With the recent passing of Craig Sager, the sports world was shook.
Much like when Stuart Scott and Tom Jackson said goodbye to this realm, people felt like the sports world had lost a piece of its soul.
In a world where the amazing plays and highlights are constantly revered, the sports commentators, broadcasters and television personalities are often the forgotten pieces of the puzzle. The reality is that the men and women that greet us and share their personalities with the world are just as important as the event itself.
As farfetched as it sounds, these people bring the sports world to life and into your home. Growing up, a "bond" was formed with the various sports personalities that acted as the narrators of the games we enjoy watching.
The sounds of Chris Berman breaking down the games from NFL Sunday served as the soundtrack of my Monday mornings. His legendary "whoop" or "wop" along with his iconic booming voice have made him an icon in his field. It's impossible to think of the greats of the NFL without thinking of the likes of Chris Berman, Jim Nantz, Al Michaels and many others.
As eclectic and fascinating a character Muhammad Ali was, could you imagine Ali's career without the quick-witted Howard Cosell feauturing Ali on so many segments?
Could you have imagined Sportscenter without the gentle, charming Stuart Scott? What would the miracle on ice be without Al Michael's famous "Do you believe in miracles" call?
Craig Sager is one of these figures in the basketball world. While Sager made his present felt in other sporting events, his place in the basketball world is undeniable.
Craig Sager's death is a reminder to us all just how much someone with as simple as a task as being a sideline reporter can have such a widespread impact.
To the viewer, Craig Sager was just a seemingly chill guy who wore the most outrageous suits. As the world got to know him, he shared more and more of his personality with the world. From his friendly banters with Gregg Popovich to players, like Kevin Garnett, telling him just how much distaste they had for his crazy suit choices.
Craig Sager's battle with illness was a huge topic and his respective sports families at TNT and his colleagues at ESPN constantly wished him well and kept the public up to date on the well-being of the beloved sideline reporter.
This past summer, Sager was awarded with the 2016 Jimmy V Perseverance Award for his ongoing battle with cancer. As Sager accepted his award, he gave the world some beautiful words that we can appreciate today, now more than ever, as the world says goodbye to Mr. Sager.
"Time is something that cannot be bought, it cannot be wagered with God, and it is not in endless supply. Time is simply how you live your life."
Truly words to live by.
Thank you Craig Sager for your wonderful service to the sports world and for sharing your great spirit with the world. You will surely be missed.
