Although the 2014 ESPYs featured a comedic atmosphere thanks to the evening's host, famed recording artist Drake, there were a number of memorable and emotional moments delivered by those who accepted their awards, including Michael Sam and Stuart Scott.
Michael Sam, the first publicly gay football player to be drafted into the NFL, accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, which is given out each year to commend those who exhibit strength in the face of adversity. Sam's decision to announce that he was gay prior to the NFL Draft - and to be the first to do so - is seen as a heroic act for standing up for one's beliefs as well as a considerable display of courage. After accepting the award, Sam urged all his listeners to take an example from Arthur Ashe, who famously said, "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
"Those are words to live by whether you're black or white, young or old, straight or gay," said Sam during his acceptance speech.
Stuart Scott was presented with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award, in honor of the former NCAA championship basketball coach Jim Valvano who lost his battle to cancer on April 28, 1993, after delivering what is known as the best ESPY speech of all-time. Scott has been battling cancer after being diagnosed 2007, and since then he's been in-and-out of the hospital and chemotherapy. Scott's been a sportscaster and anchor on ESPN's SportsCenter since 1993 and he has continued working for the network despite his tumultuous battle with cancer.
"I have one more necessity," said Scott during his acceptance speech, after talking about the many essential figures in his life that have helped him live to the fullest. "It's really two; two very vibrant, intelligent, beautiful young ladies. The best thing I have ever done and the best thing I will ever do is be a dad to Taylor and Sydni. I can't ever give up because I can't ever leave my daughters. You two are my heartbeat. I am standing on this stage here tonight because of you."
But aside from the heartfelt moments provided by Sam and Scott, a number of other people were presented with prestigious awards. The list is as follows:
Best Team: Seattle Seahawks
Best Female Athlete: Ronda Rousey, UFC
Best Male Athlete: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Play: Chris Davis, Auburn University
Best Driver: Ryan Hunter-Reay, IndyCar
Best NFL Player: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Best Female U.S. Olympic Athlete: Jamie Anderson, Snowboard Slopestyle
Best Male U.S. Olympic Athlete: Sage Kotsenburg, Snowboard Slopestyle
Best Game: Alabama vs. Auburn, Iron Bowl
Best Female Action Sports Athlete: Jamie Anderson, Snowboard Slopestyle
Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Nyjah Huston, Skateboarding
Best Moment: USA Beats Ghana in World Cup
Best Comeback Athlete: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Upset: Mercer over Duke, NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
Best Championship Performance: Kawhi Leonard, NBA Finals MVP
Best Male College Athlete: Doug McDermott, Creighton Basketball
Best Female College Athlete: Breanna Stewart, Connecticut Basketball
Best NBA Player: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best WNBA Player: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
Best Coach/Manager: Geno Auriemma, Connecticut Women's Basketball
Best MLB Player: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Declan Farmer, Sled Hockey
Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Jamie Whitmore, Para-cycling
Best Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Best Fighter: Floyd Mayweather, Boxing
Best Male Golfer: Bubba Watson
Best Female Golfer: Michelle Wie
Best Male Tennis Player: Rafael Nada
Best Female Tennis Player: Maria Sharapova
Best Bowler: Pete Weber
Best MLS Player: Tim Cahill, New York Red Bulls
You can read more about the 2014 ESPY Awards in this ESPN Article.
