Turner Sports announced Thursday afternoon that long-time sideline reporter Craig Sager had passed away following a battle with leukemia that began in 2014. One of the most popular TV personalities in basketball broadcasting, Sager was known for his colorful suits and charisma when interacting with the game's players and coaches.
Following the announcement, several former Blue Devils honored Sager, whose fight against cancer gained a great deal of publicity, on social media. Sager was on the cover of Sports Illustrated earlier this year and recently received the Jimmy V award for perseverance at the ESPYs.
Former Duke and current Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Tyus Jones:
RIP Craig Sager. You will truly be missed. Prayers go out to his family
— Tyus Jones (@Tyusjones06) December 15, 2016
— Tyus Jones (@Tyusjones06) December 15, 2016
Former Duke point guard and current associate head coach Jeff Capel:
Tough year man! Really tough year! Rest in paradise, Craig Sager. pic.twitter.com/VBtrvMv2rc
— Jeff Capel (@jeffcapel) December 15, 2016
Former Duke and current Atlanta Hawks forward Ryan Kelly:
Former Duke point guard and current ESPN broadcaster Jay Williams:
R.I.P. to one of the best. Thank you Craig Sager for inspiring me from afar w/ how you lived your life & loved your craft. @NBAonTNT #Legend
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) December 15, 2016
Duke alumnus and NBA commissioner Adam Silver:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Craig Sager pic.twitter.com/vvayZfy7Re
— NBA (@NBA) December 15, 2016
Former Duke forward and former Brooklyn Nets general manager Billy King:
So sad to hear of the passing of Craig Sager. He loved life and his job. The NBA sideline reporting will never be the same. RIP Craig Sager
— Billy King (@bkdefend) December 15, 2016
Former Duke forward and current ESPN broadcaster Jay Bilas:
RIP Craig Sager. Heartbreaking. No words...https://t.co/3OuwhV16t2
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 15, 2016
Duke Class of 2017 commit Gary Trent Jr.:
R.I.P https://t.co/QbWtKYICc1
— GARY TRENT JR (@THAT_KID_GARY) December 15, 2016
Former Duke guard and current Blue Devil assistant coach Nolan Smith:
Last time I saw Craig Sager, it was while I was playing in Portland. He came up to me before a game and gave me a sweater
— Nolan Smith (@NdotSmitty) December 15, 2016
that he got from attending my Father's first Golf Tournament in Kentucky, about 15 years prior. He thought I should have it to add to my
— Nolan Smith (@NdotSmitty) December 15, 2016
box of memories. Now it's something I will remember them both by. Thank you and Rest in Paradise. ❤
— Nolan Smith (@NdotSmitty) December 15, 2016
Former Duke and current Los Angeles Lakers forward Luol Deng:
Craig Sager -beloved icon on the sideline, whose battle never sidelined his fearless spirit. Truly inspired by his legacy. #SagerStrong #RIP
— Luol Deng (@LuolDeng9) December 15, 2016
Former Duke guard, former Duke assistant coach and current Northwestern head coach Chris Collins:
RIP Craig...thinking and praying for the Sager Family!! #SagerStrong https://t.co/RoNYFNRC4n
— Chris Collins (@coach_collins) December 15, 2016
Former Duke and current Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers:
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