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Scott Van Pelt pays tribute to Stuart Scott 10 years after legendary SportsCenter anchor’s death
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Scott Van Pelt and the ESPN family paid a special tribute to Stuart Scott on Saturday.
This Saturday, Jan. 4 was the 10-year anniversary of the passing of the longtime SportsCenter host and a truly legendary staple of ESPN. Throughout his career, Scott was a fan-favorite for his use — and creation — of catchphrases that have withstood the test of time.
“Boo-yah,” “As cool as the other side of the pillow,” “Just call him butter cause he’s on a roll” and many others are just some examples that endeared Scott to viewers of SportsCenter.
Unfortunately, Scott would go on to battle cancer, even receiving the Jimmy V Award for his fight with cancer. On the morning of Jan. 4, 2015, Scott officially passed.
This year, Van Pelt had the honor of delivering a tribute to his former colleague, reflecting on Scott’s role as a father to 2 daughters, his alma mater UNC pulling off a wild win on Saturday and the enduring spirit of Scott.
It was 10 years today. I was sitting in my house, there was snow on the ground, but it was warm, it was foggy. It was kind of eerie. And frankly the news came which made me literally catch my breath.
Stuart Scott was gone. It didn’t make any sense then, and it doesn’t make any sense now, 10 years later. His little girls are young women now. Like their mom and dad, they are substantial and impressive people. I got to hug Taylor and Sydney just a couple of weeks ago, and it made me smile. To think of the pride he would have in who they are now.
A decade later, he’s gone — but he’s not. Because he’s like a light which doesn’t quite ever go out and his spirit lives on in us at this place and it always will. And there’s signs, right? Little cosmic winks from beyond.
Carolina got a 4-point play in the last 5 seconds today to win on the road at Notre Dame. A ‘boo-yah!’ from beyond. Our man, Stuart Scott, forever and ever.
Scott was truly an inspirational figure for others who have battled cancer over the years, and his legacy continues to live on.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
