With news breaking yesterday about the passing of legendary NBA sideline reporter Craig Sager, the Utah Jazz along with much of the rest of the league paid tribute to his incredible life.
Yesterday was a sad day across the NBA as news broke that longtime and legendary Turner Sports broadcaster Craig Sager had passed away at age 65 after a long bout with leukemia.
Yet while his battle with cancer was long and grueling, perhaps as Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed in his pre-game speech prior to the contest between his team and the Knicks, while Sager will be greatly missed, rather than remember his death with a moment of silence or sorrow, we should remember his life with joy.
Steve Kerr and Oracle Arena honor Craig Sager before the game #SagerStrong https://t.co/UmQqEtAaHH
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 16, 2016
While Sager was known for many things, from his passion for the game, to his exceptional sideline reporting (most notably his entertaining interviews with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich), to his sometimes ridiculously multi-colored attire, perhaps what sticks out most about him, particularly as he dealt with his latest health obstacles, was his positive and determined demeanor to live and enjoy life to the fullest.
Speaking of Sager, Turner president David Levy, had the following to say:
“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.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.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also chimed in with a heartfelt statement of his own:
“I — along with the entire NBA family — am deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Sager. Craig was as vital to the NBA as the players and coaches. A true original and an essential voice on Turner Sports’ NBA coverage for 26 seasons, Craig chronicled some of the most memorable moments in league history and was a ubiquitous presence with his splashy suits and equally colorful personality.Craig earned widespread respect for his insightful reporting and inspired so many, most recently with his courage. Our hearts go out to his wife, Stacy; his children, Kacy, Craig Jr., Krista, Riley and Ryan; and his friends and colleagues.”
The praise that Craig Sager has received from across the league from the likes of coaches, players, reporters and many, many others speaks volumes to his character and the impact and legacy he left on the league. The likes of Gregg Popovich, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird all chimed in to honor the passing of the renowned sideline reporter.
And while the Utah Jazz haven’t spent a great deal of time on TNT in recent years, several Jazzmen and others close to the team sounded off on the news, paying their homage to the great Craig Sager.
We'll miss you, Craig.#Legend #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/MiJDmleBQ9
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 15, 2016
And it may not be from Jazz Nation, but I had to throw this one in as well:
"Who is: Craig Sager?"#JeopardySports pic.twitter.com/pgN2hutyvw
— Jeopardy! Sports (@JeopardySports) December 15, 2016
It was also announced that the Jazz, as well as teams across the league, will hold a moment of silence prior to tonight’s game against the Mavericks to honor Sager’s legacy.
The @UtahJazz will observe a moment of silence to honor Craig Sager + more Jazz notes from @tribjazz https://t.co/nzFt3s16oD #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/Nyrduj0DQ7
— SL Tribune Sports (@sltribsports) December 15, 2016
The NBA and Turner Sports will undoubtedly continue to pay tribute to the life of Craig Sager and highlight all he has done to influence the league and it’s great to see several Jazzmen get in on the love as well.
Craig’s personality, determination and as Bolerjack put it, one of a kind suits will all be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten. As a reminder of the example he left us and the life lessons he taught, here’s an excerpt from his memorable speech after receiving the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2016 ESPYS.
“Whatever I might’ve imagined a terminal diagnosis would do to my spirit, it’s summoned quite the opposite — the greatest appreciation for life itself.So I will never give up. And I will never give in. I will continue to keep fighting, sucking the marrow out of life, as life sucks the marrow out of me. I will live my life full of love and full of fun. It’s the only way I know how.”
Rest in peace to the irreplaceable, unforgettable Craig Sager. #SagerStrong https://t.co/bDYytTB18R pic.twitter.com/YBOjbHGpLD
— Ball Don't Lie (@YahooBDL) December 15, 2016
So rest in peace, Craig Sager. And know that along with the rest of the league, Jazz Nation is firmly behind you and will always remember to stay Sager Strong.
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