Alabama football's Nick Saban releases statement on death of Cecil Hurt

Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt was a gem of a sports writer and the most trusted source for Alabama football news around, according to coach Nick Saban. 

Hurt, 62, died Tuesday following complications from pneumonia. Hurt joined the Tuscaloosa News in 1982 and became a leading voice in the fabric of Tuscaloosa sports over the next four decades, particularly with coverage of the Crimson Tide. 

Saban, who has won six national titles in 15 seasons at Alabama, released a statement following news of Hurt's death: 

Cecil Hurt was a good friend and one of the best sports writers I have ever had the privilege of working with, not just at Alabama, but all of our coaching sports. He was a man of integrity and a fair-minded journalist blessed with wit, wisdom and an ability to paint a picture with his words that few have possessed. Cecil was loved throughout this community and state as an old-school journalist who covered the Alabama beat with class and professionalism. He was a role model for young writers and the most trusted source of news for Alabama football everywhere. He leaves a wonderful legacy as one of sports journalism’s best. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as well as Alabama fans everywhere who loved Cecil as much as we did.

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Tuscaloosa News invites its readers to share their remembrances of Cecil Hurt and his impact on them through his words and their interactions with him, whether in person or on social media. Send them to tdeas@gannett.com.