Sports

Rapinoe urges freedom for Griner, while Ohtani, Kupp, Curry win as ESPYS return to L.A.

By Chriss Hughes
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HOLLYWOOD — The ESPYS Awards Show continued its trend of presenting a stage for some of the sports world’s brightest stars to amplify their voices nationally.

The show, honoring the past year’s top athletes and moments in sports, featured powerful segments and moments touching on topics that included Title IX, the War in Ukraine and the Brittney Griner situation.

“What we witnessed tonight is the importance of sports and how much we can get done with our collective power,” U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe said on the Dolby Theater stage, after winning the ESPY for Best Play. “B.G. deserves to be free … she is being held as a political prisoner obviously.”

Griner was arrested in Russia in February after customs officials said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of transporting drugs.

Rapinoe admonished her fellow athletes for not doing enough to speak out on Griner’s situation.

“Like what are we doing here dressed up like we are when our sister is detained abroad? We haven’t done enough, none of us,” she said. “We can do more, we can support her more, and just let her know that we love her so much.”

“First, bring BG home. Gotta do that,” tennis great Billie Jean King said.

King led off a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal legislation that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools that receive government funding. She was joined by a group of Olympic athletes that included track star Allyson Felix, basketball star Lisa Leslie, gymnast Aly Raisman, snowboarder Chloe Kim and soccer players Brandi Chastain and Rapinoe.

They spoke against a background of black-and-white photos showing women athletes in action, on the field or in the streets advocating for gender equality. Their comments were interspersed with country singer Mickey Guyton performing her songs “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” and “Remember Her Name.”

Vitali Klitschko, a former heavyweight boxing champion and current mayor of Kyiv, was named the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage Winner. Klitschko was recognized for serving as a prominent figure in Ukraine’s war against Russia.

Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani (men’s) and swimmer Katie Ledecky (women’s) won the ESPY awards for Best Athlete.

Ohtani beat out Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid for the award.

“It’s an honor to be in the same category as all of you. You are the best at what you do,” Ohtani said, speaking in English via videotape. “Have a wonderful everything and enjoy your afterparties.”

Curry, who won the NBA Finals MVP award last month, served as host of the show, as it returned to Southern California for the first time following a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Curry won the best record-breaking performance ESPY for passing Ray Allen for most 3-point baskets in NBA history. Fellow Warrior Klay Thompson won the ESPY award for “Best Comeback Athlete.”

Thompson thanked Warriors general manager Bob Myers and his teammates for their support over the last two years as he worked his way back from a pair of injuries. The former Santa Margarita High standout tore the ACL in his left knee during the 2019 NBA Finals before suffering a torn right Achilles tendon ahead of the 2020-21 season.

As a collective, the Warriors beat out the Rams for the Best Team award. Rams receiver Cooper Kupp brought another trophy home, adding the ESPY for Best Championship Performance to the Super Bowl MVP award he won in February at SoFi Stadium.

“Just to be in this room with so many people playing at the absolute peak of their profession is truly an honor,” Kupp said during his acceptance speech. “You inspire so many people, including myself.”

The Rams were also represented at the show by defensive tackle Aaron Donald, head coach Sean McVay and defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

Donald helped present the award for best breakthrough performance, which was awarded to Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu. She used her speech to thank the pioneer female athletes that helped her get to where she is.

St. Louis Cardinals player Albert Pujols received the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.

Pujols was honored for the work he’s done through his foundation, which started in 2005, with an emphasis on two missions that have impacted his life.

“When you look at yourself 25,000 feet above and you really look down, it’s not about you. It’s about serving,” Pujols said in a video before coming on stage to accept the award. “It’s about giving to others and making a difference.”

The Pujols Family Foundation has provided educational and health resources for people in the Dominican Republic. The foundation also plans activities and programs for children and adults with down syndrome. That mission is inspired by his daughter Isabella, who has down syndrome.

“I didn’t know about down syndrome and I had to learn a lot,” Pujols said. “… As great as my career has been, my passion is what I do when the season is over. … That’s how I want to be remembered.”

The future Hall of Famer and former Angels slugger spent the early part of the week at Dodger Stadium, participating in the Home Run Derby and the MLB All-Star Game.

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Chriss Hughes
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