The sports world just lost an icon.
Craig Sager, Turner Sports’ longtime NBA sideline reporter known for his colorful suits and personality, died Thursday at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2014 and had received a third bone marrow transplant in September.
Turner president David Levy released a statement about Sager’s death Thursday.
Here is the full statement from Turner president David Levy on the passing of Craig Sager. pic.twitter.com/vOaGMCeXlR
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 15, 2016
Despite his worsening health, Sager remained optimistic and still had a smile on his face in every photo his son, Craig Sager II, shared on social media. He was in remission for a while, too, before the leukemia returned in March.
Sager was a fixture on the basketball court for Turner for 20 years and had a gift for getting answers, even from San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. He got to cover Game 6 of the NBA Finals with ESPN to end his career.
Sager will be missed by the NBA community and the sports world alike.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
