ESPN’s Dick Vitale cleared to return to broadcasting after beginning cancer treatment
Dick Vitale is going to be back courtside next week for No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 2 UCLA as a part of the Good Sam Empire Classic in Las Vegas, ESPN announced Thursday night.
Vitale has recently begun chemotherapy treatments as part of a 6-month treatment plan, but his doctors have cleared a return to broadcasting during that time. In October, the legendary college basketball voice announced that he’d been diagnosed with lymphoma just a few months after revealing that he’d had multiple surgeries to remove melanoma.
Vitale was appreciative of the support from his family, friends, and fans.
“My family and I are absolutely jumping with joy,” said Vitale, according to a release from ESPN. “Knowing I’ll be courtside with all my buddies and calling Number 1 versus 2, this is the best medicine I could ask for. To all of you, I simply say ‘thank you from the bottom of my heart’ for your prayers and messages, phone calls and texts.”
The Hall of Famer also talked about how important his ESPN family has been.
“They gave me energy and lifted me up at a time that is not fun city–chemo for 6 months,” Vitale said. “To my ESPN family, starting with Jimmy Pitaro–I love you all. I’m so proud to start my 43rd year on Tuesday. Lastly, to the fans–you have given me a career that has exceeded any dream I’ve ever had.”
This will be Vitale’s 43rd season announcing college basketball with ESPN. No. 1 Gonzaga plays No. 2 UCLA on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.