John Saunders dead at 61: Sports world reacts on Twitter
The world is mourning the passing of ESPN broadcaster John Saunders who is dead at the age of 61.
John Saunders is gone too soon after passing away at the age of 61, ESPN announced on Wednesday morning.
Saunders had been with the network since 1987 working in a number of roles, including on SportsCenter and as the host of Sports Reporters where he replaced another legendary journalist in Dick Schapp.
It was with such grace, class and dignity that Saunders equipped himself on camera and off camera and will leave behind a legacy that is sure to have his friends and family proud of all of his accomplishments.
Today, however, is a tough one with much sadness, grief, disbelief and loss.
After the news broke from ESPN, the outpouring of support and condolences from people who knew Saunders and those who simply admired him from afar flooded Twitter.
Here is a collection of some of those remembrances.
It's with great sadness that we share news of the passing of beloved colleague John Saunders https://t.co/oEqtFgd384 pic.twitter.com/r1W7slFvU2
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) August 10, 2016
John Saunders, one of the best ever at ESPN. Never ever heard a negative word about him from people in the business or viewers. RIP.
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) August 10, 2016
He was one for the ages. RIP John Saunders....it wasn't enough time...ESPN's John Saunders dies at 61 https://t.co/dIG6l7F7ag
— Marysol Castro (@marysolcastro) August 10, 2016
The times I got to be around John Saunders were special. Just different. Classy. Funny. I truly was a fan.
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) August 10, 2016
I will miss my friend John Saunders. Talented. Generous. Kind. Too young.
— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) August 10, 2016
Outside the Lines and ESPN mourn the loss of our friend, John Saunders. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Outside the Lines (@OTLonESPN) August 10, 2016
John Saunders was immensely talented, but what I respected the most about him was how well he treated people. And I mean everybody.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 10, 2016
I just saw John Saunders Friday. He shared some kind words and asked how I was doing, as he always did. He was a mentor and role model. RIP
— stan verrett (@stanverrett) August 10, 2016
Profoundly sad. John Saunders was a friend to us all. He was the best of us. RIP to a pro's pro, a beautiful soul. https://t.co/GIxRZx2jpl
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 10, 2016
ESPN has a lot of polarizing personalities. John Saunders wasn't one of them. He was a true pro that was just damn good at what he did. #RIP
— Nick Hurm (@NoHurmNoFoul) August 10, 2016
Sad day. I'll miss talking CFB, Big East hoops, pucks and sharing travel stories with John Saunders. A good man gone too soon. RIP my friend
— Chris Fallica (@chrisfallica) August 10, 2016
So sad to hear of John Saunders passing. Always consummate professional and treated people well. #RIP
— Tom Luginbill 🇺🇸 Blue Check😂 (@TomLuginbill) 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
One time for John Saunders! A true professional and an extraordinary talent! Saddened b... https://t.co/pFh4raURdW pic.twitter.com/kK3oLQagVH
— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) August 10, 2016
Lucky to have worked with John Saunders on occasion. Gracious, kind, and a pro's pro. If u have a spare prayer or two, send it to his family
— Gene Wojciechowski (@genowoj) 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
As you can tell from the tweets included in this post and the countless others that aren’t, Saunders was highly respected by his peers and beloved by seemingly everyone he came into contract with.
That is a rare gift he had and he shared his gift with us for nearly 30 years at ESPN.
For those who knew him, we offer our condolences and for those who grew up watching him on TV, we share our grief. The world lost a great man today.