ESPN Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale has announced he has melanoma in his lung and liver cavity. He will be starting immunotherapy soon.
Vitale, one of the preeminent faces of men’s college basketball, has battled four types of cancer in the past few years. Most recently, he underwent surgery in the summer of 2024 after a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck showed cancer.
Vitale Confident After Previous Battles
Vitale, 86, said he is confident he will beat this cancer. “I’ve beaten melanoma. I’ve beaten lymphoma. I’ve beaten vocal cord cancer. I’ve beaten lymph node cancer,” Vitale said in a statement Monday. “I’m four-for-four and I’m fully confident I’m going to make it five-for-five.”
After nearly a two-year break to deal with his health, Vitale returned to broadcasting in February of last year. He announced he was cancer-free at the time. He just wrapped up his 46th year covering college basketball at ESPN.
Support From Family and ESPN
“I am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages I’ve received from so many people” Vitale said. He added that he is incredibly blessed to have his family beside him.
Vitale also acknowledged his ESPN family, led by Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. He said they have been absolutely terrific and their support has inspired him to keep fighting. He said he will do everything in his power to win another battle.
“The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic.”
Vitale’s Career at ESPN
Vitale joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season, just after ESPN’s launch. He called the network’s first major NCAA basketball game on Dec. 5, 1979. He has gone on to call well over 1,000 games.
In September 2024, he was inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame.
Vitale said he is determined to fight this latest battle with cancer, buoyed by the support of his family and colleagues.