Robin Roberts delivers emotional speech as she's honored by NBA with Sager Strong award: 'For everyone who has said a prayer for me, thank you'
It was an emotional evening for Robin Roberts Monday as she collected the Sager Strong award at the NBA Awards, in memory of beloved late broadcaster Craig Sager.
The Good Morning America anchor, 58, was feted at the annual event, which took place at Santa Monica, California's Barker Hangar.
'I am honored and I am grateful for this recognition,' she said.
Recognized: Robin Roberts on Monday said she was 'honored' and 'grateful' to be presented with the Sager Strong award at the NBA Awards at Santa Monica, California's Barker Hangar
'I feel such a connection to Craig, we were both young sports reporters back in the day … we often crossed paths and every single time I walked away with a big smile on my face,' said Roberts, an ESPN alum who has been a co-anchor of the ABC morning newsmagazine since 2005.
'The only time that I am at a loss for words when it comes to Craig, his wardrobe,' the Tuskegee, Alabama native said of Sager, who died in December of 2016 after a brave fight with cancer.
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Roberts - herself a cancer survivor who went public amid her fight with bone marrow disease earlier in the decade - had kind words for her fans in regards to her own past health battles.
'For everyone who has said a prayer for me, thank you, bless you, and right back at you,' she said through tears.
Moving: The standout broadcaster was given a colorful jacket akin to what the late Sager wore on the sidelines. She said, 'I'll wear it proudly'
Gracious: The ABC mainstay was snapped clapping at the proceedings in Southern California
The ESPN alum, who played basketball for Southeastern Louisiana University, cited Sager as an inspiration in how to live one's life amid adverse circumstances.
'Mama used to say, "Everybody's got something" - a challenge that you faced, already have faced or are about to face ... everybody's got something, even the magnificent stars that we have shining brightly in this room tonight,"' Roberts said. 'You never know what someone is going through - I urge you not to compare your despair.
'Craig's courage, the way he would focus on the fight and not the fright … are qualities that we all should strive for in our lives.'
In wrapping up her speech, a misty-eyed Roberts thanked her partner Amber Laign, her family and her colleagues.
Moving words: 'Craig's courage, the way he would focus on the fight and not the fright … are qualities that we all should strive for in our lives.'
Homage: Roberts said of her late peer, 'The only time that I am at a loss for words when it comes to Craig, his wardrobe'
Happy night: Robin posed with NBA commissioner Adam Silver at the function
Well-remembered: Sager, snapped in July of 2016, passed away less than six months later amid his cancer battle
