flashOverride

August 10th, 2016 at 11:08 AM ^

Wow, will definitely miss that familiar voice at halftime. I remember way back in the day when they had him on ESPN National Hockey Night too, such a nice counter to Barry Melrose. And of course when he, quite visibly angry in the immediate aftermath, rightfully called some Pistons fans "punks" the night of "Malice at the Palace". Always a steady, balanced presence. RIP

Joined: 08/04/2013

MGoPoints: 9070

Wolverine Devotee

August 10th, 2016 at 11:10 AM ^

Damn.......I grew up hearing him at halftime of our games.

RIP to a former Wolverine. He played hockey here one year before transferring to WMU to play.

Joined: 06/29/2009

MGoPoints: 31528

Goggles Paisano

August 10th, 2016 at 12:15 PM ^

Bob Ryan who knew him well is on with Le Batard right now and says no one knows the cause and that this was unexpected.  He did say John was a diabetic and had almost 30 injury related surgeries (most from playing hockey) in his life. As of recently, Bob said he thought he was as healthy as he'd ever been.  Sad day man.  

Joined: 07/30/2011

MGoPoints: 41232

LSAClassOf2000

August 10th, 2016 at 11:14 AM ^

Oh wow. That's totally unexpected and very tragic. Saunders was a great voice and a great broadcaster, one of the best that ESPN ever had, in my opinion. He will be missed by not only his family and colleagues, but by millions of people who tuned in to hear him on college football coverage. 

RIP, John Saunders.

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130664

PeteM

August 10th, 2016 at 11:16 AM ^

I know John Bacon recently wrote (or was writing) a book with him.  It seems like he has been with ESPN my whole adult life. RIP.

Joined: 09/15/2008

MGoPoints: 3471

nerv

August 10th, 2016 at 11:19 AM ^

He did not look or seem all that old either -- had he been battling something? Either way really going to miss him on Saturdays as he was one of the best. Rest in peace Mr Saunders.

Joined: 04/14/2009

MGoPoints: 14072