ESPY AWARDS 2012 – The Best of the Best and an Ew or Two

Sport’s Stars Shine at Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, and Tim Tebow is Even Hotter in Person

By Kaylyn Thornal, Founder & Contributing Writer

The stars were out in full force! But then again, that’s nothing new in Los Angeles. And you know what? That kinda sucks. One appreciates what it must be like upon unveiling a new inductee in the Cleveland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Similar to a Haley’s Comet sighting. Do I seem jaded? Bored maybe. Ok, I was pretty stoked to see George Hamilton at Cecconi’s last Friday. But come on! That’s like seeing a dinosaur.

But tonight was different, because the cool thing about the ESPY’s is that it was an aggregation of all the great things that happened in sports in one year. Since we’ve been following this year in sports quite closely, everything felt incredibly familiar and both like a walk down memory lane and a glimpse into the future Hall of Fame. But above all, it was a great time!

Here are the highlights of my first live ESPY’s

1. Tim Tebow is a helluva lot prettier in person. Yes, I lead with the back up quarterback of the Jets (eye-roll). But seriously, someone give this guy a microphone and let’s just jump 5 years into the future already because this man is made for TV. Those biceps were practically busting out of his D&G and begging for their own Marky Mark underwear ad. And honestly, we all know sports commentator is probably where he’s headed right? (If not mega-church preacher) So let’s just put all this foolish footballery in the rear view and experience this man in his God given element. A man and his mission(ary).

2. Drew Brees is probably the coolest dude in football, and he is also a lot better looking in person. But this jacket has to go. You can take the boy outta New Orleans, but truly New Orleans was still clinging to this jacket like a tar ball to the bottom of your heal. (Too much?) Will someone give this guy a long term contract already? Because I’d divvy up one Romo, an Austin, and possibly throw in a Whitten for this Full House Ace’s High hero’s beauty mark. I guarantee Brees wouldn’t fumble on the 1 yard line with the game on the line (twice) and would still probably go to the Super Bowl with the remnants of what would be left in that Cowboy trade. Can you hear what I’m saying, Jerry Jones?

3. Brittney Griner accepting the “Best Female Athlete” award. I’m a Baylor grad so this was particularly sweet for me. I loved watching her fumbling for words and still seeming somehow humble amongst all of the accolades she’s gotten this year. I also liked seeing no sign of a broken skateboard arm. (Repeat!) But most of all, I really liked seeing this young woman, up against some incredible athletes, come into her own. She has had to battle some unorthodox criticism – bullied by strangers who because of their own insecurity, feel compelled to lash out at her in the ugliest of ways. And there she stood, in her tall suit, still shy, at a loss for words. Humble. Grateful. But at the same moment impacting women’s basketball forever. Griner get’s a big ’90s ‘Rad’.

4. This last one is two-fold. Pat Summit’s tribute was beyond incredible. Creatively incredible that is. I say this because I work in TV and I know how difficult it is to emotionally move a group of people sitting in suits and high heels who’s main goal is to look and be awesome. But that’s exactly what happened. A room of stars fell silent and in total appreciation for an even greater star. So bravo ESPN video crew. What an amazing job you guys did overall with every film you put together for this show tonight. A huge feat. But mostly, thank you for this incredible and moving tribute to Pat Summit. The only way it could have been better, is if it were longer – as in feature length. Well done.

And then of course, seeing Summit accept this award and seeing her in person looking well, smiling, resilient. It was an inspiring and lovely moment.

I can’t wait until next year. We’ll be there with bells on.

Other notables: RG3, LA Kings, Peyton Manning, Steve Nash and Danica Patrick.

Low douchey moments: Eli Manning, Joel McHale.