National Basketball Association

Iconic NBA sideline reporter Craig Sager dies at age 65

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:27 a.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, SI Wire/Sports Illustrated

TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager has died at the age of 65, Turner announced Thursday.

Sager had battled cancer for more than two years. He was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2014. He went into remission after a bone marrow transplant, but the the disease returned in March 2015.

"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. 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," Turner president David Levy said in a statement. "While he will be remembered fondly for his colorful attire and the TNT sideline interview he conducted with NBA coaches and layers, 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."

The iconic reporter was beloved in the NBA and beyond. Last week, the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame announced that Sager will be included in this year's class of inductees.

SI's Lee Jenkins wrote about Sager in a cover story earlier this year in the May 2, 2016 issue of Sports Illustrated. You can read Jenkins's full story on Sager's defiantly optimistic battle with cancer on The Crossover.