ESPY Thoughts

Shockingly, and I truly mean shockingly, Justin Timberlake wasn't that bad. He really wasn't. Sure, the 2008 ESPYs were filled with run-into-the-ground gags (see Mario Chalmers), but overall JT held his own with a tough crowd. And while Brett Favre certainly stole the spotlight (he has a knack for doing that), the show otherwise ran smoothly and even made me chuckle once or twice.

Since the inception of the ESPYs, the program has been riddled with issues. First and foremost, award shows need to be live, they just do. It took MTV roughly 15 years to learn this, but they finally got it through their thick skulls, and its time the "Leader" picked up the trend. Also, if you're going to shoot the thing five days before you air it, then don't release the results on your website. What kind of fun is that? Why now does the average fan want to watch this telecast? Where's the intrigue? I like the fact that ESPN keeps the actual number of awards limited though. That makes for a much quicker show. The trouble this year, came with Timberlake's incessant romp of a musical performance that must have gone on for at least 10 minutes, I mean that was absurd. Alright enough ranting, let's look at the positives.

Loved both heart wrenching parts of the program. First, the award given to Tommie Smith and John Carlos for courage. Arguably the most overlooked act of civil rights in the history of not only sports, but modern history finally was recognized and given the credit it is due. While most know the scene only buy the iconic portrait of Smith and Carlos with their heads hung and their fists held high, the implications of what they did were harsh and sudden. Great moment getting the two of them on the same stage. The second portion was the Jimmy V award for perseverance given to Bills player Kevin Everett. Nothing needs to be said about that situation. If you don't know the story, look it up.

I have to say, the funny, was pretty funny. Highlights for me included every moment Greg Oden was on camera. They guy is a walking punchline. Everything he does and says cracks me up. Both Will Ferrell moments were pretty classic. Him and JCR listing their host demands was awesome. After demanding that the pair be named the new hosts of PTI, Reilly immediately "shot the Black guy" referring of course to Michael Wilbon. That might have been the funniest moment of the evening. JT's opener was substantially well done as well. His jabs at the Patriots, Eli Manning, and Aaron Rodgers certainly were memorable.

Overall, impressive work by the people at the WWL. Let's say we go live next year and maybe cut the musical numbers and we might really have something here.