The award for the most ridiculous, self-absorbed, overzealous all sports entertainment network in the world goes to...
ESPN, for the 10th year running.
They have once again proven that outside the 4 major sports, Tiger Woods, and the Williams sisters, you're really not much of an athlete. Unless you count token consideration of Cael Sanderson and -ahem- Sarah Hughes (don't even get me started on figure skating).
No offense to college athlete of the year Sue Bird (UConn BB) but a certain swimmer from Cal who set at least 6 AR and 1 WR over the short course season would have had my vote.
Anyone else? Natalie Coughlin, female college athlete of the year as awarded by the USMS discussion crew?
-RM
Parents
Former Member
It really shouldn't be a surprise that the ESPY's are effectively limited to the "big four" sports. ESPN isn't really in the business of providing sports coverage for athletes -- it provides entertainment for spectators. Just like the Oscars (which generally only recognize major studio movies), the ESPY's are basically a way to promote an (entertainment) industry, so the focus is on the money-making "products."
But we swim because of the benefits we get from swimming. It may be frustrating to not see our sport get the recognition it deserves, but we shouldn't be motivated or influenced by ESPN.
It really shouldn't be a surprise that the ESPY's are effectively limited to the "big four" sports. ESPN isn't really in the business of providing sports coverage for athletes -- it provides entertainment for spectators. Just like the Oscars (which generally only recognize major studio movies), the ESPY's are basically a way to promote an (entertainment) industry, so the focus is on the money-making "products."
But we swim because of the benefits we get from swimming. It may be frustrating to not see our sport get the recognition it deserves, but we shouldn't be motivated or influenced by ESPN.
