ESPN Host John Saunders Dead at 61

Longtime ESPN host John Saunders unexpectedly passed away at age 61, the sports TV network confirmed Wednesday morning. Saunders hosted studio and play-by-play programming for ESPN’s college football, basketball, and hockey coverage, in addition to anchoring SportsCenter since 2008, The Sports Reporters, and having previously hosted NFL Primetime. “John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades,” ESPN President John Skipper, said in a statement. “His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen.” Saunders is survived by his wife, Wanda, and daughters Aleah and Jenna.