\
ESPN host Randy Scott fought back tears live on air after the death of a beloved colleague.
The anchor was on SportsCenter when he announced Zach Jones had passed away just days before Christmas.
2
2
The 41-year-old had been bravely battling colorectal cancer for the past two years.
Zach, who had been at ESPN for 14 years, was working as a research manager.
He sadly died on Sunday, leaving behind his wife Amber and 10-year-old son Silas.
An emotional Scott took to the air on Monday to pay tribute to his much-loved colleague.
“ESPN lost one of our own yesterday,” he told viewers.
“Research manager Zach Jones died Sunday after a two-year fight with colorectal cancer that had metastasized before his diagnosis.
“You may have never seen him on your screens.
“But you saw his work on our live golf coverage, on our women’s college basketball coverage or on any of our SportsCenter shows.
“He came here in 2010 as a researcher and joined the management team of the stats and information group in 2018.
“But more important than that, he got married here.
“He started a family here.”
Scott could be seen visibly moved and had to compose himself through the segment.
“The Stanford graduate loved the Cardinal and he loved golf,” he went on.
“He loved his wife Amber.
NFL head coach annual salaries
1. Andy Reid – Chiefs – $20 million
2. Sean Payton – Broncos – $18 million
=3. Mike Tomlin – Steelers – $16 million
=3. Jim Harbaugh – Chargers – $16 million
5. Sean McVay – Rams – $15 million
6. Kyle Shanahan – 49ers – $14 million
7. John Harbaugh – Ravens – $12 million
=8. Dan Campbell – Lions – $11 million
=8. Sean McDermott – Bills – $11 million
10. Mike MacDonald – Seahawks – $10 million
“He loved his son Silas, who turned 10 last month – and he lost his dad three days before Christmas.
“I saw Zach in the cafeteria just a couple of weeks ago, he was hopeful and he was also reflective.
“He said he just wanted his family to be OK after a recent move to Texas.
“He fought like hell. He gets to rest now. We love you buddy.”
SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi also paid his own tribute on social media site X.
“May you rest in peace Zach. A devoted dad who loved golf, the Chargers and his family,” he said.
“He was a fantastic researcher and had the perfect demeanor for TV.
“He will be missed by so many.
“Sending all of our love to his wife, son and their family. F*** cancer.”
