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Dick Vitale sends touching message to David Pollack's wife amid brain surgery

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax03/13/25BarkleyTruax

ESPN’s Dick Vitale sent well wishes and asked for prayers for David Pollack’s wife, Lindsey, after she underwent surgery for brain cancer. He sent the touching message to fans on social media on Wedneday.

“Please ppl take a moment & say [a prayer] for [David Pollack’s] wife a fantastic recovery from brain surgery she had today,” it read.

On Monday, Pollack took to social media to reveal the news that his wife was to undergo surgery. He finished his statement by sharing his faith amid his family’s hardships.

“I do not share much of my personal life on social media but today is gonna be different,” Pollack wrote. “If you are the praying type please lift up my wife Lindsey. She has brain cancer and surgery is Wednesday at Duke. So thankful to serve a loving God that meets us in our struggles!”

Vitale himself had to spend two years away from the broadcast booth as he fought cancer himself. In June 2024, Vitale revealed he had been diagnosed with lymph node cancer and would undergo treatment. It was Vitale’s fourth battle with cancer since 2021, previously surviving lymphoma, melanoma and vocal cord cancer. On Jan. 8, Vitale announced that he’d defeated cancer once again.

He has since returned to the broadcast booth for ESPN. His first assignment was Clemson vs. Duke on Feb. 5. Vitale was initially supposed to make his return on Jan. 25 but was delayed after suffering a fall.

“I am absolutely ecstatic and I can’t believe this is happening after going through five major vocal cord surgeries, 65 radiation treatments and chemotherapy for six months,” Vitale said at the time. “It’s been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me.

“I just hope that I can offer the people some basketball insights that can bring even more excitement to the game.”

Vitale has been bringing basketball fans excitement for over 40 years. Vitale began his broadcasting career in 1979 after he parted ways with the Detroit Pistons, who he coached for two seasons.

Over time, Dick Vitale has become an icon in the community, calling legendary games and popularizing catchphrases like “diaper dandy.” In 2019, Vitale received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Emmy Awards for his contributions to broadcasting.

For Pollack, he starred at Georgia from 2001-04, earning a slew of accolades for his play along the defensive front. Among other recognitions, he captured the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lott Trophy and the Lombardi Award. He was a two-time consensus All-American (2002 and 2004) and a first-team All-American in 2003. He was a three-time All-SEC selection (2002-04).

Beyond his days on the field, David Pollack has continued to have an influence on the sport as a commentator and analyst. He has previously worked on the air at ESPN.