Beloved college basketball announcer Dick Vitale revealed Wednesday that medical professionals discovered concerning findings during recent imaging tests, with the 86-year-old sports icon now preparing for a biopsy scheduled for this Friday.
“Like countless others, each time I go for any kind of test I am a nervous wreck,” stated Vitale, who has been fighting cancer since 2021, in a release from ESPN. “The latest example is my scans last week. The anxiousness you feel about the uncertainty is off the charts. You just never know what’s next and it can be surprising or scary. While I feel great physically and mentally, I heard from doctors that the latest tests (a PET scan, CAT scan and two MRIs) showed some abnormalities.”
“They are recommending some additional testing to determine next steps,” Vitale continued. “I’m hoping for the best, and we will see what the roadmap looks like after the upcoming biopsy.”
The veteran broadcaster has faced multiple cancer battles, receiving melanoma and lymphoma diagnoses in 2021, followed by vocal cord cancer in 2023. Most recently, he had surgery to treat lymph node cancer in 2024. Despite these health challenges, Vitale returned to the broadcast booth and worked a First Four matchup last month featuring North Carolina State versus Texas alongside Charles Barkley.
“Our teammate. Our friend. We love you, @DickieV. In your corner, always,” ESPN shared on social media platform X.
Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Vitale transitioned from coaching basketball at both collegiate and professional levels to broadcasting. He joined ESPN’s coverage team during the 1979-80 college basketball season and became a household name in the sport. His contributions earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. He currently resides in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, with his spouse Lorraine.
“As always,” Vitale concluded in his statement, “I plan to remain as active as ever and fight as hard as can be.”
