RIP Craig Sager: Sports, Entertainment Stars Remember Colorful Turner NBA Reporter

Debbie Emery
RIP Craig Sager: Sports, Entertainment Stars Remember Colorful Turner NBA Reporter

As news spread that Craig Sager had lost his battle with leukemia at age 65, the sports world united to pay tribute to Turner’s beloved NBA reporter.

A colorful presence courtside in his rainbow bright suits and clashing ties for many years, Sager shared his infectious spirit and lust for life with everyone he encountered — whether in person or through their TV screens.

Even the grumpiest man in sports — San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich — couldn’t help but crack a smile when Sager bugged him with “inane questions” during halftime breaks.

Also Read: Craig Sager, Colorful Turner NBA Reporter, Dies at 65

“I gotta honestly tell you that this is the first time I’ve enjoyed doing this ridiculous interview we’re required to do, and it’s because you’re here and you’re back with us. Welcome back, baby,” Popovich told Sager when he returned to the sidelines following cancer treatments last December, Sports Illustrated recalled.

From the biggest names in sports to on-air talent at competing networks ESPN and Fox Sports, an outpouring of heartfelt tributes flooded social media on Thursday.

Also Read: ESPYs 2016: 13 Things You Didn't See on TV, From John Cena's Comedy to Cleveland Cavaliers' Selfies

“The NBA family lost a legend, who changed the way sideline reporters did their job. RIP Craig Sager,” Magic Johnson tweeted.

“Craig Sager died as he lived–with courage, passion, perseverance. Fearless and hopeful, a real hero,” said vice president Joe Biden, who presented Sager with the Jimmy V Perseverance award at the 2016 ESPYs in July.

“RIP Mr Craig Sager. Gone but never forgotten,” rapper Lil Wayne wrote.

Also Read: Craig Sager Has Bet on the Cubs to Win the World Series Every Year Since 1981

A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Sager finally got to see his team end its 108-year World Series drought in October — and cash in on a bet he’d been placing on them since 1981.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Craig Sager. #SagerStrong,” the team tweeted after his death.

Also Read: Craig Sager Is Still Smiling After Third Bone Marrow Transplant to Fight Leukemia (Photos)

NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement about the longtime Turner talent: “I — along with the entire NBA family — am deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Sager,” Silver said.

“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,” he continued. “Our hearts go out to his wife, Stacy; his children, Kacy, Craig Jr., Krista, Riley and Ryan; and his friends and colleagues.”

NBA teams will be observing a moment of silence in Sager’s memory.

See some of the many tweets in his memory below.

I’ll never forget this moment. Game 6 of the NBA Finals when Craig Sager was part of our ABC/ESPN broadcast team. Sitting there next to Craig and watching his reaction when the entire building in Cleveland gave him a standing ovation still gives me chills. What a wonderful example he was for sportscasters everywhere, and most importantly, Craig was a wonderful example of a how to be a truly gracious, kind professional in this dog-eat-dog world. Sending love and prayers to @craigsagerjr and his entire family. ????????

A photo posted by Sage Steele (@sagesteele) on Dec 15, 2016 at 3:46pm PST

#SagerStrong

A photo posted by Rachel Nichols (@rachel_nichols) on Dec 15, 2016 at 3:04pm PST

Related stories from TheWrap:

Craig Sager, Colorful Turner NBA Reporter, Dies at 65

Craig Sager Has Bet on the Cubs to Win the World Series Every Year Since 1981

Craig Sager's Colorful Suit Dominates the NBA Finals Game 6