Despite working at a competing network, ESPN is honoring longtime Turner reporter Craig Sager in a most appropriate way this July. He will receive the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYs for his courageous battle with leukemia.
Sager was off the NBA sidelines for 11 months receiving treatment and a bone marrow transplant, returning in time for the end of last season. He revealed in April that his cancer was no longer in remission.
The Jimmy V Award was named for iconic college basketball coach Jim Valvano, who died of cancer months after a riveting speech at the 1993 ESPYs. This year's 24th annual award ceremomy will be aired live on ABC at 8 p.m. on July 13th in Los Angeles at the Microsoft Theater.
Sager has been with Turner Sports since 1981. He has served as TNT"s primary sideline reporter for a number of years on their Thursday night package of NBA games.
In addition, Sager has covered a variety of other sports, including postseason baseball for TBS. He has worked for NBC on coverage of Olympic basketball and plans to head to Rio this summer to cover the 2016 Games.
Sager started his career in 1972 as a sports reporter at WXLT in Sarasota, Florida. Prior to joining Turner, he was hired at CNN and anchored several sports shows in the 1980's.
To inquire about Craig Sager's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.
Craig Sager Interviewed on Inside the NBA: