Longtime Cincinnati Bengals beat reporter Jay Morrison has announced that he will be stepping away from covering the team briefly following the sudden death of his wife.
Morrison, who covers the team for Sports Illustrated, revealed on Monday morning that his wife Nicki passed away after what he described as ‘a routine medical procedure’.
‘For the first time in 14 years, I watched a Bengals game with my wife Nicki yesterday. It will be her last,’ Morrison posted to his X account.
‘What should have been a routine medical procedure on Friday turned catastrophic. She has been on life support since, waiting on organ recipient matches, her final gift in a magnificently beautiful and selfless life.
‘We will be saying our final goodbyes today and removing her from the machines. My heart is shattered, and my world is obliterated.
Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Jay Morrison announced the sudden passing of his wife
After the heartbreaking news was announced, coach Zac Taylor offered his condolences
‘I am only sharing this publicly to let all of you know I will be stepping away from Bengals coverage for an indefinite period of time.’
Morrison went on to say that he will not be holding a funeral, as per his wife’s wishes, and will instead hold a celebration of life ‘once my daughter, son and I can compose ourselves enough to plan a party worthy enough of the most beautiful, caring, bad-a** rocker chick I’ve been proud to share a life with for 37 years.’
At a press conference on Monday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor offered his condolences.
‘I know Jay Morrison and his family are dealing with something tough right now,’ Taylor said. ‘Jay, as you all know, is one of the greatest guys in this business.
‘So thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. I hate that he’s got to go through that, but I know we’re all here for him. So I just wanted to make sure he knows that and his family knows that.’