It was only week ago when we celebrated the New Year, popping our champagne bottles and looking forward to a 2015 filled with opportunity. The loss of ESPN Anchor Stuart Scott, who lost his battle with cancer on January 4. was and still is a major blow to the worlds – not only sports and entertainment, but Scott’s audience who adored him. For those not familiar with Stuart Scott, the 21-year veteran of the sports network brought originality and catch phrases such as “Boo-Yah!” to the program.
In July 2014, Scott accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perservance and stated, “When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.”
Hip Hop artists such as Jay-Z, Masta Ace, Chuck D, Action Bronson and Pharoah Monch all gave a salute to the man who united the worlds of hip hop and sports. Most of the tweets echoed one of his famous slogan, “Cooler than the other side of the pillow.” Stuart Scott is trending on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook not just from his unfortunate passing, but as a result of the inspirations created by him.
What touches me the most is the genuine love and sincerity hip hop and other sides of entertainment has shown him and his family. A true measurement of your impact, while you’re alive is what they say when you’re gone.
Stuart Scott embodied the sportsmanlike quality we were taught as young adolescents. He respected everyone and made you feel right at home with his warm dynamism and sense of humor that made him one of sports greatest anchors. Samuel L Jackson calls him, “One of the Good Guys”, and it’s no surprise why.
I would like to say as a fan of the man who brought such great memories to all of us, that we will miss. When I get to see you again, Mr. Scott, we will both be “Cooler than the other side of the pillow.”
