Craig Sager Won't let Cancer Dictate his Life
- By Shaki N. Wilson
- Apr 18, 2016
- 2 min read
During my extraordinary experience at the Final Four festivities put on by the city of Houston. As I made my way through the George R. Brown Convention Center, trying to absorb as much as I possibly could, there stood a man that I had seen so many times standing near an escalator. My heart raced with excitement when I noticed it was NBA on TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager.
Sager recently revealed to the world that doctors informed him that he has 3-6 months to live. The leukemia he has so courageously fought, has returned. Yet that hasn't stopped Sager from doing what he is best known for, asking the questions to players and coaches that fans want answers to with the style and flare that is Craig Sager.
As I inched closer to meet him, I noticed he is much taller than I expected. With my hand extended, I introduced myself to Sager and he graciously shook my hand and exchanged pleasantries. I told him how much I admired his fight, his work and wanted him to know that I, along with so many, am praying for him and encouraged him to keep going. He humbly thanked me and, although visibly tired, he took time to pose for a picture, a moment I will never forget.
Sager has already agreed to do basketball reporting for the Summer Olympics in Rio. He will continue to do his typical excellent reporting during the NBA playoffs. Sager is living proof of the late Jim Valvano's lasting words about cancer; "Don't give up. Don't ever give up." He has received love from every player, fan and even from Spurs head coach Greg Popovich. His career spans legends from Hank Aaron to Kobe Bryant. Sager didn't let the fashion world dictate what he wore, and he won't allow cancer to dictate his life.
photos courtesy the biglead.com; sportsnaut.com and usatoday.com
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