The 2016-17 NBA season tips off tomorrow evening, and all around the NBA, people are paying tribute to Turner Sports’ sideline reporter Craig Sager and his ongoing battle against leukemia.
To begin with, The SagerStrong Foundation will auction off 100 pairs of Nike iD shoes specially designed by Sager, which reflect his unique fashion sense. T-shirts will also be sold, with portions of the proceeds going to the SagerStrong foundation.
Fans can also purchase special SagerStrong t-shirts, and even the Golden State Warriors are getting involved. According to a news release:
100 pairs of the “Sager Strong” sneaker will be made – complete with paisley print panels, a seersucker tongue tab and multi-colored laces. The auction will begin Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. ET – Opening Night of the NBA season on TNT – and conclude Friday, Nov. 4. The shoes will be custom made in the auction winners designated size at the close of the auction.
Additionally, two separate Sager-inspired t-shirts have been created. The first, developed by Mark Thomashow, Peter Raskin and 500 LEVEL and designed by Dave Zarzynski, will be shown during TNT’s NBA studio show and will be available for retail at http://www.sagerstrongfoundation.org/ with portions of the proceeds supporting the SagerStrong Foundation. The Golden State Warriors have also created a “Sager Strong” t-shirt that will be given to all fans attending the team’s Opening Night game against the San Antonio Spurs.
“Craig is an inspiration to so many people including all of us at Turner as he continues to courageously battle cancer,” said David Levy, President of Turner. “This tribute is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our affection and support for Craig, his wife Stacy and their family, along with all of those facing similar obstacles. We look forward to working closely with them and our partners throughout Opening Week to raise awareness and funding on behalf of cancer research and education.”
“It’s been amazing to see the impact Craig has made across the entire sports community and the outpouring of support everyone has shown him as he undergoes his fight against cancer,” said Lenny Daniels, President of Turner Sports. “He’s a beloved member of the Turner Sports family and we will continue to do everything we can to help drive awareness for this very important cause.”
For more information, go to www.sagerstrong.bleacherreport.com.
