The sports media world received some disappointing news on Friday afternoon.
Longtime ESPN college basketball commentator Dick Vitale said he is battling cancer again and will undergo surgery on Tuesday.
Vitale, 85, said he was informed of the diagnosis after undergoing a biopsy of lymph nodes in his neck.
“All [prayer emojis] “With the outpouring of loving support from my family, friends and colleagues at @espn I intend to win this fight,” Vitale wrote to X. “Tuesday’s surgery will be successful. Thank you for all the prayers.”
In December, Vitale announced that his vocal cord cancer was in remission.
The New Jersey native will return to ESPN broadcasts during the 2023-24 season as a regular commentator for his beloved college basketball games.
On Friday, Vitale posted information about his participation in the 20th annual Dick Vitale Gala. Contributed to raising approximately $100 million We partner with the V Foundation to help with childhood cancer research.
Vitale announced Wednesday that he was “mentally and emotionally dealing with the medical situation,” and later posted photos showing the progress of his oncology tests and biopsies.
The energetic Vitale was unfazed by the treatment and continued to offer his opinions on the NBA draft, including the Lakers’ second-round selection of Bronny James.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer was first diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and has now battled cancer four times.
Fans continue to cherish Vitale’s presence, frequently giving him standing ovations at major basketball games and sharing well wishes on social media.
Vitale’s latest post received nearly 20,000 likes just over an hour after it was shared.
“We are all on Dickey V’s side,” the official NCAA March Madness X account replied with a heart emoji.
“Dick, your strength and positive attitude will get you through it again! The V family is on your side,” his V Foundation profile reads.
