OT: John Saunders has died
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/763390024813518848
One of my favorites. RIP.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:22 AM ^
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August 10th, 2016 at 11:22 AM ^
"Shocking" is a word being used by some. Total silence regarding the cause, which makes me uneasy. 61 is much too early and this certainly wasn't something anyone expected.
I enjoyed Saunders a great deal. He loved college football and hockey, which lines up nicely with my interests, and he was a balanced and fair and good tv host. One of the most likable guys on television. This is terrible.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:22 AM ^
He attended Western Michigan on a Hockey scholarship if I remember correctly. Sad day, no known cause of death yet either.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:23 AM ^
I didn't even hear he was sick. RIP John...one of the best at ESPN.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:55 AM ^
rest in hell? Seems harsh, no?
/only the good die young. RIP Mr. Saunders
August 10th, 2016 at 12:14 PM ^
Rest In Heaven.
And yes, Mr. Saunders, please Rest In Heaven.
August 10th, 2016 at 12:22 PM ^
Well I guess we all know where I'm going....
August 10th, 2016 at 11:24 AM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 11:28 AM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 11:33 AM ^
Supposedly it was very "unexpected" and he was scheduled to work the hockey world championships next month. Does not sound like a prolonged illness.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:29 AM ^
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August 10th, 2016 at 11:29 AM ^
2016 is really wreaking havoc in the death department.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:30 AM ^
2016 sucks
August 10th, 2016 at 11:30 AM ^
Saunders was writing a book with John U. Bacon. I am afraid that there might be some dots to connect here, unfortunately. Read the description.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:33 AM ^
I hope those dots don't connect.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:35 AM ^
Based on that book description I fear you are correct SJK. Would once again prove that we never really know what is going on in the private lives of very public people.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:36 AM ^
Early to speculate, but this is so unusual.
You never truly know what's happening under the surface until you sit down and talk with people. All I knew from seeing John on TV was this super calm, nice guy that had a fantastic sense of dry humor.
August 10th, 2016 at 12:11 PM ^
He did a Depression Awareness spot for the Dept of Health and Human Services as well. It's on Youtube
August 10th, 2016 at 11:40 AM ^
Geez, I had no idea he struggled with depression so much. I had no idea Bacon was working on book with him about it. Not that it changes the end outcome, but I hope depression didn't cost him his life. For some reason I'm more comfortable with a massive heart attack or something.
August 10th, 2016 at 6:57 PM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 11:31 AM ^
Seriously... WTF is wrong with this year?
August 10th, 2016 at 11:32 AM ^
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August 10th, 2016 at 11:37 AM ^
He was everything a TV commentator should be. He added to games without ever drawing attention to himself. He knew he was there to compliment a game, not be the show. And he always seemed like a really decent guy who was liked and respected by his colleagues.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:35 AM ^
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August 10th, 2016 at 11:35 AM ^
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August 10th, 2016 at 11:37 AM ^
Horrible. He was way too young. He will be missed.
He was at ESPN much longer than people may realize. Case in point....
August 10th, 2016 at 11:49 AM ^
Nice find. Moeller had brass balls when he coached here.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:56 AM ^
On a side note, I had forgotten just how good that HoF Bowl was, way back when.
Damn, what terrible news. John will be missed.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:38 AM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 11:39 AM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 11:40 AM ^
Shit. Just shit. I thought his work was excellent, and he seemed a good man.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:46 AM ^
This is a terrible loss for sports fans. His understated style, approachability and clear communication were soooo welcome in this age of yellers and screamers (yes, I'm looking right at you Stephen A. Smith).
Terrible, terrible loss.
August 10th, 2016 at 11:46 AM ^
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August 10th, 2016 at 11:54 AM ^
Sad news. He was one of the best in the profession. He will be missed.
August 10th, 2016 at 12:03 PM ^
He was one of the few bright spots left at ESPN
August 10th, 2016 at 12:05 PM ^
Way too young and unexpected. Always loved his voice, had no idea he played hockey. RIP
August 10th, 2016 at 12:05 PM ^
Sixty one? Oh my God.
That's 13 years away for me.
He was just a rock solid part of college football for so long.
August 10th, 2016 at 12:11 PM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 12:08 PM ^
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August 10th, 2016 at 12:14 PM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 12:22 PM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 12:24 PM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 12:27 PM ^
Condolences to your family.
August 10th, 2016 at 12:27 PM ^
August 10th, 2016 at 12:31 PM ^
Always liked him. RIP.
August 11th, 2016 at 1:04 AM ^
This is devastating. I would imagine many people who are active on this blog watched him on a regular basis on college football Saturdays and other halftime/pregame shows for hoops, hockey...and The Sports Reporters (if you were able to get up early on Sundays).
One moment that sticks out is a halftime show clip with Craig James and Doug Flutie circa 2007 of the USF-WVU game where James was yelling about being aware of swarming bulls on the pasture (USF's defense was doing well in that game) and Saunders deadpanned "especially if you're a cow," and everyone lost it for about 20 seconds after that (it looks like YouTube took the clip down, but it was pretty funny).
The hits, unfortunately, keep coming this year. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends--he was one of the good guys at ESPN.
Edit: Found the clip!
