After suffering a fall at home, Dick Vitale’s return to the broadcast booth has been delayed indefinitely. Vitale was originally slated to come back to ESPN college basketball broadcasts on Saturday, Jan. 25 for a matchup between Duke and Wake Forest, which would have marked his first time on air since 2023. Over the last three-and-a-half years, Vitale has battled four different iterations of cancer, but he was recently declared free of the disease. The longtime sports broadcaster, who has been a member of ESPN throughout its 45-year history, divulged the news on social media and stated that neurosurgeons have said that he has made great strides. Moreover, Vitale added that surgery was not necessary.
“I’m sorry to have to share the disappointing news that I won’t be able to call the Duke-Wake Forest game next weekend,” Vitale said in a statement. “Unrelated to any of my cancer scares, I had an accident at my home in Florida, and that has created some new health challenges and near-term physical limitations for me. I’m devastated that I won’t be courtside with my ESPN buddy Dave O’Brien and with all the players and fans, especially because of the overwhelming response I received when news of my planned return was announced. I was anxiously awaiting the chance to feel the excitement and energy of a college basketball environment for the first time in nearly two years.
“Now, I’m just going to have to wait some more. I’m not exactly when that will be, yet I’m expected to make a full recovery and will provide updates when I have more information. Despite this latest setback, I feel blessed to have the support of my family, friends, and ESPN teammates. I’m a lucky guy and as I’ve said before, I will continue to do whatever it takes to get back to calling the sport I love. In the meantime, I have to say ‘Go Irish’ on Monday night! Love to all.”
Vitale updated his social media followers on Sunday evening when he stated that he had been released from the hospital. Additionally, he thanked the medical staff, nurses and everyone else who played a role in helping him recover from the ailment he had suffered on Friday.
During Vitale’s career with ESPN, he has called over 1,000 college basketball games and been the recipient of several industry honors, including a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition to his analysis work, he also serves as a voice for the V Foundation for Cancer Research and has raised more than $93 million for the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund through his annual gala.
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