2014 ESPY Awards: Seattle Seahawks Win Best Team, Kevin Durant Takes Best Male Athlete

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.

Tags
Espy award, Seattle seahawks, Kevin durant
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