By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Turner Sports has announced that TNT NBA Sideline reporter Craig Sager has died. He was 65-years-old and died after a lengthy battle with cancer.
“Craig Sager was a beloved member of the Turner family for more than three decades and he has been a true inspiration to all 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 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig’s wife, Stacy, and the entire Sager family during this difficult time. We will forever be Sager Strong.”
Sager has been battling acute myleloid leukemia since 2014. In Nov. 2016, he went back into the hospital for treatment.
He’s worked for Turner Sports for more than 30-years. Due to his cancer, he missed the 2014 and 2015 NBA playoffs, as well as part of the 2014-15 season.
During the 2014 NBA playoffs, Craig Sager Jr. filled in for his father and interviewed San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich. Pop normally gives short-answers when he’s being interviewed.
However, this time around when he was being interviewed by Sager Jr., Pop gave a heartfelt message.
“You did a great job,” Popovich said. “but I’d rather have your dad standing here. Craig, we miss you, you’ve been an important part of all of this for a long time doing a great job. We want your fanny back on the court and I promise I’ll be nice.”
In June, ESPN and Turner Sports partnered together to allow Sager to call his first NBA Finals game. It was Game 6 between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“First of all, let me ask you a question,” LeBron James said. “How in the hell do you go 30-plus years without getting a finals game? That don’t make no sense.
“But I’m happy to see you, man. Much love and respect. I’m happy I was able to witness it in front of these fans. We really appreciate you.”
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