Dick Vitale Suffers Unfortunate Setback In His Return To Broadcasting
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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Dick Vitale will push back his return to the broadcasting booth while continuing to undergo medical treatment for his throat.
ESPN announced Monday that Vitale won't call his first men's college basketball game of the 2023-24 season on Nov. 28 as previously scheduled. Vitale, who has already recovered from melanoma and lymphoma, revealed a diagnosis of vocal cord cancer this summer.
The cancer is in remission, but the 84-year-old needs more time to recover from radiation treatment.
"While I’m disappointed with the latest developments, I remain hopeful," Vitale said. "The cancer is gone, which is amazing news, yet the impact of the treatments has taken its toll on my voice and requires more healing."
Vitale is eager to return to work, but he and his doctor determined that he needs more time.
“With the season started, I am jumping out of my shoes to be back in the college basketball arenas, calling the game I love and being around so many great colleagues and fans," Vitale continued. "I have to listen to the medical experts, who have been so good to me, and with some more rest, I know I will be back for my 45th season. I’ve been so touched by the amazing response I’ve received."
Vitale posted photos from speech therapy and prayed that his vocal chord issue "clears up so I can get the BEST MEDICINE of all - sitting at courtside."
There's no set date for Vitale's return. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said he's fully supporting the longtime analyst and will "anxiously await his comeback whenever he is ready."
