Cancer survivor James Conner speaks with Craig Sager before NBA Finals
Before Craig Sager reported from an NBA Finals game for the first time, he spoke with one of college football’s best players.
Sager, who continues to work as he endures treatment for leukemia, FaceTimed with Pittsburgh running back James Conner, a recent cancer survivor. Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November 2015 and announced last month that he is cancer-free.
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The two quickly found that they have a lot in common.
Sager has worked for Turner for 34 years, but was able to work Game 6 of the Finals on ESPN thanks to what the network called a “unique partnership.” Before Thursday night in Cleveland, Sager, perhaps known most for his flashy suits, had never worked an NBA Finals game before he shared the sideline with ESPN’s Doris Burke.
Sager was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in April 2014. Sager was initially cleared to return to the sidelines in February 2015, but his cancer returned a month later. Since then, he has maintained his presence on TNT, often traveling long distances to and from treatment centers and returning in time to work a game.
As for Conner, the redshirt junior continued to train and even participate in practice while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Now, all indications show he will be ready for the 2016 season when Pitt opens up at home against Villanova on Sept. 3.
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That will be a big boost for Pitt. Conner was the ACC Player of the Year in 2014 when he rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns. Conner missed the 2015 season after injuring his knee in the Panthers’ season opener against Youngstown State.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
