Dick Vitale Announces Tragic Medical Diagnosis

Legendary ESPN college basketball announcer Dick Vitale has cancer in a lymph node, he announced in a social media post on Friday afternoon.

“My report on the Biopsy of the Lymph Node in my neck has arrived & it is cancerous,” Vitale wrote. “With all the (prayers) I have received & the loving support of my family, friends & ESPN colleagues I will win this battle. Surgery on (Tuesday) will be a success. Thanks for All the prayers.”

Vitale, 85, has battled a number of off-and-on health issues in recent years. Vitale has suffered from melanoma, lymphoma, lesions on his vocal cords and laryngeal cancer since 2021 alone. He most recently announced that he was cancer free back in December.

While battling his illnesses, Vitale has participated in a number of charities that go towards treatment and support for others who are battling cancer. The legendary announcer — who was worked for ESPN since 1979 — has notable championed the the V Foundation, which was created by his late friend and former NC State coach Jim Valvano.

Vitale — whose high-energy calls have long been credited with elevating the sport of college basketball to national prominence — coached the Detroit Pistons in the 1970s before becoming a broadcaster.

Vitale said he will undergo surgery on Tuesday, adding that it “will be a success.”