Two years ago, on the eve of the 2014 NBA playoffs, beloved TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager was diagnosed with leukemia. After almost a year of grueling treatments, he returned to the NBA airwaves, before the cancer came back and he was forced to enter another round of treatments. This year, Sager revealed that his cancer was no longer in remission, but he’s continued to work games during the playoffs for TNT.
In a move that surprises absolutely no one, ESPN announced Tuesday night that Sager will be the recipient of this year’s Jimmy V award for perseverance at the ESPYs.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer, like so many other people, my life changed forever,” Sager said in a statement Monday. “Over the last two years, I’ve done everything in my power to live my life as normally as possible. But at times, you need support and I’m so thankful to everyone who has been there for me.”
Sager will be presented with the award at the 24th annual ESPYs, which will air live on ABC on July 13 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
“One of those pieces of inspiration has come from Jim Valvano himself,” Sager said of the late NC State basketball coach, who inspired millions with his courageous battle against cancer in 1993. “I have his [ESPYs] speech saved on my phone and, now 23 years later, its impact lives on with me and countless others. There is no greater honor than receiving this award and I am very humbled.”
This is great news — Sager is an institution on TNT’s NBA broadcasts and his story is an inspiration to countless people. His speech is going to be great, too.
