Legendary college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has suffered a setback in his recovery as he tries to return to broadcasting after a prolonged battle with cancer, according to a statement released by ESPN.
An update from @DickieV on his broadcast return.
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) January 18, 2025
All of us at ESPN are sending our best wishes to Dick for a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/4szfaDib7j
Vitale has been out for a while as he recovers from a yet another cancer diagnosis, his fourth in the last three years. His latest fight with the disease included removing cancerous nodes from his neck this past summer. He was slated to return to broadcasting next weekend to call the Duke vs Wake Forest game.
As the press release notes, his latest setback has nothing to do with his recovery from cancer; he apparently had an accident at his home, resulting in injuries that required further medical attention and limiting his ability to get around.
Vitale is a college basketball legend with his over-the-top excitement and trademark slogans such as "diaper dandies" and "awesome, baby!" His genuine love for the game shines through in his broadcasts and has helped college basketball rise to the popularity it is today.
No timetable has been set on when Vitale will return. I think I speak for most fans when I say best wishes to Dicky V; college basketball isn't the same without him on the call.