Watching this play sent me down a memory hole that gave me goosebumps as well as a pang of guilt. Let me explain. A THREAD!

In 2011, I was hosting the ESPYs. Marshawn’s run was nominated for Best Play, an award that was voted on by fans online. It was considered a front runner if not a lock.
Two days before the show, we're all watching the US/Brazil game in the Women’s World Cup. In the 122 minute Abby Wambach scored a header from a brilliant cross via Megan Rapinoe. I asked ESPN’s estimable producer, the late, great Maura Mandt if we could add it to the nominees.
The best thing about the ESPYs is, unlike other award shows that take themselves too seriously, there is a “fuck it, why not” attitude so Maura just made it happen. Maura was great at making things happen. Want another example?
One of the highlights of the ESPYs is the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. When my son Ashe was born Maura gifted him this fake ESPY for BEST CHILD NAMED ASHE. I am confident this is the only ESPY anyone related to me will ever win.
Anyway, two days later, the award is presented by who else - Amber Heard, Cee-Lo and Cam Newton. The historical context here is this was the LAST AWARD THESE THREE EVER PRESENTED TOGETHER!
And yes, it’s pronounced Wahm-BOCK not Wahm-BACK. 2011 was a different time in regard to how well people could pronounce the names of soccer players.

https://t.co/wtdRi0crce
Apropos of nothing, Lynch did not contest the results but rather accepted them with grace though it did seem like his friends busted on him which was a delight to watch.
Point is, I’m watching the play today and thinking, “did my suggestion rob arguably the best play of my lifetime of the ESPY it deserved?” So, then I went back and watched the Wambach goal and felt a little better because it is SOMETHING…https://t.co/ezTpbr8ekg
Also something? Having @mPinoe on the show. Not only was she a great interview but I got to meet @S10Bird and it’s the happiest I have ever seen @jennyhagel
But still…I can’t get over the fact that my son has an ESPY, albeit fake, and @MoneyLynch doesn’t. So I’d like to offer a sincere apology to Marshawn and to honor this play I will be making a donation to the Fam 1st Family Foundation he co-founded. https://t.co/PFIjFbDx0X
And, Marshawn, if you ever want to deliver the acceptance speech you didn’t get to make, I invite you to do it on my show. Or do it on @ConanOBrien because you two already have incredibly chemistry. END! https://t.co/yerBaOtP3O

More from Sport

You May Also Like