More Details Emerge On Flip Sanders' Battle With Cancer
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Sports fans in Minnesota and players across the country are remembering Timberwolves head coach, president and part owner Flip Saunders, who died on Sunday following a battle with cancer.
He was 60 years old.
In June, Saunders was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. At the time, doctors called it a "very treatable" and curable form of cancer.
That prognosis changed in September. Saunders took a leave of absence from the team after complications arose during treatment.
On Monday morning, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor appeared on WCCO Radio with Dave Lee. As one of Saunders' best friends, Taylor said he spoke with him almost every day while he battled cancer.
"One weekend, I would say probably a Saturday, he just got a fever and needed to go to hospital," Taylor said. "From then on, his health went down very fast."
Taylor said he will remember Saunders for his leadership, competitive spirit and gentle heart.
Saunders is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their four children.
Practice for the Timberwolves was canceled on Monday. As of writing, the team is scheduled to play Wednesday night in Los Angeles against the Lakers.
The organization is speaking with the media Monday afternoon. It's expected they'll talk about their future without Saunders.
