MATTHEW COUPER, sports editor
ESPN anchorman Stuart Scott passed away after a long battle with cancer on January 4, 2015 after a 21-year career with the company. He was best known as an anchor of SportsCenter, but he also hosted NBA Countdown and Monday Night Countdown at different times in his career. He is widely perceived as one of the most influential broadcasters that ESPN has ever had.
When Scott first joined ESPN in 1993 after graduating from the University of North Carolina, he brought a unique flare with him. In the early ‘90s, SportsCenter was known as a very prestigious show, but he brought a hip-hop style that many criticized as being too casual and “groovy” for television; he often used slang both when speaking and writing. He received hate mail and other threats about his race and actions on television, but he stayed true to himself and never changed his ways.
Over time, as Scott changed the perception of SportsCenter and television as a whole, people grew to have increasing appreciation for his work.
“When I think of SportsCenter, I think of Stuart Scott. He had a unique way of doing things, and he made ESPN what it is today,” said junior Cody Eades.
He was one of the most charismatic faces on television throughout his career, and he was able to relate to his audiences, especially kids from our generation. He constantly influenced kids to work hard and pursue their dreams, no matter how far-fetched they may be.
“Stuart Scott definitely left a lasting impact on my life. I remember turning on SportsCenter and always hearing his voice,” said junior Danny Barbosa.
Stuart Scott accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance award on July 16, 2014 at the ESPY Awards. This award, named after famous North Carolina State basketball coach and cancer victim Jimmy Valvano, is given annually to someone who exhibits outstanding courage and strong will. He had been through a week of surgeries and had flown from the hospital to Los Angeles to accept the award. He explained his fight with cancer in his speech and provided inspiration for anyone facing adversity.
“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live,” said Scott.
Later on in his speech, Scott explained that he continued to fight cancer and live his life for his two daughters.
“Taelor and Sydni, I love you guys more than I will ever be able to express. You two are my heartbeat. I am standing on this stage here tonight because of you,” said Scott.
Scott went through multiple phases of chemotherapy between 2007 up until the time of his death. Followng the initial diagnosis in 2007, Scott he went through rounds of chemotherapy in 2007, 2009, and 2013. He managed to stay physically active throughout the entire process; after each treatment he would work out or perform mixed martial arts in order to stay in shape.
Many professional athletes and celebrities expressed their condolences after Scott’s passing, including stars from all sports such as LeBron James, Russell Wilson and David Ortiz, as well as one of Scott’s best friends, Robin Roberts. ESPN dedicated a day-long tribute to Scott, and many of his closest friends paid tribute to him on air.
“Stuart Scott inspired me as a young athlete to dream big and work hard to accomplish my goals,” said junior Ian Joseph.
Stuart Scott has had a vast impact on many people, reaching far beyond the realm of sports. Not only was he a prominent figure on television, but he also played parts in many sports related movies such as “He’s Got Game”, “The Longest Yard”, and “Herbie: Fully Loaded.”
He touched the hearts of the whole country throughout his fight against cancer. His catch phrases likely still ring in the ears’ of those who watched him on SportsCenter as he dissected highlights, saying things such as “Boo-Yah!” and “As cool as the other side of the pillow.”
