The 2020 ESPYS — aired remotely and a month earlier than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic — opened with a message that might have shocked observers just a few months ago.
Featuring co-hosts Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, the intro started by invoking the names of Jackie Robinson, Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali and Serena Williams, then moved onto a few more names, like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.
All three athletes called on the sports world, especially white athletes, to continue pushing for change in the wake of Floyd’s killing.