ESPYS
ESPYS

Muhammad Ali, Zaevion Dobson + The Cavs Were Heroic For The 2016 ESPYs

Chance The Rappers tribute to the late great(est) Muhammad Ali was no doubt one of the most moving moments of last nights ESPYS Awards, but it was not the only moment worthy of your eyes.

Its fitting that we get this type of intro on a night that a man who was not only heralded for his work in the ring, but for being more than just an athlete and taking a stand against injustice his whole life. The ESPYS began with NBA players Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Lebron James standing united to promote social change. In the midst of the turmoil this country is currently facing, the four ballers call for an end to the violence and retaliation and call out their fellow athletes exclaiming we all have to do better. This is a great start and though just words, its a clear deviation from many (many, not all) of the star athletes of today who choose to bite their tongues in fear of losing sponsorships or angering their employers. But as we all know, it takes more than just words for any real change to happen, lets hope this message doesnt ring hollow.

The night had many more highlights including Vice President Joe Biden paying tribute to his late son and saluting N.B.A. correspondent and cancer fighter Craig Sager, The Cleveland Cavaliers winning the Best Team Award, Kobes Icon Award, Billie Jean Kings tribute to Pat Summitt, Eric Berrys Comeback Athlete Award speech, and more. Watch the highlights and check the list of winners, below.

Full List of Winners:

Male Athlete: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Female Athlete: Breanna Stewart, UConn

Record-Breaking Performance: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Breakthrough Athlete: Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs

Best Play: Aaron Rodgers' Hail Mary to Richard Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Best Moment: City of Cleveland wins first title in 52 years

Best Upset: Holly Holm over Ronda Rousey, UFC

Best Comeback Athlete: Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs

Best Team: Cleveland Cavaliers

Best Championship Performance: LeBron James

Best Game: NBA Finals, Game 7

Best Coach: Tyronn Lue, Cleveland Cavaliers

Best NBA Player: LeBron James

Best MLB Player: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

Best NFL Player: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Best Male College Athlete: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma

Best Female College Athlete: Breanna Stewart, UConn

Best Male Tennis Player: Novak Djokovic

Best Female Tennis Player: Serena Williams

Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Ryan Dungey

Best Female Action Sports Athlete: Jamie Anderson

Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Richard Browne

Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Tatyana McFadden

Best International Athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer

Best MLS Player: Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC

WNBA Player: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx

Best Driver: Kyle Busch

Best Male Golfer: Jordan Spieth

Best Female Golfer: Lydia Ko

Best Jockey: Mario Gutierrez

Best Bowler: Jason Belmonte

Best Fighter: Conor McGregor

Special Awards:

Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Craig Sager

Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Zaevion Dobson

Pat Tillman Award for Service: Sgt. Elizabeth Marks

Icon Award: Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning and Abby Wambach

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