Drake hosted the 2014 ESPY Awards Wednesday night in Los Angeles, where he took the opportunity to roast LeBron James and Johnny Manziel – and get a dig in on fellow rapper Macklemore.
Drake couldn’t resist telling an early joke at King James’ expense, as the standout NBA player recently dragged out his free agency, ultimately deciding to leave Miami to return to Cleveland.
“Two years, $40 million. Now look, some people are happy about it, some people aren’t happy,” Drake said during his opening monologue. “Me personally, I think it makes sense financially. You know what $40 million gets you in Miami? A really nice house. You know what $40 million gets you in Cleveland? Cleveland. All of it. You get the whole thing.”
Drake’s buddy Johnny Football wasn’t safe from the rapper’s roast either. The notorious party boy, who was captured suspiciously rolling up a bill in a Las Vegas bathroom earlier this month, was jokingly accused of inviting Drake to do mushrooms and watch the ESPYs.
“I worry about him sometimes. For example, right before I came out here, I got a text from him asking if I wanted to do mushrooms and watch the ESPYs together tonight,” said Drake. “Johnny, I hope you understand this is why I couldn’t come. But I’m sure this looks amazing to you right now.”
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Richard Sherman also got a mention from the former Degrassi star, who called Sherman “my guy.”
“Tonight a man told me that Richard Sherman is the best defensive player that he has ever seen, and that man’s name was Richard Sherman,” quipped Drake. “Richie! You’re a cocky son-of-a-b, Richie, I’ll tell you that much. Nah, I love Richard Sherman, man. Sherman’s my guy, like, he’s so entertaining. Richard Sherman pissed off more white people this year than a crowded parking lot at Whole Foods. You know they hate when they can’t get their almond milk, you know what I’m saying?”
When Drake decided to use his mic and the stage to perform some music, he made sure to diss Macklemore (Ben Haggerty) while singing “Honorable Mention.”
“Real talent doesn’t always win championships like real music doesn’t always win Grammys,” sang Drake as a massive photo of Macklemore holding one of his Grammys appeared on the screen behind him. Macklemore beat out Drake and other rappers at this past year’s Grammys and then publicized a text he sent to Kendrick Lamar, telling the rapper he’d deserved it – which made Drake even more angry.
Perhaps Drake’s best moment as the 2014 ESPYs host was in a taped segment in which he impersonated Manny Pacquiao singing Frozen hit “Let It Go.”
2014 ESPY Award Winners:
Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Nyjah Huston, Skateboarding
Best Male U.S. Olympic Athlete: Sage Kotsenburg, Snowboard Slopestyle
Best Female College Athlete: Breanna Stewart, Connecticut Basketball
Best Male College Athlete: Doug McDermott, Creighton Basketball
Best NBA Player: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Female Tennis Player: Maria Sharapova
Best Fighter: Floyd Mayweather, Boxing
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
Best Moment: USA Vs. Ghana
Best Game: Alabama vs. Auburn, Iron Bowl
Best Play: Chris Davis
Best Female Athlete: Ronda Rousey
Best Upset: Mercer over Duke, NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
Best NFL Player: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Best Driver: Ryan Hunter-Reay, IndyCar
Best Male Athlete: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Team: Seattle Seahawks
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