Tonight, ESPN airs its latest “30 for 30” documentary, "Boo-Yah! A Stuart Scott Portrait," the world of sports media pauses to reflect on a career that was, to borrow one of his most famous phrases, truly "as cool as the other side of the pillow." For Black audiences, however, Stuart Scott was far more than a witty sportscaster; he was an authentic pioneer who brought our culture, our language, and our rhythm directly into the living rooms of America, forever changing the face of television.

When Scott joined ESPN in 1993, becoming a foundational voice on the launch of ESPN2, the sports media landscape was overwhelmingly homogenous. But Scott wasn't interested in fitting in; he was determined to stand out.

He developed a signature style that infused the staid world of highlights with the energy of hip-hop culture. Catchphrases like "Boo-Yah!" and "He must be the one, because he’s got all the loot!" became an instant lexicon. These weren’t just ad-libs; they were a cultural bridge, broadening the appeal of “SportsCenter” and signaling that Blackness was not only welcome but essential to the conversation. Stuart Scott made covering sports cool.

His rise cemented him as one of the most beloved figures on SportsCenter. But his impact stretched far beyond the highlight reel. Scott became a fixture in major sports coverage, serving as the studio host for the NBA on ESPN and ABC, including multiple NBA Finals appearances between 1997 and 2014. He also tackled the gridiron, hosting Monday Night Countdown and other NFL-related shows.

Off-camera, he was a founding editor and writer for “ESPN The Magazine,” contributing his popular "Holla" column. His credibility and reach allowed him to secure notable interviews that crossed the intersection of sports and culture, speaking with giants like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, as well as political figures, including Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Scott’s ability to connect with an audience stemmed from his unwavering authenticity and relentless hard work, qualities that inspired a generation of aspiring Black broadcasters. He proved that success in mainstream media did not require cultural assimilation—it demanded cultural conviction.

That conviction shone brightest during his final years, marked by a courageous battle with cancer. In 2014, while accepting the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYS, Scott delivered a powerful, emotional speech that remains one of the most memorable moments in the network’s history.

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer," he famously stated. "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."

His life, defined by that spirit and a career of excellence, earned him induction into the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame and a permanent place in the pantheon of great American journalists.

The “30 for 30” tonight is an opportunity to celebrate a legacy that transcends sports. Stuart Scott’s lasting impact is the realization that to change the game, sometimes you just need to bring your authentic self to the mic. And for that, we can all say, "Boo-Yah!"