Dick Vitale misses rest of season due to throat surgery, eye returns to ESPN for 2022-23 season
One of ESPN’s oldest and most recognizable vocalists won’t be on air for the rest of the year. Dick Vitale, who has been calling college basketball games on ESPN for more than 40 years, has announced that he won’t be returning to the booth this season as he recovers from dysplasia and ulcerative damage to his cord. larynx.
Vitale done notice on ESPN Front Row, and said after seeing a throat specialist he will need surgery, which will happen at a later date. The 82-year-old said his prognosis is good and he is encouraged by the progress.
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“Although I’m heartbroken that I won’t be appearing on ESPN for the rest of this season, I’m encouraged by the progress,” he said. “In fact, it seems that by letting my voice rest for the past three weeks, I’ve reduced my inflammation by 60%. Let’s hope the rest helps it heal faster and things look better. when I use next tracking.”
Vitale is back full of emotions arrived at the booth in November, a month after it was announced that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma on October 18.
He was previously diagnosed with melanoma in the summer, but is said to be cancer-free.
Vitale said: “You know, I’m an eternal optimist, acting like a teenager. “I am so grateful for the love and care shown by the incredible members of the medical community.
“I will forever be grateful for the calls, messages, and social media encouragement from friends, colleagues, fans, media, and members of my ESPN family. I love everyone. people and I are honored to receive such warm support.”
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The former Pistons and Detroit Mercy head coach also made it clear that these throat problems are separate from his cancer diagnoses and the treatment he’s receiving.
He called ESPN’s first college basketball game on December 5, 1979, and has been at ESPN since. He has called a number of famous games this season, including the one that ended -No. 1 Gonzaga and #2 UCLA on November 23 and and a buzzer-beater getting annoyed by Dayton for then-No. 4 Kansas three days later.
