Thursday, July 16, 2009

Thursday 07/16 Quickie: ESPYs
Phelps, Favre, MLB 2nd Half, Odom

How fortuitous that the day I launch a blog dedicated to coverage of Tim Tebow, he wins an ESPY as Best Male College Athlete.

But he wasn't the big winner at the ESPYs. That would be Michael Phelps, who cleaned up with 5, including Best Male Athlete -- an award owned by Tiger over the past few years.

Obviously, Phelps was the most deserving winner this year. As was Larry Fitzgerald as Best NFL Player -- one thing the ESPYs have over traditional sport awards? The playoffs count.

But the biggest differentiator -- and why I like the ESPYs and led today's SN column with them: It's the fans' vote. Call it a popularity contest if you want, but I'd rather have the fans voting than so-called "experts." (Even designating someone as "expert" is offensive, when most fans know just as much, if not more.)

So kudos to ESPN on having the ESPYs on the Slowest Sports Day of the Year. But why not run it live last night, when fans had nothing better to watch? By Sunday's broadcast, everyone knows who won.

More you'll find in today's column:
*Roy Halladay is MLB's biggest 2nd-half X-factor.
*If the Heat sign Odom and Boozer, Wade owes them a long-term commitment NOW.
*Summer-league star: Austin Daye
*Possible names for a new sitcom about fantasy football.
And a lot more.

Complete column here. More later.

-- D.S.

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