Female Empowerment, Anthem Protests, Tom Petty Tributes Among Hot Topics at espnW Summit
“I think we always bring great optimism to this event, and sometimes you need optimism more when things are really tough,” Laura Gentile, SVP of espnW and Women’s Initiatives, tells TheWrap
Debbie Emery | October 6, 2017 @ 2:19 PM
Last Updated: October 6, 2017 @ 3:23 PM
Cari Champion and Bozoma Saint John (r) at EspnW Summit / Daniel Stark / ESPN Images
The annual gathering of the world’s female athletes, leaders in the sports world and industry influencers spent two days this week discussing not only topics central to the sports world, but also those central to today’s current and cultural environment.
The eighth annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit held at the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California, welcomed empowering keynote speakers from WWE’s Stephanie McMahon and Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss, to Grammy winner Sheryl Crow and Uber’s chief brand officer Bozoma Saint John.
ESPN talent including Summit host Sage Steele, Cari Champion, Jemele Hill (who recently sparred with President Trump on Twitter), Hannah Storm, Kate Fagan and Alyssa Roenigk took part in the panels, while even a few lucky men such as Connor Schell — ESPN Executive Vice President, Content and executive producer on the Oscar-winning “O.J.: Made in America” 30 for 30 film — were in attendance.
While the theme of the event has always been that of celebration, the Summit began the day after the horrific Las Vegas shooting massacre, just over a week after NFL protests and players clashing with Trump, and during the most divisive year in politics that most of us can remember — none of which could be ignored or overlooked but certainly didn’t overshadow the positivity spilling from the stage.
“I think we always bring great optimism to this event, and sometimes you need optimism more when things are really tough,” Laura Gentile, senior vice president, espnW and Women’s Initiatives, told TheWrap, on opening night. “It seems like this year, there’s been one hit after another and so the optimism we’ve tried to capture and bring to the attendees is really important. They want to keep their heads on straight, think about the future and about how we can promote positivity.
“The reality is that cultural and societal issues collide with sports all the time so I think we’ve really tried to handle it [both at the Summit and on espnW.com] with great professionalism and maturity,” Gentile said. “To focus on how it affects the sports world and how it is affecting women in sports, specifically. But I think we always veer towards just telling really good stories,” she added.
While the national anthem protests by male sports stars have dominated the news lately, “We’ve been looking at it a lot through what some of the top female athletes have been doing,” she explained. “We looked a lot at what the WNBA was doing, of them showing unity — I think they were the first female athletes to link arms, which brings a lot of positivity and unity to what’s going on as opposed to continuing the divisiveness. They had a really great leadership stance on all of the tough issues that are surrounding us, so we’ve been trying to tell their story.”
After putting “a lot of effort into planning almost every minute of the Summit,” Gentile was most excited to hear Buss speak — plus WNBA player Sue Bird and soccer star Megan Rapinoe — but first Sheryl Crow kicked off the Summit with a moving tribute to Tom Petty the night of his death.
“She’s seen the world and she’s capitalized on her talents. She’s had heart ache, and breast cancer, she’s lived a full life so there’s a lot of wisdom she’s developed,” Gentile said of the “If It Makes You Happy” singer. “Then her music was just the capper because she’s such an incredible artistic talent.”
While there were too many amazing moments from the Summit to list in full, here are some of the top thought-provoking and conversation-sparking quotes.
Sheryl Crow, Grammy-winning singer
“It’s an interesting day by virtue of what is going on in the world, so it’s important to bring a dialogue that’s up-lifting … What I know more than ever that if compassion isn’t the basis of everything we do in life, we’re missing something.”
Bozoma Saint John, Uber’s chief brand officer (above right with Cari Champion) “Part of innovation is, fake it until you make it. Keep trying things, but it’s not just the random trying. I got receipts. I know what in the hell I really am doing.”
On being one of the few African-American women in Silicon Valley:
“I find it really difficult to maneuver, because sometimes the things that are given freely, the assumptions that are made when you’re not a black woman — the assumption that, ‘Oh yeah, you got it. You’ve done this before.’ Then you have to prove again and again and again that you actually do know it, that you’ve done it, it’s hard not to be mad about it.”
On her famous Emmys Apple Music commercial:
“The message is always try to get to the widest audience. … As we know, there are ‘niche’ audiences who also need attention — I mean, it’s music, right? It’s like a universal truth.”
Sage Steele (Robby Klein for ESPN)
Sage Steele, “SportsCenter” anchor
“The group of powerful women that we are, we all champion diversity. And diversity includes what? Not just our identities, not just our religion, not just who we vote for — but diversity of thought. And we’ve heard a ton of that over the past few days. I think we all need to remember no matter what we’re doing, no matter what we’re talking about — and sometimes when we stoop to certain levels — what are we doing?”
“We’re actually becoming close-minded, and not liberal and accepting, as we preach to others that they should be. I just hope that we can remember that diversity includes everything, even different opinions.”
Jeanie Buss, Controlling Owner and President of the Los Angeles Lakers On drafting Lonzo Ball:
“I can’t remember anybody with more hype going into the draft except for Magic Johnson. Now we have a kid, born and raised in Los Angeles, and that’s exciting for our fans, and for us, to know that we have someone that really represents the city. It seemed like I was watching a movie. It was really special and a great opportunity for him and us.”
… and his father, LaVar Ball:
“It’s a joy to work with him and his family. But I won’t be wearing Big Baller Brand because I have to stay neutral.”
On hiring Magic Johnson:
“It was just kind of fitting that he and I would come back together. We speak the same language because we were kind of raised by the same man. We are of like mind.”
Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer for WWE
“One of the reasons we’ve had such success is we recognize that our fans have an impact on our product. They know they are a part of our story and influence what happens in the ring.”
On the Women’s Evolution in the WWE:
“What shifted was how we were training and developing our female talent. Triple H started recruiting elite athletes — men and women — from all over the world. In our developmental system, they were stealing the show.”
Rebekah Gregory, Boston Marathon bombing survivor and author of “Taking My Life Back” “Everyone always thinks I was running in the [2013 Boston] marathon. I was on the sidelines eating chocolate covered pretzels wondering why anyone would be running 26 miles for fun.”
“Not many of us will be hit with a bomb but we’ll all face challenges. Standing here today, I’ve had 65 surgeries to repair the damage that the bomb did. Everyone is going through something … it maybe a bad leg, it maybe a bad boyfriend.”
“I testified against the remaining bomber who tried to kill me. I told him, I am not your victim and I am not your brother’s.”
Three-time Paralympic gold medalist Alana Nichols
“I actually had a dream of going to college on a softball scholarship, until I broke my back in a snowboarding accident when I was 17. I thought I wasn’t going to be an athlete ever again. I thought it was over for me, and I had lost a huge part of my identity. It was really tough, but about two years after that I found wheelchair basketball, and that gave me my life back.”
Professional show jumper Jessica Springsteen on competing equally with men
“Working with these animals, we can kind of make it an even playing field. It’s fun [competing against men]. But it’s funny, people will come up and ask me, ‘You only ride the male horses, right? Those are the only ones who know how to jump?’ And I’m like, ‘Nooo.’ It is so bizarre.
25 Most Memorable ESPYs Moments, From Stuart Scott to Justin Timberlake (Photos)
Since the first ESPYs Awards in 1993, the show has celebrated the best sports action from throughout the year while honoring trailblazers from all realms. It was originally held in March or April from New York City, but has since moved to its regular spot in July following the MLB All-Star game and migrated west to Los Angeles. Check out some of the best moments from the last quarter decade.
Debbie Emery
Jimmy V's historic speech begins it all (1993) Long before the Jimmy V Award existed, its namesake Jim Valvano made what still stands as the most famous speech in ESPYs’ history – and possibly all of sports. “I'm going to speak longer than anyone else has spoken tonight," Valvano said, accepting the first ever Arthur Ashe Courage Award (and everyone was more than OK with that). "Time is very precious to me. I don't know how much I have left and I have some things I would like to say." The N. C. State basketball coach was battling terminal bone cancer and died less than two months later.
ESPN
Michael Sam accepts the Courage Award (2014): After becoming the first openly gay football player to enter the NFL draft in 2014 (where he was picked by the St. Louis Rams), Michael Sam was then presented the Courage Award by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Sam quoted Arthur Ashe, telling the audience: "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” The University of Missouri alum went on to tell the audience: "Those were the words to live by, whether you're black or white, young or old, straight or gay ... Football raised me, football taught me about hard work."
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Sidney Poitier honors Muhammad Ali (1997): A Hollywood legend honored a boxing legend with an Oscar-worthy speech and the result was nothing short of magical. "In an age of discrimination, he stood up for racial pride. In an era of lost values, he had a spiritual rebirth. In a time of war, Muhammad Ali spoke of peace,” Poitier said when he took to the podium.
Stuart Scott's inspirational cancer speech (2014): Longtime “SportsCenter” anchor Stuart Scott became a part of the show in 2015 when he accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. Up until then, few knew the extent of Scott’s cancer battle as he never let the struggle show on-air, but the sports broadcaster took the entire room with him on a beautiful, tear-jerking journey. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live. So live. Live. Fight like hell and when you get too tired to fight then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you." Scott died in January 2015 at age 49 – but he never lost the fight.
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Devon Still accepts award for sick daughter Leah (2015): Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still became a household name during his five-year-old daughter Leah’s cancer battle, as he put supporting her ahead of his NFL career. Too sick to attend the ESPYs herself, the brave little girl said via video: “Sorry I couldn’t be here, everybody. Thank you for supporting me while I beat out cancer,” before her dad sent the message “don’t give up.” Two years later, Leah is cancer-free and the face of the Still Strong Foundation.
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Ben Affleck pays tribute to a Yankees great (2015) A die-hard Boston Red Sox fan presenting a New York Yankees legend with the Icon Award, what could go wrong? Thankfully, “There was something about him [Jeter] that made the boos ring a little hollow. Maybe it was his inimitable class, maybe it was that he won with dignity and lost with grace. Maybe it was simply that we knew no matter what, he was a winner regardless,” Affleck said. "He broke my heart 100 times, if not more. And he broke it again when he retired.”
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Jamie Foxx serenades Serena Williams (2003): We all heard Jamie Foxx sing as Ray Charles in Oscar-winning “Ray,” but no one expected him to honor Serena Williams with a little ditty titled, “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?” when he served as host in 2003 and 2004. "15-love, 30-40 love, advantage you, 'til you get to deuce," went the catchy lyrics. Not even a Grand Slam champion could resist that.
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Craig Sager’s colorful Jimmy V Award speech (2016) Even though he spent the bulk of his career at Turner Sports, Craig Sager was beloved at ESPN. The “NBA on TNT” reporter lit up the stage in a rainbow bright jacket and yellow shirt before delivering a moving speech while accepting the Jimmy V Award. “I will continue to keep fighting -- sucking the marrow out of life, as the marrow sucks the life out of me,” Sager said. Sadly, he passed away from leukemia in December.
Lauren Hill's parents remember her (2015): College basketball phenomena Lauren Hill succumbed to a brain tumor three months before the ESPYs but that didn’t deplete her presence on the big night. When her parents took to the stage to accept the Best Moment award on her behalf, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. "We are so thankful to everyone who helped make Lauren's moment possible," Lauren's mother, Lisa Hill, said.
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Bill Murray sings the “SportsCenter” theme song (1994) Diehard Chicago Cubs fan Bill Murray saw his dream come true last year with the World Series victory, but long before the Cubs’ curse was broken, Murray took to the stage to host the 1994 ESPYs, and put his sports knowledge and singing talent to the test by belting out the signature “SportsCenter” tune.
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Justin Timberlake sings “I Love Sports” (2008): Timberlake really does love sports, and he wasn’t afraid to tell the world while hosting the 2008 awards. The former NSYNC singer put his obsession to music in the catchy song that reflected on the sports year, poked fun at celebrity couples Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo and Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen, and mocked his role in Janet Jackson’s Nipplegate Super Bowl scandal.
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Norm Macdonald tries to offend everyone (1998): In comparison to Timberlake’s love of sports, Norm Macdonald ripped out the hearts of every sports fan watching with his ruthless opening monologue. From the Dallas Cowboys stripper scandal and O.J. Simpson, to rape allegations against Anthony Mason, no topic was too sensitive for the “Saturday Night Live” alum.
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Justin Timberlake vs. the Kansas Jayhawks (2008) Forever the performer, Tennessee native Timberlake couldn’t hide his love of the Memphis Tigers when he hosted the 2008 ESPYs – which meant ripping into Kansas Jayhawks star Mario Chalmers for beating his beloved team in the NCAA final. Unfortunately for the host, that victory earned Kansas the Best Game award.
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Caitlyn Jenner's tearful speech (2105) The former Olympian captivated the audience when she accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. There was a hushed silence when she took to the stage in a sweeping white gown, but that soon broke into applause and standing ovations. “Trans people deserve something vital: They deserve your respect,” Jenner said.
ESPN
Robin Roberts is introduced by LeBron James (2013): A legend in her own right, Robin Roberts got an introduction worthy of royalty from LeBron “King” James when she was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for her public handling of her battles with breast cancer in 2007 and myelodysplastic syndrome. The "Good Morning America" host got a standing ovation when she went on stage to receive the award from the NBA great.
Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN
LeBron James’ “LeBrogative” dance (2007) The Cleveland Cavaliers star was also part of a far less serious memorable moment in 2007 when he wore a wig and baggy pants to dance to “My LeBrogative” during his 2007 hosting gig. MC Hammer, eat your heart out.
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Dewey Bozella following his wrongful imprisonment (2011) Former amateur boxer Dewey Bozella's wrongful imprisonment for murder turned him into a national news story, and his appearance at the 2011 ESPYs to accept the Arthur Ashe Award following his release after serving a 26 year prison sentence turned him into a household name.
Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN
Drake performs two potential hits (2014) Everything Drake touches turns to gold, and that includes spoof songs he performs while hosting the ESPYs. "Honorable Mention" and "Side Pieces" were both cool enough to be hit singles if the rapper ever released them -- even though they're meant to be cheeky jokes poking fun at sports stars and their other halves.
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Gronk hosts a dance party (2015): What's better than one Gronkowski dancing at the ESPYs? Four, of course! Rob and his equally-as-hyped brothers Dan, Chris and Gordie Jr. did a joint shoulder-bumping, jumping celebration when the New England Patriots tight end won Comeback Player of the Year in 2015. Despite being a Seattle Seahawks fan, host Joel McHale even closed the show by thanking “everyone for coming, and Rob Gronkowski.”
ESPN
Will Ferrell accepts an award as Tiger Woods (2008): Long before Tiger Woods began hitting the news for the wrong reasons, Will Ferrell played a caricature of the golf champion in a hilarious ESPYs skit. "People are always asking me, 'Tiger, how do you do it?' And my answer is, 'Shut up.' I ask the questions."
ESPN
NBA stars take a stand (2016): Politics and sports often inevitably crossover, and in 2016 Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James opened the ESPYs by addressing the Black Lives Matter protests and recent police shootings. “We cannot ignore the realities of the current state of America,” Anthony said as the four NBA super stars stood on stage together.
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Destiny's Child twerk with Serena Williams (2005): Beyonce and co. were twerking at the ESPYs long before Gronk made it cool again. Destiny's Child were joined on stage by Serena Williams and track star Allyson Felix for a special performance of "Lose My Breath." Williams went on to appear in Beyonce's video for "Lemonade" last year.
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Chance the Rapper's Muhammad Ali tribute (2016): Tributes to the greatest of all time filled the 2016 ESPY Awards, with the event taking place just over a month after his death. But none was more tuneful than the Chance the Rapper's closing song, which left guests with a black and white image of the Ali as they left the show instead of the customary confetti.
ESPN
Pat Summitt defies the odds -- again (2012): Despite battling Alzheimer's disease, University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt gave one of her signature inspiring speeches when she was presented with Arthur Ashe Award by fellow Tennessean Peyton Manning. "It is time to fight," the winningest D-1 coach in NCAA history said. "As I ask all of you to join me together so we will win."
ESPN Video
Stevie Wonder presents Best Team to the Lakers (2009): Musical great Stevie Wonder got to celebrate the Lakers' glory years when he presented the Best Team award to Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and their teammates. While that was pretty cool, but it will be Wonder's awesome introduction -- which included a promised that he planned to become "a quarterback for the Steelers or a point guard for the Cavaliers," before breaking into song that sticks in most people's memories.
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TheWrap looks back at 25 years of hilarious and heartfelt highlights
Since the first ESPYs Awards in 1993, the show has celebrated the best sports action from throughout the year while honoring trailblazers from all realms. It was originally held in March or April from New York City, but has since moved to its regular spot in July following the MLB All-Star game and migrated west to Los Angeles. Check out some of the best moments from the last quarter decade.