WASHINGTON — John Saunders, a commentator with ESPN since 1986, has died, the network announced Wednesday.
In his 30 years at ESPN, Saunders filled a variety of roles in covering all four major American sports, as well as hosting “The Sports Reporters” since 2001.
ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement, “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.
“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. 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.”
Saunders was 61. No cause of death has been released yet.
ESPN says he joined the network to host “SportsCenter,” but also covered college basketball and football as well as the NHL. He was the host of ESPN’s Saturday studio college football coverage, and hosted the network’s Stanley Cup coverage from 1993 to 2004. He also helped cover several of baseball’s World Series and All-Star Games.
“John Saunders represented everything that was good in a human being. He was all about family and helping people,” analyst Dick Vitale said of Saunders. Saunders was a board member of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, named after the late former college basketball coach Jim Valvano. “He was as good as it gets and he had deep loyalty and love for others,” Vitale said. “His work with The V Foundation was so special — he loved Jimmy V and poured his heart and soul into the cause.”
