Dick Vitale Announces Decision On His Future At ESPN
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Sportscaster Dick Vitale broadcasts before a semifinal game of the West Coast Conference Basketball Tournament between the Santa Clara Broncos and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gonzaga won 77-68. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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The 2023-24 college basketball season has been awfully exciting at times, but it just doesn't feel the same with Dick Vitale away from the action.
Vitale hasn't called a game for ESPN this season because he's still recovering from vocal cord cancer. He shared his diagnosis with the rest of the world in July 2023. Fast forward to December, and he revealed that he's cancer-free.
Unfortunately, Vitale's cancer treatment made him unable to talk for an extended period of time.
“It will take more time before I get the strength back in my voice,” Vitale said. "The 35 radiation treatments I had for my vocal cord cancer wiped out the cancer but created some problems to my vocal cords.”
The good news, however, is that Vitale is making progress in his recovery. And because of that, he plans on calling college basketball games for ESPN next season.
"I miss so much the entire college spirit at the games as I always love being able to share time with the players, coaches, fans, media and especially my ESPN colleagues," Vitale said.
Vitale, 84, has called countless games for ESPN over the past few decades. Fans love his passion and unique sayings, like diaper dandies.
Hopefully, Vitale returns to the broadcasting booth next season.
