Craig Sager, a well-liked and colorful and sideline reporter for TNT and TBS, has died.
ESPN reported Sager was 65 and had been battling acute myleloid leukemia. He was diagnosed in 2014.
"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," Turner president David Levy said in an emailed statement. "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."
Upon his 2014 diagnosis, Sager missed the 2014 basketball season undergoing treatments. By the time he returtend to reporting, he gained fans and supporters through the Twitter hashtag #SagerStrong.
Sager was well-known for his colorful suits that he wore over the course of his 40-year career, covering sports from baseball to the Olympics to basketball.
In July, he was honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2016 ESPYS, which he was presented with by Vice President Joe Biden.
When he accepted the honor, Sager promised to "keep fighting."
Sager is survived by his wife, Stacy, and five children, Riley, Ryan, Kacy, Craig Jr. and Krista.
