It may be his unique style and flashy vocabulary that make Stuart Scott one of sports’ most recognizable broadcasters, but it is his unbreakable spirit that will be celebrated on July 16 at The 2014 ESPYS presented by Capital One. Scott will be honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award for the passion and determination he has displayed in the face of ongoing personal challenges.
Scott’s broadcasting career started early as on-air talent at the student-run radio station at the University of North Carolina. After graduating, he went right into reporting for various local TV stations in both South Carolina and North Carolina. Scott joined ESPN in 1993 for the launch of ESPN2 and his role at the company has consistently grown over the years as he developed into one of the iconic voices of SportsCenter. Scott has also served as a lead host for various NFL, MLB and NBA programs including Monday Night Countdown, NFL Primetime, Sunday NFL Countdown and the NBA Finals. Scott has secured many exclusive, one-on-one interviews with notable figures including Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, President Clinton and President Barack Obama.
Scott’s successful career was forced to take a back seat when he was first diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in November of 2007. He underwent two surgeries and months of chemotherapy before he was given a clean bill of health. Only two years later, the cancer returned. Scott’s most recent surgery was in September 2013 and he is presently continuing with medical treatments. To treat both his body and his mind, Scott has taken to fighting his cancer in the gym, with intense mixed martial arts and cross-training workouts. Despite what is now a public battle with the disease, Scott continues his high-profile role at ESPN and focuses on being a dedicated father to his two daughters.
“Stuart’s story is truly one of perseverance as he consistently displays strength, resilience and even humor while combating this terrible disease,” said ESPN president, John Skipper. “Given how much Stuart has actively supported The V Foundation through the years from within ESPN, it is an honor to now present him with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award to celebrate the inspiration he provides to so many around him.”
Scott commented: “I make a living with words and can’t remember the last time I was at a loss for them…until learning about this amazing honor. I was literally speechless. I’ve had the honor of presenting this very award before and I’ve always been in awe of the recipients. To now be a part of what they stand for is beyond description. Thank you V Foundation and thank you Jim Valvano for STILL guiding us all these years…we won’t give up…we won’t EVER give up.”
The Jimmy V Perseverance Award was named after, and inspired by, the late Jimmy Valvano who became the award’s raison d’être at the 1993 ESPYS. While battling cancer, Valvano gave an emotional acceptance speech that included his famous words “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”®. Valvano passed away less than two months later, but his words were never forgotten. The Jimmy V Award is given to a deserving member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination. In 2007, Women’s College basketball coach Kay Yow became the very first recipient of the Jimmy V Award. Past recipients include Eric LeGrand, Anthony Robles, George Karl and Dick and Rick Hoyt.