But Stuart was one of 'us'.
I've worked in bars and/or clubs for years. Working late night shifts and waking up at the crack of noon were common for us.
Back in the day, after work, we'd stop at a fast food joint and grab a few burgers and make it home in time to watch The Deuce.
Even though Keith Olberman was set to anchor the newer and hipper network - Stuart Scott became it's star.
Stuart was 'hood' without being 'ghetto'.
Stuart dressed like us, spoke like us and even looked like us.
Suzy Kolber would squint and giggle as Stuart would deliver lines similar to those found in the conversations of those from a certain demographic (all while expanding the lexicon of another more established demographic). (1)
Stuart was no Jim Hill, Greg nor Bryant Gumbel, nor any of the other sterile, static and deliberate sportscasters to be found on television at the time. (Stuart could bring his 'Blackness' to a corporate environment and still thrive.)
Stuart brought personality and pop-culture references to a confused but enthusiastic audience.
Stuart Scott was what most other - regardless of ones race - sportscasters would soon become.
(1) The Scott/Kolber dynamic is common for any brotha' with a little bit of game. Fawning white-girls and JAPs are a common sight.
He was simply the best.
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