Dick Vitale announces broadcasting return after positive cancer update
Dick Vitale just delivered a Diaper Dandy of an update to the college basketball world. On Monday, the sportscaster provided an update on his health.
“November 28, I’m planning to do my first game, Miami–Kentucky, with all the guys down in Kentucky,” Vitale said in a video posted to Twitter. “I hope and pray I can be there. I plan on being there, and I plan on [speaking] in moderation up until that time.
“I love all of you and I thank all of you for your prayers and your unbelievable love you’ve sent me. It meant so much to me. I tell you, It’s been tough. It’s been tough. I just say have faith. Think positive and I’ve tried to do that. God bless all of you.”
In July, Vitale announced he had been diagnosed with vocal cord cancer and would undergo treatment. This battle has been Vitale’s third fight with cancer since 2021, previously surviving lymphoma and melanoma. Vitale claims he has not been able to talk for nearly seven months due to the treatment.
Dick Vitale shows miraculous healing
After Vitale’s initial message, his physician, Boston laryngeal specialist Dr. Steven Zeitels, provided further information on Vitale’s condition.
“Dick had gone through a number of procedures to manage the disease and then, over time, he did require radiotherapy, which is completed now. He’s done remarkably well,” Zeitels said. “The tissues are all healed. At this point, he can start using his voice, he’ll see how long it takes to recover.
“We had planned to look under the microscope in the operating room tomorrow but it looks so terrific that we’re going to wait on that because I see no evidence of the cancer whatsoever. Again, we have to watch this for a while and then ultimately, we may do an endoscopic or through-the-mouth procedure to enhance his voice further, but given the remarkable recovery he’s had in the last few weeks. The best pathway now is patience, and let’s see how it can heal himself and get back to what he loves to do, which is being with all of you and announcing.”
No sickness can keep the 84-year-old away from the sideline. Vitale plans on returning on Nov. 28 to cover Kentucky-Miami at Rupp Arena. The game marks the programs’ first meeting in the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge.
Vitale couldn’t be happier to return.
“I’m emotional. I’m excited,” Vitale said. “I didn’t speak, you gotta understand now, for seven months. You’re the first people hearing my voice in a long, long time.”