Veteran ESPN Anchor Stuart Scott Has Died At The Age Of 49

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Published

January 5, 2015

Tremendously sad news emanating from the world of sports broadcasting today, with veteran sportscaster and one of the signature anchors of ESPN‘s game-changing SportsCenter program Stuart Scott passing away after a long battle with cancer. He was 49.

Scott was a groundbreaking TV personality who changed the way sport is discussed and dissected via the medium, with his coverage of US sports unparalleled in the modern era. Scott’s style of presenting remained true to himself and his upbringing, particularly in a time where others assimilated into the norm, and he is largely credited with bringing African-American culture into sports broadcasting, and bringing hip-hop verbiage into mainstream media.

His catchphrases, used in voiceover work on top of highlights packages, became part of the greater sporting lexicon in and of themselves, including phrases like “Booyah!” “As cool as the other side of the pillow,” and “Call him butter, he’s on a roll!“

Scott’s passing was announced by tearful ESPN colleagues in broadcasts this morning. Firstly, by ESPN news anchor Hannah Storm.

And secondly by Scott’s former SportsCenter co-anchor Rich Eisen, who delivered an on-air eulogy for his friend a mere 10 minutes after learning of his passing, in what could possibly be one of the most heartfelt and moving two and a half minutes of TV ever broadcast.

Eisner later paid further tribute, filling an entire highlights package from today’s NFL Wildcard Playoff game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals with classic Scott catchphrases.

Across the sporting world, tributes have been flowing in.

Stuart wasn’t covering heroes & champions, it was the other way around. Thinking of my friend & his daughters.

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 4, 2015

RIP Stuart Scott you inspired many and changed the way people looked at sports… Forever as cool as the other side of the pillow

— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) January 4, 2015

I just woke up & heard the sad sad news about my good friend Stuart Scott..he’s was the kind of guy… http://t.co/LlPrJDBieQ

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 4, 2015

He was as cool as the other side of the pillow & will be missed. Prayers up @StuartScott & family
#RIPStuartScott pic.twitter.com/HXuf7qcbMy

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 4, 2015

Rip @StuartScott. You did it right, @SportsCenter will never be the same. #GoneButNeverForgotten

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 4, 2015

Stuart Scott had SportsCenter so live!! His punch lines were one of a kind #RIP

— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) January 4, 2015

No words…Stuart Scott rest in peace..you will be missed

— Erin Andrews (@ErinAndrews) January 4, 2015

I hope you all understand how much Stuart Scott meant to all of us. In different ways for each. Sitting next to stu was dream come true.

— Jonathan Coachman (@TheCoachESPN) January 4, 2015

And perhaps its Scott’s own words, from a few months ago at the ESPY awards, that puts his own untimely demise best.

“When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live. So live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you.“

RIP, Stuart. Truly one of the greatest of all time.

Photo: Kevin Winter via Getty Images.