Stuart Scott: UNC’s One Live Stu, the Ultimate Tar Heel

Editor’s Note — This article was originally written on January 17th, 2013 by Horran Cameron. KIH decided to repost it to honor Stuart Scott today.

Boo yah! Holla at this playa when you see him in the street! He’s as cool as the other side of the pillow! Call him butter, because he’s on a roll! Don’t hate the playa, hate the game! A few of the numerous catch-phrases from the University of North Carolina alumnus and ESPN commentator, Stuart Scott.

In the past, he has gotten criticized for being “too hip” or talking in a “hip hop fashion.” Some people think that he makes SportsCenter about himself. Some people think that his catch phrases are corny and outdated. However, I do not.

Oct 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Television personality Stuart Scott during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers beat the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

I want to give Stuart Scott props and encouragement because Stu is battling cancer again. I have to admit that I got choked up a little when UNC coach Roy Williams presented Stuart Scott with an award at “Late Night with Roy” in October 2011. Scott’s battle with stomach cancer was mentioned that evening. This was Stu’s second bout with cancer. The cancer was first sighted after he had an emergency appendectomy in 2007.

Stuart Scott encompasses everything that the UNC represents. He is probably the most popular non-athlete from Carolina. Not too bad for a brother who attended R. J. Reynolds in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I like Stuart Scott. However, I did not realize how important he was to Carolina and Tar Heel Nation until he hosted “Late Night with Roy” in October, 2011. He was emotional about being back home at Carolina. Like me, Stuart made his alma mater the same university that also housed his favorite basketball team. Like me, Stuart Scott has had endured some obstacles in life that have not sidelined his goals and plans because they are just bumps in the road to success. Like me, Stuart Scott is a father who loves his children unconditionally. Like me, Stuart Scott is a Tar Heel.

Stu takes so much pride in being a Tar Heel. It is evident on SportsCenter. However, now is the time when we need to support Stuart Scott. Back in April 2012, I was up early the other morning (daggum insomnia), and came across tweets from Stu. He was cracking jokes and sharing parts of personal life including his battle with cancer. His enthusiasm and positivity should be well-documented. After enduring chemotherapy, this playa does an hour and a half of P90X or mixed martial arts. If that doesn’t deserve respect, Stu goes on about his life like it’s nothing. He is the real playa, although he isn’t from the Himalayas. He is not holding his head down, or being negative. This is encouraging to others, including myself. Although I do not have cancer to my knowledge, I am inspired by Stu’s “in-your-face” approach towards his current obstacle. I have also had several relatives succumb to cancer, most notably my grandfathers who I did not have to privilege to know very well. I do not know what my future holds. However, I do know that I will not allow any situation to get me down to the point where I feel sorry for myself, or desire sympathy. Stu is clearly NOT a victim. He is a survivor and a warrior.

Oct, 14, 2011; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams with ESPN

Some people may not like his shtick, but his catch-phrases are a part of his personality. For the record, I love his catch-phrases, though you should know this by now. Hate him or love him, this underdog is on top of the sports broadcasting industry. Stu revolutionized how sports broadcasters talk. He made SportsCenter cool and fun to watch. During his career, Stu has had the opportunity to interview President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama. He commentated on professional football and professional basketball. Heck, Stu has even been in several movies including “Drumline,” “Just Wright,” “He Got Game,” “Mr. 3000,” “Enchanted,” and “Herbie Fully Loaded.” Who knew that talking about sports could take someone to Hollywood. SAG card anyone? Literally, he mad a lot of money hanging out at the barbershop; however, he does it with poise, creativity, humor and intellect. Trust me. I’m not hating the playa or the game here. Just giving ‘ol Stu props.

Here’s to Stuart Scott. We love how you made us smile when you discuss a clip or story pertaining the University of North Carolina. We also love how you give an athlete props, rather “how you holla at a playa” for “getting his swerve on.” One day, Stuart Scott will be inducted in to Basketball Hall of Fame he did in sports. Tar Heel Nation appreciates and loves Stuart Scott.  Next time you see this playa in the street, holla at him! Boo yah!

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Rest in peace, Stuart Scott. You will be missed.