Drake is perhaps one of the most popular rappers/sports fan in the United States. But his celebrity status as a hit making rapper means he has access to more sporting events and star athletes than the average person. Like rolling with LeBron James when the Heat won their last NBA Championship. Assisting Terrence Ross at this year’s All Star Slam Dunk Competition. And being the official Global Ambassador for the Toronto Raptors. The media jumped all over his “Draft Day” track showing love to Johnny Manziel. And the last time we saw Drizzy was just the other day, with a sad face, adorned in University of Kentucky apparel, as the Wildcats lost to the UConn Huskies in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.
But the next time you see him among sports figures will be as the smiling host of the 2014 ESPY Awards. Televised live on ESPN at 9pm on July 16, the ESPYS help raise more than $1 million annually for The V Foundation, a charity founded by the late college basketball coach Jim Valvano to promote cancer research.
Dropping the news via his Twitter account, Drake’s hosting gig is being attributed to his hilarious, outstanding recent appearance on Saturday Night Live.
“Drake is an unbelievably talented entertainer who truly has a passion for sports,” said Connor Schell, vice president, ESPN Films and Original Entertainment, who oversees the ESPYS. “We are thrilled to have him to host this year’s show.”
