Recapping, a taped telecast I didn’t watch. Excited yet? Nah, I’m just making note of Derek Kinder’s trip to the ESPY’s.
Kinder and former Panthers defensive back Darrelle Revis were nominated for the “best play” in sports last year for their part in Revis’ 73-yard punt return for a touchdown against West Virginia in the 11th game. Revis made the return, but Kinder threw a block that opened a hole for Revis — a devastating hit that leveled two Mountaineers players.
Kinder and Revis didn’t win the ESPY — the award went to Boise State for the “Statue of Liberty” play that scored the winning 2-point conversion against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl — but that didn’t put a damper on a trip that was exciting and eye-opening for Kinder.
“That was just a little taste of that Hollywood and professional athlete lifestyle,” said Kinder, who is on the Biletnikoff Award watch list. “Just getting that taste, I can tell you it was everything it was cracked up to be. That was so much fun, just being out there, being around all of those stars and celebrities — it really was a great experience.
“It is a motivation for me because that’s where I want to be next year — an NFL player, but I have a lot of hard work ahead of me.”
Now, maybe it’s the wonkish part of me, but who paid for the trip and does the NCAA look too closely at these things? Probably not. More of a wink and a nudge perhaps. Or yet another unfathomable rule in the NCAA that lets the school pay for it in some way. You can’t really convince me the whole Boise St. team individually had the money for a trip and hotel stay for the event.
Really, why was Mike Tyson even allowed within 100 feet of this event? Or was he just paid to pose for pictures. The former athlete freak show portion.