The ESPYs are once again at hand, and it really is fitting that they take place on the slowest sports day of the year. The day before and the day after the Major League Baseball All Star Game are the two days of the year when the only sporting events going on are WNBA and I believe some international soccer. The Monday before has the Home Run Derby at least, but the Wednesday after has nothing.
The ESPYs can be a fun little distraction, but at the end of the day, it's another popularity contest. Of course, our own Colin Kaepernick is on the ballot this year, nominated for Best Breakthrough Athlete. He faces Russell Wilson, Johnny Manziel, Yasiel Puig and Mike Trout, with the winner to be announce tonight. The show is at 6:00 p.m. PT, so feel free to use this as an open thread if you're actually watching the show.
The more important reason to enjoy the ESPYs is the chance to watch the video above. Norm MacDonald hosted the ESPYs in 1998, and has not hosted them since for a very good reason. His opening monologue was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. It features great lines throughout, but it closes in epic fashion with a Charles Woodson/OJ Simpson joke in the closing seconds. The looks on the faces of Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds are amazing. Enjoy.