WASHINGTON — John Feinstein, a prominent sports writer and bestselling author, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday at the age of 69.
Feinstein died of natural causes at his brother’s residence in McLean, Virginia, where he was found by Robert Feinstein.
Feinstein served as a full-time reporter for a major newspaper from 1977 to 1991 and was a well-known commentator for various sports networks. He continued contributing columns and hosted her satellite radio programs.
“He was very passionate about things,” Robert Feinstein stated. “People either loved him or hated him — and equally strongly.”
Up until his passing, Feinstein was actively working. He had traveled to Washington to cover the Atlantic 10 Tournament and submitted a column on Michigan State coach Tom Izzo just a day prior.
Best known for his strong connection to college basketball, Feinstein gained fame with his groundbreaking book “A Season on the Brink.”
In 1985, he took a leave to follow coach Bob Knight’s Indiana team closely, showcasing his ability to capture drama and the nuances of personal relationships within sports.
While Knight was known for his fiery temperament, Feinstein adeptly illustrated the complexity of Knight’s relationships with his players, providing a balanced perspective.
Feinstein authored over 40 books, including notable titles such as “A Good Walk Spoiled” (1995), which focused on professional golf, and “A Civil War” (1996), covering the Army-Navy football game. Following the release of that book, he served as a radio commentator for Navy football for years.
His latest work, “The Ancient Eight,” focusing on Ivy League football, was published last year. Additionally, he wrote sports novels targeted towards younger audiences.
Feinstein is survived by his wife, Christine, his son Danny, his daughters Brigid and Jayne, as well as his brother Robert and sister Margaret.
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