John Saunders (ESPN)
John Saunders, an ESPN commentator for nearly 30 years, has passed away at age 61. Saunders had been a figure of several shows on the network.
The announcement was made live on “SportsCenter” this morning, and a cause of death has not been revealed.
According to a statement by ESPN, Saunders was the host of in-studio and play-by-play programming. He covered college football on special editions of “College Football Live,” college basketball and NFL highlights. He hosted “The Sports Reporters” for 15 years and co-hosted “SportsCenter” during football season.
The broadcaster also hosted the World Series, the MLB All-Star Game and the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. Hockey was a sport that Saunders took up in college, having earned a scholarship to attend and play at Western Michigan in the mid-1970s. The Canada native had been an all-star defenseman in the Montreal junior leagues and would transfer from WMU to Ryerson Polytechnical in Toronto. There he became an all-star with the Ontario University Athletic Association.
“John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades,” ESPN president John Skipper said in the statement. “His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen.”
Outside of the industry, Saunders was a founding member of The V Foundation, which launched in 1993. He also served on the board of directors.
Since his death was announced, many colleagues have shared their thoughts about the journalist.
Jemele Hill, who was on a panel with Saunders at the National Association of Black Journalists convention Aug. 5, became emotional when recalling his interest in being a mentor.
On Twitter, she called Saunders a “champion.”
He and I were just together last Friday at NABJ. He was such a champion for myself and SO many others. Devastated isn't even the word.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 10, 2016
Frequently outspoken Stephen A. Smith couldn’t find the words to describe how he felt.
Devastating doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling right now. John Saunders was a wonderful man, ultra pro & father figure.#RIP
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 10, 2016
NFL reporter Jim Trotter said he had “no words” about the loss of his colleague, calling it an “awful day.”
Just an awful, AWFUL day. John Saunders, a legend in the business and a friend to all, has passed away. No words. Truly, no words. #RIP
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) August 10, 2016
Robin Roberts called her colleague and friend an “amazing man in many ways.”
Hard to write this..a very dear friend & @espn colleague #JohnSaunders has died. He was an amazing man in many ways. Thinking of his family.
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) August 10, 2016
NBA All-Star Jamal Mashburn also expressed his condolences.
RIP to John Saunders. Enjoyed working with a true gentleman and Legend at ESPN.
— Jamal Mashburn (@jamalmashburn) August 10, 2016
Saunders leaves behind his wife Wanda, and two daughters Aleah and Jenna.
