Stephen Curry had as much range as host of the ESPYs awards show as he does with his jump shot on the basketball court.
Curry performed the typical roast duties as host by teasing LeBron James and Tom Brady, but he also took a serious stance by calling for the release of WNBA player Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February.
“There are a lot of people working hard right now to secure Brittney’s release, but as we hope for the best, we urge the entire global sports community to continue to stay energized on her behalf,” Curry said. “… We cannot stop fighting for her. We cannot stop believing for her, and we will not stop hoping for the day when we can welcome her home safely.”
Curry was joined by WNBA players Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith on stage while calling for Griner’s release. Griner has been detained in Russia since she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February after police said they found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage.
Nneka Ogwumike, Stephen Curry and Skylar Diggins-Smith share a powerful message about Brittney Griner.
— ESPN (@espn) July 21, 2022
“We cannot stop fighting for her. We cannot stop believing for her. And we will not stop hoping for the day when we can welcome her home safely.” pic.twitter.com/gsxFD0iUT8
Soccer star Megan Rapinoe also publicly called for Griner’s release during her acceptance speech.
“BG deserves to be free,” Rapinoe said.
During his opening monologue, though, Curry took a lighter tone, poking fun at some of the world’s best athletes in attendance. He teased James about how the then-Cavaliers star hosted the ESPYs in 2007 after losing the NBA Finals.
“I’m the second NBA player to host this award show. LeBron James hosted this show back in 2007 after losing the NBA Finals. So yes… yes, this feels better.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 21, 2022
Steph Curry came out with the LeBron jokes early 🤣pic.twitter.com/FZdx4Ze0vP
“I am the second NBA player to host this awards show, which is kind of crazy to think about,” said Curry, who led the Warriors to an NBA title in June. “LeBron James, he hosted this award show back in 2007 after losing in the NBA Finals. So yes, you guessed it, this feels better.”
.@StephenCurry30 had to crack one Lakers joke 😂 #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/Z6VO1j0UIl
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 21, 2022
“I’m your host Stephen Curry. Proud husband of Ayesha Curry. Proud son of Dell Curry. Proud daddy of… The Boston Celtics”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 21, 2022
Steph Curry on how Kevin Hart wanted him to open up The ESPYs🤣pic.twitter.com/rla11LUyl9
He also poked fun at Brady, who retired and unretired this offseason.
“Tom Brady is the only guy I know on Earth that would rather get hit by Aaron Donald than hang out with a super model,” Curry joked.
“Tom Brady is the only guy I know on earth that would rather get hit by Aaron Donald than hangout with a super model” 😂pic.twitter.com/xmKDU4madX
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 21, 2022
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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