Everything I Learned From Behind-The-Scenes at the ESPYs

When the in-house event announcer let everyone know the 2016 ESPYs were about to start and people were hustling to their seats, for some reason the nerves hit my stomach. Not because I was in the presence of exorbitant strength, beauty, height and money, but because I had no idea what to expect.

For everyone watching from home, there were a few key takeaways you didn’t have to be in attendance to see: John Cena is damn funny. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers stay winning (and everyone hoping J.R. Smith would show up shirtless was disappointed). Athletes who care about their style really stand out. And, finally, the incredible tributes and outspoken nature of some of the presenters made it clear that the current social climate definitely weighs on these celebrities, too. But, there were a few things going on behind the scenes you wouldn’t catch a glimpse of unless you were in the building. Luckily, thanks to the great people at Old Spice and their new #SmellEm campaign, I was able to get that glimpse and some of the things I learned will give me a much greater appreciation for some of these men and women.

You guys got to see a lot of well-dressed athletes last night. That’s really nothing new, but when you’re up-close and personal seeing the sheer size of some of these men and women, it takes a true craftmaster to have them looking as put together as they do. These stylists aren’t able to have a ton of face time with these athletes. They aren’t just going to pick a suit up off the rack at Topman and think it’s all gravy, so their precision is truly an art that I’m not sure us n00bz will ever understand. I mean, can you imagine trying to make Kevin Love look cool? My God...

You guys remember when Steph Curry said he stressed over his game day outfits for days? I 100 percent understand where he is coming from now. For us commonfolk, we tend not to put too much thought into what we wear everyday. Hell, even on special occasions, it’s not that much of a burden on us, right? Well, when you're at an award show with thousands of well-dressed (and not-so-well dressed) people, you start to feel the pressure because, depending on whether you want to stick out or blend in, there is a very, very small threshold if you want to end up on the positive end of that. And I’m still not quite sure where the fuck I netted out. I know damn well I didn’t end up like Desean Jackson and his short-sleeve suit. *Shivers*

There was a phenomenal tribute to NBA sideline reporter and Jimmy V Award recipient, Craig Sager, as he continues to battle leukemia. The crowd stood for him through his entire speech, inspiring others to keep hope alive. All of this in his silk blazer emblazoned with jaguars and floral patterns, a rhinestoned tie and leopard print KD7s. We may give him some shit—OK, a LOT of shit—about his wardrobe choices, but the man is doing, and wearing, what he loves while exuding confidence and swagger we should all aspire to have. His bright, zestful spirit is only matched by his outfits.

To witness the ESPYs opening message from Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James live was incredible. Even guys like Eric Berry and Steph Curry spoke out on today’s social climate during their acceptance speeches. Whether you believe it or not, it takes a lot for athletes of that stature to speak out on something so polarizing. It’s not easy to place yourself in the public eye to speak on something that is not a part of your immediate job role or responsibility, yet we want these athletes to feel like they have to speak on every issue, and when they do decide to, we criticize them. You didn’t get to see the way these famous men and women treated the family of slain teenager, Zaevion Dobson, as they were there to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on his behalf. They sympathized with their pain and knew that simple acts of kindness from people they, and Zaevion, looked up to would likely bring joy into their lives that are still filled with so much hurt. And these same athletes were the ones applauding loudly when Zaevion’s mother, Zenobia, spoke fervently for stricter gun laws that are taking the lives of blacks, whites, males, females, criminals and cops alike. These things weigh on these athletes just like they do on us, but we need to let them decide when and where they want to speak on it. We the fans, media, counterparts, need to give them that respect.

Free Grey Goose was flowing, so everyone was getting lit. Luckily, no one was so lit that they disgraced themselves, myself included (definite win for me). Can’t remember the last time I saw a group of 6’5” and above dudes in a circle taking turns hittin’ them folks, or Dr. J and his wife dancing vigorously to Morris Day and Sheila E. Oh, and I’m almost positive Holly Rowe hit on me. Probably better than Holly Holm actually hitting me.