Death of Craig Sager triggers an outpouring of emotion in world of sports
Craig Sager, who spent time in Kansas City and came to prominence the NBA sideline reporter for Turner Sports, died after a long battle with leukemia. There was no word on when or where he died. Sager was 65.
Sager, who was with KMBC (Channel 9) during 1978-81, fought a very public battle with the disease after he was diagnosed in 2014. He was known for his suits, which were often colorful and always unusual, as well as his work on the sidelines of NBA games.
In a statement, Turner Sports president David Levy said: “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. 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.”
Sager first announced in April 2014 that he had been diagnosed with leukemia, and he missed the playoffs and much of the following season as he underwent two bone marrow transplants.
After Sager’s diagnosis became public, the hashtag #SagerStrong was popular on social media as people rooted for Sager to beat the disease. After missing the 2014-15 season, Sager returned to cover games.
However, this past March, Sager said the leukemia was no longer in remission and that doctors told him the typical prognosis was three to six months to live.
Not long after the diagnosis, Sager covered his first NBA Finals. According to an Associated Press story, ESPN invited him to join its coverage and marked the occasion by wearing a blazer with a royal blue floral print. After Game 6, LeBron James playfully asked Sager: “How in the hell do you go 30-plus years without getting a Finals game?”
Sager, who grew up in Batavia, Ill, came to Kansas City from a job in Florida. While with Channel 9, Sager worked the 1980 World Series as a correspondent for CNN. The network hired Sager in March 1981 for its sports division.
Former Star sportswriter Randy Covitz chronicled Sager’s time in Kansas City.
Royals vice president of broadcasting and communications Mike Swanson, who was once Sager’s roommates, said Sager met his wife Lisa on the Central Missouri campus and proposed to her at a Royals game. They were married for nearly 22 years.
After Sager’s death was announced, a number of people, from all across sports, paid tribute to Sager:
For the first time in my life. I want to wear this stuff. pic.twitter.com/lFcU9ycyXe
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzAJC) December 15, 2016
Below is my FB post, affording me a few more letters. The other photo perfectly displays Craig's "why not?" approach to life. Never took no! pic.twitter.com/UKKu6xucFQ
— Mike Swanson (@Swanee54) December 15, 2016
"Time is simply how you live your life" We packed a lifetime and then some into these 28 years together. Pay it forward time! #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/aEiDb2n0Ki
— Craig Sager II (@CraigSagerJr) December 15, 2016
If my dad was right and time really is how you live your life, then that son of a bitch outlived us all. #SagerStrong forever pic.twitter.com/Fkb0RcbfJq
— Kacy Sager (@THESagerbomb) December 15, 2016
We are forever #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/t9C3x6znkb
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 15, 2016
We join sports world in mourning the passing of Craig Sager, a dedicated pro beloved by all.
— #MLBPA50 (@MLB_PLAYERS) December 15, 2016
Our thoughts & prayers go to family & friends.
Mr Sager you will be missed. RIP #sagerstrong https://t.co/BnOPr507JI
— Eric Hosmer (@TheRealHos35) December 15, 2016
POWERFUL...MOVING...INSPIRING...STRONG...#SagerStrong R I P https://t.co/mqsWtbFU7z
— Jeremy Guthrie (@TheRealJGuts) December 15, 2016
Rest in peace Craig Sager! :(
— Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) December 15, 2016
Craig Sager was truly one of the best. Now he can sit alongside another legend in Stuart Scott. Both gone too soon. #SagerStrong
— Anthony Pluff (@AJP107) December 15, 2016
Craig Sager -beloved icon on the sideline, whose battle never sidelined his fearless spirit. Truly inspired by his legacy. #SagerStrong #RIP
— Luol Deng (@LuolDeng9) December 15, 2016
RIP Craig Sager.. You will be remembered forever..
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) December 15, 2016
So sorry to hear the news on Craig Sager. Just a wonderful guy gone from us entirely too soon. We'll all miss you buddy. #R.I.P.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 15, 2016
There will never be another #CraigSager Heaven just gained some colorful attire. Prayers for #sagerstrong #RIP @TNT_CraigSager
— Marcus Allen (@MarcusAllenHOF) December 15, 2016
Craig Sager just interviewed God & asked him why Heaven's team was getting beat on offensive boards. God smiled.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) December 15, 2016
We were so old that Craig Sager and I had to convince a 1982 PR person we weren't just seeking free tickets, there WAS a CNN. RIP old friend
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) December 15, 2016
Rest In Peace Craig Sager...
— Erin Andrews (@ErinAndrews) December 15, 2016
RIP Craig Sager. Very sad day. Craig had class, integrity & of course, 'flair'. He knew basketball as well as anyone.Craig will be missed...
— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) December 15, 2016
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Craig Sager pic.twitter.com/vvayZfy7Re
— NBA (@NBA) December 15, 2016
RIP to the Great Craig Sager!! Prayers up to his family and friends. #SagerStrong
— Quentin Richardson (@QRich) December 15, 2016
Craig Sager is a legend and an inspiration... I'm not sure even those words truly do him justice. #SagerStrong #RIP https://t.co/EV7tYZSzVe
— Mike Welch (@RealMikeWelch) December 15, 2016
Craig Sager was the best. Loved his job. Loved the #NBA. Loved his #Cubs. Loved life. RIP my friend.
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) December 15, 2016
My heart is broken. Craig Sager.
— Shelley Smith (@ShelleyESPN) December 15, 2016
Be kind to others, treat everyone as a friend, love what you do, and be yourself. Those are the lessons I'll take from Craig Sager. #RIP
— Chris Richardson (@CRich4) December 15, 2016
RIP Sager.
— Ashe Russell (@AsheRussell_) December 15, 2016
We're deeply saddened to hear the news of Craig Sager's passing. He brought joy to the game of basketball and we will miss him. #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/0wLZi0IOAW
— Harlem Globetrotters (@Globies) December 15, 2016
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff
This story was originally published December 15, 2016 at 2:46 PM with the headline "Death of Craig Sager triggers an outpouring of emotion in world of sports."