The Chirp: Craig Sager (1951-2016)

The Players' Tribune

The Voice of the Game

Dec 16, 2016

Longtime NBA broadcaster Craig Sager died on Thursday at the age of 65 following a long battle with acute myeloid leukemia. In a career that spanned five decades, the affable reporter, who was known for his colorful sport coats, covered everything from the NBA Finals to Hank Aaron’s 715th home run. On Tuesday, he was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Former and current athletes, as well as a few celebrities, took to social media to express their sadness over Sager’s passing.

the sports world lost a legend today. rest in peace Mr. Craig Sager
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) December 15, 2016

Craig Sagar was there when I crossed the plate for #715 & has been a friend ever since.I thought the world of him & he will be sorely missed
— Hank Aaron (@HenryLouisAaron) December 15, 2016

RIP to a true legend Craig Sager. There will never be another one like him. M.... https://t.co/0DP33uKtSA pic.twitter.com/87SfKplgmS
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) December 15, 2016

RIP Mr Craig Sager. Gone but never forgotten
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 15, 2016

All my thoughts to Craig Sager's family. Thanks for your positive energy and crazy suits. #RIP
— Boris Diaw (@theborisdiaw) December 15, 2016

Fly with the angels Craig Sager!
True professional and a class man!
We'll all miss you buddy.
Heroes get remembered. #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/v51p6qVSV8
— Leandro Barbosa (@TheBlurBarbosa) December 15, 2016

We lost one of the best in the business. #CraigSager's bright colors & brilliant sideline reporting will be missed. #RestInPeace
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) December 15, 2016

Rest In Peace Craig Sager ??
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) December 15, 2016

Long Live Craig. We love you! Rest in Paradise
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) December 15, 2016

Rest in peace Craig Sager! ??:(
— Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) December 15, 2016

View this post on Instagram

I saw this man go out of his way to sign every autograph, take every picture and hold every conversation when he really didn't have to. Rest In Peace to a true innovator and humanist Craig Sager and s/o @kingjusto86 too. And @preciousjournee for the picture. We are all #SagerStrong ??✊?❤️??

A post shared by Anthony Morrow (@frontlinefresh2) on Dec 15, 2016 at 12:50pm PST

RIP Craig Sager... It's a very sad day for the @NBA family.
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) December 15, 2016

RIP Craig Sager, Thanks for everything you have given to the game ?#SagerStrong
— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) December 15, 2016

1 of a kind! #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/0Q5aGz7w5y
— Chris Paul (@CP3) December 15, 2016

RIP Craig Sager. Class act. You will be missed.
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) December 15, 2016

Had the pleasure of meeting @TNT_CraigSager at @espn #espys He was such an incredible fighter and inspiration #RIPCraigSager
— John Cena (@JohnCena) December 15, 2016

Wow... prayers up for the Sager family! So genuine... so real... one that EVERYONE loved. You will be missed! #GodsAngel #Inspire #RIPCRAIG pic.twitter.com/OFtmu6AeuH
— Tamika Catchings (@Catchin24) December 15, 2016

RIP Craig Sager #Legend
— Waka Flocka (@WakaFlocka) December 15, 2016

R.I.P Craig Sager !! You will always be with us You brought fans closer to the game in a fun way..humanizing coaches, fashion, wit, LEGEND!
— Baron Davis (@BaronDavis) December 15, 2016

Craig Sager brought so much enthusiasm to the NBA game. But his fight to the end is what really impressed me. RIP to an inspiring man.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) December 15, 2016

Our #B1GCats family will forever be #SagerStrong. pic.twitter.com/fHzHkdcSan
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) December 15, 2016

https://twitter.com/dekker/status/809498032861495297

Extending my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Craig Sager. May he rest in peace #SagerStrong
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) December 15, 2016

RIP Craig Sager
Prayers up ??
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 15, 2016

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Words can't explain how honored, humbled, and excited I was to be interviewed by a legend like you at this moment. The sports world will never be the same without you. #RIPCraigSager

A post shared by Karl-Anthony Towns (@karltowns) on Dec 15, 2016 at 12:51pm PST

Damn man. RIP to Craig Sager. U will always b remember. Prayers and condolences go out to his family.
— Mario Chalmers (@mchalmers15) December 15, 2016

RIP Sager... Was always great to see him arriving at work! Left his mark on the game! Rest up
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) December 15, 2016

The sports community lost a great one today. Rest In Peace Craig Sager. #RIPSager
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) December 15, 2016

Rest easy Craig ???????? pic.twitter.com/GMoTA6E5gM — John Lucas III (@Luke1luk) December 15, 2016

"Time is simply how you live your life" ?We packed a lifetime and then some into these 28 years together. Pay it forward time! #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/aEiDb2n0Ki
— Craig Sager II (@CraigSagerJr) December 15, 2016

The Chirp: Craig Sager (1951-2016)

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