LOS ANGELES — The 2023 ESPY Awards are here, as some of the best athletes from around the world are in Los Angeles to celebrate and honor the past year in sports.
In addition to honoring championship players, there will be performances from Lil Wayne and her, and ESPYS will honor inspiring and brave athletes with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, the Jimmy V Perseverance Award, and the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
Here are the top moments and winners of the 2023 ESPY Awards:
Named Outstanding Athlete, Angel Reis says another national championship is on the way
Bayou Barbie is the Athlete of the Year.
Angel Reese averaged 23 points a game and won a national championship in her first season with the Tigers after transferring from Maryland. The LSU forward gestures “you can’t see me” and “call me” against Iowa’s Caitlin Clark in the College Basketball World’s National Championship game. But, it was her star power and play on the court that propelled her to the top of the top athletes. This is Reese’s first ESPY Award win.
“Another beautiful” is coming for her and the Tigers, she said.
Carmelo Anthony honored by ‘Banana Boat Crew’
Members of the most iconic image in NBA history, the ‘Banana Boat Crew’ – LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Paul – paid their respects to their teammate, Carmelo Anthony, for his career in the NBA and what he has accomplished off the court.
HER is honoring the Jimmy V
The Grammy Award-winning artists gave a powerful tribute to Jimmy V’s tenacious performance, showcasing her powerful vocal range while some past Jimmy V winners’ speeches played in the background, including Craig Sager and Stuart Scott.
‘James Gang’ salutes their king, LeBron James says he’s not retiring
The James Gang was on hand to celebrate LeBron James with his all-time NBA scoring achievement, introducing Savannah, Bruni, Bryce, and Zuri the Los Angeles Lakers star as their king. Zuri even had to stop her mom of damnation.
LeBron James thanked his family for all the sacrifices they had made for him to have such a dominant career, but the highlight of his speech was his declaration that he was not finished playing in the NBA after he considered the idea at the end of the Lakers’ season.
“The day I can’t give the game everything on earth is the day I’m done. Lucky for you guys that day isn’t today.”
Jimmy V Perseverance Award given to Liam Hendriks
A three-time MLB All-Star announced in January that he would He began treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and four months later he returned after being in remission.
He told USA TODAY Sports ahead of ESPYS that it was “a huge honor” to be given the award and he hopes his award will raise awareness for cancer research. During his speech he echoed the famous words of Jim Valvano, who gave his powerful speech 30 years ago.
“Don’t give up, never give up,” Hendrix said.
San Antonio Spurs honored for service at Uvalde
The entire San Antonio Spurs organization was honored as the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year for helping the community in Uvalde, Texas, recover after the mass shooting at Rupp Elementary School in May 2022. The team held workouts in Uvalde and volunteered and raised money for the community.
Best championship performance
Lionel Messi was awarded for the best performance in the tournament as well Two goals in the 2022 World Cup Final helped Argentina win the World Cup for the first time since 1986. After a 3-3 scoreline forced the match into penalties, Messi coolly took his shot to keep Argentina alive. Messi scored seven goals and assisted three in the tournament. This is Messi’s fourth win in the ESPYS competition.
Damar Hamlin embraces the Buffalo Bills coaching staff while presenting the Pat Tillman Service Award
The Buffalo Bills coaching staff was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service, but not before Damar Hamlin presented the staff that helped save his life. He was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd, and after a video of Hamlin’s recovery, Salama Biles was brought to tears.
After it was announced that the coaching staff had won the award, all of the staff who took the stage embraced Hamlin with a hug. Chief Athletic Trainer Nate Prisk encouraged everyone to learn CPR for the next life save, and talked about how glad Hamlin was there.
“Thank you for being alive, brother,” said Brisky.
Best athlete, men’s sport
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes was named the men’s sports Athlete of the Year.
Mahomes won his second Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP, and Regular season MVP last season. He threw for a career high 5,250 yards and his second-most touchdowns in a season with 41. Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 38-35 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl 57 with three touchdowns and 226 total yards. This is Mahomes’ second ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete; He also won the 2019 postseason MVP.
Best athlete, women’s sport
Mikaela Shifrin was named the best athlete in women’s sports, as she became Best skier of all time this season with 87 Alpine Ski World Cup victories in 11 years. Shiffrin is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time World Cup champion. This is Shiffrin’s third nomination for Best Sportsperson, Women’s Sports, but she won the award for the first time.
Before the show, Shifrin told USA TODAY Sports that she couldn’t understand winning the award.
“I am fortunate and happy to be here, to be nominated, and to meet so many wonderful people,” Schifrin said. “It’s as if the nomination is really a win.”
Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award
Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and former USWNT forward Lauren Holiday were honored with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for their work in uplifting black communities, including support for small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and donations to historic black colleges and universities. Upon accepting the award, Jrue Holiday preached about being nice to everyone.
“Sometimes I think being human can be so simple. Just love the person next to you.”
Best comeback athlete
NBA champion Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets was named the Most Valuable Athlete of the Year, coming back from a torn ACL to help give the Nuggets their first NBA title in franchise history. But he was ready to share his award with Jon Jones.
Pat McAfee delivers a monologue, throwing shade at Skip Bayless
There’s no host for this year’s show, but soon-to-be ESPN personality Pat McAfee appeared on stage to deliver a preview monologue for the show. He mentions some of the stars in attendance, as well as realizing how amazing Destruction Hamelin’s presence is. He also threw some shade at Skip Bayless.
Lil’ Wayne opens the 2023 ESPY Awards with a performance
Lil’ Wayne kicked off the awards show with a rendition of “A Milli,” and he had several people in the crowd I love to perform.
“Devoted travel trailblazer. Freelance beer scholar. Passionate analyst. Hardcore twitter fanatic.”
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