Stuart Scott

Born: July 19, 1965
Died: January 4, 2015
Location: Bristol, Connecticut

Tribute

ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott on set before an NFL football game featuring the New England Patriots against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

Longtime ESPN sportscaster dies at 49

By RICK FREEMAN, The Associated Press

Stuart Scott, the longtime "SportsCenter" anchor and ESPN personality known for his enthusiasm and ubiquity, died Sunday. He was 49.

Scott had fought cancer since a diagnosis in late 2007, the cable TV sports network said, but remained dedicated to his craft even as he underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement that Scott was "a true friend and a uniquely inspirational figure" and that his "energetic and unwavering devotion to his family and to his work while fighting the battle of his life left us in awe, and he leaves a void that can never be replaced."

On Sunday morning, NFL Network broadcaster Rich Eisen's voice broke as he reported the death of his good friend, with whom he worked on "SportsCenter" broadcasts.

Fans and players at games around the United States on Sunday stopped to observe moments of silence, including at NFL playoff games in Indianapolis and Arlington, Texas; the Mavericks-Cavaliers NBA game in Cleveland and at several college basketball games.

Some of the world's most famous athletes expressed their grief online. Basketball star LeBron James wrote on Instagram: "Thank you so much for being u and giving us inner city kids someone we could relate to that wasn't a player but was close enough to them."

"Stuart wasn't covering heroes & champions, it was the other way around," golfer Tiger Woods said on Twitter.

Born in Chicago, Scott attended high school in North Carolina. After graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1987, Scott worked at three TV stations in the southern U.S. before joining ESPN for the 1993 launch of its ESPN2 network, hosting short sports update segments.

He often anchored the 11 p.m. "SportsCenter," where he would punctuate emphatic highlights with "Boo-ya!"

Scott went on to cover countless major events for the network, including the Super Bowl, NBA finals, World Series and NCAA college basketball tournament. He also interviewed President Barack Obama, joining him for a televised game of one-on-one basketball.

"I will miss Stuart Scott," Obama said in a statement. "Stu helped usher in a new way to talk about our favorite teams and the day's best plays. For much of those 20 years, public service and campaigns have kept me from my family — but wherever I went, I could flip on the TV and Stu and his colleagues on 'SportsCenter' were there."

Scott was first diagnosed with cancer in November 2007 after he had to leave the "Monday Night Football" game between Miami and Pittsburgh to have his appendix removed. Doctors discovered a tumor during surgery. He underwent chemotherapy again in 2011.

Scott made a point of continuing to live his life — at work and outside of it.

"Who engages in mixed martial arts training in the midst of chemotherapy treatments?" Skipper said in ESPN's statement. "Who leaves a hospital procedure to return to the set?"

Scott accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYs, the ESPN sports award show, in July. The award is named for former North Carolina State University basketball coach Jim Valvano, who died of cancer in 1993.

During his speech, Scott noted: "When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer.

"You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live," Scott said. "So live. Live. Fight like hell."

___

AP Sports Writer Rachel Cohen contributed to this report.

Condolence & Memory Journal

"I am still feeling as if this were a dream, but the reality of it he really is gone. I send my sincere condolences to his family and knowing that God continues to strengthen them each day. Stuart was a great person he had such a wonderful spirit. He made sports worth watching just to spend time with him. He is greatly missed by everyone and I am sure this is not easy for the family either. Knowing that God makes no mistakes and that Stuart was a born again Christian. Heaven is a beautiful place for him to be an sportscaster. He is gone, but never will be forgotten. "Boo-Yah my friend Rest In Peace!" Surely do miss you. God Bless!

Posted by Janice Nobles - Mt. Vernon, GA - Acquaintance January 05, 2017

My deepest condolences to stuart's family. I've always been a fan of his commentating and his seemingly great spirit. May you find strength this day to the next day...and have faith in God your comforter for this life

Posted by Geji Mckinney Banks - eagan, MN - fan January 26, 2015

Gone,will always be remembered.May your soul rest in peace Stuart.Love and miss you man.

Posted by Robert Drayton - Conway, SC - fan January 14, 2015

"Stuart was such an great inspiration to all! He has been a part of me as long as I can remember you really have to love sports to enjoy the pleasure of his reports and laughter. I will remember him for a long time to come. ESPN will not be the same without Stuart. May his soul Rest In Peace! God Bless!

Posted by Janice Nobles - Mt.Vernon, GA - Friend January 12, 2015

My prayers and coindenes goes out to Stuart Scott's family. He was an inspiration to the the African American men in Sport Journalism. As for the way Mr.Scott addressed his Cancer challenge was amaxingand full of spirit. Your frame of mind does impact how one moves foward. I commend him greatly. Mr. Scott will be missed immensely BUT NEVER FOR GOTTEN

Posted by Yvette Rawley - Capitol Heights, MD - sports fan January 12, 2015

You are such an inspiration to us who fight the fight! Thank you for giving us hope! Blessings to your family and loved ones. Families ARE forever!

Posted by Paula Allen - Raleigh, NC - Friend January 11, 2015

God bless you stuart smooth journey back home! i'll miss watching you on tv also may God bless your family

Posted by tony davis - raleigh, NC - i'm not January 10, 2015

My prayers and condolences are with your family frat

Posted by Noah Turner - Prattville, AL - Frat Brother January 10, 2015

My condolences to the Scott family especially to Taelor and Sydni.
SportsCenter wont be the same
Forever a Tarheel. As cool as the other side of the pillow

Posted by Sue - Hampton, VA - fan January 09, 2015

"My sincere condolences to the Scott family,most of all your 2 beautiful daughters "Boo-Yah!" for a job well-done, we'll miss you, RIP Stuart

Posted by Niecey Williams-Grady - Hartford, CT - Fan January 09, 2015

This is one is very hard to accept, I miss you Stu, you will never be forgotten

Posted by Irene Robinson - Cincinnati, OH - A Big Fan January 09, 2015

A true Professional, a loving father, u truly left us to soon but the Lord needed u there. God bless and keep your family.

Posted by Dave Chavez - Livermore, CA - fan January 09, 2015

You will be dearly missed, condolences to your family, I pray for healing in the Scott family

Posted by Barbara Harper - N. Charleston, SC - not related January 09, 2015

Fine comfort in the Bible.

Posted by Carolyn polite - Savannah, GA - TV viewing for many years January 08, 2015

My sincere condolences to the Scott family. The ESPN family, I am so sorry for your loss. He definitely will be missed.

Posted by Althea Outten - Arverne, NY - Fan January 08, 2015

RIP Stuart, you made ESPN great, sportscenter won't be the same without.

Posted by Vince - Gardena, CA - from watching him TV January 07, 2015

You were a great person who touched a lot of lives by staying true to your self! Stay in peace Mr. Scott! you will be missed by the people who you made a big impact on!

Posted by Denzel Paschal - Albany, NY - Fan January 07, 2015

MY condolences goes out to the family. I'm absolutely heartbroken right now and I'm not even a sports fan. My children and I loss my husband 14 years ago, and it feels like yesterday. The only thing that gives me comfort is knowing that he loved us, and like you Stuart lefted this life like a man. I'm proud of you my brother!

Posted by Danielle - Detroit, MI - Admirer January 07, 2015

Stuart will truly be missed...Lord, I come to You today and pray for healing and strength for the Scott family.

Posted by Sallie Lee - Madison, FL - Fan January 07, 2015

Not just for afro americans. You reached far away from your beloved Bristol. In Puerto Rico you will be deeply missed! RIP Campeon!

Posted by Eduardo Mercado - Carolina - Admirer January 06, 2015

R.I.P Stuart Scott and May God be with Your family most of all your 2 beautiful daughters ... Gone Too SOON !!!!!

Posted by Elijah Stewart - Crowley, TX - Friend & A Fan January 06, 2015

May God strengthen your family and friends during your transition...Rest in Power....no more pain. ...Boyah!

Posted by Carol Campbell Forrest - Jackson, TN - fan January 06, 2015

God has another angel on his team. RIP. God has called you home

Posted by Doriann Dawkins - Suitland, MD - ESPN Fan January 06, 2015

Stuart Scott, a dynamic and graciously ordained pioneer, a remarkable and golden display of humorous positive energy, Your a warrior who battled the odds and fought tirelessly, but finished the fight admirably to the end. Someone who I admired and constantly watched over the years and became a student to everything you spoke about.

Posted by Britton - El Paso, TX - Friend January 06, 2015

God speed.....You will be missed!

Posted by Jane Yates - Lexington, KY - no January 06, 2015

We will all miss you Stuart Scott you were a great sports broadcaster. Farewell my friend.

Detroit Eddie Hiller

Posted by Eddie Hiller - Newport news, VA - Na January 06, 2015

"Whether it was through his uncomparable commentary, his courageous battle with cancer, or his legedary speech at the Espy's, Stuart Scott showed himself to be an amazing person, truly cooler than the other side of the pillow. It was however, the way he lived his life, that made Stu truly one in a million. He proved that you don't have to loose to cancer. My condelences and prayers to Stu's family and friends, especially to his beautiful daughters, Taelor and Sydni. Your Dad lives forever in your hearts. RIP Stu"

Posted by Trelane Kilgore - Hustle, VA - Fan January 06, 2015

A truly dedicated, caring man whose loss is being felt by many. He will be sorely missed. So sorry for his family & friends. Heaven has gained a true angel.

Posted by R.L. Roff - Hellertown, PA - fan January 06, 2015

Our prayers go out to the Scott family, his friends and also to his colleagues at ESPN.
R.I.P. Stu

Posted by james and Wanda Howard - Jackson, MS January 06, 2015

So sad love Stuart Scott rest in peace my brother

Posted by errington Renaud - buffalo, NY - fan January 06, 2015

My condolences to the Scott Family. R.I.P my brother.

Posted by Anthony Johnson - westbury, NY - Fan January 05, 2015

RIP to a true legend.I can hear him now say bo yah and must be butter cause he on a roll. I will miss hearing you.Prayers to his family,friends,co workers. Love you Stuart glad you are out of pain.

Posted by cindi hornaday January 05, 2015

" May he R.I.P "

Posted by Angie Gilliam - Winston Salem, NC January 05, 2015

I am so sorry about your lost, I hope your family are doing well however, I would like to leave you this website jw.org when you go to that website click on books. and go to chapter 7 page 66 and the subject title is "Real hope for your loved ones who have died". Thanks and I hope you will enjoy that website In times to come.
Thanks:

Posted by David Stevenson - Columbia, SC - none January 05, 2015

The news of the late E.S.P.N. sportscaster Stuart Scott's death has saddened me that one of the nation's best sportscasters has been taken from us as Cancer's claimed his life. My prayers/tboughts go out to everyone at E.S.P.N. as his colleagues grieve/mourn his loss. May he R.I.P.

Posted by ChrIstopher Hagee - Phoenixville, PA - N/A January 05, 2015

My thoughts and prayers for the family of this amazing man.

Posted by Andrea Taylor - beaumont, CA - a fan January 05, 2015

Family Album

In a July 16, 2014 file photo, sportscaster Stuart Scott accepts the Jimmy V award for perseverance, at the ESPY Awards at the Nokia Theatre, in Los Angeles. Scott, the longtime “SportsCenter” anchor and ESPN personality known for his known for his enthusiasm and ubiquity, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 after a long fight with cancer. He was 49. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP, File)	In a Wednesday, July 16, 2008 file photo, Stuart Scott poses in the press room at the ESPYs Awards,in Los Angeles. Scott, the longtime "SportsCenter" anchor and ESPN personality known for his known for his enthusiasm and ubiquity, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 after a long fight with cancer. He was 49. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)	ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott on set before an NFL football game featuring the New England Patriots against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. The Panthers won 24-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Stuart Scott is seen at the Jordan Brand party celebrating Michael Jordan’s birthday on Friday, February 15, 2013 in Houston, TX. The Jordan Brand launched its Air Jordan XX8 in Houston on the same day. (Photo by Omar Vega/Invision for Jordan Brand/AP Images)

Community Photos

Dearest Stuart, My prayers are with your daughters, family,friends,co-workers and fans.Really enjoyed watchin you .Gonna missya man. RIP Robt.D.