Legendary college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has lived in the hearts of sports fans for the better part of four decades. Unfortunately, he issued a saddening health update regarding a vocal cord condition that has been bothering him in recent years.
Vitale took to social media on Wednesday, revealing that he has been diagnosed with vocal cord cancer, and will need six weeks of radiation to treat it.
“I’m sorry to share that I received tough news today from Dr. Zeitels about my throat. The tests on the tissues they removed showed that I have vocal cord cancer and will need 6 weeks of radiation to treat it. Dr. Z tells me that it has an extremely high cure rate, and that radiation, not more surgery, is the best path,” Vitale wrote in a statement.
This is an update on my meeting today with Dr ZEITELS. Though I was disappointed with the pathology report, I plan on winning this battle like I did vs Melanoma & Lymphoma ! pic.twitter.com/pu61XJSm43
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 12, 2023
Vitale has been dealing with vocal cord issues over the past few years, which has limited his appearances on college basketball broadcasts the past few seasons.
This is obviously an update that fans were not hoping to hear, and many took to social media to wish him well in his latest cancer battle.
Prayers for Dick Vitale (@DickieV). https://t.co/2x2hJrCyau
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) July 13, 2023
Praying for Dick Vitale. He's a special person as all of u know. Hang in there Mr. Vitale. https://t.co/TBmyJVuubG
— Gary Bedore (@GaryBedore) July 13, 2023
Sending thoughts & prayers from Bloomington. The Hoosiers are with you in the fight. ❤️
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) July 13, 2023
Praying for you Dickie V.
You’re awesome baby!— Josh Rosen (@Joshimpressions) July 13, 2023
You’re a PTP’er, Baby!❤️
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) July 13, 2023
Sending you more prayers and healing thoughts in your fight!
— Ashley Colley (@ashleycolley) July 12, 2023
Vitale also spoke about what this means for his future in broadcasting with ESPN, and it doesn’t sound like he will be stopping anytime soon.
“I plan to fight like hell to be ready to call games when the college hoops season tips off in the Fall. Dr. Z feels like that scenario is entirely possible,” Vitale added.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.