Broadcaster Dick Vitale becomes emotional during the ACC Championship broadcast as he discusses his recent cancer battle.
Dickie V's Tearful Return to the Broadcast Booth
Veteran sports analyst Dick Vitale showed raw emotion Saturday night, discussing his latest cancer battle during ESPN's coverage of Duke's victory in the ACC Tournament championship. The 85-year-old basketball pundit, known for his youthful enthusiasm, has faced several cancer bouts over the last few years.
After announcing in December that he was cancer-free, Vitale revealed he'd been diagnosed with a lymph node cancer in June. Sitting between fellow announcers Dave O'Brien and Cory Alexander, Vitale's voice, though raspy, reverberated with the same zest as ever.
"Man, I can't tell you how much you've meant to me," Vitale said, fighting back tears. "It's been unbelievable. A tough three years – those four cancer battles. I don't wish it on anybody. Cancer sucks."
Vitale's healthcare journey includes prior battles with melanoma, lymphoma, and vocal cord cancer. After battling each condition, he's proven to be a resilient fighter. In a bid to help others facing similar challenges, Vitale has been a longtime advocate for cancer research.
Back in 1993, he brought Jimmy Valvano to the stage during the ESPYs, enabling the late, legendary coach to deliver his iconic "Don't give up" speech. Valvano passed away just a few weeks later from adenocarcinoma.
While Vitale expressed hope to continue his work in the broadcast booth next year, he acknowledged the potential challenges his voice might present. "I'm praying my doctor can really help me with my voice," he said.
With a long and inspiring career spanning decades, Vitale remains an ever-present figure in the world of college basketball. Whether sharing his insights from the sidelines or engaging viewers with his infectious energy, the Sports Emmy Award-winning analyst showcases an indomitable spirit.
Sources:
- Dick Vitale Cancer Timeline: https://www.sportscasting.com/dick-vitale-cancer-sports-announcer/
- Dick Vitale Joins ESPN Broadcast Booth after Cancer: https://www.sportscasting.com/dick-vitale-espn-back-from-cancer/
- Dick Vitale Cancer-Free: https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/34710406/dick-vitale-says-cancer-free-good-spirit
- Dick Vitale on Returning to ESPN: https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/34873851/dick-vitale-espn-return-cancer-treatment-bc-bball-final-more-thanks-jimmy-v-legacy
- In his emotional return to the broadcast booth, Dick Vitale shared his resilience in facing four bouts of cancer, including adenocarcinoma.
- Despite battling vocal cord cancer, Dick Vitale expressed hope that his doctor can really help him maintain his voice for future broadcasts.
- Dick Vitale, a longtime advocate for cancer research, previously brought the late Jimmy Valvano to the stage to share his iconic "Don't give up" speech, inspiring many in the fight against cancer.
