The NBA world has been deeply affected by the news of the passing of longtime TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager. His brave and prolonged battle with cancer made him an inspiration to many people, whether or not they were fans of the NBA.
Sager went through great lengths to continue his broadcast duties, even driving long distances or flying across the country after undergoing chemotherapy treatments. His speech at the ESPYs this summer, which was as powerful as the 1993 speech made by cancer-stricken former college basketball coach Jim Valvano, will never be forgotten.
Sager had a long and distinguished career as a television and radio reporter. He was the young reporter running onto the field in 1974 after Hank Aaron hit his historic long ball and became the all-time home run king. Sager covered a wide variety of sports during his long and distinguished career but he’ll be remembered the most for his work on NBA broadcasts.
He always took his job seriously, though his attire was often comical. He never seemed to wear the same outfit or sports coat twice, and every one seemed wilder and more outrageous than the previous one.
His in-game interviews with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich were remembered for Popovich’s brief, and often terse, responses. But no one was more supportive of Sager than Pops when Sager’s illness was revealed.
Players, coaches and fans showed their love and support the last few years when they saw Sager. Unfortunately, we’ll never again have the pleasure of seeing Sager doing an interview or giving us an update on an injury or in-game strategy.
This leads us to our question of the day: What will you remember most about Craig Sager?
Jump into the comments section below and share you memories of one of the NBA’s best all-time reporters.
RIP. I’ll remember crazy suits and in particular the interview with KG where he told him to burn his suit.
His colorful outfits
I’ll remember his wild suits and his great sideline reporting! He will be missed! I really enjoyed getting my wife’s reactions to his outfits!
None better than Sager may he Rest In Peace! #SagerStrong
You’d think this is a tough question to answer with a long, outstanding career to choose from, both as a broadcaster and person, but one thing stands above all to me.
In the 2 plus years he was sick, I never, ever ran across one quote, clip or post that said anything bad about Craig. Even popular people draw some degree of negativity. Not Mr. Sager. Godspeed to those he touched.
Amen to that
Absolutely. All accounts have always been that he was a really genuine person that would take time out of his way to be nice to anyone, or have a conversation, or sign an autograph, or take a picture. I actually sort of remember meeting him for a couple of minutes when I was a little kid. I dont remember what the occasion was. I wish I could remember it better, but I do remember him going out of his way to be really nice to me
During my lifetime, there have been many different sports personalities that have come across my television screen, or through my radio. There has been some really great and influential individuals, and some that I could do without. Craig Sager was a personality that was always present, in so many different programs, obviously including basketball/NBA, the olympics, a little baseball, and other things. He always had a big smile, and you always felt that he was enjoying himself, and he did a great job of conveying that to the audience, and the athletes or anyone else he was around always seemed to pick up on that, and would be animated around him, allowing us to see more of them. He was more than just colorful suits. He was one of the faces of coverage of sports for my lifetime. It will be so weird to not see him on the sidelines. What he went through in the last 3 years is unimaginable. I’m glad he was able to experience people’s affection for him, and so many different historical events before he died, including seeing his Cubs win the World Series. What a fighter. He never ever gave up. Now, he can finally rest. He taught me more than a couple valuable life lessons. I havent done the best job of living my life, and doing it with positivity. I know that needs to change somehow. RIP Craig Sager. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for bringing so much joy to me over the years, covering the only thing I actually enjoy in this world, sports, and doing it with real passion