Legendary ESPN announcer Dick Vitale will not be returning to the air next week as planned.
Unfortunately, Vitale had a fall at home which will prevent his planned returned on Jan. 25 at Wake Forest.
Vitale said in a post on X that doctors told him he is “making great strides” and surgery is not required.
I’m sorry that unable to post about sports but I’m
recovering from
a tough fall & being kept active at the hospital .Good news is the neurosurgeons have said I am making great strides & surgery not https://t.co/4YS3rCLZpF sorry that I can’t get at courtside as was planned.— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 19, 2025
An update from @DickieV on his broadcast return.
All of us at ESPN are sending our best wishes to Dick for a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/4szfaDib7j
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) January 18, 2025
Vitale, 85, has battled four different types of cancer in the past 4 years. He announced on Jan. 8 that he was cancer-free and was planning to make a triumphant return to college basketball next weekend.
“I’m devastated that I won’t be courtside with my ESPN buddy Dave O’Brien and with all the players and fans, especially because of the overwhelming response I received when news of my planned return was announced,” Vitale said. “I was anxiously awaiting the chance to feel the excitement and energy of a college basketball environment for the first time in nearly two years.”
