In a sit-down interview with “Real Sports” on HBO, 64-year-old TNT sports sideline reporter Craig Sager talked about his ongoing struggle with cancer and a recent doctor’s visit where he learned his leukemia was no longer in remission. Doctors also told him that patients in his condition are usually only given 3-6 months to live.
“Still kicking, still fighting. I haven’t won the battle. It’s not over yet. But I haven’t lost it either,” he said.
He released a statement on Wednesday adding that the doctor’s prediction of 3-6 months generally only applies to those who are not receiving treatment.
The veteran reporter, known for his colorful outfits and unique interviewing style, said the latest diagnosis has left him in “uncharted waters.”
“I’ve already had two stem-cell transplants,” Sager said. “Very rarely does somebody have a third, so I have to maintain my strength so I can go through this.”
Sager has been battling cancer since April 2014. He underwent treatment for several months, and a few weeks after returning to work to cover the 2015 NCAA Tournament and NBA on TNT, his leukemia returned, according to Yahoo Sports.
He received treatment again and a bone marrow transplant donated by his son. He went back to work for the NBA 2015-16 Media Day while continuing to get treatment throughout the season. He was healthy enough to work during All-Star Weekend, but in February, his health took a turn for the worse.
Sager hasn’t announced whether he will have to step away from the job he loves once again to take care of his health, but according to Yahoo Sports, a Turner Sports spokesman says he will be working the sidelines on March 29 for the Washington Wizards/Golden State Warriors game.
In Sager’s interview on “Real Sports,” airing Tuesday at 10 p.m. on HBO, he says, “There’s been some victories and some setbacks. But I still have to fight it, and I still have a lot of work to do.”
