Dick Vitale was set to return to college basketball broadcasting next week after a multi-year cancer battle. He now has to wait a little longer.
ESPN released a statement from Vitale on Saturday explaining that an accident at his home in Florida had left him with "new health challenges and near-term physical limitations," rendering him unable to make his return. The 85-year-old was previously set to call a game between Duke and Wake Forest next Saturday.
Vitale's full statement:
"I'm sorry to have to share the disappointing news that I won't be able to call the Duke-Wake Forest game next weekend. Unrelated to any of my cancer scares, I had an accident at my home in Florida, and that has created some new health challenges and near-term physical limitations for me. I'm devastated that I won't be courtside with my ESPN buddy Dave O'Brien and with all the players and fans, especially because of the overwhelming response I received when news of my planned return was announced. I was anxiously awaiting the chance to feel the excitement and energy of a college basketball environment for the first time in nearly two years.
"Now, I'm just going to have to wait some more. I'm not sure exactly when that will be, yet l'm expected to make a full recovery and will provide updates when I have more information. Despite this latest setback, I feel blessed to have the support of my family, friends, and ESPN teammates. I'm a lucky guy and as l've said before, I will continue to do whatever it takes to get back to calling the sport I love. In the meantime, I have to say 'Go Irish' on Monday night! Love to all."
It has been nearly two years since Vitale last called a college basketball game, with his most recent being the international broadcast of the 2023 national championship game between UConn and San Diego State.
He was initially diagnosed with melanoma in the summer of 2021, with a subsequent diagnosis of lymphoma months later. After making his return in the fall of 2021, Vitale was again forced to step away to undergo surgery on his vocal cords.
Vitale confirmed in the summer of 2023 the cancer had reached his vocal cords, and later his lymph nodes, meaning he has had to battle four types of cancer in four years. After undergoing radiation therapy, chemotherapy and more surgery, Vitale finally announced he was cancer-free earlier this month.
ESPN did not specify when Vitale would be able to make his actual return.
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