gibson. >> i'm diane macedo. let's start with the powerful opening of last night's espy awards. >> the show started with carmelo anthony, chrisebron james all on stage issuing a call to action. they told their fellow pros to get more involved in attempting to heal the nation's racial wounds while renouncing all violence. >>> and another high point of the show, vice president joe biden honored the perseverance of nba commentator craig sager who is battling cancer, and sager of course wore one of his brightly colored outfits. we are backstage in los angeles. >> reporter: the big night to celebrate sports starting with a call to action. >> alton sterling. philando castile. this is also our reality. >> reporter: four of the nba's biggest names using their star power to address recent violence between police and black americans. >> the shoot to kill mentality has to stop. but also the retaliation has to stop. >> it's time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves, what are we doing to create change? >> reporter: after that the espys started celebrating the biggest sports moments of the year. >> welcome to the espy awards. >> reporte