A Reporter Warms to Award Shows at the ESPYs

July 16, 2006 — -- For the record, I dread most awards shows. The parade of celebrities encased in designer gowns, boasting about their movie making millions more than the next guy's just doesn't do it for me.

But lo and behold, I have finally found the exception: ESPN's ESPY Awards. All of the biggest names in sports, stage and screen come together to celebrate athletic achievements both on the field and off. The event is in its 14th year, and it's bigger and better than ever, with Lance Armstrong serving as this year's master of ceremonies.

The awards were actually given out on Wednesday at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood where I spent the afternoon talking to celebs about what else? Sports.

World Figure Skating Champion Kimmie Meisner was the first star to strut her stuff down the red carpet.

"I'm really excited to be here," giggled the 16-year old, pint-sized pro, who attended the event with her father. "I really want to meet Lance Armstrong."

Actress Carmen Electra also weighed in on the evening's event: "Everyone in Hollywood comes out for this, it's a big deal," she said.

Not far behind these lovely ladies was NBA forward Lebron James, looking dapper in a three piece navy ensemble that probably cost more than my college education. The superstar echoed similar sentiments of excitement.

"It doesn't get any better than this," he said. "All of these athletes in one room is pretty special."

When asked if there was any other sport besides basketball that he had dreams of turning pro in, he quickly replied, "Football, no doubt about it. It was always my first love."

Note to Lebron: Don't quit your day job. Having just inked a $60 million, three-year contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it looks as though you're doing quite well these days.

Indy car driver Danica Patrick, who looked ravishing in a red Dolce and Gabanna gown, said she set her sights on the hard court at a young age, until she encountered a roadblock.

"I was always mean, so the high school coachers wanted me to play something," she said.

"I was tough enough to be a basketball player -- but the only problem was I was really short," said the 5'2, 100-pound racer. "So I was a cheerleader," she proclaimed, looking slightly mortified at the memory of pom-poms.