The recent ESPY Awards have drawn criticism for naming the New York Knicks as the "Best Team" over the U.S. men's and women's Olympic hockey teams, both of which secured gold medals.
The decision has been called "unfathomable" by some, particularly given the historic nature of the U.S. men's hockey team's victory, which marked their first Olympic gold since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice."
Among the other finalists for Best Team were the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Indiana Hoosiers (NCAA Football), Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), Texas Longhorns (NCAA Softball), Seattle Seahawks (NFL), and the U.S. Women's Olympic Hockey team.
Further fueling the controversy, a game-winning tip-in by OG Anunoby in Game 4 of the NBA Finals was honored as "Best Play" over Jack Hughes' gold medal-clinching goal for the U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey team. Critics argue that Hughes' goal, which secured a historic win for the U.S. after four decades, should have been recognized as the year's top play.
The ESPYs, an awards show hosted by ESPN, has seen a decline in fanfare in recent years, according to some observers. This year's ceremony, held in New York City, also featured appearances by notable athletes like Lindsey Vonn. Vonn, a former Olympic gold medalist in skiing, was present on the red carpet.
In other sports news, golfer Bryson DeChambeau recorded a 3-under 67 on the first day of an event at Royal Birkdale, following a season of missed major cuts. His performance comes after golfer and commentator Sir Nick Faldo questioned DeChambeau's strategy.