Craig Sager

Craig Sager, an American journalist, was known for his flamboyant attire and friendly demeanor as a sideline reporter in basketball. Born on June 29, 1951, in Batavia, Illinois, Sager grew up in a sports-loving family. His father, Al Sager, was a former college football player and his mother, Joyce Sager, was a gymnast in her youth.

Sager attended Northwestern University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in speech in 1973. While in college, Sager was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He began his broadcasting career as a sports director for WXLT in Sarasota, Florida, in 1972. Later, he moved to Kansas City to work for KMBC-TV in 1978 and began working for CNN in 1981.

Sager went on to become a well-known television personality covering basketball. He conducted interviews at prestigious basketball events such as the NBA Finals and Olympic Games. Sager's sense of style was as noteworthy as his reporting. He was famous for his loud, colorful suits, which became his trademark. In 2016, Sager was honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYs for his strength and determination while battling leukemia.

Sager was a charismatic and friendly person who always had a smile on his face. He had a positive attitude towards life. Despite multiple relapses, he continued to work and do the job he loved. His goal was to bring joy to people and provide them with accurate information about their favorite sport. He dedicated his career and life to basketball, and his enthusiasm was contagious.

Sager faced many challenges in his life, including his battle with leukemia. Despite the setbacks, he continued to work and provide his audience with the best possible coverage. His hard work paid off, and he became one of the most well-known journalists in the basketball industry.

Sager was married to his wife, Stacy, who was a former Chicago Bulls dancer. They had two children together, a son named Ryan and a daughter named Kacy. Sager was a devoted family man, and his loved ones were a significant part of his life. His family was his source of strength in difficult times, and he was grateful for their support and love.

Craig Sager was admired by many in the industry, including his friends, colleagues, and fans. One of his close friends was San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich. They had a strong bond and mutual respect for each other. After Sager's passing, Popovich said, "Craig’s love of the game of basketball and his love for people, especially the players and coaches, will always be remembered." He was a model for sports journalists and was missed by everyone in the industry.