HomeSportsDick Vitale postpones his return to broadcasting due to 'new health problems'...

Dick Vitale postpones his return to broadcasting due to ‘new health problems’ after a home accident

Dick Vitale has battled four types of cancer over the past four years. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Dick Vitale was set to return to college basketball broadcasts next week after a multi-year battle with cancer. He now has to wait a little longer.

ESPN released a statement from Vitale on Saturday explaining that an accident at his Florida home had left him with “new health issues and short-term physical limitations,” making him unable to return. The 85-year-old was previously scheduled to cancel a game between Duke and Wake Forest next Saturday.

Vitale’s full statement:

“I am sorry to share the disappointing news that I will not be able to attend the Duke-Wake Forest game next weekend. Unrelated to my cancer scare, I was in an accident at my home in Florida, and that has affected me several times. created new short-term health challenges and physical limitations. I am devastated that I will not be on the court with my ESPN buddy Dave O’Brien and with all the players and fans, especially because of the overwhelming response I have had. received when news of my planned return was announced. I eagerly awaited the opportunity to feel the excitement and energy of a college basketball environment for the first time in almost two years.

“Now I just have to wait a little longer. I don’t know exactly when that will be, but I am 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 from my family, friends and ESPN teammates. I’m a lucky guy and as I’ve said before, I’ll continue to do whatever it takes to get back to calling the sport I love ‘ say Monday evening! Love to everyone.”

It’s been nearly two years since Vitale last called a college basketball game, with the most recent being the international broadcast of the 2023 national championship game between UConn and San Diego State.

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Initially diagnosed with melanoma in the summer of 2021, she was then diagnosed with lymphoma months later. After his return in the autumn of 2021, Vitale had to take another step back to undergo surgery on his vocal cords.

Vitale confirmed in the summer of 2023 that 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 surgeries, Vitale finally announced earlier this month that he was cancer-free.

ESPN did not specify when Vitale could make his actual return.

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