John Saunders, one of the familiar on-air faces of ESPN for nearly 30 years, has died. He was 61.Saunders hosted studio and play-by-play programming. He covered college football, basketball and the NHL for the network, in addition to anchoring SportsCenter. He was also host of The Sports Reporters.This tragic news brings us unspeakable sorrow, Saunders family said in a statement. John was the patriarch of our family, and we cant believe he is gone. We are sincerely touched by the outpouring of support and sadness, which is a reflection of the character and integrity that defined him.While we dont yet have all the specifics, John wasnt feeling well physically in recent days and sadly, he was unresponsive earlier this morning. We appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers for our cherished father, husband, brother and uncle.Born in Canada, Saunders was an all-star defenseman in the junior hockey leagues of Montreal. He played at Western Michigan and Ryerson Polytechnical in Toronto before becoming one of the most prominent broadcasters of his time.Saunders was a founding member of The V Foundation for Cancer Research and served on its board of directors.John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades, John Skipper, ESPN president and Disney Media Networks co-chairman, 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.More importantly, John was a beloved and devoted family man who cared deeply about people and causes, as evidenced by his long-standing efforts as a passionate board member for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.He was one of the most significant and influential members of the ESPN family, as a colleague and mentor, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time.Saunders joined ESPN in December 1986 to anchor SportsCenter. He also became a regular voice on college basketball and the WNBA and hosted ESPNs coverage of the Stanley Cup playoffs from 1993 to 2004. He also worked on coverage of the World Series and Major League Baseballs All-Star Game.We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Saunders, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. As the studio host of NBA Shootaround, a play-by-play announcer for nationally televised NBA and WNBA games and one of the?Toronto Raptors first?television voices, John was a vital member of the NBA family for more than two decades and was a friendly and familiar face to our players and fans.His achievements in journalism are matched only by his commitment to his community, particularly his service as a founding member of the V Foundation.Dick Vitale, a longtime colleague of Saunders, said his friend represented everything that was good in a human being.He was all about family and helping people, Vitale said. He was as good as it gets, and he had deep loyalty and love for others. His work with The V Foundation was so special. He loved Jimmy V and poured his heart and soul into the cause. He was always willing to share and give, and he played a vital role in the success of helping so many. I cant believe this stunning and horrible news. He will be forever in our thoughts.Chris Berman, who worked with Saunders during his entire 30 years at ESPN, said it was easy for anyone to relate to his former colleague.John Saunders was our friend, and he was your friend. You were immediately comfortable with John in 30 seconds, Berman said. I was fortunate enough to be comfortable with him for 30 years. We knew him for his understated demeanor and understated smile, but we also knew him for his firm commitment to getting things right and treating people right. John was old school, even Old World. Maybe because he was Canadian. Maybe because he was John.Professionally he was always willing to be out of the limelight, but make no mistake, with John Saunders, you knew you were in special company. His mark on ESPN is indelible. His mark on all of us even more so.Other on-air colleagues of Saunders at ESPN took to social media to express their sorrow.Western Michigan honored Saunders as well, as did retired NBA star Kobe Bryant.Saunders survivors include his wife, Wanda, and daughters Aleah and Jenna. Caleb Joseph Diamondbacks Jersey . -- Timbers coach Caleb Porter didnt stray from his business-like approach to the season even after Portland downed the two-time defending league champion Los Angeles Galaxy to gain crucial playoff position. Luis Gonzalez Diamondbacks Jersey . -- Catcher Brett Hayes has agreed to a $630,000, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, avoiding salary arbitration. http://www.diamondbackssale.com/diamondbacks-alex-avila-jersey/ . Following a lopsided 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, Paul MacLean told reporters that "theres a lack of focus, theres a lack of leadership and theres a lack of preparation" with his struggling team. That came on the heels of Bryan Murray taking the unusual step of going into the locker room at the Prudential Center and addressing the players himself. Wilmer Flores Diamondbacks Jersey . By having more great seasons. Manning was the only unanimous choice for the 2013 Associated Press NFL All-Pro team Friday. David Peralta Jersey . The winner Saturday will remain in the elite 10-team field next year. "We talked about wanting to be disciplined and stick with our game plan and good things will come," Draisaitl said, who had two goals for the victors. FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Darrelle Revis has had a rough season, filled with questions about his desire, abilities and passion for the game.The New York Jets cornerback will likely also face some tough decisions in the offseason -- including whether hell accept a possible pay cut.Well see, Revis said Thursday. Well see what happens next year. Well see. Lot of things going on. Well see. Well figure it out.Revis is scheduled to make $15 million, including a $2 million roster bonus, next season -- but thats a lofty salary for an aging player who admittedly has had a subpar year.The roster bonus would kick in on the second day of the league year in March, but the Jets could choose to cut ties with the 31-year-old Revis if he doesnt want to renegotiate his deal.For me, personally, its a down year, Revis said. Its a down year for the team. Its a down year for me, personally, but Ive been in these situations before. Its not the year for us.Weve got these last couple of games this month of December to actually come out with some positives at the end of the season and then focus on the offseason.For me, personally, my focus is on the future of this football club.Revis doesnt currently have an agent representing him after firing Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod earlier this year. The cornerback told The Associated Press that he has no plans to hire a new agent, but rather handle future contract issues himself with the assistance of lawyers.If the Jets cut Revis, the team would still owe him $6 million as part of the $39 million in guarantees in the five-year, $70 million deal he signed with New York in 2015.That would make Revis, who has struggled mightily this season, a free agent while also clearing about $99.dddddddddddd3 million of his $15.3 million salary cap hit.A published report Thursday, citing an anonymous source, suggested that Revis might have lost his passion for football and perhaps doesnt want to play anymore. He told the AP last month that he has not at all thought about retiring, and dismissed the report.When asked if he intends to continue playing beyond this year, Revis simply said: Im under contract until 2018.People say a lot of things, said Revis, whos actually signed through 2019. I cant sit here and justify where reports come and where these things come from. I dont know the report. I dont know what source said this or whatnot. Im here to play football. Thats what Im here to do.Revis has been one of the best players in franchise history, quickly establishing himself as a shutdown cornerback shortly after being drafted in the first round by the Jets in 2007.He has dealt with several contract squabbles throughout his career, and was traded by New York to Tampa Bay in 2013. After one season with the Buccaneers, Revis signed a one-year deal with New England and helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl during the 2014 season.He returned to the Jets the following offseason, bringing Revis Island back to New York. But he hasnt played at his usual All-Pro level this year, prompting many fans and media to question whether he might be facing the end of his career. Despite all that, Revis insisted he isnt letting the frustration get to him.No, actually not, he said. Its actually fine.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '