ESPN Broadcaster Dick Vitale Reveals He Has Cancer For A Third Time; ‘I’ll Fight Like Hell’

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ESPN college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale, a beloved figure in the sports community, revealed on Wednesday that he is once again battling cancer.

The 84-year-old announced on Twitter that he has been diagnosed with vocal cord cancer and will undergo six weeks of radiation treatment.

In his Twitter post, Vitale expressed his determination to fight the disease and be ready to call games when the college hoops season begins in the Fall. Despite the challenges ahead, he vowed to “fight like hell” and remain an active presence in the basketball world.

This setback comes after Vitale underwent a procedure earlier this year and was on voice rest for 6-8 weeks. Unfortunately, during this period, it was discovered that his past health issues had resurfaced in the form of vocal cord cancer.

Dick Vitale has been a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, particularly in college basketball, since joining ESPN in 1979—the same year the network was launched.

He holds the distinction of calling ESPN’s inaugural college basketball broadcast and has become synonymous with the catchphrase “Awesome, baby,” which he passionately exclaims during thrilling moments on the court.

This is not the first time Vitale has faced a battle with cancer. In 2021, he was diagnosed with lymphoma, following multiple surgeries to remove melanoma. However, Vitale announced last year that he had successfully overcome cancer and was declared cancer-free.

Throughout his career, Vitale has been an active advocate in the fight against cancer. He has dedicated his efforts to fundraising for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, an organization founded by his former Rutgers colleague and close friend, Jim Valvano.

Vitale’s contributions to cancer research have surpassed $50 million, making a significant impact in the ongoing battle against the disease.