Jerry Reinsdorf statement on passing of Jim Corno

CHICAGO – Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox, issued the following statement today on the passing of Jim Corno, president of Comcast SportsNet Chicago:

“How do you best remember someone like Jim Corno?  The average fan may not immediately recognize Jim’s name, but I think perhaps no one else in this city has done more over the past four decades to impact the Chicago sports landscape.

“No matter the situation, Jim always thought about the sports fan first.  Whether the game was baseball, basketball or hockey, Jim’s focus and obsession was always on how to improve the experience for the viewer sitting at home, watching and rooting for his or her favorite Chicago team.  Jim thought that way because Jim was that Chicago fan, sitting on his own couch or in the television studio celebrating the key victories and suffering the tough losses.

“Jim was a tremendous businessman and partner, with his prescient understanding of sports television often guiding our decisions and direction over the years.  Much more importantly, he was a proud Chicagoan, donating countless hours to important causes like the March of Dimes.  Jim was a terrific father, grandfather and husband, a mentor to many in the industry, a father-figure to staff at Comcast SportsNet Chicago, and also a dear, close friend.  This is a deep personal loss to me and for many in the Chicago sports world.  We all will miss our friend.”