Stuart Scott EPSN anchor dies

Stuart Scott, a popular anchor for ESPN for two decades, has passed away from cancer. He was 49.

Scott was first diagnosed with cancer in November 2007, when his appendix was removed and doctors discovered a tumor. It returned four years later and then again in 2013. He was very public about his battle with the disease. He spoke with the New York Times for this moving story and gave an emotional speech at the 2014 ESPY Awards, where Scott was presented the Jimmy V Award.

Scott joined ESPN in 1993 for the launch of ESPN2 and became one of ESPN’s and ABC Sports’ most recognizable personalities through his catchphrases (“Boo-Yah,” “As cool as the other side of the pillow”) on ESPN’s SportsCenter, where he anchored the 11 p.m. show.

During his career with ESPN, he covered the NBA Finals, Super Bowl, Major League Baseball playoffs and World Series, and the NCAA Final Four. He interviewed two presidents -- Bill Clinton and Barack Obama -- and many well-known athletic figures including Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. His on-air style was not favored by all viewers or media writers, but it was unique and gave SportsCenter a different feel. He was also a trailblazer along with Greg Gumbel and Robin Roberts in bringing diversity to the SportsCenter set.

ESPN said Scott is survived by his two daughters, Taelor, 19, and Sydni, 15; his parents, O. Ray and Jacqueline Scott; and his three siblings Stephen Scott, Synthia Kearney, Susan Scott and their families. His girlfriend, Kristin Spodobalski, informed close colleagues at ESPN this morning of the news.

Source: Sports Illustrated

photo via Rich Arden ESPN Images