John Saunders Dead: The Tweets You Need to Read

So devastated to just receive the news on a wonderful friend and man. Please keep his family in your thoughts. https://t.co/HskfsdrqMB

— MikeTirico (@miketirico) August 10, 2016

John Saunders was a better person than a host, which is saying something. Classy. Professional. I can't even describe his impact on me.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 10, 2016

Saddened by the news regarding John Saunders passing. John was a gracious man and always such a professional. Heartbreaking. Prayers. ??

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) August 10, 2016

Devastating doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling right now. John Saunders was a wonderful man, ultra pro & father figure.#RIP

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 10, 2016

Just last night we had a Vault feature including John Saunders. I smiled at the sight of John, Bob & Boom together. This is gutting news.

— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) August 10, 2016

John Saunders and I finished his life story this spring, after five years of working on it. He was an amazing man, and truly, to me, a hero.

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) August 10, 2016

Heartbroken over my friend John Saunders' passing. My thoughts to his wonderful wife Wanda, daughters Aleah and Jenna, and brother Bernie.

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) August 10, 2016

I am devastated by the news that John Saunders passed away. He was a great studio partner for 3 years, and a special friend for many more.

— Todd Blackledge (@Todd_Blackledge) August 10, 2016

A devastating morning. Remembering precious time with a dear friend and mentor. John #Saunders was a special man pic.twitter.com/5txufnUsmC

— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) August 10, 2016

I just did a panel with John Saunders and @jemelehill last Friday at NABJ. He was amazing as always. My friend. My mentor. My dude. Love u.

— Jay Harris (@JayHarrisESPN) August 10, 2016

Shocked by the passing of John Saunders. He was a very nice man and a voice of reason in our often unreasonable discourse. #RIPJohnSaunders

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) August 10, 2016

Young students, take this from John Saunders:
1) Be nice to everyone
2) Laugh and have fun (it's sports!)
3) Don't make rage an act. Mean it

— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) August 10, 2016

John Saunders was the standard for us at ESPN.
Always helping JDRF, a pleasure to be around.
Devastating. Our Condolences to his family.

— Brian Kenny (@MrBrianKenny) August 10, 2016

We at the @NABJSports are deeply saddened by the passing of ESPN's John Saunders. We will miss your strong voice, knowledge & passion. RIP.

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) August 10, 2016

RIP John Saunders. Thanks for being a mentor and class act. I will miss you dearly.

— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) August 10, 2016

I first met John Saunders while working in St. Louis. John came to town as part of a celebrity hockey game we… https://t.co/UCYaOBObcJ

— trey wingo (@wingoz) August 10, 2016

The news of John Saunders' death could not be more crushing. We all loved him dearly. We grieve. We will miss him. Can't replace the man.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 10, 2016

I'm shocked, saddened. Can't believe one of the best, John Saunders, has passed away at 61. All time great guy. Heartbroken for his family.

— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) August 10, 2016

John Saunders was awesome to me. Terrific human being. Terrible loss. Way too young. #LoveYaMan

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) August 10, 2016

In days to come, sports fan will find out about the incredible impact John Saunders had @ESPN. Beyond his on-air talent, was mentor to many.

— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) August 10, 2016

Sickened and saddened to hear of loss of our colleague and friend, John Saunders. What a nice man. What a great man. pic.twitter.com/giwC23nSdM

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2016

I love John Saunders & I'll make the world know why! He personified the qualities we need more of! His hiring ESPN's greatest achievement.

— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) August 10, 2016

The times I got to be around John Saunders were special. Just different. Classy. Funny. I truly was a fan.

— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) August 10, 2016

My prayers go out to the family of John Saunders, who just passed away. He was one of the greats.

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) August 10, 2016

So incredibly sad to hear that John Saunders has passed. He was a role model, a gentleman & a first-class reporter/anchor. RIP to a legend.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) August 10, 2016

Devastated. John Saunders was so good to me and so many of us. He was so kind and easy going. We lost a legend. Say a prayer for his family.

— Kevin Negandhi (@KNegandhiESPN) August 10, 2016

Sunday was just another day of the week until John Saunders came on my TV. Rest in peace, my friend.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 10, 2016

Profoundly sad. John Saunders was a friend to us all. He was the best of us. RIP to a pro's pro, a beautiful soul. https://t.co/GIxRZx2jpl

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 10, 2016

Praying for the family and loved ones of John Saunders! He was a staple in the world of sports broadcasting, and will be deeply missed! ??

— Greg Jennings (@GregJennings) August 10, 2016

So sad to hear of John Saunders passing. Always consummate professional and treated people well. #RIP

— Tom Luginbill (@TomLuginbill) August 10, 2016

Thank you John Saunders for setting such a high standard. Smart, tough, classy and the ultimate professional. You will be sorely missed.

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) August 10, 2016

John Saunders was as genuine and good a person as i have ever known and worked with. He made everyone around him better. Hard 2 understand!

— Seth Greenberg (@SethOnHoops) August 10, 2016

Last person I saw leaving ESPYs was John Saunders. We reflected about his years in Baltimore in 80s. It was a typical warm conversation RIP

— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) August 10, 2016

Our thoughts are with John Saunders' family & friends today. It was a privilege to have him call some of our games last year.

— Gator M-Basketball (@GatorsMBK) August 10, 2016