John Saunders, versatile ESPN sportscaster, dead at 61
NEW YORK -- ESPN sportscaster John Saunders, who has hosted "The Sports Reporters" for the last 15 years, has died, the network announced Wednesday. He was 61.
Saunders joined ESPN in 1986. He did play-by-play on various sports, hosted NHL Stanley Cup Final coverage and World Series coverage and hosted studio shows for baseball, college football and college basketball.
A cause of death was not announced.
Saunders took over as host of "The Sports Reporters," a Sunday morning staple of ESPN programming, after Dick Schaap died in 2001. Saunders played the role of calm traffic cop on the panel show that featured three sports journalists volleying opinions on the top sports news of the week.
"John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades. His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen," ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement.
Saunders' colleagues, peers and athletes paid tribute to him on Twitter. His co-author John U. Bacon said he and Saunders wrapped up the sportscaster's autobiography in the spring, after five years of work, adding, "He was an amazing man, and truly, to me, a hero."
Some mourners referred to Saunders as a mentor, but one common theme among the tweets was how kind and personable he was.
"John Saunders was somebody you couldn't help but love," wrote Indianapolis Colts player Pat McAfee, after saying he found many ESPN personalities difficult to like.
John Saunders left an extraordinary legacy. pic.twitter.com/oexhjGOD3T
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 10, 2016
John Saunders and I finished his life story this spring, after five years of working on it. He was an amazing man, and truly, to me, a hero.
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) August 10, 2016
Most ESPN personalities r tough 2 like..But John Saunders was somebody you couldn't help but love.. The sports world will certainly miss him
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 10, 2016
John Saunders was a great man who loved his family and helping others. It was an honor to have known and worked with him. Today is a sad day
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) August 10, 2016
John Saunders & his beautiful family / Heart goes out to wife Wanda / & his Pride & Joy girls Jenna & Aleah Pls RIP pic.twitter.com/BqnGNCpVld
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 10, 2016
Heartbroken over the death of out friend John Saunders.I'll miss his laugh&warmth& our debates over how steaks should be cooked. A pro's pro
— Rece Davis (@ESPN_ReceDavis) August 10, 2016
Prayers and condolences to the John Saunders family. We lost a great teammate. Great example and mentor to aspiring broadcasters.
— Rece Davis (@ESPN_ReceDavis) August 10, 2016
Young students, take this from John Saunders:
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) August 10, 2016
1) Be nice to everyone
2) Laugh and have fun (it's sports!)
3) Don't make rage an act. Mean it
I just did a panel with John Saunders and @jemelehill last Friday at NABJ. He was amazing as always. My friend. My mentor. My dude. Love u.
— Jay Harris (@JayHarrisESPN) August 10, 2016
I'm going to miss my brother John Saunders. #RIP https://t.co/oor4KyPa6T
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 10, 2016
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
Stunned by the passing of ESPN host John Saunders. He was a great talent. Prayers to his family and friends
— Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison) August 10, 2016
A devastating morning. Remembering precious time with a dear friend and mentor. John #Saunders was a special man pic.twitter.com/5txufnUsmC
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) August 10, 2016
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, ESPN (@adnanESPN) August 10, 2016
John Saunders was awesome to me. Terrific human being. Terrible loss. Way too young. #LoveYaMan
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) August 10, 2016
Wow... RIP John Saunders
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) 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
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
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
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
Saunders was also a founding member of the board of directors for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a charity started by the network after former college basketball coach and ESPN announcer Jim Valvano died of cancer in 1993.
"He was one of the most significant and influential members of the ESPN family, as a colleague and mentor, and he will be sorely missed," Skipper said. "Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time."
Saunders was born in Ontario, Canada, and played hockey at Western Michigan University from 1974-76. He lived in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, with his wife, Wanda. They had two daughters.