Batavia Mourns Death of Colorful Sportscasting Legend Craig Sager
There isn’t much that Kane County Connects can add to the parade of tributes to legendary sportscaster Craig Sager except to emphasize that he was one of us.
The Batavia native was beloved not only among the National Basketball Association and media elite, but by all of us common men and women who identify with and appreciate his Midwestern work ethic, his joy in life and his strength throughout his two-year battle with leukemia.
He died Thursday at the age of 66, leaving behind his wife, Stacy, their two children, Riley and Ryan, and three children from a previous marriage, including son Craig Sager Jr.
Sager was born and raised in Batavia, IL, and he ranks among Kane County’s most-favorite sons. He was a graduate of Northwestern University, where he served as the school’s “Willie the Wildcat” mascot for three years. Sager worked for TNT, and before that for CNN and was a co-anchor of “CNN Sports Tonight.”
He is best known as a sideline reporter in NBA games and for his flashy suits, which displayed not only his personal flair but his endless joie de vivre, which was recognized in countless obituaries, media and social media posts this week.
The video from the NBA, embedded above, is among the many, glowing tributes. The links in the “Read More” below include references not only to his national and international fame but to his hometown roots.
Here are some of the comments from NBA players and media, from Sager’s obituary:
Turner Sports 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 colorful 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.”
Vice President Joe Biden: “Craig Sager died as he lived — with courage, passion, perseverance. Fearless and hopeful, a real hero.”
Kobe Bryant: “’Time is simply how you live your life.’ – Craig Sager. So grateful for the time you shared with all of us. RIP my friend.”
Kevin Durant: “Long Live Craig. We love you! Rest in Paradise.”
Chris Bosh: “R.I.P to Craig Sager. A true definition of a brave, charismatic, stylish, strong man. A true legend to the game of basketball.”
Dennis Rodman: “Craig Sager thanks for saving my life when I was in dire need of help in Detroit back in 1993. Condolences to your family. RIP my friend.”
Greg Anthony: “There is just no better person, colleague and friend…my thoughts and prayers are with his family and our Turner sports family.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: “I — along with the entire NBA family — am deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Sager. 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.”
Read More
- Washington Post: Craig Sager, TV sports reporter known for colorful wardrobe, dies at 65
- CNN: Craig Sager, colorful Turner Sports reporter, dies at 65
- NY Times: Craig Sager, Colorful N.B.A. Sideline Reporter, Dies at 65
- Sports Illustrated: How Craig Sager Became The NBA’s Most Beloved Figure
- Daily Herald: Images: Craig Sager, 1951-2016
- Kane County Chronicle: Craig Sager, Batavia native, dies at age 65
- Chicago Tribune: Colorful NBA sideline reporter Craig Sager, 65, dies
