Tribute To Stuart Scott

3 years ago on January 4th 2015, we lost an incredible friend. And not just a friend in the media and broadcasting industry, but a true friend whose nature at heart is hard to match. Stuart Scott was an inspiration for me because I had never seen a guy on TV who look like me and could hold its own amongst those that didn't look like me. He brought a flare to ESPN that is never been matched and that will never be matched. I would fly to the TV just to see him cover stories with his flamboyant words and incredibly witty descriptions of what happened in the game. Booyah was my favorite expression from Mr. Scott. Only he could say it, only he could capture you with the meaning of it.

The hard work and dedication that you put into your work is incredible. You worked just as hard if not harder during your battles with cancer. You are true example of a fighter and your will to succeed is unprecedented. The impact that you made on your co-workers is amazing.

21 years of excitement you gave us.

I remember watching you on the ESPY’s. I never saw Jimmy Valvano, but I have seen replays of the historic night. This was my moment at watching a hero. You are a hero because while battling cancer, you made a powerful speech and remained strong and upbeat throughout your time here on the Earth.

When I heard you speak that night, it was impactful and truly moving. I was so confident that you would KO cancer for the 4^th and final time.

While not what I had in mind, you WON. You Ko’ed it better than any of us could have expected. The lasting legacy that you have had and created for young, current, and future journalist is everlasting.

The number of fans who continue to speak of you in arenas, barber shops, sports bars, at the dinner table, and just walking and talking outside will last forever. WHAT A LEGACY MY FRIEND…. WHAT GREAT INSPIRATION YOU ARE.

The HEAVENS have received a great one. I am certain the Angels gather around just waiting on you to comment on a play. With all those eyes watching you, I know you don’t bat an eye and remain cool under pressure. Your deliverance is probably “As cool as the other side of the pillow”.

You will hear me say it a lot in this article, but I have to say it again! - What an inspiration you have been for me. I personally have rekindled my passion for sports writing and radio hosting from you. There were times in my youth I would emulate YOU while imaging I was a reporter. There would be long and detailed drawn out segments about sporting events that took place that day. The power of imagination for a teenaged kid huh! I was asked years earlier to appear in some segments that my friend was putting together when online radio was taking off and getting bigger. Because of lack of confidence, I declined. The same friend of mines recently asked me to join his show which I was a smidgen hesitant about because of my confidence in myself (again). This time I thought of you: how to approach the topics, how to handle the topics, and how to respond to them. I kept saying to myself, what would Stuart do? HE certainly wouldn’t run like I was (more so avoiding it). So, I said I would just be myself and try to bring my flare when presenting – the same way YOU brought it every night for ESPN.

Thank you Mr. Scott for everything.

You are a true Game Changer. The true G.O.A.T of sports commentating. While there are many before you, you are the truest pioneer of integrating all venues of people.