Michael Jordan joined the countless other sports figures on Sunday to remember Stuart Scott, with the NBA legend writing a touching tribute to the ESPN pioneer.
The SportsCenter host passed away on Sunday after a six-year battle with cancer. His death was announced early in the day by the network that made him famous.
John Skipper, president of ESPN , released a statement regarding the death of Stuart Scott.
“ESPN and everyone in the sports world have lost a true friend and a uniquely inspirational figure in Stuart Scott.”
Stuart Scott himself became an inspirational figure during his battle with cancer. This last summer he received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and delivered a speech that brought the audience to tears .
“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live,” Scott said.
During his time with ESPN , Scott became close with many athletes, and on Sunday a number of them wrote words of remembrance.
One of the most touching was from Michael Jordan, who wrote about the loss of his “old friend.”
I’m so sad to hear the news that Stuart has passed away. He was truly a trailblazer in his field, and by refusing to change his style, made himself into a star. I always enjoyed sitting down to talk to him. But to me, he wasn’t just a broadcaster, he was an old friend, who I’d known since college. He fought so hard against cancer and I hoped he’d win the battle. I send my sincerest condolences to his daughters, Taelor and Sydni, and his family and friends. Boo-yah, my brother.
As Michael Jordan referenced, he and Stuart Scott shared a connection that ran deeper than sports. The two were classmates at North Carolina, and maintained a friendship throughout their respective careers.