Stuart Scott passed away yesterday after a long reoccurring battle with cancer. What’s sad with many public figures that fight private battles with a disease that it’s often after they pass that some of the most touching and inspiring stories come to light. Often times your forced to view a person in a different light and other times you have more depth given to the character of a person. For any sports fan, which anyone on Fansided, writer or reader is, Stuart Scott was an institution, a mainstay and a voice that guided us through countless highlights and games in his own unique style.
Stuart Scott’s Unique Style
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If you could sum up Stuart Scott in a word it would probably be “Booyah.” If it was that or the hundreds of other phrases he coined and slid seamlessly into highlights it was the pure enthusiasm and physical demeanor in which he reported something you could tell he truly loved. And the subject of his reporting responded to it, opening up and being more honest with him. It was unique and for some people it drove them nuts.
I heard more than once yesterday that people said “it wore on them.” For me it was completely the opposite. I originally thought he was trying too hard, or that it was an act. As I continued just like most young men in the 90’s did watching SportsCenter I began to appreciate the style. It was different, and the verbage wasn’t and isn’t the kind I particularly use. But he was completely real, it was him. As soon as I recognized that I went from 0 to 100 on the guy. He was unwavering in the face of criticism that was unfair. Asking him to change who he was, that wasn’t going to happen.
Stuart Scott’s Death
Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; ESPN reporter Stuart Scott (right) in attendance during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe I was alone, but yesterday when my wife told me he had died I was floored. I mean I knew he was sick, but the guy was so vibrant and full of life every time I saw him. He kept saying how he was going to keep fighting and I assumed he was doing that and he was getting better. Steve Levy was on ESPN yesterday and said during SportsCenter at the end when the camera was off he would be beaten and exhausted. But when the red light lit up, he lit up and was the same Stuart Scott.
ESPN knew because they had a piece prepared, and maybe I’m naïve but I had no idea, no clue. I literally sat down on the spot and said “Man, that sucks…”
So to ESPN from Autzen Zoo, we’re sorry for your loss. Can’t imagine how painful it is to lose a cornerstone, a friend and a colleague. To the seemingly endless list of athletes, stars and others Stuart seemed to be friends with we also extend our condolences. And to Kimberly Scott, Kristin Spodobalski and his daughters Taelor and Sydni we extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathies. Rest in peace Stuart Scott.
For those interested in learning more about cancer research or to donate please visit The V Foundation.