ESPN Host John Saunders Dead At 61; Twitter Reacts
By: Evan Jankens
@kingofthekc
The voice of ESPN's 'The Sports Reporters,' college football, basketball and the NHL, John Saunders, has passed away at 61.
Saunders worked for ESPN for almost 30 years. The face you were use to seeing on your TV played hockey at Western Michigan University as well as being an all-star defenseman in junior hockey leagues.
He had been at ESPN since 1986 starting out as a SportsCenter anchor.
According to ESPN.com:
"John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades," said John Skipper, president of ESPN and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, in a statement. "His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen. More importantly, John was a beloved and devoted family man who cared deeply about people and causes, as evidenced by his long-standing efforts as a passionate board member for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Fans and friends of Saunders reacted on Twitter to the news of Saunders passing.
Our thoughts are with the Saunders family, who have been nothing but great to WMU since the Saunders brothers played here in the 70's/80's
— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) August 10, 2016
Stunned to learn of John Saunders death. Knew him a bit from my days at WRC in DC when he was in Baltimore.A genuine and nice man to all.
— michael stone (@stoney16) August 10, 2016
John Saunders, our beloved colleague at ESPN for nearly 30 years, has died. He was 61. https://t.co/MScZNaXoZY
— ESPN (@espn) August 10, 2016
The news of John Saunders' death could not be more crushing. We all loved him dearly. We grieve. We will miss him. Can't replace the man.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 10, 2016
Thank you John Saunders for setting such a high standard. Smart, tough, classy and the ultimate professional. You will be sorely missed.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) August 10, 2016
John Saunders made it look so easy you might not have realized how great he was. 100% class individual. https://t.co/Q4WaAFcVTk
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) August 10, 2016
Wow I am devastated with the news about my buddy John Saunders / A gr8 family man / just a fab guy RIP Love You pic.twitter.com/CuBIPu57Rz
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 10, 2016
"Our generous, talented and beloved colleague John Saunders has died."
— ESPN (@espn) August 10, 2016
Hannah Storm remembers her longtime friend: https://t.co/zRukBCuJDv
Proud Canadian, Toronto born, Ryerson bred John Saunders. Incredibly generous to me on and off the air. I'll miss him so much
— Adnan Virk (@adnansvirk) August 10, 2016
John Saunders was one of the greatest treasures in sports media. He gave so much to so many. Fortunate to have called him a friend & mentor.
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) August 10, 2016
John Saunders was as genuine and good a person as i have ever known and worked with. He made everyone around him better. Hard 2 understand!
— Seth Greenberg (@SethOnHoops) August 10, 2016
Wow... RIP John Saunders
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) August 10, 2016
Our thoughts are with John Saunders' family & friends today. It was a privilege to have him call some of our games last year.
— Florida Gators Men's Basketball (@GatorsMBK) August 10, 2016
All of us at The MMQB are saddened by the news of John Saunders' passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and ESPN colleagues.
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) August 10, 2016
Just last night we had a Vault feature including John Saunders. I smiled at the sight of John, Bob & Boom together. This is gutting news.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) August 10, 2016
Saunders was founding member of The V Foundation.