NBA Broadcaster Craig Sager is dead at 65. A well-loved sideline reporter for Turner Sports, Sager had been fighting so hard to overcome a rare form of cancer for over two years now, but finally succumbed to the disease on Thursday, December 15, 2016.
Turner Sports announced his passing but did not disclose details, USA Today reported. Sager spent almost a quarter-century for TNT as sideline reporter of the network's NBA coverage. He made a name for himself through his outrageous wardrobe as well as for the oft-stilted discussions he shared on air with Gregg Popovich, head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.
In 2014, Sager was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and had to be absent from work for 11 months. According to ABC News, he had a series of bone marrow transplants. Two of those transplants were with his son as the donor, followed by a third one from an unknown source in late August in Houston. Throughout his battle with the disease, Sager was able to maintain a cheerful disposition as everyone close to him would have expected.
The entire NBA community was greatly saddened when news about the reporter's passing broke. Even people from outside of the NBA, including Vice-President Biden, have likewise expressed sadness over the loss.
"He was as identifiable with the NBA as any player or coach. The league will not be the same without him." Hall of Famer Larry Bird said.
"He was a beloved member of the Turner family for over 30 years and has been a true inspiration to everyone of us," Turner President David Levy said. "There will never be another Craig Sager. His incredible talent, tireless work ethic and commitment to his craft carried him all across the world covering sports."
Sager's passing came two days after Jobs and Hire posted the death of 'Growing Pains' actor Alan Thicke.
