NC State University did not deserve his presence at that time. I could not believe when he came back and gave that speech. Fortunately for Jim Valvano, he was also able to transcend that one NC State University when he was later shown the door. Fortunately, for us Wolfpack fans, he somehow ended up coaching basketball at one NC State University. It’s like I said before, Valvano’s personality was, and still is, admired by countless people who aren’t even BB fans.
Regardless, we State fans know for ourselves who Jim Valvano was, and I would never let ESPN, Vitale, the N&O, The Charlotte Observer or anyone else tell me what he is or what he means to me. Valvano is very easy to praise if you knew him or were around him, like Feinstein was, and very easy to villify if you kept your distance like Golenbock and Dick Vitale, who at the time of the investigation, wasn’t exactly supportive of Jimmy V. Lastly, when I checked last, Peter Golenbock was NOT a local writer, nor was John Feinstein.
Not one other ESPY’s ceremony has come close to matching the one with Valvano’s eloquence. Their refusal for the entire life of the tournament is inexcusable, especially when their 1st awards show is the one Valvano’s speech made memorable. And even if Valvano did, why does ESPN consistently refuse to let NC State be a part of the tournament? That tournament gets national attention, and could do a great deal in bringing back the national rapport that NC State held while Valvano was coach and AD. LRM, I will concede the point about the V foundation with ESPN’s backing however, Valvano, whether in life or death, doesn’t need Vitale or ESPN to remember him–State fans have always been the real torch-bearers.
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