B.A. correspondent and cancer fighter Craig Sager, The Cleveland Cavaliers winning the Best Team Award, Kobes Icon Award, Billie Jean Kings tribute to Pat Summitt, Eric Berrys Comeback Athlete Award speech, and more. Watch the highlights and check the list of winners, below.
Full List of Winners:
Male Athlete: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Female Athlete: Breanna Stewart, UConn
Record-Breaking Performance: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Breakthrough Athlete: Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs
Best Play: Aaron Rodgers' Hail Mary to Richard Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Best Moment: City of Cleveland wins first title in 52 years
Best Upset: Holly Holm over Ronda Rousey, UFC
Best Comeback Athlete: Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs
Best Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Best Championship Performance: LeBron James
Best Game: NBA Finals, Game 7
Best Coach: Tyronn Lue, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best NBA Player: LeBron James
Best MLB Player: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
Best NFL Player: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Best Male College Athlete: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma
Best Female College Athlete: Breanna Stewart, UConn
Best Male Tennis Player: Novak Djokovic
Best Female Tennis Player: Serena Williams
Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Ryan Dungey
Best Female Action Sports Athlete: Jamie Anderson
Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Richard Browne
Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Tatyana McFadden
Best International Athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer
Best MLS Player: Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC
WNBA Player: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
Best Driver: Kyle Busch
Best Male Golfer: Jordan Spieth
Best Female Golfer: Lydia Ko
Best Jockey: Mario Gutierrez
Best Bowler: Jason Belmonte
Best Fighter: Conor McGregor
Special Awards:
Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Craig Sager
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Zaevion Dobson
Pat Tillman Award for Service: Sgt. Elizabeth Marks
Icon Award: Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning and Abby Wambach