Humanitarianism Awards Are The Best Part Of The ESPYs | The Sporting Base
[google-translator]

Humanitarianism Awards are the best part of the ESPYs

July 18, 2025

Humanitarianism Awards are the best part of the ESPYs Sloane Stephens (Robbie Mendelson, Wikimedia Commons)

The 2025 ESPY Awards took place on Wednesday evening in Los Angeles, California. NBA legend Oscar Robertson of Charlotte, Tennessee won the Arthur Ashe Award Courage Award and tennis star Sloane Stephens of Plantation, Florida won the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.

We all know about Robertson’s triple-double success. It was fitting that it was Russell Westbrook, the all-time leader in triple doubles, who presented Robertson with the award. ESPN deserves credit on raising awareness of the impact Robertson had off the court. Not many, including me, was aware of the story of Robertson’s commitment to giving all professional basketball players an opportunity to decide where they could or could not play. As the president of the NBA Players Association from 1965 to 1974, Robertson succeeded in fighting for free agency, and the Oscar Robertson Rule, which prevented NBA franchises from controlling the contract of players for life.


Polo Comp

We also learned about the impact that Stephens has had to the game of tennis. Many know Stephens as the winner of the 2017 United States Open. What you may not know is that Stephens started the Sloane Stephens Foundation. Through this charitable endeavour, tennis courts were built in California and Florida for underprivileged students.

On Wednesday when Stephens accepted her award, my dad asked me, “has Stephens retired yet?” My answer, was I am not sure. That is what many tennis fans are wondering. Stephens has not played since February, when she lost 6-2, 6-3 to Petra Martic of Croatia. Even though Stephens is ranked 237th in the world, she has not formally announced her retirement.

At a time when athletes are praised for their athletic excellence, once in a while the humanitarian attributes need to be recognized. Stephens and Robertson are well deserving of their awards.

Tell Us What You Think Below

August 31, 2025

NRL: Dolphins Vs Titans - Stats, Insights & Our Tips

The Gold Coast Titans have lost eight of their last nine NRL matches We have put together a full list of essential insights that will help you bet on H2H, match points & try scorer markets Read More

August 30, 2025

NRL: Dragons Vs Sea Eagles - Stats, Insights & Our Tips

The home team has won each of the St George Illawarra Dragons' last six NRL matches We have put together a full list of essential insights that will help you bet on H2H, match points & try Read More

August 30, 2025

NRL: Raiders Vs Tigers - Stats, Insights & Our Tips

Zac Hosking has scored a try in six of his seven previous appearances in NRL day matches at GIO Stadium, Canberra We have put together a full list of essential insights that will help you bet Read More