TNT’s Craig Sager Passes Away After Lengthy Bout With Leukemia

Beloved TNT basketball sideline reporter Craig Sager died Thursday following a lengthy bout with leukemia.

Sager underwent a third bone marrow transplant in late August. He was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2014, and has worked only sparingly ever since.

We are forever #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/t9C3x6znkb

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 15, 2016

Sager was given the opportunity to work an NBA Finals game for the first time in his career this past June, when ESPN and TNT struck an agreement allowing Sager to work Game 6 of the Finals between Golden State and Cleveland.

He spent 26 years as the sideline reporter for TNT’s basketball coverage, and was well known for his flashy wardrobe. Already well liked in the basketball world, Sager became something of a folk hero as he battled his disease.

“While he will be remembered fondly for his colorful attire and the TNT sideline interviews he conducted with 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,” said David Levy, the president of Turner, in a statement.

Levy added, “There will never be another Craig Sager.”

Sager is survived by his wife Stacy, their two children, and three children from a previous marriage. He was 65.

Watch the tribute video above, via TNT.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Joe DePaolo (@joe_depaolo) on Twitter

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