Requiem For A Touchstone: Stuart Scott Passes At 49

When you look up the word in the dictionary, the word is listed like this- and, for the sake of argument, we'll focus on the second and third definitions from Merriam-Webster:

2: a test or criterion for determining the quality or genuineness of a thing

3: a fundamental or quintessential part or feature : basis

Stuart Scott was a touchstone... on a few levels- as an anchor and as a father...

The HQ will admit that, at first, we didn't "get" him. We didn't get his "schtick" on the air. It took a while and it took the reinforcement of a quote we saw that reminded us why he was what he was- as a person and as an anchor.

From Steve Wulf's piece on ESPN.com this morning:

And one of his best moments off the air came when a producer suggested he change a reference on his NBA show from Omega Psi Phi, the fraternity of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, to something more universal, like Animal House.

"I have friends who have no idea what that movie is about," Stuart told him. "That movie was made two decades ago, and black fraternities have been around since 1906."

And, with that, we are reminded that our styles are our own- and they should be always...

Emulation should always be encouraged, but not to the point of repetition and carbon-copy. Unfortunately, we see that a lot these days on television. People, instead of being themselves, try to be someone they're obviously not and end up being caricatures.

Stuart was never a caricature and he came at us all from a different place with a different look, approach, angle, and output. And, for that, we all should be thankful and grateful for widening our perspectives on story-telling.

Now, for the fighter...

We have seen his public battle and, in the end, we lose the physical representation. But we get to hang on to the memories, the style, and the impact that someone has had on our lives- lost to us too soon at 49.

I think it occurs every generation or so... there are people who cross your path that you remember for one reason or another. When our comtemporaries were half the age we are now, it was the Jim Valvano speech at the ESPY awards that reminded us never to give up and also reminded what the value of a full day should be.
((HT: ESPN))


Now, this time around as some of us get a little gray in the temples, we are reminded of what Valvano and his approach meant through a sports anchor that will now live on through far different and just as important means...
((HT: ESPN))


For those who fight and those who have fought...
For those who remember and are remembered...
For those who love and are loved...
The words are simple: Be yourself and make your mark your way...
Don't stop loving. Don't stop fighting.
Don't stop and don't give up...
#StuStrong

John Wall's Very Emotional, Very Long Day

((HT: CSN Washington))

John Wall played with what seemed like an endless supply of energy in the Washington Wizards-Boston Celtics game last night.

The reason was that Wall lost a very close, personal friend and fan in 6-year-old Miyah Telemaque-Nelson. Miyah was one of the many victims to cancer these days- one of the too many, really. After dedicating a double-overtime victory to her, Chris Nelson talked to Wall afterwards.

Here's his postgame reaction


There are times when sports is reduced to its emotional core and support for everyone else around you is shown in a raw fashion.

It's sad that takes events like Wall's loss to remind us of what is important...

Bengals Devon Still Accused Of Not Paying Child Support

((HT: Local12/Cincinnati))

If true, one of the feel good stories of the NFL season has just gone down the crapper.

And when Gloria Allred is involved, you know there's going to be a lot of noise surrounding it.

Allred is the attorney for Channing Smythe, Devon Still's longtime girlfriend, who broke up with Still after his daughter Leah was born in 2010. Leah's fight with childhood cancer has received national attention through the Cincinnati Bengals keeping Devon Still on the roster so he could pay for her treatments under the NFL insurance policies.

Now, there's talk that Devon Still has been behind in his child support payments to Smythe. Allred is asking the league to investigate the claim that Smythe hasn't seen any money from Still since August.

An article in the New York Daily News' Michael O'Keeffe brought forth the allegation


Devon Still has released a statement:

"My daughter's battle with cancer has been inspirational to many all over the world. When she gets older, I want her to be able to look back and read about her positive impact on the world, not about the private issues her parents were going through. I am not going to retaliate against the mother of my daughter, and the untruthful reports in the New York Daily News article, by criticizing her character. I am going to continue to allow the court system to handle this matter, as it has been doing these past couple of months."

Terry Fox Would Have Been 56 Today

((HT: ESPN))

Full disclosure...

The HQ is involved in the Terry Fox Foundation and its efforts to aid in cancer research and, hopefully, a cure somewhere down the road.

If you don't know his story and the impact he has had in his home country, then we would ask you watch this "30 for 30" project that Steve Nash was part in. Here's Part One of "Into The Wind":


FOSG James Cybulski did a story with then-Raptors coach Jay Triano a few years ago to talk about his relationship with Fox and someone Terry thought was someone very special.
((HT: TSN))


We don't encourage those who follow us on a daily basis to follow what we follow unless you want to do so.
We would just ask that if you have causes that matter to you to hang on to them and never give them up.

McNeill's 61 Good For Second At Greenbrier

((HT: PGA Tour/CBS Sports))

Jason Sobel did a terrific column explaining how George McNeill went out today and lit up the Greenbrier Resort for a final round-61. He finished runner-up to Angel Cabrera who finished 64-64.

McNeill's older sister was in a losing battle with cancer that had metastasized along her spine and he has been constantly getting updates on her condition while he is on tour.

She died 20 minutes before McNeill's tee time this morning, but he didn't know until he checked in with family after his round was over.

Here's the highlights as McNeill posted a hell of a number on a rough day...


And here's the discussion afterwards with Kelly Tilghman, Steve Sands, and Jason Sobel
((HT: Golf Channel))

Tony Gwynn Honored In San Diego

((HT: MLB.com))

It was the first home game for the San Diego Padres after the death of their Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn- and the tribute was fitting for Number 19.


But, what may have been missed in all of this was the Dick Enberg tribute that happened from Seattle the night of his passing as part of the Major League Baseball remembrance

DEVELOPING: Tony Gwynn Passes At 54

After a prolonged battle with cancer of the salivary gland, 8-time batting champ Tony Gwynn has died at the age of 54. He had battled it in 2009 and again in 2012 when it recurred.

He was equal to Honus Wagner in batting titles and finished with 3,141 career hits (18th all-time) and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 with Cal Ripken, Junior.

The head coach of the San Diego State baseball program had taken a leave of absence from the program to fight the disease in recent months.

And, to tell you a quick story on how tremendous a physical athlete Gwynn was, he was once taken in for an eye test since people often wondered how a career .338 hitter could pick up the ball so well and so quickly out of a pitcher's hand.

The initial eye test came back with vision that was 20/10- meaning that he could pick up objects clearly at twenty feet that others could at only ten feet in front of them. A retest was demanded since the first round of results weren't believed.

The second test came back 20/8.

Here's a piece the Aztecs had done on them by ESPN's "Outside The Lines" group after Gwynn survived round one back in 2011. Tom Friend reports for OTL
((HT: goaztecs.com))

Storytelling At Its Finest: Dominic Moore's Road Back...

((HT: ESPN))

The story of the return of the New York Rangers' Dominic Moore is heartbreaking and encouraging as to the core of all of us...

Jeremy Schaap and Rich Ackerman get the credit on E:60


The fact that Moore got the game-winner last night to move the team to the Stanley Cup Finals is even more awesome.

Northern State's Don Meyer Passes From Cancer

((HT: KELO-TV))

The former head coach at Northern State University, a Division II NCAA basketball power under Don Meyer, passed early Sunday morning after fighting cancer for six years.

The knows what you're thinking... why focus an effort on a Division II basketball coach...???

We agree that Don Meyer is the best coach no one knows about
((HT: ESPN))


He retired from coaching in 2010 with 923 career wins and received the "Jimmy V" Award in 2009

Meyer was in hospital for three days with a feeding tube before returning home under hospice care earlier this week. His family said that his health has been drastically declining over the past several months.

The family released a statement earlier this morning:

"Don Meyer peacefully went to heaven on Sunday morning, May 18, 2014. He won his greatest victory and is now running again and gearing up to pitch nine innings. The family appreciates the outpouring of love, prayers and concern."

Here's the acceptance speech from 2009
((HT: ESPN))


That's why the HQ is spending time on Don Meyer and, full disclosure, we also have Buster Olney's book on Meyer...

Jim Kelly Readmitted To Hospital

((HT: Jill Kelly))

As of three hours ago, Jim Kelly was readmitted to hospital for cancer treatments...

This was released by the family as an update...

The HQ will keep the Kellys in our thoughts and prayers...

Jim Kelly's New Message During Chemo

((HT: Jill Kelly's Facebook Page))

Buffalo Bills QB Jim Kelly is half-way through his chemo cycle and sent out this message to everyone who is thinking about him in this tough time for the Kelly clan...

The HQ is thinking about all Buffalo fans and Kelly fans as we all watch this battle together...

David Langner Passes From Cancer

((HT: AL.com/Marcello))

Okay, the HQ will yield that you probably don't know Langner by name if you're outside the Ess-E-Cee...

But, if you mention "Punt, Bama, Punt"- you'll probably know what that is all about...
((HT: Auburn University Athletics))


In 1972, Auburn was down 16-3. But Langner was credited with returning two blocked punts for scores at Auburn won 17-16 in one of the most storied games in the Iron Bowl Series...

"David Langner was one of Auburn's greats who will be remembered by generations to come," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "He was a fierce competitor who fought cancer as hard as he fought any opponent he faced. I know the entire Auburn family joins me in offering our sympathy and prayers to his family."

Bill Newton blocked both punts with less than six minutes left in regulation and this capped off a year where the group known as the "Amazins" went 10-1...

"I'm saddened by the passing of David Langner, who was not only an Auburn legend but a great man," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said in another statement released by the university. "On behalf of the entire Auburn football program, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends."

As is the HQ's...

The Story Of Princess Lacey

((HT: BTN))

Lacey Holsworth taught more to a lot of folks about handling cancer than we may ever know...

Diagnosed with Neuroblastoma a few years ago, the disease finally took her from her friends and family at the age of 8. You may remember her story in association with her relationship with Michigan State basketball and, specifically, Adreian Payne.

Here was one of the looks from the Big Ten Network


Lacey was also Payne's escort for Senior Night


And even made it to the weekend in Dallas to see Payne in the Dunk Contest
((HT: ESPN))


A message was posted to her "Princess Lacey" Instagram account around 3AM today:

Princess Lacey has achieved the ultimate victory. She now dances among angels.... The world is a better place because you were in it. Our hearts are broken. We love you Doll. Dance all night... Mommy and Daddy, Will, Mitchell, and Luke💞 #LoveLikeLacey

Joe Rexrode, from the Detroit Free Press, has early reaction from Lansing:

It inspired emotion from MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo, who said in a phone interview: “I’m supposed to be a guy who leads men, and now an 8-year-old has impacted my life like this. … the impact on all of us will be lasting, and that’s especially true for Adreian (Payne).”

It inspired ESPN analyst Dick Vitale to call Lacey’s father, Matt Holsworth, and tell him he’s going to donate $250,000 in her name, with fund raising starting now at dickvitaleonline.com.

“I can’t believe it,” Vitale said of Lacey’s death in a phone interview before sobbing for several seconds. “This rips my heart out, man.”

Rexrode also found out that Izzo talked to Payne around 7AM this morning and he is taking the news with "the class and dignity that she taught him."

Drew Sharp wrote another tremendous piece in the Detroit Free Press as the March tournament started that goes into their relationship as well...

Obviously, the HQ is not in the minority here, but our thoughts and prayers are to her family, supporters, and friends

Kellys Do Buffalo Sit Down Interview Before Chemo

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

Scott Levin sat down with the Kellys in New York City before the new round of chemo to catch western New York up on what's going on in one of the most beloved families around...


Kelly begins a five-day-a-week treatment program of chemotherapy and radiation at Lenox Hill Hospital...

And, obviously, it's all #PrayersforJK

Jim Kelly Makes Public Appearance At MSG

((HT: MSG/NBA))

Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his family have decided against surgery for the time being in his cancer fight and will opt for chemotherapy and radiation- asking, at the same time, for a miracle...

He also wanted to surprise his daughter for making the Dean's List. So, he and Erin made it to the New York Knicks game tonight at Madison Square Garden for his first public appearance since his diagnosis

Here's Jill Martin catching up with #12 courtside...


Monday starts his new round of fighting at Lenox Hill Hospital...

Interesting Night For Angels: Game-Winner Plus A Nasty Injury

((HT: ESPN/MLB/AP))

Any LA Angels fan can tell you that the signing of Mike Trout to the contract the team did was a steal...

Opening night was a celebration as Trout got the game-winning hit (not a "walk-off" since there was no walking involved), and Vlad Guerrero signed a one-game contract to retire as an Angel...

But the ceremony was the most shocking part of the evening where it was supposed to be a celebration- and it went wrong.


Baylor broke his leg- which, understandably, is brittle because of his fight with bone marrow cancer. Baylor has been a big, public presence in and around those fighting the battle along with him...

And we only hope that one of the best hitters in the game will be back at it soon...

DEVELOPING: Jim Kelly Back To NYC For Cancer Treatments

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is heading back to a New York City hospital for a Thursday operation as it seems his cancer has no only recurred, but apparently, spread...

Fellow Class of '83'er John Elway was asked about Kelly at the NFL Owners Meetings in Orlando today. The Buffalo News Tim Graham caught up with Elway in the scrums...

"It's sad to me to hear what's taken place since two weeks ago. From what I understand it's not a good report."

Elway, Kelly, and Joe Montana were all in Vail, Colorado for a speaking engagement. Elway saw that Kelly's jaw was not doing well after the restructure surgery from June...

“Unfortunately, it has been determined that his cancer has returned,” ECMC’s Dr. Thom Loree said in a statement released by the hospital ten days ago when the initial diagnosis was given to the media. “Our team of head and neck cancer specialists is determining a course of treatment that will allow Mr. Kelly to battle this cancer successfully. Mr. Kelly has asked that you keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Kelly was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma a year ago and last June doctors had to remove part of Kelly’s upper jaw, part of the roof of his mouth and teeth before the restructuring of his jaw. Lorre performed the initial surgery.

Here's his coach Marv Levy discussing his QB's cancer when it was first announced Kelly was heading back into hospital...
Kelly has no idea how he got the cancer since he never smoked. He called it "luck of the draw...I guess."

Obviously, we'll keep you posted on all of this...

Jim Kelly's Cancer Returns

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

Former Buffalo Bills QB Jim Kelly was complaining of pain when he was admitted to Erie County Medical Center earlier this week.

And it has been released that his squamous cell carcinoma has returned. It had been initially found last year. But surgery, the removal of part of his jaw and a few teeth seemed to have taken care of it...

ECMC released an official statement saying, "Jim Kelly came to ECMC this week for continued testing related to his oral surgery. Unfortunately, it has been determined that his cancer has returned. Our team of head and neck cancer specialists is determining a course of treatment that will allow Mr. Kelly to battle this cancer successfully. Mr. Kelly has asked that you to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers."

Here's the breaker from Buffalo...

5 Year Old Cancer Survivor Scores Browns TD

((HT: Newsnet5 Cleveland))

Ryan Encinas is surviving lung cancer at the age of 5, and recently celebrated two years of remission. The Cleveland Browns celebrated with him at "Family Night" practice at FirstEnergy Stadium by having him run for a 40-yard TD...

Here's the carry and celebration...
"That was cool," Browns QB Brandon Weeden said. "The kid's been through a lot. I do a lot of stuff back home with Children's Hospital, so every time something like that happens, it brings a lump to your throat."
The Littlest Heroes, a program that supports families with young cancer patients, worked with the Browns to arrange the carry for Encinas...

And, yes, the HQ agrees that it was cool...

DEVELOPING: Jim Kelly Diagnosed With Cancer

((HT: WGRZ-TV))

Former Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jim Kelly announced publicly that he has cancer in his upper jaw- squamous-cell carcinoma.

Kelly released the following statement detailing his diagnosis and prognosis:

"This past couple of weeks has been difficult for me and because of the nature of social media I thought it would be best to share with everyone what has been going on with my health. I was recently diagnosed with Squamous-cell carcinoma (cancer) of the upper jaw bone. I have undergone tests which have shown that the cancer is isolated to my upper jaw and has not spread to other parts of my body. Surgery is scheduled for June 7th and doctors have told me that the prognosis for my recovery is very good.

With the excellent medical care that I will be receiving and the loving care of my wife Jill and my daughters Erin and Camryn and the support of my entire family and friends, I am extremely confident in my road to recovery. I plan to tackle this challenge head on, as we Kelly's always do, with toughness, perseverance and faith.

I want to thank everyone who has offered their prayers and would appreciate any prayers said for me and my family moving forward. May God continue to bless you and our family."

Kelly plans to address the media later at his 2013 annual Jim Kelly Golf Tournament...

Here's early thoughts from the golf tournament...

More when we know more...