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Sager receiving an ESPY award from Vice President Joe Biden in July (Getty)
Thursday afternoon it was announced that longtime sports reporter Craig Sager passed away after a lengthy battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Sager, who was 65 years old at the time of his passing, was known for his sideline interviews and colorful style, entertaining not only viewers but many of the interview subjects themselves. Sager is survived by his wife Stacy and five children, Kacy, Craig Jr., Krista, Riley and Ryan.
There was no shortage of reactions to Sager’s death on social media, with family, friends, colleagues and members of the NBA family all sharing their thoughts. Below are just some of those reactions, beginning with his son Craig II and daughter Kacy.
Retired players, including greats such as Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, also offered their thoughts via Twitter.
There were some tributes from outside of the NBA family as well, with Billy Crystal and broadcaster Robin Roberts among those who spoke about Sager’s passing. Also paying tribute was baseball Hall of Fame member Henry Aaron, as Sager was the first reporter to speak with Aaron after he hit his 715th career home run.
Sager was recently inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, with many within the industry offering their thoughts on his induction and his fight against cancer.
Sager grew up in Batavia, Illinois and was an alumnus of Northwestern University. He was also a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, who in October won their first World Series in 108 years. Major League Baseball and the Cubs both sent notes of remembrance via Twitter.
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