NBA personalities mourn death of John Saunders
John Saunders, a broadcasting icon and father of two, passed away on Wednesday. He was 61.
The cause of death was not announced.
Saunders played host to "The Sports Reporters" on ESPN for the past 15 years. He lent his voice to Stanley Cup Finals and World Series coverage, and was one of the original broadcasters for the Toronto Raptors.
The NBA world remembered Saunders on the day of his passing.
Comissioner Adam Silver issued the following release on behalf of the NBA:
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.
The Raptors, and Saunders' former broadcast partner Leo Rautins, issued their condolences.
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
I can't believe my brother is gone! RIP John 💔prayers w/u & your wonderful family! A road trip w/out me?? 😳Love u 😪 pic.twitter.com/1lod5EP3ma
— Leo Rautins (@LeoRautins) August 10, 2016
NBA greats-turned-broadcasters Charles Barkley, Jalen Rose, and Magic Johnson also paid their respects.
Charles Barkley's statement on the passing of John Saunders pic.twitter.com/Pr7kLNN9kh
— TurnerSportsPR (@TurnerSportsPR) 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
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
RIP John Saunders. Thanks for being a mentor and class act. I will miss you dearly.
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) August 10, 2016
NBA players also mourned for Saunders and his family.
Wow... RIP John Saunders
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) August 10, 2016
#Repost espn (via repostapp)
— Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) August 10, 2016
・・・
John Saunders.
RIP https://t.co/clyUHyBjqQ
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
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
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