Famous NBA broadcasterCraig Sager died at the age of 65 after a public battle with leukemia, according to reports.
Sager was an inspiration to many and was awarded theJimmy V Award for Perseverance at this summer’s ESPYS.
“Craig Sager was a beloved member of the Turner family for more than three decades and he has been a true inspiration to us all,” Turner President David Levy wrote in a statement. “There will never be another Craig Sager. His incredible talent, tireless work ethic and commitment to his craft took him all over the world covering sports. “While he will be remembered fondly for his colorful attire and the TNT sideline interviews he conducted with NBA coaches and players, it’s the determination, grace and will to live he displayed during his battle with cancer that will be his lasting impact.”
— TurnerSportsPR (@TurnerSportsPR) December 15, 2016
Once compared to a Christmas ornament by Kevin Garnett and called a “pimp” by Charles Barkley, Sager’s signature wardrobe earned him both cheers and jeers.
“I put in a dress code for the players, but I should have put one in for the broadcasters, too,” former NBA commissioner David Stern once joked, according to theAtlanta Journal-Constitution. After announcing he had leukemia, Sager missed the entire 2014 season. When he returned, social media made him a star with the hashtag #SagerStrong. Fans of the game would root for their team, but show up with signs and Sagar-esque emsembles. “Over the last two years, I’ve done everything in my power to live my life as normally as possible. But at times, you need support and I’m so thankful to everyone who has been there for me,”Sager told the Atlanta Journal-Constitutionin May.
