Rob Riggle doesn’t want Drake to make the same mistake he made when the “Started From The Bottom” rapper hosts the 2014 ESPYs Wednesday at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Riggle – known for his roles in “Step Brothers” and “21 Jump Street” – hosted ESPN’s annual awards show in 2012 and has been kicking himself for not taking more photos with the sports stars in attendance, including the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees.
“(Drake’s) going to kill it,” said Riggle Friday at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse-Chicago, sitting alongside “Let’s Be Cops” co-stars Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. “He doesn’t need any advice. But I would say ‘Enjoy it because you get so busy.’ … I would say ‘If you get a chance to take pictures with people backstage, don’t pass it up.’ I passed it up like, ‘Oh , I’ll come back and get that. I’ve got to do this.’ No, ‘Just go over and get the picture’ because there were so many people I’m a fan of.
“I got too busy and I was worried about the show and I just didn’t take time to really breathe and soak it in. The Nokia — when it’s packed like that — is 7,500 people. ‘Take a minute on stage to just look around and realize the moment.’ I would just say ‘Enjoy it.’ “
Wayans Jr. cut in to remind Riggle who exactly he was giving advice to.
“Pretty sure he’s used to that many people,” Wayans Jr. said of Drake, who performed a nearly soldout show in December at the United Center, which seats up to 23,500 for concerts.
“(Drake’s) like this: ‘Tiny venue,’ Johnson said, looking around. The Evanston native and “New Girl” star added that Drake doesn’t need to take pictures with athletes that night because he hangs out with them regularly. “Good advice, Riggle, ya nerd. … You’re giving Drake advice as if he was us.”
Riggle was a good sport about the ribbing. “I guess I have no advice for (Drake),” he said, laughing. “I have nothing to offer.”
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