Legendary sports commentator Dick Vitale has shared uplifting news about his health, announcing that he is now cancer-free. This announcement comes after a series of battles with the disease that have kept him away from the courtside he loves.
On social media, the 85-year-old Vitale revealed that a recent examination of his vocal cords showed no signs of cancer. His physician conveyed to him that he is able to return to his passion of commentating college basketball for ESPN. Vitale expressed his joy about this development and is clearly eager to get back to work.
“I just had a scope of my vocal cords and I was very emotional with the great report by Dr. Zeitels,” Vitale tweeted. “He said the vocal cords are cancer-free and he feels I can return to my love of being at courtside for ESPN.”
Vitale’s journey with cancer began in 2021 when he was first diagnosed with melanoma, followed later that year by lymphoma. The challenges continued, and he announced in July 2023 that he had been diagnosed with vocal cord cancer. Fortunately, he overcame that diagnosis relatively quickly. However, last summer, he faced another setback as he disclosed that cancer had returned again, this time affecting his lymph nodes.
Despite these hurdles, Vitale has shown remarkable resilience. He underwent surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes in July and has been focusing on his recovery since then. He has missed a significant amount of work at ESPN but made an emotional return in 2021 during a college basketball game in Las Vegas, showcasing his enduring love for the sport.
Throughout his lengthy career, Vitale has been an iconic figure in college basketball broadcasting. His journey with ESPN began nearly at the station’s inception, and he had the honor of calling the very first basketball game aired on the network. His contributions to the sport have been recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
As Vitale prepares to return to the mic, he has expressed his deep hope to call games again soon, possibly as early as later this month. He has been working to strengthen his voice for this comeback, proving that his spirit remains undampened despite the setbacks he has faced.
In his recent remarks, Vitale reflected on his life and the struggles he has endured. “I am 85 and have lived a fantastic life but youngsters should not have to deal with all the chemo, radiation scans, and surgeries that I have dealt with,” he said. He further expressed a heartfelt goal: to see all five of his grandchildren graduate from college. At that time, he would be 89 years old, but he is determined to live beyond that milestone.
The community of sports fans and colleagues have rallied around Vitale, offering encouragement and support throughout his health battles. His passionate commentary and vibrant personality have made him a beloved figure in the world of sports, especially in college basketball. Fans are eagerly anticipating his return, as his voice and presence are synonymous with the excitement of the game.
As Vitale prepares to return to the courtside, the college basketball world is ready to welcome back a legend. His ongoing battle against cancer serves as an inspiration to many facing similar challenges, showcasing the power of determination and the will to overcome adversity.
The love and enthusiasm Vitale brings to college basketball are unmatched, and many are looking forward to hearing him share his insights and energy once more as the season progresses. The announcement of his health improvements has undoubtedly reignited hope and excitement among fans and players alike, all of whom are ready to join him in the joyous atmosphere of the game once again.
