5月21日（日本時間22日）、長年にわたってサクラメント・キングスの番記者を務めたコラムニストで、白血病と闘っていたマーティン“マーティ”マクニール記者が亡くなった。64歳だった。
1990年に『Sacramento Bee』で仕事を始めたマクニール記者は、1992年にキングスの番記者に。以降、20シーズン以上にわたってキングスを追い、その個性や笑顔、仕事ぶりでよく知られ、2005年からは『Sacramento Bee』でコラムニストとなった。
キングスのブラデ・ディバッツGMは、声明で「ほかの誰よりも独特な能力で物語をつづる人」と、マクニール記者を追悼した。
彼は素晴らしい個性の持ち主で、猛烈にゲームを愛した。あらゆる年代の読者を楽しませ、刺激した伝説的な記者だった。多くの人にとって誠実な友人かつ愛される相談相手で、愛情あふれる夫であり父親でもあった。とても恋しくなるだろう。
マクニール記者は、『Sacramento Bee』の前に『Dallas Times Herald』で記事を執筆していた。
訃報を受け、多くのNBAジャーナリストたちがソーシャルメディアで偉大な同僚の死を悼んだ。
Crushing to hear about the passing of NBA writer Marty McNeal.He was an AllStar.
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) May 21, 2020
Used to love reading Marty Mac’s World column in the Sac Bee.He had a unique perspective.A pioneer. This brother would light up the media room whenever he walked in with his positive vibes
RIP🙏🏽Marty
Rest In Peace to former NBA beat writer Marty McNeal. He was a mentor, kept it 100, had great relationships with everyone from the players to the coaches to the front office and lit up a media room with his personality. You are already missed brother and thank you for being you.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) May 21, 2020
I'm incredibly sad to hear about the loss of my friend, Marty McNeal. This one-of-a-kind man was ALWAYS good to me.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) May 21, 2020
So here's what we're going to do.
Read his old words for comfort - https://t.co/lsqYzPD5hy
Watch old video to smile - https://t.co/Pq8RGSN30E
RIP, Marty Mac.
The one and only Marty McNeal has left us, but will never be gone. To call him a friend was a gift. To call him a colleague was a blast. As real as they come, loud, a Thesaurus of cuss words, he couldn’t fake phony. I am so sad.
— Scott Howard-Cooper (@SHowardCooper) May 21, 2020
One thing that will make me smile today, and over the next few days?
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) May 21, 2020
Watch how many people from all walks of life share stories about Marty McNeal.
That’s when you know it’s a life well lived. When you’ve managed to touch so many in a positive way.
And man he’d hate it! 😂
This year continues to disappoint, as many of us who are, or were affiliated with the NBA lost another loyal friend today as former Sacramento Bee Kings beat writer Marty McNeal passed away. He was a mentor to many, always kept it real and will be missed. #RIPMartyMc pic.twitter.com/KaEmGN1XxQ
— exhoopsprguy (@exhoopsPRguy) May 21, 2020
Marty McNeal was an OG. He was loved and respected. He will be missed.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) May 21, 2020
原文：Former Kings beat writer Marty McNeal passes away at age 64 by NBA.com（抄訳）
