Action sports have officially hit the big time. On Saturday, April 7, 2001, the ESPN Action Sports and Music Awards stepped up recognition of these sports to a whole new level by honoring athletes in a way previously reserved for mainstream athletes, actors and musicians.

The night began with a red (actually, it was green) carpet reception. A line of limos made their way up the street of Universal's back lot and spilled out an eclectic mix of action sport athletes, musicians, actors, actresses, models and others. Some of the talent assembled, besides the nominees, included hosts LL Cool J, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos and Chris Klein. Others included Daryl Hannah, Katie Holmes, Ali Landry, Rachael Leigh Cook, Gabriella Reece, The Offspring, Incubus, Rob Zombie, Pennywise, Tom Green and more Playboy Playmates than are currently dating the Hef. The media and paparazzi were out in force. Models worked the crowd while athletes did their best to deal with all the attention.

The venue, the Universal Amphitheater, was definitely prime time. Three movie-theater-size video screens displayed various skate, snow, bmx, motocross and surf highlights of nominees. Music also distinguished this awards show, which acknowledged the critical link between these sports and music. ESPN brought in some top-rate music. The performances escalated in volume and intensity before ending with a violent performance of "Paranoid" by the original members of Black Sabbath, including Ozzy Osbourne. Other performances that night were by Incubus, Crazy Town, Ben Harper and De La Soul featuring Busta Rhymes.

It was obvious that most of the winners of the Action Sports awards weren't real strong public speakers or self promoters. The cool part of that was the acceptance speeches were generally short and sweet. Most gave thanks to family, friends, agents and sponsors.

First up was best female snowboarder of the year. Nobody seemed more surprised than Barrett Christy when her name was announced as Female Snowboarder of the Year. Her male counterpart was Kevin Jones, dedicating the award to his recently deceased grandfather. He then gave props to Bjorn Leines for having an outstanding year. Looking out into the crowd, he said, "I also want to thank Metallica, who's sitting right over there."

Travis Pastrana took Motocross Rider of the Year. He accepted the award on video from Detroit, where he was racing in the Supercross series.

Skateboarder of the Year, Eric Koston, tried to say that anybody but him deserved the award. Aussie Female Surfer of the Year, Layne Beachley, said she felt like Russell Crowe at the Academy Awards, but looked anything like him with her tan, buff body and long blonde hair. Sunny Garcia pulled down Male Surfer of the Year but was a no-show, out catching waves on the other side of the world.

Sarah Burke took best Female Skier of the Year. Male Skier of the Year, Shane McKonkey, got the crowd going with his mullet from hell. He then went through basic thanks, which again included Metallica.

"Every time I jump off of something huge, yeah, you guys are in my head," said McKonkey.

When Metallica took the stage to accept the Action Sports & Music Artist Contribution Award, they reciprocated by crediting the athletes. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich also took the moment to thank "Absolut vodka and the Colombian drug cartel."

Dave Mirra took home BMX Rider of the Year, while Feat of the Year went to Laird Hamilton for his tow in surfing ride of the biggest wave in Teahupoo, Tahiti in August, 2000.

The Action Sports Achievement Award went to Tony Hawk. This was only fitting seeing as Tony has arguably done more than anyone to bring action sports to the general public's attention.

He was introduced by Tom Green, who demonstrated his lack of skateboarding skill by skating onto the stage and kickturning around, dropping in on the crowd and dumping it on his ass. The crowd rose to their feet and welcomed Tony by chanting his name. Tony Hawk thanked ESPN for having this event, providing a medium, supporting skateboarding over the years and not using the word "extreme" anymore. He thanked his wife, and his father, "who never would have believed that driving his son to a skatepark every day would lead to this." He also gave props to Stacey Peralta for helping him through his early years.

An "Old School" tribute honored veterans Glen Plake, Tony Alva, Mat Hoffman, Tom Curren, Terry Kidwell and Evel Knievel. All were in attendance and Evel rode his Harley Sportster onstage.

In terms of glitz, glamour and talent, the ESPN Action Sports and Music Awards were all that. And whether you like it or not, action sports will never be the same.

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