Serena Williams’ diss about Harrison Butker wasn’t the only highlight from the ESPYs. See all the most memorable moments from the show!
The 2024 ESPY Awards was a night packed with iconic performances, speeches and call-outs. Host Serena Williams came out swinging, throwing her best shot at Harrison Butker, referring to his past comments about women’s career paths. Not only that, but the tennis champion even sang a few notes of a song to tease her rival, Maria Sharapova.
But the real highlights were within several speeches of the night. South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley fearlessly discussed the pay gap that women in sports are still dealing with while addressing the crowd.
“How do I not fight pay disparity when I do the same job and get paid less, but win more?” she asked after inviting her team to stand. “They’re watching me; I can’t ask them to stand up for themselves if I’m sitting down, nor can I ask them to use their voice to affect change if I’m only willing to whisper. So, when someone tells me to ‘shut up and coach,’ I simply say: ‘No.’ I have a job to do.’”
Scroll through our gallery to relive the most iconic moments from this year’s ESPYs!
1 of 7
Ciara’s Performance
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Ciara opened the show by performing several of her biggest hits as a mashup.
July 12, 2024, 12:41PM 2 of 7
Serena Williams Dissing Harrison Butker
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Serena Williams, Quinta Brunson and Venus Williams discussed women’s accomplishments in sports, and Serena made sure to use the moment to diss Harrison Butker for his past comments about women’s reproductive rights and career paths.
July 12, 2024, 12:41PM 3 of 7
Prince Harry Accepting the Pat Tillman Award
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While accepting the award for his work with veterans, Harry dedicated the achievement to them and the Invictus Games.
“I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality,” he said, before adding, “This award belongs to them. Not to me,”
July 12, 2024, 12:41PM 4 of 7
Dawn Staley’s Speech About Pay Disparity
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The South Carolina women’s basketball coach took a moment to discuss pay inequality for women in sports.
“How do I not fight injustice when I ask them to do things the right way?” she said after asking her team to stand up. “How do I not ask for fairness when I ask them not to cheat themselves, not to cut corners? How do I not fight for equity when I tell them they can climb as high as they want, they can be all they want? How do I not fight pay disparity when I do the same job and get paid less, but win more? They’re watching me; I can’t ask them to stand up for themselves if I’m sitting down, nor can I ask them to use their voice to affect change if I’m only willing to whisper. So, when someone tells me to ‘shut up and coach,’ I simply say: ‘No.’ I have a job to do.’”
July 12, 2024, 12:42PM 5 of 7
Nick Saban Accepting the Icon Award
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The former University of Alabama football coach accepted the Icon Award after serving as the team’s coach for nearly 20 years.
July 12, 2024, 12:43PM
MoreAward Shows
6 of 7
Serena Williams Dedicating a Song to Her Competitor
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Serena dedicated a rendition of “You Could Be My Tennis Ball” to her rival, Maria Sharapova, and the moment was epic.
July 12, 2024, 12:48PM 7 of 7
Andy Reid Accepting Patrick Mahomes’ Award
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Coach Andy Reid accepted the Best Athlete, Men’s Sports on Patrick Mahomes’ behalf.
July 12, 2024, 12:52PM Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter to get the hottest celeb news. Articles Trending Now
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