HOUSTON (AP) — Hindi matatawaran ang katatagan na ipinamalas ni Craig Sager para labanan ang sakit na cancer.

Ngunit, sa kabila nito, sumuko rin ang katawang lupa ng beterano at isa sa respetadong sportscaster at sports analyst sa NBA.

“Man, life is too beautiful, too wonderful, there’s just too many things,”pahayag ni Sager sa panayam nitong Agosto.

“It’s not just you. It’s your family and kids and all. Fight. Fight until the end. Fight as hard as you can,” aniya.

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Lumaban nang todo, subalit hindi na kinaya ng pinakamamahal na TNT broadcaster ang karamdaman dahilan sa kanyang pagpanaw nitong Huwebes (Biyernes sa Manila).

Ipinahayag ng Turner Sports ang pagpanaw ni Sager sa edad na 65. Bahagi siya ng basketball coverage ng TNT sa nakalipas na 50 taon.

“Craig Sager was a beloved member of the Turner family for more than three decades and he has been a true inspiration to all of us,” pahayag ni Turner President David Levy.

“There will never be another Craig Sager. His incredible talent, tireless work ethic and commitment to his craft took him all over the world covering sports.”

Inilabas ng kanyang anak na si Craig Jr., ang isang video tribute sa ama na may caption na “We packed a lifetime and then some into these 28 years together.”

Bumaha ng pakikidalamhati sa pamilya ang pagpanaw ni Sager.

“He was as identifiable with the NBA as any player or coach,” pahayag ni basketball icon Larry Bird.

Nakiisa rin si Magic Johnson sa kanyang Twitter.

“The NBA family lost a legend who changed the way sideline reporters did their job. RIP Craig Sager,” aniya.