RIP Craig Sager
Thank you for everything. #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/4GTtDXuGTv
— NBA.com (@NBAcom) December 15, 2016
Ever a standout with his colorful suits, ever passionate in his reportage, and always unwavering in his determination to conquer adversity – these were just some of the traits that legendary TNT broadcaster Craig Sager brought to the game of basketball and the world of sportscasting.
The 65-year-old sideline staple passed away on Thursday (Friday in Manila) after succumbing to his extended battle with leukaemia.
READ: Cheerful, colorful NBA reporter Craig Sager dies at 65
After news of his demise surfaced, several notable figures of the league immediately paid homage to the longtime sports reporter.
“I, along with the entire NBA family am deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Sager,” Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“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,” he said.
NBA superstars, all of whom had close interactions with Sager, took to social media to pay their respects.
Thank you for being you! Brought the best out of everyone you met. #sagerstrong pic.twitter.com/ixPco9SVr2
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) December 15, 2016
Long Live Craig. We love you! Rest in Paradise
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) December 15, 2016
One of the greatest to ever do it
Rest In Peace, Craig Sager pic.twitter.com/WnT9t84IIh
— Kawhi Leonard (@SugarKLeonard2) December 15, 2016
The league’s premier superstar, LeBron James, also posted a photo of himself with Sager to bid goodbye.
A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on
“RIP friend!!! Great to have (worked) with you, known you and (watched) you for all these years. My blessing to your family and many prayers sent to the heavens above!” he captioned his Instagram post.
But perhaps the most emotional tribute came from San Antonio Spurs head coach and Sager’s close friend, Greg Poppovich.
“He was a way better person than he was a worker,” he said while being visibly choked up. “If any of us can display half the courage he has to stay on this planet, to live every (day) as if it’s his last. We’d be well off.”
#Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was shaken up on the passing of Craig Sager. Didn’t take any questions afterward. pic.twitter.com/cHvzH3R8vb
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) December 16, 2016
Earlier this year, after being honored at the ESPY Awards, Sager addressed fans on national TV with a speech where he said, “Time is something that cannot be bought. It cannot be wagered with God, and it is not in endless supply. Time is simply how you live your life.” Khristian Ibarrola
