SI last night presented Cavaliers F LeBron James with its ’16 Sportsperson of the Year award in a reworked, star-studded ceremony. The Time Inc. title shifted its annual gala to Barclays Center, and for the first time opened the traditionally invite-only ceremony to the public with the sale of VIP tables. James, in unscripted remarks, credited his support network that includes his wife, children, parents and in-laws, as well as the example of activism and service established by the trio of SI Muhummad Ali Legacy Award winners of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jim Brown and Bill Russell also honored last night. “This [award] isn’t about me. This is much bigger than me,” James said. “It’s never about the individual. It’s always about the people behind him. It’s always about the people that are behind the camera. It’s always about the people that don’t get the credit. It’s always about the people that sacrifice what they could be doing with their lives for the better of the individual.” Jay Z introduced James, and also credited James’ growing commitment to speak out on societal issues and enrich the lives of others. “You messed around and got a triple double in real life,” he said of James. SI last night additionally honored swimmer Michael Phelps as the greatest Olympian of all time. Other presenters at the event included former NFL QB and ’13 Sportsperson of the Year Peyton Manning, recently retired Red Sox DH David Ortiz and Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Industry attendees included MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Fox Sports National Networks President Jamie Horowitz, former Ravens LB Ray Lewis, National Geographic Exec VP/Sales & Partnerships and former Time Inc. exec Brendan Ripp and several former SI group editors, including Paul Fichtenbaum and Terry McDonell (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer).
WORDS WILL NEVER HURT ME: ESPN's Ian Begley notes Jay Z "took a dig" last night at Knicks President Phil Jackson when he "referenced the term 'posse,' which Jackson previously used to describe James' business associates." Jay Z called James the "son who honors and worships his mother, Gloria. The friend who put his posse in position." Begley notes the crowd "laughed when the rapper referenced the term" (ESPN.com, 12/13).
