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A member of the ESPN family has been lost as legendary broadcaster and commentator John Saunders died at the age of 61 Wednesday.
ESPN Senior Director of Communications Keri Potts confirmed the sad news Wednesday:
— Keri Potts (@MsPotts_ATL) August 10, 2016
Saunders worked for ESPN for nearly 30 years, as he joined the network in 1986. During his career with the network, Saunders covered numerous live sports including college basketball, the NHL, Major League Baseball and even the WNBA. Saunders also worked countless studio jobs for the network – most notable as a host of ABC’s college football coverage.
Upon hearing the news, President of ESPN John Skipper released the following statement, via ESPN.com:
“John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades.”
“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. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
Several of Saunders’ college football colleagues have reacted to the news via Twitter:
This is heartbreaking news. He was an incredible person and will be missed greatly. #RIPJS https://t.co/Fd9TYSnoJR
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) August 10, 2016
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) 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
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 ?? ? (@TomLuginbill) August 10, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing of John Saunders at age 61. Such a pro and so versatile as a sportscaster.
— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) August 10, 2016
Saddened by the news regarding John Saunders passing. John was a gracious man and always such a professional. Heartbreaking. Prayers. ??
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) August 10, 2016
Once asked an exec abt whatmakes an announcer great.He cited John Saunders."There may be chaos in his earpiece & the viewer will NEVER know"
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 10, 2016
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
