Legendary NBA Broadcaster Craig Sager Dies at Age 65

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Legendary NBA broadcaster Craig Sager died Thursday at 65 years old after 44 years in the business, most of them spent working for Turner Sports. The statement from Turner president David Levy:

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 colourful 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.


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Here is TNT's tribute video for Sager, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014:

On Tuesday, Sager was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. At the event, he was praised for his unselfishness, unique style and spirit:


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Last season, Sager traveled to and from the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in order to cover the NBA playoffs. He even covered the first NBA Finals game of his career, with ESPN and Turner working out an agreement to make it happen, and received a standing ovation.

After the leukemia diagnosis, Sager and his wife, Stacy, started the Sager Strong Foundation for cancer research and education. If you have seen players, coaches and broadcasters wearing a certain colorful shirt on television recently, know that a portion of the profits went to this foundation. He will be remembered most for his one-of-a-kind approach to his craft, but also for the way he handled his last couple of years on the job.


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"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 colourful 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, Craig Jr., Krista, Riley and Ryan; and his friends and colleagues."

(Originally published by CBS Sports on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 12:42 pm ET)