The gesture was, as Stuart Scott would say, cooler than the other side of the pillow.
E! Online is reporting that Scott, 49, is fighting appendiceal cancer for the third time in seven years. This time, he is fighting with chemotherapy in a local hospital so he can get his treatments, which takes about two whole business days.
Before the Monday night game between the Atlanta Falcons and the home team Green Bay Packers, the ESPN Monday Night Football hosting crew was picking the winner of the game. Suzy Kolber, who is sitting in for Scott, made an announcement before the picked Packers (as did the other hosts) to Scott.
“This is Jimmy V week, and Stuart is the recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance,” said Suzy, fighting back tears. “And he said in his amazing speech… that sometimes, ‘When you when you don’t have the strength, you need your friends to step up a little bit and help you.’”
“So, Stuart,” she said, “we want you to know, we’re sending some extra strength, and how much we love you, and keep fighting that fight… Stuart loves being here… and Stuart, we miss you,” her voice cracking as she was honoring her friend.
You can watch the touching video here.
Fansided is reporting that Scott is one of the most beloved anchors with ESPN since he began in 1993 when ESPN 2 was launched. Scott was an anchor of SportsNight , a short-lived daily news hybrid show that featured Keith Olbermann, Kolber, Kenny Mayne and Scott. Throughout his career at ESPN, Scott became one of the more popular, and well-liked, anchors on the network. His cancer, and the way he is fighting, have further endeared him to viewers.
There was even a rumor that Scott had currently been placed in a hospice because of his cancer, which may have partially been the reason for the emotional show of support Monday night. However, true to his offbeat humor, Scott tweeted to his masses what was actually going on. “Rumor bout me in hospice. Not True. Airball. Swing & a miss. I continue treatment for C & missed some work but Hospice?No. Fighting? YES! [sic]”
Scott also gave us a glimpse into what motivates him to push so hard to beat cancer when he was named the recipient of the 2014 Jimmy V Perseverance award, he mentioned his two most important reasons. “The best thing I’ve ever done, the best thing I will ever do is be a dad to Taelor and Sydni,” he said. “I can’t ever give up because I can’t leave my daughters. Yes, sometimes I embarrass them, sometimes they think I’m a tyrant — that’s a direct quote… Taelor and Sydni, I love you girls more than I will ever be able to express. You are my heartbeat. I am standing on this stage here tonight because of you.”
We extend our heartfelt support and well wishes to Mr. Scott and his family. Please feel free to do the same down in the comments section.
[Image courtesy of Think Laugh Cry]