Dick Vitale Shares Video Message From Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope Amid New Cancer Battle

Amid his new battle with cancer, the legendary college basketball commentator and former head coach Dick Vitale saw a massive outpouring of love and support. And new Kentucky the head coach Marc Pape was among the chorus of supporters, sending a brief video to Vitale.

On Tuesday, Vitale shared the video and expressed gratitude for hearing from Pope, as well as so many other Kentucky fans.

“I just received a video message from (Kentucky head coach Mark Pope) about my recent cancer surgery,” Vitale said on social media. “I have received many prayers from the BBN fans and they are truly appreciated.”

In the video, the pope kept his message short and to the point: he and many others love Vitale and wish to see him back in good health and, hopefully, back on roll.

“Coach Vitale, this is Coach Pope from the University of Kentucky,” Pope said. “Listen, I heard you’re back, engaged in the middle of this fight and I just want you to know this, man: You have, you know this, but you have so many people in this world that love you, including me, that are cheering for you and praying for you and giving you all the love that they can.

The pope also offered Vitale an open invitation to come watch a practice, an incentive for the beloved college basketball figure to win another fight against cancer.

“Get well soon, because you have to make a trip to the University of Kentucky to come and practice, boy,” Pope said. “Come and watch a game. Let’s go, baby!”

Vitale shared the new diagnosis in late June

After announcing that he was cancer-free, Vitale announced a new update: a lymph node in his neck showed signs of cancer and surgery is scheduled for the first week of July.

“My neck lymph node biopsy report is in and it is cancerous,” Vitale said. “With all the prayers I have received and the loving support of my family, friends and (ESPN) colleagues, I will win this battle. (Prayers) Tuesday’s surgery will be a success. Thank you for all your prayers.”

Vitale had already beaten vocal cord cancer after being diagnosed last summer and missing the 2023-24 season as a result. He also announced his intention to back to the broadcast table in November for the 2024-25 season.

Earlier this week, Vitale said a scan showed a benign He was diagnosed with a lymph node in his neck earlier this week and said his goal was still to wear the helmet again this season. However, this new update means the longtime ESPN analyst is battling cancer again.

“Today was a very eventful day that started at 7:30am with an exam and x-ray of my vocal cords,” Vitale posted on Facebook. “I had a major 4 hour surgery on my vocal cords about 6 weeks ago. Today I got to see how I’m recovering from the surgery after treating cancer on my vocal cords and the 35 rounds of radiation.”

“Overall, the news is very positive and Dr. Zeitals said the healing process is much better than he had anticipated. He has now given me permission to speak again, but I have to stay in control and be careful not to delay too long. His goal is to have me ready to do games on ESPN by the start of the new season in November 2024.”

In July 2023, Vitale announced her vocal cord cancer diagnosis just before the ESPYS, a year after accepting the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and delivered a heartfelt speech calling on people to contribute to cancer research.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.