In an "unusual act of cooperation between rival networks," TNT's Craig Sager "will be on ABC’s broadcast" for tonight's Game 6 of the Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals, according to Richard Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES. Sager, who has "never worked the sideline" for an NBA Finals, is "scheduled to cover the Warriors." ESPN began its "internal discussions about inviting Sager to work on the finals about six weeks ago." With "no objections from ESPN executives," ESPN Senior Coordinating Producer Tim Corrigan "approached Turner during the Western Conference finals." Sager "was available only for Game 6 because of his chemotherapy at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he ended his most recent eight-day course of treatment on Monday." Corrigan said that the discussion "had never gotten to whether Sager would work more than one game" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/16). SI.com's Richard Deitsch noted Sager "learned that ESPN executives were interested in having him be on the sidelines" during the WCF. Turner Sports VP/Talent Services Tara August "called Sager after Game 3" of Warriors-Thunder to "ask if he’d be interested in working with the ESPN group." Sager said, "I didn’t want to step on [anyone's] toes, and ESPN has a cast of hundreds. I didn’t want to take away from what Doris [Burke] or anyone else on the crew did. But yeah, I wanted to be a part of it" (SI.com, 6/15).
SHARING IS CARING: In Boston, Chad Finn writes it is "not often in sports television that competing networks find common ground to gracefully mesh corporate synergy with compassion and respect." But ESPN/ABC and Turner Sports "have done just that" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/16). In S.F., Ann Killion writes ESPN/ABC deserves "kudos" for the move. It is an "unusual move but a nice one for ESPN" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/16). ESPN's Scott Van Pelt said, "Salute to the execs on both sides, both networks that sorted out the details” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 6/16). ESPN's Jalen Rose: "It's a terrific tribute for the networks that could get together and create this type of crossover. ... It's a terrific gesture and I also think it’s going to be a treat for the fans.” ESPN’s David Jacoby: “I’m really proud to work at a company that made that kind of gesture” (“Jalen & Jacoby,” ESPN Radio, 6/16). ESPN's Sarah Spain said, "It was nice of all of us to put aside our ‘Anchorman’-style street brawls and decide that in the name of a great guy who deserves this great opportunity that we come together” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN2, 6/15).
TWITTER REAX: CSN Chicago’s T.K. Gore wrote the gesture was a "classy move" by ESPN, as "we are all rooting for Craig Sager.” ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla wrote, “Craig Sager will fit right in on tonight's @ESPN telecast. He's with 3 point guards: Van Gundy, Jackson & Burke.” Raptors radio announcer Eric Smith: “Great joint effort from espn and tnt.” The Warriors’ official feed tweeted out, “Can't wait to see you, Craig! #SagerStrong.” 2K Sports’ Chris Manning: “This is beautiful. And perfect.” Turner Sports’ Kacy Sager: “I hope the game is even half as badass as the people covering it. So excited for my dad! #SagerStrong.”
LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD: ESPN's Neil Everett noted the first thing Sager said he did "when he learned he got the gig, he went and bought a new coat” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 6/16). Sager said, "I’ve got to come up with something new, so I went shopping” ("CBS This Morning," 6/16). NBA TV's Brent Barry said, “Life is not perfect, but your outfit can be. Sages working the Finals seems appropriate” ("NBA Gametime," NBA TV, 6/15).
