ESPN host John Saunders dies at 61

Longtime ESPN broadcaster John Saunders has died, according to the network. He was 61.

Saunders was an on-air staple at ESPN for over two decades, covering college football, basketball and hockey, in addition to anchoring SportsCenter and appearing on The Sports Reporters.

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Saunders was born in Canada, and received a hockey scholarship at Western Michigan University, where he played from 1974-76.

Saunders joined ESPN in 1986.

He was a founding member of the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research, which has raised almost $90 million in funding.

"John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades," said John Skipper, president of ESPN and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, in a statement. "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."

John Saunders represented everything that was good in a human being. He was all about family and helping people," said Dick Vitale, a longtime colleague of Saunders. "He was as good as it gets and he had deep loyalty and love for others. His work with The V Foundation was so special - he loved Jimmy V and poured his heart and soul into the cause.

"He was always willing to share and give and he played a vital role in the success of helping so many. I can't believe this stunning and horrible news. He will be forever in our thoughts."


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Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.