Growing up in a household with a sports fanatic, hoop dreams-deflated father, I quickly learned the ins and outs of sports. I remember my father taking a keen interest in certain sports commentators, as if they told the latest sports news in a narrative that only he could understand. Needless to say, because of his love for black sports commentators like Ahmad Rashad, Stuart Scott and John Saunders, I too found a way to connect with their storytelling and moments captured. The death of Stuart Scott hurt, I took it personal and so did my father. So upon learning that yet another legend has passed away, John Saunders, I began to think about all of the black men who have shared with us their love for sports through a narrative that spoke to us and for us.
John Saunders, whose had an informative style that made it easy to listen to plays and a demeanor that made you immediately comfortable with him. He started at ESPN the year I was born, so he shall be remembered as a pioneer and icon. He was one of the first television voices of the Toronto Raptors and according to Dick Vitale, “he represented everything that was good in an human being.” The loss of him is felt by so many and Jemele Hill’s tweet sums it up for all of us who are impacted by his death.
John Saunders was a better person than a host, which is saying something. Classy. Professional. I can’t even describe his impact on me.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 10, 2016
Joining the ranks of the VIP section in heaven is Stuart Scott. When I think of him its hard not to cry, because he is the epitome of strength. He brought us stories in his own charismatic way and reported on sports while battling cancer. As much as we all praised him for being great, he never took that to heart and taught us humility. During his 2014 ESPY speech, he once again spoke words that were heart felt and inspiring: “When I first heard that I was going to be honored with this reward, the very first thing that I did was, I was speechless, briefly. I’ve presented this award before…I get it. I’m a public figure, I have a public job, I’m battling cancer, hopefully I’m inspiring – at my gut level, I really didn’t think that I belonged with those great people. But I listened to what Jim Valvano said 21 years ago. The most poignant seven words ever uttered in any speech anywhere. ‘Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.’ Those great people didn’t. Coach Valvano didn’t. So, to be honored with this, I now have a responsibility to also not ever give up.”
So to these legends, I say thank you. In a world where black men and women are constantly used as just numbers on a roster or target practice for police departments, you reminded us that we belong amongst those who are great. You teach us that giving up is not an option. You gave us the confidence to do the impossible on and off the court. For people like me who can barely dribble a ball but love the game, you gave us a narrative that says our story is more than enough and its worth reporting.
