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Today is a sad day for the sports community as legendary broadcaster John Saunders passed away at the age of 61. The cause of death is yet to be announced.
Saunders is widely known for his work hosting ‘The Sports Reporters’ on ESPN for the last fifteen years. He was also heavily involved in covering the World Series, the Stanley Cup Finals and Toronto Raptors basketball.
Saunders was a keen advocate for junior diabetes research and a founding member of the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement in the wake of the news, as per Marc J. Spears of ESPN.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Saunders. As the studio host of “NBA Shootaround,” a play-by-play announcer for nationally televised NBA and WNBA games, and one of the Toronto Raptors’ first television voices, John was a vital member of the NBA family for more than two decades and a friendly and familiar face to our players and fans.
“His achievements in journalism are matched only by his commitment to his community, particularly his service as a founding member of the V Foundation. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Wanda, his two daughters, Aleah and Jenna, and the entire Saunders family during this difficult time.”
Due to his affiliation with the organization, the Raptors paid tribute to Saunders online.
Our thoughts are with the family of original Raptors play-by-play broadcaster John Saunders who passed away today. pic.twitter.com/k2vb1yVJTc
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 10, 2016
Via Turner Sports PR, NBA legend Charles Barkley also expressed his sadness and the gratitude that he felt toward Saunders.
Charles Barkley's statement on the passing of John Saunders pic.twitter.com/Pr7kLNN9kh
— TurnerSportsPR (@TurnerSportsPR) August 10, 2016
Another great of the game, Magic Johnson also paid tribute to the broadcaster, with multiple touching tweets.
Just heard the news that my friend and former colleague at ESPN, John Saunders has passed away.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 10, 2016
Every Sunday before I went to church I would watch John Saunders host one of my favorite shows, ESPN's The Sports Reporters.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 10, 2016
My prayers are with John Saunders' family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed. Rest In Peace John Saunders.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 10, 2016
It seems as though Saunders touched a lot of lives within the basketball community, as many NBA personalities, past and present, paid tribute online.
RIP John Saunders. Thanks for being a mentor and class act. I will miss you dearly.
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) August 10, 2016
Wow. RIP John Saunders. One of the Great Voices on @espn as a Analyst. Thoughts n Prayers to His Family #GoneTooSoon ????????
— Jason Thompson (@jtthekid) August 10, 2016
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of another sports icon in John Saunders. Prayers go out to his family
— Dewayne Dedmon (@d_dedmon3) August 10, 2016
Saddened by the news of John Saunders passing. He was a true talent and one of the good guys.
— Devin Harris (@Dev34Harris) August 10, 2016
#Repost espn (via repostapp)
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John Saunders.
RIP https://t.co/clyUHyBjqQ— Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) August 10, 2016
Wow… RIP John Saunders
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) August 10, 2016
My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of John Saunders. You will be missed. #rip pic.twitter.com/bdldfiznxw
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) August 10, 2016
Big time NBA fan Lil Wayne also took to his Twitter page to send his condolences.
RIP John Saunders
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) August 10, 2016
RIP JOHN SAUNDERS.
He will definitely be missed.