ESPN Anchor Dick Vitale Announces He Has Cancer Again

Dick Vitale has been diagnosed with cancer.

The ESPN sportscaster, who has commentated on college basketball games since the network’s launch in 1979, announced his diagnosis via social media. “My lymph node biopsy report from my neck has come in and it is cancerous,” Vitale wrote. “With all the (prayers) I have received and the loving support of my family, friends and colleagues (ESPN), I will win this battle.”

Vitale added that he would undergo surgery on Tuesday, July 2. “Thanks for all the prayers,” he wrote.

The broadcaster had already received treatment for melanoma and lymphoma in 2021, and was unable to speak for four months after undergoing surgery for precancerous dysplasia and ulcerative lesions that same year. Vitale was cancer-free in 2022, but was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer in 2023.

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Vitale coached the Detroit Titans for four seasons before becoming the coach of the Detroit Pistons for the 1978-79 season, then was fired 12 games into the following season. He turned to broadcasting in time to announce the first-ever college basketball game broadcast on ESPN in 1979.

He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame. He has played versions of himself and other fictional sportscasters in films such as The Naked Gun, He has gameAnd Love and basketball.

Vitale frequently posts encouraging messages and videos to his followers on social media. On Friday, the same day he announced his diagnosis, he said: “Find something that you are passionate about, that you have a great love for. If you have love for something and a passion, your work ethic is off the charts, and I know you will succeed. The key to life: find something you love and do it to the best of your ability. »

“Keep your head up,” he continued. “If you’re going to lower it, that means you didn’t do a good job that day. But if you’ve done everything in your power to succeed, just look in the mirror every day and tell yourself, “I was better today than I was yesterday.” » And if you do this regularly, it will lead you to huge success. »